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.
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Holidays is a Member
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holidaymakers to get the most from their travel
and assist when things don’t go according to
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of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct.
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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
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THE ARDÉCHE
SECRET TRAILS OF THE MASSIF CENTRAL
PRICE & AVAILABILITY