Holiday Walks in Provence

by Judy Smith

Published 1 July 2004
Provence is a land of infinite variety - from the wild Mercantour National Park in the foothills of the Alps, to the well-known splendours of the Mediterranean coast, from the greenness of the Luberon hills and their 'perched villages' to the sparkling lakes of the Camargue under a wide sky. It is a colourful land of blue skies and red ochre earth, of grey olive trees, green cypresses, pink flamingos, purple lavender, yellow mimosa and bright wild flowers. With its record of warmth and sunshine and some of Europe's most glorious beaches, Provence has long been a favourite holiday destination. Now is the time to explore it on foot! For those just seeking to escape the crowded resorts for the day or planning a complete walking holiday in the area, this book should offer plenty of ideas. The 30 walks described here vary in length and difficulty. There are gentle rambles along the coast, shady strolls in the forest, energetic scrambles to splendid viewpoints, all-day hikes in the rocky hills and deep gorges - and most routes can be shortened or extended, making them even more adaptable for all needs.
And to further increase the range, each walk is accompanied by recommendations for other interesting rambles in the same area. In addition to route descriptions and sketch maps, there are historical and geographical details, a wealth of Provencal folk-lore, suggestions for refreshment and other nearby places of interest, tourist information centres and a glossary of words useful to walkers.

"Holiday Walks in the Loire Valley" offers a selection of 32 routes - plus suggestions for over a hundred more - along which to explore the Loire and some of its tributaries. Whether seeking to escape the round of chateau-viewing for a day or considering a whole walking holiday in this beautiful region of France, there is something for everyone. This is the 'Garden of France' where spring comes early, summers are warm and the golden days of autumn bring a rich harvest. Midway between the Channel and the Mediterranean, the Loire Valley has the ideal climate for walking throughout the year. The range of walks is varied, from gentle rambles along the riverbank to more strenuous hikes in the hills and forests above. There are wanders in the wetlands of the Sologne and Briere, ambles through the vineyards of Anjou, climbs along cliffs with troglodyte dwellings and discoveries of history in the ancient villages of Touraine. Chateaux, both the famous and unknown, feature on almost every route.
In addition, for those looking for an itinerant holiday, 'From source to the Sea' is a special selection of 12 easy walks following the progress of the river from its birth high in the Cevennes to its mouth on the Bay of Biscay. In addition to route directions and sketch maps, you will find local folklore, historical and geographical details, suggestions for refreshment and other nearby places of interest, tourist information centres and a glossary of French words useful to walkers. This book gives you an entirely new slant on a region that is already familiar to - and very popular with - thousands of British holidaymakers.