THE FRENCH ARDÉCHE- SELF GUIDED WALKING HOLIDAY

The Ardéche represents the very best of undiscovered France and a walking holiday here is a great

way to discover the many delights that the wonderful massif central has to offer. Step off the beaten

track to explore the deep hidden valleys, crystal clear rivers, tiny villages, and sample the exquisite

French cuisine at the delicious local restaurants on route.

Facing the Alps across the lush valley of the Rhone lies the Ardèche, an area where the Loire and Haute

Loire departments meet alongside some of France’s great rivers each of which have carved their way

through the thickly forested hills, creating deep valleys perfect for walking . The terrain here is incredibly

varied with much of the route in the high plateau offering wonderful panoramic views as far reaching as the

Alps! A region well off the beaten track and totally mesmerizing, at times you will hear only the bleat of

distant goats to accompany you, while exploring this walkers paradise.

Your Ardéche walking holiday is in area know as the Haut Vivarais a region which lies to the east of the

Massive Central and high above the broad valley of the Rhone. One of the many highlights of this tour is

undoubtedly the wonderful sense the tranquillity that this unspoiled region of France offers, with the vast

panoramic picture book landscapes inviting you to stroll, relax and soak in their traditional and timeless

atmosphere. As always in France the local cuisine is fantastic, you should expect country style cuisine, rich

red wine stews, local goats cheese and for most dishes to include the famous chestnut! Expect lunches to

be long and lingering, whether it be a picnic at one of the many beautiful picnic spots, or at a tiny restaurant

in one of the villages, the choice is yours and both are unlikely to disappoint!

Our Ardéche walking holiday begins in Le Crescet, a beautiful and well preserved little hamlet overlooking

the doux valley. Your walking adventure starts by following a shaded ancient pathway to the bustling market

town of Lamastre, set amongst hills covered with ancient chestnut trees. The next morning you will

experience the rugged landscapes of the Ardéche walking to the wonderful old spa town of Lalouvesc,

perched high above the Rhone valley. If you are lucky and arrive on a clear day you will be rewarded with

stunning views of the Alps. Next you will head to St Bonnet le Froid, a picturesque village renowned for its

gastronomy and boasting michelin rated restaurants. The following morning the route takes you to St

Agreve, where you follow an ancient mule road with breath-taking views of the terraced slopes of the Haute

Vivarais to the North, to finish the tour back in Lamastre.

Your Ardéche walking holiday includes 7 nights accommodation in delightful rural 2 and 3* hotels, breakfast

each morning, 7 dinners, Arrival and departure taxi transfer to/from Tain l’Hermitage, daily baggage transfer,

a comprehensive information pack, route notes and maps as well as emergency support from our local

representative. So you can just relax and enjoy your walking holiday in Ardéche.

The chance to swim in the beautiful Lac Devesset Discovering the picture book landscape of terraced fields, flower filled meadow’s and

rumbling streams

Visiting the bustling ancient market towns and dining in the Michelin rated restaurants Traditional, local French cuisine at your overnight hotels

SUMMARY

What’s Included?Accommodation: 7 Nights in traditional 2and 3 star HotelsTransport: Arrival and departure transfers

from/to the rail station at Tain l’Hermitage.

Meals: Breakfast included every morning

and 7 evening meals included.

Baggage Transfer: Door-to-door baggage

transfer included.

Info Pack: Detailed route notes and mapson arrival and emergency support from ourlocal French partner.

Tour: The ArdécheCode: WFSTAType: Self-Guided Walking HolidayPrice: See WebsiteSingle Supplement: See WebsiteDates: March - OctoberDays: 8 Days (6 Walking Days)Nights: 7 NightsStart/Finish: Le Crestet/LamastreGrade: Moderate

HIGHLIGHTS

Is It For Me?What more could you ask for than wonderfulFrench countryside and quaint villages, com-bined with tasty local French Cuisine. Thiswalking holiday will appeal to those who arelooking to escape to the lesser known wildsof France, and travel at a relaxed pacethrough the valleys and meadows of ruralArdeche.

THE ARDÉCHE

SECRET TRAILS OF THE MASSIF CENTRAL

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Our itinerary includes 6 days walking and 7

nights in traditional 2 or 3 star Hotels. Breakfast

is included every morning and 6 evening meals.

Code: WFSTADays: 8 (6 Walking Days)Nights: 7Grade: Moderate

DAY 1

Arrive in Le Crestet

Arrive in the small village of Le Crestet

surrounded by woodlands and overlooking the

valley of the river Doux. Arrive early and take

time to wander through the village, dinner is

included tonight at your hotel.

The closest train station is Tain l’Hermitage

which is 25km from Le Crestet. We will transfer

your to your overnight accommodation from the

rail station (journey 1h15) . See the travel section

for more detailed travel info.

Dinner & Overnight: - Hotel La Terrasse

Le Crestet

A delightful little 2 star hotel located in the heart

of the village. Offering comfortable

accommodation the hotel has a swimming pool

and restaurant offering delicious regional cuisine.

DAY 2

Walk to Lamastre

Your adventure in Ardéche begins! Today’s route

climbs along an ancient shaded pathway,

passing steep terraced orchards and hills

covered with chestnut trees. You will be

rewarded with far reaching views before arriving

at the small town of Lamastre with its ivy clad

châteaux ruins and bustling traditional market.

Walk: 14km/8.5m

Dinner & Overnight: - Hotel des Negociants

Lamastre Hotel

This former coaching inn has been renovated

into a small hotel offering comfortable

accommodation. Located in the heart of the

village the hotel has a swimming pool, gardens,

lounge bar and restaurant.

DAY 3

Walk to Lalouvesc

A slightly tougher day’s walking mainly uphill.

The effort however is rewarded with the many

superb viewpoints on route, including the Alps in

clear conditions. After a steep climb you will

follow a ridge into the delightful ancient spa town

of Lalouvesc at 1080 metres altitude.

Walk: 23km/14m

Dinner & Overnight: Hotel des Voyageurs

Lalouvesc Hotel

Hotel des Voyageurs is a family run hotel

situated in the heart of the village. The staff are

friendly and the restaurant offers delicious local

cuisine.

DAY 4

Walk to St Bonnet Le Froid

After yesterday, you will find today slightly easier

with descents through the shady woodlands. You

will need to buy a picnic in Lalouvesc before you

leave but this gives you the opportunity to eat at

one of the most beautiful picnic spots in France.

Walk: 18km/11m

Dinner & Overnight: Hotel le Fort du Pret

Bonnet Le Froid

Wonderfully situated 3 star hotel positioned high

in the village. Set in beautiful tranquil

surroundings, the hotel has good sized

bedrooms, a large swimming pool and lovely

gardens to relax in after a hard days walking!

DAY 5

Walk to St Agréve

Similar rolling countryside to walk through today

but it is much more open, and offers the

opportunity of a swim in the beautiful Lac de

Devesset. A real natural beauty surrounded by

pine trees and covering 51 hectares. A swim and

refreshment by the Lac side should not be

missed!

Arrive at Saint Agrève at 1050m from which there

are some exceptional views on clear days from

as far as the Alps & Mount Ventoux.

Walk: 22km/13.5m

Dinner & Overnight - Hotel des Cevennes

St Agréve

The Hotel des Cevennes is a pretty hotel located

in the centre of the village overlooking the village

square complete with fountain. This is a

wonderful place to spend a couple of nights. The

hotel has a lovely restaurant serving delicious

cuisine on the terrace overlooking the square.

DAY 6

Rest Day or Circular Walk

A well deserved rest awaits you today, or if you

find your feet are itching to get walking, we have

several circular walks should you wish. Tonight

you can opt for a B&B option and take in the

Day Route Km

12345678

Arrive in Le CrestetWalk to LamastreWalk to LalouvescWalk to St Bonnet Le FroidWalk to St AgréveRest Day or circular walkWalk to LamastreOnward travel

14231822

23

DETAILED ITINERARY

THE ARDÉCHE

SECRET TRAILS OF THE MASSIF CENTRAL

cuisine at Michelin recommended restaurant the

Faurie.

Overnight: Hotel des Cevennes

St Agréve

DAY 7

Walk to Lamastre

A downhill day leaving St Agrève (1050m) for

Lamastre (366m). Much of the first section of the

day’s walk follows an ancient path that still has

old paving visible in parts. Again, another option

to opt for B&B to sample the Michelin

recommended Restaurant Le Midi.

Walk: 23km/14m

Dinner & Overnight: Hotel des Negociants

Lamastre

DAY 8 - ONWARD TRAVEL

After breakfast you will have a taxi transfer to the

rail station at Tain l’Hermitage.

Additional Nights and Extensions

You can add additional nights at any point along

the walk, please contact us for more details and

we can add this to your booking.

Tailor Made Holidays

We are always more than happy to tailor our

standard itineraries to suit. Just let us know what

you would like and we will be happy to arrange a

tailor made walking holiday.

Grade & Fitness

This walking holiday is graded Moderate. Daily

walks are a mixture of country paths and forest

trails. A couple of days are long and some of the

trails have some short steep climbs. You should

be a regular walker and have a good level of

walking fitness to get the most from this holiday.

Navigation

Some of the routes on this walk are not

waymarked but we provide you with detailed

route notes and maps for you to follow.

Accommodation

We specifically select your accommodation in

local, family run 2 - 3 star hotels, to ensure that

you enjoy every minute of your stay in France.

They all offer a warm welcome to walkers,

traditional hospitality and delicious local food.

Many of them have swimming pools so

remember to take your swimmers for a relaxing

dip at the end of the day!

Alternate accommodation

During high season, you might be booked into

different accommodations which are not listed in

the description, and the start or end of some of

your walking routes may be slightly altered. Any

alternative accommodation will be of the same or

better standard as those described and details

will all be sent to you.

Single Rooms

If you require single rooms within your party we

would be happy to accommodate you although

there is a single room supplement payable.

Solo Walkers

This holiday is available for solo walkers but we

would recommend that you are experienced in

walking and navigating alone. If you are travelling

solo the holiday is slightly more expensive as

some costs are not shared.

Meals

A delicious breakfast is included each morning

and dinner is included on 6 of your nights. It is

possible to choose B&B option on nights, 4,5,6 to

allow you to sample the Michelin rated restaurant

in the village. Every village that you stay at has

their own Patisserie so you can buy lunch before

you set off or at one on route. Your route notes

have details for each day including rest stops

and places of interest.

Baggage Transfer

Your bags will be transferred between your

accommodation as per your itinerary. We ask

you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to

20kg per person.

Equipment

Your information pack has a detailed equipment

list which includes standard walking gear such as

good walking boots or shoes, warm and

waterproof clothes and a day pack.

Getting to Le Crestet

Le Crestet is approx 25km from the closest train

station at Tain l’Hermitage. We will pick you up

from Tain l’Hermitage train station and transfer

you to your hotel in Le Crestet, (journey takes

1h15 mins approx)

By Air: Lyon is the closest airport which is

serviced by British Airways and low cost airlines

including Easyjet .Alternatively you can fly to

Paris and take the train from there.(03h20

approx. €65.00).

By Train: There are some direct TGV rail

services to Lyon from Lille and Paris CDG airport

but the service to Lyon from Paris Gare de Lyon

is more frequent (03h20 approx €65.00). From

Lyon take the train to Tain l’Hermitage (01h15

approx €30.00) from where you will be

transferred to your hotel.

For more detailed train information please visit

SCNF.

Getting from Lamastre

We will transfer you by taxi to the rail station at

Tain l’Hermitage, all onward travel can be taken

from here.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

HOLIDAY INFORMATION

THE ARDÉCHE

SECRET TRAILS OF THE MASSIF CENTRAL

Price

Please refer to our website for up to date prices

and availability.

Availability

This walking holiday is available from March

through to October starting on any day of the

week that suits.

Included

Accommodation for 7 nights in a mix of 2 - 3star traditional French hotels

Arrival and departure transfers from / to Tainl’Hermitage train station.

7 breakfasts

7 Dinners

Daily Luggage Transport

Detailed route notes and maps on arrival

A pre-departure information pack

24-hour assistance by phone from our localcontact.

Excluded

Flights to first /from last accommodation

Travel to and from France

Travel Insurance

Personal expenses such as drinks, phonecalls, extra transfers, tips, etc.

Any items not specifically mentioned in theprogram

Optional Extras

Single room supplement(s) if applicable

Solo walker supplement if applicable

Airport transfers

Additional nights during the holiday.

Hotel upgrades on some nights.

B&B reduction available on nights 2, 5 in orderto dine in the local Michelin rated restaurants.

Once you have read all the information in this

factsheet or our website and would like to go

ahead with your booking you can book securely

online at www.macsadventure.com or by

telephone on +44 (0) 141 530 8886

Financial Security

In accordance with "The Package Travel,

Package Holidays and Package Tours

Regulations1992" all passengers booking with

Macs Adventure Ltd are fully protected for the

initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all

monies paid to us, including repatriation if

required (this insurance will not cover repatriation

to the country of origin for the passengers

outside of the EU), arising from cancellation or

curtailment of your travel arrangements due to

the insolvency of Macs Adventure Ltd

There is no requirement for Financial Protection

of day trips, and none is provided. This

insurance is only valid for packages booked that

DO NOT include flights.

Consumer aware: Your booking is insured by IPP

Ltd and its panel of insurers. - This insurance is

only valid for passengers who book and pay

directly with/to Macs Adventure Ltd. For further

information please go to www.ipplondon.co.uk

This Insurance has been arranged by

International Passenger Protection Limited and

underwritten by Insurers who are members of the

Association of British Insurers & Lloyds

Syndicates.

ABTA Member Statement

Macs Adventure

Holidays is a Member

of ABTA. ABTA and

ABTA. Members help

holidaymakers to get the most from their travel

and assist when things don’t go according to

plan. We are obliged to maintain a high standard

of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct.

www.abta.com

We operate holidays in some of the most

beautiful areas of the world and try to operate in

an environmentally aware and sustainable

manner. We do this by following our M.A.C.S.

Responsible travel policy. The full policy is

available online and the cornerstones of this

policy are:

Minimise Impact & Maximise Benefit

Action & Advocacy

Carbon & Communities

Sensitive & Sustainable

HOW TO BOOK

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

THE ARDÉCHE

SECRET TRAILS OF THE MASSIF CENTRAL

PRICE & AVAILABILITY