Highlights of Provence
8 Days Starting in Greoux-les-Bains and ending in Greoux- les- Bains
Visiting: Gréoux-les-Bains, Plateau de Valensole, Forcalquier, Quinson, Aix-en-Provence, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Verdon, Saint-Martin-de-Crau
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TEA
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
5 - 15
Age range:
16 to 99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Active, Adventure Tours, One Centre Based, Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
A stunning part of Provence and relatively untouched by tourism, Greoux les Bains offers the perfect base for a walking holiday. We stay in the comfortable Hotel des Alpes in the heart of the town, allowing us to enjoy the variety of restaurants, cafes and shops on our doorstep. During the week we explore the region with a mixture of walks directly from the hotel or following a short private bus transfer. With the bustling market town of Forcalquier, the dramatic Verdon Gorge and depending on the season, fields of lavender or poppies just a short drive away, there is much to be explored.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start Greoux-Les-Bains.
Location: Gréoux-les-Bains
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel des Alpes
Meals Included: No Meals
Start at the Hotel des Alpes, Greoux-les-Bains. In the evening our guide will
hold a welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead, give advice on the local
area and answer any questions.
**
Day 2 : Walk Direct From The Hotel To The Valensole Plateau, A Spectacular Area In Summer For Seeing Fields Of Lavender.
Location: Plateau de Valensole
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel des Alpes - 3 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leaving on foot directly from our hotel we head to the Valensole plateau. The
surrounding countryside is beautiful, especially in the spring when the
almond trees are in bloom. In the summer, aromas of lavender and thyme waft
through the air confirming the fact that Valensole is one of the most
important producers of lavender in Provence. Valensole comes from the Latin
'vallis' and 'solis' meaning the valley of sun. We return to Greoux following
a pleasant track alongside the 'Laval' stream.
Ascent: 281m
Day 3 : Bus Transfer To Forcalquier, Known For Having The Best Outdoor Market In Provence. Ascend From Town With Views Across The Mourres Plateau, A Site Of Geological Interest With Its Mushroom Shaped Limestone.
Location: Forcalquier
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel des Alpes - 3 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning we take a private transfer to the bustling hilltop town of
Forcalquier. One of the largest of its kind in France, the weekly market is
bursting with both new and traditional French goods including olive oil,
breads and cheeses. After time for exploring the myriad of stalls, we head on
to see the Mourres Plateau. A site of geological interest the plateau is
covered with strange limestone concentrations that sometimes look like faces,
which is how the area earned its name, 'Mourres' meaning faces in Provencal.
Ascent: 372m
Day 4 : Transfer By Private Bus To The Lovely Village Of Quinson. Follow A Walkway Along The Lower Verdon Gorge With Views Of The Sparkling Turquoise Waters.
Location: Quinson
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel des Alpes - 3 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a private transfer in the morning to the lovely village of Quison,
today's walk will take us to a superb walkway along the lower Verdon Gorges.
This walkway follows an old canal previously used to carry drinking water to
Aix en Provence. The views of the Turquoise Verdon are truly amazing. The
walk continues up to the chapel Saint Maxime, an ideal spot for lunch.
Distance: 9,5 km Ascent: 400 m
**
Day 5 : Free Day In Greoux-Les-Bains; Optional Visit To Aix-En-Provence.
Location: Gréoux-les-Bains, Aix-en-Provence
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel des Alpes - 3 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is free to either relax by the pool, visit the nearby shops or take a
bus trip to the beautiful town of Aix en Provence.
**
Day 6 : Take The Bus To Moustier-Ste-Marie. Climb The Ridge Of L'ourbes With Views Over The Lake Of St Crois. After Reaching The Top Descend Via Old Roman Road.
Location: Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel des Alpes - 3 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a private transfer in the morning to Moustiers St Marie we climb up to
the craggy ridge of l’Ourbes with great views over the lake of St Croix.
After crossing the summit and descending to a dry riverbed the terrain
becomes more open before the final descent to Moustiers on an old Roman road.
On our return journey we take a slight detour to enjoy an alternative view of
the Verdon Gorge.
Ascent: 505m
Day 7 : Follow The Verdon River And Ascend Hill For Views Over Lake Esparron. Arrive For Lunch In Village Of Saint Martin Before Walking To The Plateau Of Pauron.
Location: Verdon, Saint-Martin-de-Crau
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel des Alpes - 3 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we walk directly from the hotel following the banks of Verdon River
before gently climbing a hill to follow the ridge with spectacular views of
the turquoise waters of the Esparron Lake. From here we head to the pleasant
village of Saint Martin de Bromes where we stop for lunch. Leaving the
village we will climb up to the plateau of Pauron on a good GR track (Grande
Randonnée).
Ascent: 434m
Day 8 : End Greoux-Les-Bains.
Location: Gréoux-les-Bains
Meals Included: Breakfast
Following breakfast we say our goodbyes.
What's Included
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Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
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All breakfasts
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All transport and listed activities
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Tour leader throughout
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All accommodationÂ
What's Not Included
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Visas or vaccinations
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Travel insurance
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Single accommodation (available on request)
Accommodation
The Hotel des Alpes is a family-run hotel is ideally located in the pretty Provencal village of Greoux-les-Bains. All rooms have en suite facilities, air conditioning, Wi-Fi connectivity and hairdryer. The hotel has an outdoor heated swimming pool with an adjacent restaurant serving delicious local specialties. Single supplement from (double room for single use) available on request.
Food
All breakfasts included in the trip. Each day we will stop at a bakery or store for you to buy your lunch. There is a great variety of restaurants to choose from in Greoux les Bains for evening meals and your leader will be able to provide recommendations.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
3 Star
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
16+ age people can go on this tour.
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What is the maximum group size?
15
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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