Getting There : The tour starts in the town of Le Puy-en-Velay, located about 360 km south of Paris. There are several trains every day from Paris. The trip takes around six hours and usually requires at least one change. You would depart from the tour area by way of Rodez where you can connect to trains to Paris or other destinations.
Accommodations: Most are 2- and 3-star hotels. Stay at the Le Parc in Le Puy, La Vieille Auberge in Saint-Privat, La Terrasse in Saugues, Relais St. Roch in Saint-Alban, Grand Hotel Prouhèze in Aumont Aubrac, Auberge de la Maison Rosalie in Montgros, des Voyageurs in Saint-Chély, Aux Armes d'Estaing in Estaing, and the Auberge St-Jacques in Conques. Enjoy simpler accommodation at des Voyageurs in Saint-Côme-d'Olt and de la Vallée in Espeyrac.
What is a self-guided tour? : On a self-guided tour, there is no guide, no sag wagon, and no group to hurry you along or slow you down. You have the freedom to walk independently, with support behind-the-scenes. Self-guided means choice, flexibility, and a tour that's just right for you. Start on any day of the week. The basics are provided and someone else lugs your bags. You are independent, but not alone. If you need emergency support, there are phone numbers to call. Self-guided is safe, affordable, and above all, enriching.
How does this work? : Each day you leave your luggage and head out, following the detailed Route Descriptions and supplied maps. Walk at your own pace, linger in cafés as long as you want, wander through fascinating villages, or hammer out extra kilometres. All you need carry in your daypack are snacks, plus light clothing such as rainwear. Your luggage will be transferred by taxi to each night's accommodation, reserved and prepaid. The self-guided formula lets you choose your own meals. Buy a baguette and cheese for a simple picnic lunch or discover a hidden café. Eat as little or as much as you want for the evening meal.
Day 1 ... Arrive in stunning Le Puy-en-Velay, one of the four main starting points for the pilgrimage to Compostela. Pilgrims gathered at the magnificent Cathédrale-de-Notre-Dame before their departure.
Day 2 ... Follow the pilgrims' route past churches of volcanic rock and fields where the famous green lentils of Le Puy grow. Their distinctive taste is said to be due to the volcanic soil in which they grow. Arrive in the small town of Saint-Privat D'Allier.
Day 3 ... Head across the plateau through Rochegude, a frontier stronghold, pause at the chapel of St. James where pilgrims stopped for devotions. Today's destination is Saugues which English mercenaries, left unemployed by the end of the Hundred Years' War, occupied until they were paid off.
Day 4 ... Cross the Margaride plateau, through pine forests and small villages and past ruined castles to Domaine du Sauvage, a scattering of farm buildings near the site of a pilgrims' hospice. A taxi will pick you up and transfer you back to Sauges, where you'll spend a second night.
Day 5 ... Start with a taxi transfer to Domaine du Sauvage, from where you head into the countryside past the Chapelle Saint-Roch, visit Le Rouget, built of the red sandstone so widely used in the region. You'll see it again in the cathedral and chateau when you arrive in Saint-Alban-sur-Limagnole.
Day 6 ... Walk through woods, across moors, beside pastures with old stone walls, and along an ancient Roman road to the charming town of Aumont-Aubrac.
Day 7 ... Enjoy another day among beautiful pastures and moors before climbing to Montgros, near the cross country ski Centre of Nasbinal.
Day 8 ... This is your last day on high plateaus. Pass through Aubrac where the Brothers Hospitallier once kept an estate in order to protect the pilgrims. Arrive at the pretty town of Saint-Chély-D'Aubrac.
Day 9 ... Walk through remote country to the fortified town of Saint-Côme-d'Olt, designated one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France.
Day 10 ... Enter the Lot River Valley, visit wonderful old towns like Espalion and Saint-Pierre de Bessuéjouls on your way to Estaing, another Plus Beau Village.
Day 11 ... Beautiful canyon scenery and simple villages mark the route to Espayrac graced by an old stone cross and the church of Saint-Pierre.
Day 12 ... A short day's walk takes you to Conques, clustered around the huge abbey church of Ste-Foy, where the relics of Ste. Foy, a Christian martyr, once drew thousands of pilgrims. Conques itself is a magical destination in a dramatic setting.
Day 13 ... Explore Conques before departing for home or other destinations.
Cote d' Azur
You are at liberty to enjoy this centre-based vacation whenever you wish. Once on your trip, it is entirely up to you to choose where to walk and when. There are no deadlines and no schedules. We have invested in meticulous research to offer you a unique product. The walks we describe are not available in English language guidebooks. We have walked every kilometre, and so can provide you with detailed descriptions and interesting insights. Settle into our selected hotels and make them your home for a pleasurable vacation.
length:
8 days/7 nights, with 6 days walking.
Longer and shorter options available à
la carte, from 3 days to a month or
more!
cost
Per person = Cdn$1140 / US$935,
Single supplement Cnd$375 / US$295
dates:
Start January 1 to June 23, and
September 1 to December 31.
level:
Within the choice of 12 walks the
difficulty ranges from easy strolls of
1-2 hours to more strenuous hikes of
4-5 hours. Difficulty is explained for
each walk in the Trail Book, to assist
you in selecting appropriate walks.
The price includes:
- accommodation, all with private bath or shower
- all breakfasts
- detailed Trip Dossier including Trail Book, maps, and explicit instructions on reaching the trail head by public transportation
- suggestions on interesting side trips to take and places to eat
- emergency support just a phone
call away
Extend your Côte d'Azur tour with the Vaison-la-Romaine Short Escape or head to Italy for the Tuscany Walking tour. Alternatively, this tour serves as a lovely add-on for many of our other tours. Round out your vacation by spending two or three days on the French Riviera before or after a self-guided Provence cycling or Provence walking tour.
Accommodations: We have inspected each of the following hotels. Choose from 2-, 3- and 4-star hotels in four different locations along the coast. A brief description of each hotel follows;
Beaulieu-sur-Mer :
Le Havre Bleu ... Attractive, with modern rooms and a friendly cat, this is a great choice. (2 stars)
Villefranche-sur Mer:
La Flore ... Beautifully decorated with Provençal charm, La Flore boasts a terrific location, and wonderful water views. (3 stars)
Hôtel Welcome ... Many writers and artists have been guests in this lovely seaport hotel. (3 stars)
Menton:
Méditerrané ... New and modern, this hotel gives you a warm welcome. (3 stars)
Des Ambassadeurs ... High ceilings, potted palms and ironwork evoke an earlier era of luxury and charm. (4 stars)
Nice :
Nouvel Hôtel ... A Belle Epoque exterior with modern rooms, makes this a good choice, not far from the main promenade. (2 stars)
La Pérouse ... Just a step from the flower market and Baie des Anges, luxuriate in charm, service and tranquillity. (4 stars)Besides wonderful walking, the Côte d'Azur offers fascinating art, architecture and history. Take time to visit the new Matisse museum in Nice, one of many excellent galleries. Much remains from the famous Belle Époque period, when wealthy Russian princes and English earls built palatial villas. History reaches back even further, with Roman monuments, bridges and ancient roads. In many towns and villages, the narrow twisting streets and colourful buildings of the old quarters transport you back to the Middle Ages. For those interested in more recent wonders, the shopping is fabulous. Find haute couture fashions, interior decorations, unique perfumes and delicious candied fruits.
The self-guide style gives you flexibility in choosing your meals. Buy a baguette and cheese for a simple picnic lunch or discover a café high up in the hills. Dine on heaps of mussels, soupe aux poissons or the famous bouillabaise. For a light lunch or dinner, enjoy a salade niçoise. Italy is not far away, and pasta and pizza choices abound. Choose your evening wine from the vineyards of Provence, especially a rosé from Bagnols or the Var.
How does this work?: It is a centre-based tour. You stay in one or two hotels and do day walks, returning to your base each evening. The Trip Dossier includes detailed route instructions for 12 walks. It is up to you to decide which ones you would like to enjoy when. You will be supplied with telephone numbers if you need emergency assistance. Each day you head out, following the detailed Trail Book and supplied maps. Walk at your own pace, linger in cafés as long as you want, wander through fascinating villages, or hammer out extra kilometres. All you need to carry in a day-pack are snacks and light clothing such as rain wear.
Getting There: Nice is the main point of access for this walking area. There are flights to Nice from many European gateway cities, including Paris, London, Amsterdam and Geneva. Nice can also be easily reached by train from major cities. We will provide you with detailed instructions on getting to your selected hotel from Nice. Those hotels outside. of Nice are accessible by train and bus.
The Walks :
You can pick and choose which walks you wish to do when ...
A stroll through Nice ... Charming but cosmopolitan, Nice offers the walker lush gardens, narrow, winding streets through the old quarter, and the elegant Promenade des Anglais along the shore.
Cap St-Jean Ferrat ... Some of the richest villas in the world are set on this rocky peninsula between Villefranche and Beaulieu.
Monaco to Menton ... Azure surf and all the glitter of the côte, make this a stunning but easy walk.
A stroll through Menton ... Yacht malls, villas and especially gardens are the hallmarks of this beautiful town, famous for its lemon trees and festival.
Les Îles de Lérins ... Off the coast of Cannes are two islands offering a tranquil respite from the bustle of the coast.
The Eagle's Nest of Eze ... In the footsteps of Frederich Nietzsche, climb from the water's edge to this perched village, famous for artists and perfume.
The Heights of La Turbie ... Romans triumphed in this area, and you can enjoy the same satisfaction and spectacular views high above the surf.
Castellar to Ste-Agnes ... Up in the Alpes Maritimes, this lovely path carries you to the highest coastal village in Europe, then back down to Menton.
Peillon to Peille ... Just in behind Nice wait two stunning perched villages, linked by an ancient Roman road.
Gorbio and Col de la Madone ... Only a few kilometres from the coast, but seemingly a world apart, this is a breathtaking hike.
Le Roc d'Ormea ... A saddle mountain dominating Menton is the high point of this hike among the pine forests and pastures.
Roquebrune ... Rising above Menton and Cap Martin, Roquebrune offers spectacular vistas of the coast and a fascinating castle.We have put together several suggested itineraries that showcase the best of the region and offer choice in the length of your trip and the level of accommodation. You can also design your tour à la carte.
Our suggested tours ...
8 days/7 nights: 4 nights in Beaulieu-sur-Mer at Le Havre Bleu (2 stars) and 3 nights in Menton at Le Méditerrané (3 stars)
This is the best way to enjoy the Côte d'Azur, using two superb locations as your base to explore both eastern and western ends of the Riviera.
Per person = Cdn$1140 / US$935B ... 5 days/4 nights in Beaulieu at Le Havre Bleu (2 stars)
This is the best value, offering several days in a fashionable resort that is also an oasis of peace and quiet.
Per person= Cdn$925 / US$755C ... 6 days/5 nights in Nice at the Nouvel Hôtel (2 stars)
This vacation focuses on the main centre of the French Riviera, allowing you plenty of opportunity to explore the city from your base in a Belle Époque hotel close to the main waterfront promenade.
Per person= Cdn$1110 / US$910D ... 6 days/5 nights: 3 nights in Villefranche at the Hôtel Flore (3 stars) and 2 nights in Menton at Des Ambassadeurs (4 stars)
Divide your time between the picturesque fishing port of Villefranche and the glamorous resort of Menton.
Per person = Cdn$1395 / US$1145E ... 5 days/4 nights: 2 nights in Nice at La Pérouse (4 stars) and 2 nights in Menton at Des Ambassadeurs (4 stars)
Pamper yourself while exploring the Côte d'Azur and two of its main cities, as well as two excellent hotels.
Per person = Cdn$1650 / US$1350F ... 8 days/7 nights in Menton at Des Ambassadeurs (4 stars)
Select a different walk every day and return every evening to the lap of luxury.
Per person = Cdn$1875 / US$1545
Dordogne
length : 9 days/8 nights, with 7 days walking. Shorter and longer options.
cost Per person = Cdn$1595 / US$1305, Single supplement Cdn$365 / US$295
7 days/6 nights = Cdn$1240 / US$1015
11 days/10 nights = Cdn$1950 / US$1595
dates : Start May 1 to October 25.
level: 15 km (10 miles) daily average. Some days may be longer and require walking on hilly and rocky paths. Some days are as short as 10 km (6 miles). Opportunities to shorten the walking distance through alternate routes or taxi transfers.The price includes:
- eight nights' accommodation in charming, small, family-run hotels hand-picked by us
- all breakfasts and two dinners
- detailed Route Descriptions and maps
- luggage transfers
- suggestions on where to eat and interesting side trips to take
- emergency support just a
phone call away
Getting There: You start in Souillac, about 500 km south of Paris. Souillac is on the main Paris-Toulouse rail line, a 5-hour trip with no change of trains. The longer tour begins in Rocamadour. To reach Rocamadour, you will need to change trains in Brive-la-Gaillarde. The tour ends in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac where you can catch trains to Paris or other destinations.
Accommodations: The hotels on this tour are classic level and we have been using some of them for several years. All are family-owned, with two and three stars. Begin in Souillac at La Vieille Auberge, Relais du Touron in Carsac, Esplanade in Domme (restaurant has a Michelin star), La Belle Étoile in La Roque-Gageac, Hôtel L'Abbaye in St-Cyprien and Moulin de la Beune in Les Eyzies. On the longer tour begin in Rocamadour at Les Vieilles Tours, followed by Le Pont D'Ouysse in Lacave (Michelin star).
What is a Self-Guided Tour?: On a self-guided tour, there is no guide, no support van, and no group to hurry you along or slow you down. You have the freedom to walk independently, with support behind-the-scenes. Self-guided means choice, flexibility, and a tour that's just right for you. Start on any day of the week. The basics are provided and someone else lugs your bags. You are independent, but not alone. If you need emergency support, there are phone numbers to call. Self-guided is safe, affordable, and above all, enriching.
How does this work?: Our area manager, Cliff Walker, lives in the region and will contact you when you arrive. Each day you'll head out, following the route described in our detailed Trail Book, carrying only what you'll need for the day, such as lunch, snacks, rainwear and water. Cliff will be on the road, moving your luggage to each night's accommodation, which is reserved and prepaid. Cliff is available for technical or emergency support - he's just a phone call away. The self-guided formula lets you choose your own meals. Buy a baguette and cheese for a simple picnic lunch or discover a hidden café. Eat as little or as . much as you want for the evening meal.
Day 1 ... Arrive in Souillac, a bustling town with a delightful Romanesque church. Soak in the atmosphere of the Café de Paris, where refugee poets and artists congregated during the war.
Day 2 ... Start the day with a short taxi transfer to Rouffillac, where you'll start your walk. Head along the river and into the hills, past two castles, one of which is the spectacular Château de Fénelon. Pass through Groléjac, with its picturesque medieval streets. Today's destination is Carsac-Aillac, a lovely village near the junction of the Dordogne and the Enéa Rivers.
Day 3 ... You have several choices today. Explore Carsac, with its 16th- and 17th-century houses topped by lauze roofs and a delightful 11th-century Romanesque church. Enjoy a walk to Aillac or follow a bicycle path to Sarlat, one of the best preserved medieval towns in France. Spend a second night in Carsac.
Day 4 ... Walk past Montfort Castle looming over the Dordogne. Arrive in Domme, a beautiful bastide town perched on a rocky crag over the river with a three-star view. Domme's medieval gates still stand, its maze of old streets invite you to wander, and you can even visit the cave where the town's inhabitants hid during the Hundred Years' War.
Day 5 ... Enjoy castles and stunning scenery today. Pass Castelnaud, crowning the limestone cliffs over the river. Visit the fascinating museum of medieval warfare in the castle. Wander through the beautiful gardens of the Château de Marqueyssac, then follow an ancient route to La Roque-Gageac, considered one of the most beautiful villages in France. You'll spend two nights here.
Day 6 ... Today stroll through La Roque-Gageac, built into the face of an overhanging cliff riddled with troglodyte caves. Head to Beynac and climb up winding, cobblestone streets to the château, once owned by mighty Richard-the-Lionheart, that looms over the Dordogne and glares at its rival Castelnaud on the other side.
Day 7 .. . Follow wooded lanes to Les Milandes, a Renaissance château once owned by Josephine Baker, the famous black American entertainer who became the toast of Paris during the 1920s. Today's destination is St-Cyprien, clinging to a hillside above the Dordogne. Its old houses cluster around a massive 12th-century church that was once part of an Augustinian abbey.
Day 8 ... A walk through the quiet countryside and past artists' studios takes you to Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, on the Vézère River. The valley of this river is the land of the most famous prehistoric sites. Les Eyzies is close to a number of them, including the cave where the bones of Cro-Magnon man were discovered.
Day 9 ... Explore the Musée National de Préhistoire before departing for home or for other destinations.
The long tour begins in spectacular Rocamadour. On a shorter tour you end at La Roque-Gageac. If you'd like to combine walking with canoeing and/or cycling, see our Dordogne multi-sport tour.
Provence
Walk through villages, each with a unique character and charm as they rise from a carpet of vineyards or hang from the mountainside. Venture into the remote corners of the Dentelles, where the Mediterranean shrubs called la garrigue mingle with resinous pines, and wild mountain streams cut through craggy rock. Relax each evening in charming inns or Bed & Breakfasts. Enjoy food with flavours of the Mediterranean, complemented with robust local wines. Feel rich with this rugged and rewarding landscape. Discover the perfection of hiking in Provence. This tour provides a microcosm of all the famous characteristics of Provence: Roman ruins, perched or hanging villages painted pastel hues, artists' colonies in the scenery which inspired them, and a vibrant culture best expressed in the colourful and busy markets.
length: 8 days/7 nights, with 6 days walking
cost classic Per person = Cdn$1545 / US$1265, Single supplement = Cdn$340 / US$270
bed & breakfast Per person = Cdn$1395 / US$1145, Single supplement = Cdn$315 / US$260
dates: Start April 1 to June 30, and September 1 to October 31. B&B-level starts are not possible on Sundays, Mondays or Thursdays.
level : 15 km (10 miles) daily average. Some days may be longer and require walking on hilly and rocky paths. Surefootedness is important. Opportunities to shorten the walking distance through alternate routes or taxi transfers.The price includes:
- seven nights' accommodation in charming, small, family-run hotels (classic), or in Bed & Breakfasts.
- all breakfasts and two dinners
- detailed Route Descriptions and maps
- luggage transfers
- suggestions on where to eat and interesting side trips to take
- emergency support just a phone call away
Visit with French families for our Bed & Breakfast level of tour. Meet other European travellers. Most have the option of dinner with the family. A knowledge of French is an asset.
What is a Self-Guided Tour? : On a self-guided tour, there is no guide and no group to hurry you along or slow you down. You have the freedom to hike independently, with support behind the scenes. Self-guided means choice, flexibility, and a tour that's just right for you. Start on any day of the week. You are independent, but not alone. If you need emergency support, there are phone numbers to call. Self-guided is safe, affordable, and above all, enriching.
How does this work? : Our area manager, Patrick Peeling, will contact you after you arrive. Each day you leave your luggage and head out, following the detailed Route Descriptions and supplied maps. Walk at your own pace, linger in cafés as long as you want, wander through fascinating villages, or hammer out extra kilometres. All you need to carry in a day-pack are snacks and light clothing such as rain wear. Your luggage will be carried by Patrick to each night's accommodation, reserved and prepaid. He will be available, as well, for emergency support and is just a phone call away. The self-guided formula lets you choose your own meals. Buy a baguette and cheese for a simple picnic lunch or discover a hidden café. Eat as little or as much as you want for the evening meal.
Getting There: You start in Vaison-la-Romaine, a delightful town snuggled in green hills in the heart of Provence. Vaison lies about 650 km southeast of Paris, due east of Orange. Access is via either Orange or Avignon. Both can be reached via the TGV (high-speed rail network of France), and are only a 3-4-hour journey from Paris. These towns can also be reached by air or from other gateway cities such as Lyon or Nice. Transfer to Vaison is via public or private transportation. We'll provide you with detailed instructions.
The following description outlines the expected itinerary. The final tour may vary depending on trail conditions at the time of the tour.
Day 1 ... Arrive in Vaison-la-Romaine. Stroll along plane tree-lined streets, taking a coffee in one of the many squares. Visit the famous Roman ruins, then explore the medieval quarter perched high on the opposite bank. At the top of the hill dominated by a ruined castle, admire the Roman bridge far below.
Day 2 ... Today begins the circumnavigation of the Dentelles following the Randonnées du Pays: Tour des Dentelles de Montmirail. Your destination for the next two nights is the famous wine village of Gigondas, on the western side of the hills. The route takes you through Ségueret, known as an artists colony, including makers of santons, delicate and detailed figurines in regional costumes.
Day 3 ... There are several choices for a day walk. We suggest exploring Les Dentelles des Sarrasins, the spiky line of limestone that forms the heart of the Dentelles. We have both an easy and a more challenging but spectacular option.
Day 4 ... From Gigondas head to Le Barroux, via Beaumes-de-Venise a delightful town famous for its sweet, white dessert wine. Le Barroux is dominated by a huge feudal castle, restored first in the Renaissance, then again in the 1900's only to be destroyed in World War II.
Day 5 ... Wind your way through vineyards and apricot orchards, heading for Malaucène. Stop to visit a recently constructed Benedictine monastery, where the monks tend lavender fields and bake olive bread. Malaucène is in the shadow of Mont Ventoux, with long winding streets lined with mottle-barked plane trees.
Day 6 ... Relax in Malaucène for the day, exploring the narrow winding streets of the village, or enjoy a day walk along the edge of Mont Ventoux. Look for linden trees, cultivated for their fragrant blossoms.
Day 7 ... Today enjoy a remote walk among craggy limestone rocks and wild mountain streams. You visit the village of Crestet, with a 14th-century church, Renaissance homes and a 12th-century chateau offering superb views of Mont Ventoux, the Ouvèze valley, and the mountains of the Barronies. Return to your base in Vaison-la-Romaine.
Day 8 ... Linger as long as you want in Vaison, before heading home or to other destinations.
Alsace and the Route du Vin
cost Per person Cdn$1330 / US$1090, Single supplement Cdn$215 / US$175
dates Start May 1 to October 31.
level 10-15 km per day (6-10 miles).The price includes:
- six nights' accommodation in charming, small, family-run, 2-star hotels; some are 3-star. All rooms have private facilities with shower or bath
- all breakfasts, five dinners and five picnic lunches
- detailed Route Descriptions and maps
- luggage transfers
- assistance during the course of the tour
- cost of taxi transfers to tour start and from tour end
If you would like to enjoy two full walking tours, travel connections are convenient for our Provence hiking tour and our Ticino walking tour in Switzerland. If you also enjoy cycling, our Beaune Short Escape is easy to reach from Alsace.
What is a self-guided tour? On a self-guided tour, there is no guide, no support van, and no group to hurry you along or slow you down. You have the freedom to walk independently, with support behind-the-scenes. Self-guided means choice, flexibility, and a tour that's just right for you. Start on any day of the week. You are independent, but not alone. If you need emergency support, there are phone numbers to call. Self-guided is safe, affordable, and above all, enriching.
How does this work? Once we receive your Registration Form with Release and Indemnity we will contact the tour operator to confirm availability for your desired dates. On the tour, each day you leave your luggage and head out, following the route instructions and using the supplied maps. Walk at your own pace, linger in cafés as long as you want, wander through fascinating villages, or hammer out extra kilometres. All you need carry in your day pack are snacks, plus light clothing such as rainwear. Your luggage will be forwarded to the next night's accommodation. You will be supplied with telephone numbers if you need emergency assistance.
Note that this is a circle tour. Confirmed reservations may begin and end at a different point than Kayserberg, but all tours and sights will be visited. Your confirmation letter will inform you of your starting point.
Day 1 ... Arrive in beautiful Kaysersberg. Meaning the "Mount of the Emperor", Kaysersberg is a medieval town over which towers an impressive castle. Dr. Albert Schweitzer, Nobel Peace Prize winner in 1952, was born in this city. He was an organist, a musicologist and a doctor, who led a continuous battle against under-development and disease in Africa. The church of Kaysersberg displays a beautiful wooden altar piece of the 16th century, while the houses are half-timbered and painted bright, vivid colours.
Day 2 ... Your first day of walking takes you into the vineyards of the Rhine valley. Your destination is Lapoutroie, set amidst flowers in a green valley in the Vosges mountains. Ten percent of the production of the famous Munster cheese comes from Lapoutroie, which is also well-known for its fruit brandies.
Day 3 ... Heading for Bonhomme, you have a choice of two routes. Climb to the top of Le Brezourard, which marks the northern boundary of the Upper-Vosges. From the summit (1229 m) one can enjoy a wide panoramic view. To the north lies the Champ du Feu; to the northeast one can see Strasbourg; to the south Mont Blanc appears from far away on a clear day. An alternate route takes you past the "pond of the soothsayer", which is a former glacial lake and now a peat bog. Bonhomme is a pleasant village of dairy farms which doubles as a cross-country ski destination in the winter.
Day 4 ... Follow woodland paths to Orbey. This holiday resort comprises five hamlets typical of the region. Their names are as colourful as the houses, and translate to "silver hollow", "low huts", and "high huts".
Day 5 ... As you move on to Trois Epis, there are several sights to enjoy. High in the hills discover the Trembling Stones, where, it is said, druids once performed mysterious ceremonies. The large slabs on the site are a mixture of sandstone pebbles of the Vosges mountains and flint stones. Try to move the stone! Later in the day you will pass the more sombre Linge Memorial. The Linge or Lindkropf is a World War I battlefield where the remains of deep trenches and German machine gun stations can still be seen. Lower down, the French trenches in loose soil are a witness to this "war of the trenches".
Day 6 ...On your last day of walking you descend from the Vosges back down to the vineyards which produces Riesling, Pinot Gris and the other great wines of Alsace. Wind your way through charming towns, such as Turkheim, an old walled-in city, with many houses dating from the 16th century. Every night during the summer months, a night watchman (the only remaining one in Alsace) patrols the streets, dressed in his greatcoat and carrying his lance, lantern and horn of alarm. He stops at every street corner to sing against fires and possible invaders. Fall is also a wonderful time to explore these villages, when the grape harvest is in full swing. At any time of year you can drop into the numerous caves which line the village and town streets for a tasting, and an explanation about the art of wine making. You'll return to Kaysersberg, or the neighbouring town of Kientzheim.
Day 7 ... Transfer to Colmar from where you continue your European adventure.
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