FRANCE

France is an extremely rich and varied country in terms of culture, history, gastronomy and landscape. The different regions retain their strong individual identity, with distinctive cuisine, architecture, accents and customs. France’s landscapes also vary enormously. Our holidays encompass a number of these remarkable regions, ranging from the snow-capped Alps to the hills, plateaux and gorges of the Tarn in south west France, and from the vineyards and hills of the Beaujolias to the green valleys and rugged mountains of the Auvergne. Each holiday is an exploration of the area's landscape as well as its traditions, in short what makes it special. Our holidays explore relatively quiet unspoilt areas where you can enjoy a distinct local experience. Wherever you go, our small guest houses, principally B&B style accommodation in historic properties offer a warm, generous welcome and delicious cuisine with distinctive regional flavours, accompanied by fine local wine. Often, you'll get to enjoy your meals with your hosts and other guests allowing you to find out more about the local way of life

THE ALPS
Queyras A spectacular undiscovered alpine region of rich contrasts. Deep gorges, alpine meadows, rocky deserts and rugged mountain ridges and peaks. Accessible high cols and summits, and a sunny climate makes this an ideal destination for a guided and independent walking holidays.
Vanoise An unspoilt wilderness with souring alpine peaks rising majestically above remote valleys. The Vanoise National Park is an ideal destination for discovering the amazing beauty and diversity of the Alps. A rich flora and fauna, beautiful peaks, stunning glaciers and some dramatic walks are all found in this corner of the Alps
Vercors A magical place where gleaming rock faces meet wild and desolate plateaux. Natural wonders abound in this often overlooked corner of the Alps with a rich flora and fauna.
MASSIF CENTRAL
Northern Auvergne Discover the contrasting volcanic regions of the northern Auvergne. The landscape varies from rugged peaks to open moorland and perfect volcanic cones in the Puy de Dome. Dramatic waterfalls, varied lakes and pretty historic villages with fine roman churches all form part of this rich upland area.
Cantal The Cantal massif in the southern Auvergne which is the extinct remains of a huge volcano. Erosion has since created a series of rugged ridges, rocky peaks and green valleys of stunning beauty. Exciting walking in an untamed lansdcape with rich wildlife.
Beaujolais Our holidays in the Beaujolias explore not only the famous vineyards but also the little known regions of great beauty that lie beyond. Rolling hills and historic villages are in perfect harmony in this quiet area off the beaten track.
Ardeche Varied guided walking to discover the best of the Ardeche including beautiful villages clinging to terraced slopes in deep valleys and rugged ridges leading to wild plateaux punctuated by volcanic domes.
Haute Loire Our holiday explores an upland plateau landscape in the southern Auvergne punctuated with intimate valleys and volcanic domes (sucs). You'll stay in small B&B style historic properties often located in small forgotten hamlets of sturdy stone and thatched houses. This is a real away from it all experience.
OTHER REGIONS
Jura The Jura passes from lowland gorges, waterfalls and historic villages of its famous wine region, to upland meadows, lakes and ridges of the Haut Jura. Our holiday explores both of these distinct regions
Baronnies (Provence) Our holiday explores this quiet unspoilt region where the Provence meet the Alps at a time when the lavender is in flower. Wonderful perched villages, beautiful landscapes bathed in an amazing light, great climate.
Burgundy The southern Burgundy is a treasure of historic chateaux, villages, and of course romanesque churches set in rolling countryside carpeted with vines and forests. A number of rocky outcrops punctuate the vineyards such as the celebrated “roche de Solutré” important for its pre-historic human activity.
Tarn Explore medieval hilltop towns and the three rivers, the Tarn, Aveyron and Viaur that cut through the landscape giving it a distinctive character of deep rocky gorges, steep wooded valleys and high sunny plateaux. The Aveyron to the east has deeper gorger and limestone plateaux. To the south east, the Sidobre is the largest granite plateau in Europe, whilst the Black Mountains form the south western edge of the Massif Central.
Alsace Our holiday explores the famous Alsace vineyards and the Vosges hills. As well as their vintage wines the area features some remarkable chateaux and pretty unspoilt villages, their cobbled alleyways lined with typical Alsace houses. The Vosges offer panoramic views over their rounded summits.
Lyon Tailor-made, flexible independent walking, staying in hotel of your choice in the heart of the world heritage city. Roman ampitheatres, medieval quarter, renaissance town. Gastronomic capital of France. Choice of walks and plenty of occassion to relax.

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