Walking in the Ardeche

What's Included

• Meals

  6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners (does not include drinks) – breakfasts are continental style and generally consist of croissants, breads, jams, cheese, yoghurt, coffee, tea and juices. Lunch is picnic style with meats, cheeses, breads, and usually also.

• Accommodation

  6 nights accommodation in a 3 star hotel on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.

• Daily Transfers

  Transfers where required for each day's activities.

• Guided Activities

  Guide to accompany specified activities.

• Hotel Facilities

  Use of the hotel facilities including swimming pool and recreation room.

• Emergency Support

  Emergency hotline.

• Travel to and from Les Estables

  Travel to and from Les Estables.

• Optional Transfers

  Optional group arrival and departure transfers between Le Puy station and the hotel are available on Day 1 (departs Le Puy by 5.30pm) and day 7 (departs the hotel at 9am, to be at the station by 10am) are available. The cost is EUR38pp return, payable locally.

What's Not Included

• Meals and Drinks

  Meals not listed as included, drinks at the bar including wine.
  
  

• Travel Insurance

  Travel insurance - mandatory.
  
  

• Single Supplement

  A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo (and are not matched with another single) or book a single room.
  
  

• Entrance Fees

  Entrance fees, as part of the excursion day with your hosts.
  
  

• Spa Facilities

  Some facilities in the spa - wellness area (including sauna and jacuzzi, massages and relaxation sessions).
  
  There are numerous options during your week - purchase a sauna and jacuzzi for EUR19 per session or EUR80 for the week.
  
  Massage sessions are charged additionally.
  
  

• Tourist Tax

  Tourist tax - allow EUR7 pp over 18yrs (subject to change).
  
  

• Special Meal Requests

  If you have not notified us of any special meal requests prior to your arrival, a supplement of €7 per day will apply (vegetarians included).
  
  

• Personal Expenses

  Items of a personal nature (laundry, phone calls etc).
  
  

• Travel to and from Les Estables

  Travel to and from Les Estables - group arrival and departure transfers from Le Puy on Day 1 and to Le Puy en Velay train station on day 8 can be arranged for an additional fee payable locally (must be pre-booked).
  
  

• Drinks at the Bar

  Drinks at the bar including wine.
  
  

• Access to Spa

  Access to the spa (sauna and jacuzzi), massages and relaxation sessions.
  
  

Grading

INTRODUCTORY TO MODERATE – GRADE 2
Daily walks are between 5-6 hours on undulating and sometimes mountainous terrain. Flexibility is the key to the walking where you can choose to walk a full or half day, take on a challenging hike or an easy hike (dependant on number of hikers participating). The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a reasonable level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.
Note: Each week there will be either 1 or 2 groups. For stays when there is one group, the level of the walking will be graded 3. For stays where there are two groups, one group will be graded 2 (10 to 15 km per day with 300 to 500m ascents over 5 to 6 hours of walking) and a more 'sporty' group graded 3 or 4 (14 to 18km with 400 to 700m ascents over 5 to 6 hours walking), depending on the group's fitness. On 1 day there is the option to do a half day walk only (return to the hotel by minibus).

Accommodation

6 nights 3 star hotel. The hotel is a modern three star hotel a short walk from the centre of Les Estables. Fully integrated into the landscape, it is specially designed for hikers. There are 20 rooms with private bathrooms, and all rooms face south towards the valley. Wi-Fi is accessible in the hotel and rooms. Amenities include a heated indoor swimming pool, a sauna, table tennis, pool table, lounge with fireplace, self service bar, panoramic restaurant, outside boules court, garden, terrace and there is a tennis court near to the hotel. Breakfast and dinner are taken in the hotel restaurant. Wifi is available in the hotel. If you are driving, the hotel has a private car park. Your charming hosts will introduce you to their region and the visually beautiful landscapes. While your hosts and the guide speak English, the trip appeals strongly to French speaking walkers. The trip is inclusive regardless of your nationality, but please be aware that other participants may not speak English.

What You Carry

You only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, packed lunch (at times), water bottle, warm top, phone, etc.

Mode of Transport

Travel to and from Les Estables. Optional group arrival and departure transfers between Le Puy station and the hotel are available on Day 1 (departs Le Puy by 5.30pm) and day 7 (departs the hotel at 9am, to be at the station by 10am) are available. The cost is EUR38pp return, payable locally.