• Tarn & Aveyron:

• Rivers, gorges & historic hilltop towns

• 11 - 18 September

• £495

• 8 days: 6 days single centre-based, guided walking at low altitude. Average: length 5-6 hrs, altitude gain 350m. 

• Wonderful historic farmhouse in quiet rural location in South West France. Great food and wine
• Selection of spectacular and varied walks through beautifully varied countryside in the Tarn and Aveyron, including hidden gorges, sweeping plateaux and vine covered valleys
• Friendly and informative guiding from you host and mountain leader, Siân Thomas
• Stunning medieval hilltop towns such as Cordes sur Ciel, plus a host of historic and cultural delights
• Enjoy the special sights and sounds that go with the grape picking season
• The Tarn and Aveyron is a haven for a variety of wildlife

• Le Claouzet is a traditional "Bastide" farmhouse built in the 17th Century. It has recently been renovated to provide the character of an old property with exposed beams and stonework whilst providing the comforts for modern holiday accommodation.
  Your hosts, David and Siân,  reserve you a special welcome. As ex-pats who enjoy the French traditions, they’ll serve you great  authentic French dishes

1. Pick up and all transport for the week, guided walks led by your host and mountain leader Siân Thomas, accommodation at Le Claouzet with private pool, breakfast, packed or picnic lunches on walk days, dinner with wine/beer, afternoon tea and cake, tea and coffee making facilities

1. Travel between the UK and France, lunches on the day of arrival and departure, lunch on rest day. Extra drinks but an honesty bar is provided. Entrance fees, travel insurance

1. Return to home page

The walks

The day's on this guided walking holiday are mixed allowing walkers of moderate ability to enjoy the ever changing views and landscapes and see the beautiful array of wildlife and flowers. Some moderate ascents up and down gorges and hills. Most walks are well within the grade. The walks can be varied to the fitness of the group. Paths are generally good, although they can be rough in places.

Day 1: Arrival

Welcome, pick-up from airport and drive to Le Claouzet

Day 2: St Antonin Noble Val

Visit St Antonin Noble Val nestled at the opening of the Aveyron Gorge, this beautiful medieval town was the backdrop to the film ‘Charlotte Gray`.  We take time to visit the Sunday market before walking up the  escarpment and following a path across the Causse or limestone plateau.  12kms  300m climb

Day 3: The old drovers path

Walk from Le Claouzet to Cordes sur Ciel, widely considered the finest fortified town in France.  We follow an old Drovers path above the Cerou Valley, and then climb into the old town to explore the narrow winding streets and see the beautiful gothic and renaissance buildings, which are incredibly well preserved.  14km 360m climb

Days 4: The forest of Gresigne

Our walk today starts from Puycelsi, a hilltop town which has    maintained a strategic highpoint from prehistoric times,  there are both bronze age and Roman remains in the area.  The walk drops into the forest of Gresigne which is the largest forest in the Tarn and the greatest oak forest in the South of France.  Our walk passes through  a conservation  orchard, a Roman road and the hunting forests of King François I. 16km 350m climb

Day 5: Albi

Rest day and a chance to visit the beautiful city of Albi on the banks of the river Tarn.  The city is home to Saint Cecile Cathedral, the largest brick built building in the world.  There is also the chance to visit the Toulouse Lautrec museum which houses over 1000 of his works or just stroll by the river and relax in one of the numerous cafés and bars.

Day 6: Valley de la Jouyre

We head north into the Aveyron and start our walk from Najac another hilltop town over looking the river probably our most demanding walk through the Vallée de la Jouyre passing classic architecture of the region including old mills and pigeonniers.  19kms  690m climb

Day 7: The monks route

We follow the ancient Route of the Monks,  across the chalky plateau, home to much of the Gaillac wine region, as this is the time of the vendage or grape harvest there should be plenty of activity in the area and  there will be the chance to visit one of the local domaines to sample the local produce!  16kms 120m climb

Day 8:  Departure

Drive to airport and transfer home. Iif time allows we stop off in Cordes market giving you the chance to pick up a few delicacies to take home with you.

Contact us about this guided walking holiday