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1
introductory
Activities
  • Self Guided Walking
Accommodation
  • 5 nights hotel
Meals
  • 5 Breakfasts

6 Days£980GBP

Overview

Trip Code: JPI

Côte d'Azur & Golden Isles Trip highlights


  • Unspoilt mediterranean landscapes of the islands of Porquerolles and Port Cros
  • Majestic coastline paths of the French Riviera
  • Le Lavandou: its lively cafes' terraces, and traditional street market on Thursday morning
  • Picturesque narrow streets of Bormes-les-Mimosas (the flower village)
  • Plenty of swimming opportunities in rocky coves and beaches
  • Local gastronomy, with seafood specialities and regional wines
  • Pine trees, strawberry trees, heather & pastel-coloured houses

Made world-famous by the painters and film stars who have succumbed to its light and the dazzling beauty of its shores, the Côte d'Azur harbours hidden treasures and an unspoilt art of living. You will be based just a few kilometres away from the jet-set in Saint-Tropez, yet a whole new experience awaits. This is the quiet part of the French Riviera, where you can fully appreciate the nature and discover authentic small towns. We have found you a base for this walking holiday at a charming hotel with garden in the small town of Le Lavandou, bordered by superb beaches with crystal-clear waters. Leaving from Le Lavandou each day, you will discover some of the jewels of the Côte d'Azur: its wild, unspoilt coastal paths and two of the Iles d'Or (Golden Isles) that you reach by a refreshing ferry ride. The area is a real paradise for nature lovers and hikers, including France's smallest National Park: Port Cros.

Countries:

France

Starting Point:

Le Lavandou

Finishing Point:

Le Lavandou


Make your own way to your hotel in Le Lavandou, a small seaside resort, once a fishing village, bordered by beautiful sandy beaches and small rocky coves. Its market (every Thursday), packed with products and flavours from Provence, is not to be missed. You will spend five nights in a pleasant 3* property in an 1890s building. There is a tropical garden with sun loungers and shaded tables and it's close to the sandy beach.

Meals:  Nil

A shuttle boat crossing from Le Lavandou (45 mins, return trip included) takes you to the island of Porquerolles, the biggest of the three Golden Isles. You reach the port and walk through its quaint village. The rest of the island is highly protected, crossed in every direction by walking paths through pine forests and strawberry trees. A short climb leads to a lookout where the entire island is at your feet, and the infinite expanse of the Mediterranean on the horizon. A winding path through the heather descends on soft zigzags back to the coastline. Return to the port and boat ride back to Le Lavandou.

Meals:  B

A ferry takes you from the port of Le Lavandou to the island of Port Cros, set 8km off the coast. The island, the wildest of the Golden Isles, gives its name to France’s smallest national park. Its dense forests of tree heather, strawberry trees and cork oaks, all untamed, makes for a veritable walking paradise. A return ferry is included to Le Lavandou. *You can extend today's walk by 5.5km/3.4 mi.

Meals:  B

Short taxi transfer (incl) to the start of your walk. Today’s walk is a mix of peaceful beach walking and steep but short climbs and descents along the coastline trail. You follow the “Sentier Littoral”, the coastline path that passes along pristine beaches and hidden coves on paths adorned with lavender and lone pine trees. The protected coastline is unspoilt and offers magnificent landscapes of jagged coast and turquoise waters. Halfway through the walk, the Estagnol beach is the perfect lunch break with is beachfront restaurant serving grilled seafood. The walk ends on the outskirts of the rocky islet from which emerges the severe silhouette of the Fort de Bregançon. In the summer, a special guest spends his holidays behind its thick walls: since Charles de Gaulle, the fortress is the residence of the French President. Transfer back to your hotel after the walk (incl).

Meals:  B

This is the only day where your bathing suits aren’t needed as it's the only walk that goes inland. You’ll walk through the heart of the village of Le Lavandou before finding a pleasant and unusual footpath wedged tightly in between impressive homes and gardens that climbs steadily up to the village of Bormes-les-Mimosas. Built on the side of a mountain in Medieval times, it is one big flower show. In fact, the bright yellow flowers of the shrub Mimosa are used by famous French perfume houses such as Givenchy and Yves Saint-Laurent. You’ll have ample time to visit the quaint village before deciding whether to take the detour up to the chapel of Notre Dame de Constance. Beautiful vistas await at the chapel, including an “orientation table” that points out the significant landmarks on the horizon, including the Golden Isles where you've walked on previous days. Return to Bormes-les-Mimosas and retrace your steps to Le Lavandou.

Meals:  B

Tour ends after breakfast.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 5 breakfasts
  • 5 nights accommodation in a 3* hotel with garden on a twin share basis with private facilities (option to upgrade to hotel with swimming pool)
  • Return public boat transfer to Port Cros & Porquerolles Islands on Days 2 & 3
  • Transfer to the start of the walk / pick up at the end of the walk on Day 4
  • GPX files of the walks will be emailed to you
  • Information pack including route notes & maps
  • Emergency hotline

  • Dinners, lunches & beverages
  • Entrance fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
  • Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
  • Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
  • Guide: this is a self-guided walking holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Excess Luggage

Suitability

introductory

1

This walking holiday on the Cote d'Azur is graded as 1) Easy. This means that you enjoy walking as a means to get fresh air and see the countryside, without considering yourself as a "real hiker". You enjoy strolls in the countryside and want to discover Provence in a different way. Walks are generally from 2-4 hours on easy terrain, with some climbing up to perched villages and allowing you plenty of time to take in the colours and taste of this part of the French Riviera. We suggest you practice 30 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (either road cycling or jogging), three times a week for three months leading up to your trip.


Departure dates

Daily from 1 Mar to 30 Nov

Notes

M
Mid Season
H
High Season
NB:
Please talk to our team about the option to travel in winter, between December - February.
Note:
Mid season is from 18 Mar - 22 Apr & 9 Sep - 7 Oct, high season is from 23 Apr - 8 Sep; a supplement applies for departures in these periods.
Note:
Option to upgrade to a charming 3* seafront hotel with swimming pool, ask for details. You can shorten the duration of this trip.
Note:
Combine this trip with another walk in the Provence; In Van Gogh's Footsteps (JPV), Walking in Haute Provence (JPR), or Rambling in the Luberon (JPP).

Priceper person from

£980GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • 2024 Single Room SupplementGBP£310
  • Single Room SupplementGBP£320
  • 2024 Mid Season Single Room SupplementGBP£410
  • Mid Season Single Room SupplementGBP£430
  • 2024 Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£450
  • Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£470
  • 2024 High Season Single Room SupplementGBP£480
  • High Season Single Room SupplementGBP£490
  • 2024 Mid Season Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£560
  • Mid Season Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£580
  • 2024 High Season Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£620
  • High Season Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£650
*Prices listed are per person

Côte d'Azur & Golden Isles Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

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