FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
General Holiday questions
Walking holidays General
Guided walking holidays
Independent walking and cycling holidays
Golfing Breaks
City and Event Breaks
General Holiday questions
What are my travel options for getting to France?
General information concerning the different possibilities is detailed in our dedicated section of the website under Travel Options. Each holiday description provides more specific information about getting to France.
You can choose to travel by car using the ferry or the channel tunnel, by rail or by air. If you would like advice or assistance in booking your travel arrangements please contact us. Please do not book your travel arrangements until you have made a pre-booking enquiry or contacted us by phone to ensure that the holiday is available and corresponds to what you are looking for.
Do I need my passport?
Although the United Kingdom is part of the European Union (EU), you still need to carry a full British 10-year passport (or five-year child passport if you are under 16 and not on a parent’s passport) every time you travel to France. This includes day trips and travel by Eurostar.
Many countries no longer check passports at their land borders, but they still expect visitors to be able to produce a valid form of identification. For UK travellers this is the British passport. Remember, your passport will have to be checked at immigration control when you return to the UK. This advice applies to UK nationals only, for other nationalities please consult your relevant governement or embassy sites.
Where will we be picked up?
As a general rule, our guide or local partner will usually meet you at the local airport or railway station. Such transfers are included in the price of your holiday unless otherwise stated. Details about appropriate airports and flights for a specific holiday are detailed under the relevant holiday pages. If in doubt, please contact us.
Can you give me advice?
Yes, we will be only too pleased to provide you with advice on any matters relating to our holidays. Whatever the subject - travel arrangements, passport requirements, our activities, the weather, equipment etc - we are here to give you honest advice, helping you make the right decision, even if that advice means that our holidays aren’t the best option for you. You can call us straight away on 01747 858 229 or e-mail us and we will then telephone you at a time to suit you.
Do you offer tailor-made holidays?
Yes, if you have a specific idea that is not catered for by our advertised holidays, we can create a made-to-measure holiday to meet your requirements. Whether you wish to add additional days to an existing offer or create your own holiday, we can arrange it for you. Thanks to our network of specialist partners we can create a range of active holidays, for example, learning to horse ride, a trip in a hot air balloon, wine tasting courses, Thermal Spa treatment breaks, or fishing. Please remember that we only operate in France.
I only have a few days holiday left, what can you offer me?
We can adapt our independent walking holidays and other activity breaks to suit your needs. Please contact us as early as possible to discuss your plans. We do not recommend starting our guided walking holidays after the start as it can affect your enjoyment of the holiday, as well as the togetherness of the group. We can, however, organise extra nights before or after the scheduled holiday. We also offer made to measure holidays including individually tailored guided walks.
What if I need help whilst on holiday?
You will be personally taken care of on our guided walking holidays. On all our other holidays you will be sent an information pack before your holiday providing facts concerning every aspect of your holiday including a local contact number, in case there is a problem or emergency. With the exception of our city and golf breaks, we will seek to ensure that a representative meets up with you during the first few days of your holiday to check that all is well and to take any special requests, including wine purchases, for example.
Where will I stay and where will I eat?
There is a page dedicated to accommodation on our web site. The majority of our accommodation is in quality B&B’s or small independent hotels. Some walking holidays may use mountain refuges. Please consult the holiday details for further information. Often we will use several establishments during the course of a holiday. Continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals are generally all provided by our welcoming hosts, although occasionally meals will be taken in local restaurants. The accommodation is often within traditionally built properties, lovingly restored. Meals served by our hosts use local fresh produce, often grown on their own properties, in order to cook authentic local delicacies. There will also be plenty of opportunity for those wishing to taste the local wine. A glass or two is sometimes free with the evening meals (except in restaurants). Our activity holidays are designed for those wishing to immerse themselves in the French culture and lifestyle for a few days. Our golf and city breaks use larger hotels.
Do you cater for vegetarians?
All of the establishments we use are able to adapt to specific diets, as long as you let us know when you book.
Do I need to speak French on your holidays?
Holidays can be a great experience if you can speak to the locals in their language. However it is certainly not a condition of our holidays.
Our guided walking holidays in France will be lead by William Armstrong, who is perfectly bilingual. Some guest houses on our independent activity holidays are quality bed and breakfasts; where meals are often taken with the hosts and a grasp of French would help, although, many of the hosts speak excellent levels of English.
Whatever your level of French, we do suggest that you try and embrace the cultural differences and be open minded. After all, our holidays are based around having an authentic local experience.
Do I need Travel Insurance?
Yes, it is essential that you have insurance. It needs to cover cancellation, loss/theft of personal possessions, and/or money, medical expenses, and valid cover for the activity, which should all be valid for France.
How do I book?
Once you have chosen your holiday, please go to our How to Book page where all will be explained. We do suggest that you contact us before making a firm booking.
Are your holidays suitable for children?
Children are welcome on our city breaks and our easy independent walking and cycling holidays. Very young children can be carried in a specialised rucksack or papoose and bikes can be hired that have special child seats. Our guided walking holidays are not normally suitable for children under the age of 16 years of age. However, there may be exceptions to this general rule and we recommend that you have a chat with us first, so that we can discuss the suitability of the holiday in relation to your child’s age and abilities.
Please also contact us for a quotation for your child as reduced rates will usually apply. For all other holidays we recommend that you have a chat with us first, so that we can discuss the suitability of the holiday in relation to your child’s age and abilities. The price will depend on the holiday and will be based on sharing a room with the parents. Often large family rooms can be provided. Just tell us your requirements. All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent(s) or a guardian who is completely responsible for their actions.
Are there any hidden charges?
We make every effort to ensure that you understand what is included in the price of our holidays. To achieve this, each holiday description includes information on the elements not included in the price as well as those elements that make up part of your holiday package.
walking holidays general
Why should I choose High Point Holidays?
Because we offer great walking holidays letting you experience that little bit extra. Our walks have been specially designed for walkers who wish to explore the full richness of an area without following the usual tourist tracks. We have tried and tested all of our walks ourselves. We also try and give you an authentic slice of French life during your stay through our choice of accommodation and meals. In addition we offer pickup at the local station or airport and the ability to adapt our independent walking holidays to your needs.
In addition our guided walking holidays have
- Small groups
- No single supplement (except if by choice you choose a single room.)
- Use of our own knowledgeable and experienced leaders
- Flexible itineraries to adapt to local conditions and the groups abilities and interests
- Authentic French experience
Where do you offer walking Holidays?
We offer a number of guided and independent walking holidays in southern and eastern France, including the Vercors and Bauges in the Alps, the Jura, the Beaujolais and Burgundy, and the Ardeche and Auvergne in the Massif Central. Please consult our holidays for more details.
How fit do I need to be?
That depends on the walking holiday you have chosen. Our page relating to walking grades provides detailed information about the level of fitness and experience that we advise. Each holiday also provides additional information on the nature of the walks. In all cases, you will undoubtedly find the first couple of days more enjoyable if you’ve done some gentle walks before you come on holiday.
Where will I stay and where will I eat?
The majority of our accommodation is in quality B&B’s or small independent hotels. Our walking holidays in France never use large chain hotels. Some holidays use mountain refuges. Please consult holiday details for further information. Often we will use several establishments during the course of a holiday. Breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals are generally all provided by your welcoming hosts, although occasionally meals will be taken in local restaurants. The accommodation is often within traditionally built properties, lovingly restored. Meals served by our hosts use local fresh produce, often grown on their own farms or gardens, to create authentic local delicacies. There will also be plenty of opportunity for those wishing to taste the local wine. Our holidays are designed for those wishing to immerse themselves in the French culture and lifestyle for a few days.
What clothing and equipment do I need to bring?
You will need to bring suitable clothing and footwear for walking many hours on rough paths in all types of weather. However, you do not need to buy expensive specialist equipment. Jeans should be avoided during the walks and we strongly recommend wearing a pear of comfortable walking boots, which should be worn-in prior to the holiday, as they help protect against ankle injuries. You may find walking poles a good buy as they provide purchase when going up hill, reduce the impact on knee joints and assist in stability on uneven or slippery ground.
Please refer to our dedicated web page concerning clothing and equipment, for a list of essential items.
Will I need to carry a large rucksack?
No, all you need to carry is a small daypack with essential items, including your packed lunch. Occasionally, our guided walking holidays that take place in more remote locations may require you to carry overnight essentials during a two-day circuit. Please check the specific holiday pages for details.
What type of walks do you offer?
Our independent walking holidays will take you from one night’s accommodation to the next. Detailed information packs including route notes and maps (all included in the price) are provided to guide your way, but there is always the time to explore the sights on route.
Our guided walking holidays are based on daily and more occasionally two-day circuits both of which are tailored to suit the ability and interests of the group, as well as the weather conditions.
guided walking holidays
How many people will be in the group?
All our guided walking holidays in France are based on small groups of between 4 and 8 people, not including the leader. The reasons behind this choice are explained on the dedicated web page – Group size. On the whole, the group will be a mix of people of all ages, and could include singles, couples, relatives and groups of friends, all of which enjoy the same interests as you!
Are the holidays suitable for single guests?
Our guided walking holidays are particularly suited to single travellers. There are no single supplements provided you accept to share a twin or occasionally a triple room with other single travellers of the same sex. Group holidays are an ideal way to meet new people and make new friends. They are also an excellent means for single travellers to enjoy the company of like minded walkers during their holiday. We make sure that everyone feels very much part of the group.
Who are your leaders?
Our principal leader, William Armstrong is qualified in first aid, fluent in the local language and extremely knowledgeable about our destinations. He is also a very experienced walker and mountaineer who, for many years, has led groups in the hills and mountains. Other leaders will have, as a minimum, this level of competency. See our section on our leaders.
Independent walking and cycling holidays
How many people will be on the holiday?
That will depend on the time of year you are travelling as some periods will be busier than others. However, as we are a small operation and are not catering for mass tourism, you may find that you are the only couple or family travelling on a particular day. If there are other people, you do not have to walk or cycle together. You can set your own pace and decide on your own sightseeing arrangements.
Are the holidays suitable for single guests?
We are unfortunately obliged to levy a single supplement for single guests on our unguided activity holidays. Our guided walking holidays are better suited to single travellers provided that you accept to share a twin room with other group members of the same sex.
Are your holidays available all year round?
No, they are generally not available during August or during the winter period. Please refer to each holiday for specific dates. There is no best time to travel, although if you are worried about the heat, it would be advisable to avoid July. Mid September is a good time to see the grapes being picked in the Beaujolais region and mid-October to catch the vines in their full autumnal colours.
Do I need to be able to read a map?
Everyone on our independent walking and cycling holidays are provided with detailed route notes and sketch maps, which are sufficient to navigate on your journey. We will, however, provide you with 1:25000 walking maps on the walking tours and adequate route maps for the cycle tours, which can be used if you so wish. We would advise that someone in your party has a minimum knowledge of map reading, in case of problems. In the unlikely event that you do not turn up at your accommodation by a certain time, we will rapidly organise a search. Please keep the information pack with you at all times as it provides useful facts about what to do if you have a problem or an emergency.
How fit do I need to be?
Walking: That depends on the walking holiday you have chosen. Our page relating to walking grades provides detailed information about the level of fitness and experience that we advise. In all cases, you will undoubtedly find the first couple of days more enjoyable if you’ve done some gentle walks before you come on holiday.
Cycling: Our page relating to cycling grades provides detailed information about the level of fitness and experience that we advise. Most holidays provide the opportunity to take a day-off, if you so wish. Please consult the each holiday page to find out more.
Do you provide the bikes and helmets?
Yes, we will provide you with bikes, helmets and small baskets to carry essential items. The bikes are all cleaned and maintained by our local partners. You may supply your own bike if you wish. For the more challenging road tours and mountain biking holidays we can supply bikes adapted to the difficulties. Please let us know your requirements at the time of booking.
Do you provide assistance?
It is unlikely that you will have a problem with your bike, however, if you run into difficulties, there is a number to call and someone will come out to assist you.
golfing breaks
Are your holidays available all year round?
No. Our golfing breaks operate from the beginning of April to the end of October.
Where will I stay and where will I eat?
Our golfing holidays use a choice of hotels to cater for differing interests when you are not playing. You have the choice of staying in 2 or 3 star accommodation. Evening meals are not included in the price of the holiday but can be taken at your hotel, if you wish. Lunch will generally be taken at the golf course or another establishment of your choice and is not included in the cost.
How good a golfer do I need to be?
With the exception of complete beginners, golfers of all levels are welcome on our holidays. It is not necessary to have a handicap or be a member of a club to have access to the majority of courses that we use. However, you must have played sufficient golf, or had sufficient lessons, to know the basics, such as the rules and the etiquette associated with the game. Different courses will be proposed according to the ability of the group. In addition some courses have several different coloured tee options which can vary the length of the course by as much as 1000 yards. See our page relating to conditions.
Will I be able to play 27 or 36 holes per day?
Yes, there are no restrictions on the amount of golf you can play. We have outlined some basic packages on our golfing holiday pages which propose 18 holes per day. Some courses charge additional green fees for playing more than 18 holes. Please contact us so that we can discuss your plans and design a package that is suited to your parties’ requirements.
Can I hire equipment?
Yes, you can hire trolleys and buggies for an extra charge.
What standard are the courses?
The courses vary in quality and difficulty, but in general they are of a high standard and are in good condition, thanks to the fact that many were designed in the 80’s and have a relatively low level of membership. Many of the courses have been designed with water hazards and are relatively long. Please refer to our page about the courses. We will choose the courses according to your level of handicap, however, if you have a desire to play a particular type of course we will do our best to organise it for you. For those lower handicap golfers who are looking for a challenge there are some long and testing courses in the area, including Lyon’s championship course. In addition, we have specifically designed a golf mad holiday package for those medium to low handicap golfers who are up to the challenge of completing 6 different courses in 3 days including the 2 championship courses at Lyon.
city and event breaks
Are your holidays available all year round?
Yes. Our city breaks are available throughout the year. Booking for special events or for periods such as Christmas should be done as early as possible in order to avoid disappointment, as there is high demand for accommodation.
Where will I stay and where will I eat?
The majority of our accommodation is in independent hotels on a bed and breakfast basis. Our city break holidays allow you to choose the quality and type of accommodation that you desire. All hotels are within the city centre. We provide an information pack detailing recommended restaurants.
Which cities do you include?
For the moment, we provide holidays visiting Lyon, France’s historic second city. Please visit the holiday page to find out more about what Lyon has to offer. Other cities will be included soon, so watch this space.
How will I know what places to visit?
You will be provided with an information pack, which will include details about interesting and historic sights to visit, museums and exhibitions, possible walking circuits, public transport details, places to eat and drink and other essential information.
What event breaks do you cover?
The Beaujolais Nouveau, the Light Festival in Lyon and the summer arts and music festival in Lyon’s roman amphitheatre. We can also organise activities, accommodation and meals for your very own special event or celebration.