• Exploring the Pays d'Oc

• Tailor-made guided walking holiday

• Price dependent on number in group

• 8 days: 6 days two centre-based, guided walking at low altitude. Average: length 5-6 hrs, altitude gain 350m. 

• Spectacular and varied walking in a diverse range of landscapes which include beautiful rivers and lakes, ancient oak forests, and fields of poppies and vines
• Stunning medieval hilltop towns, plus a host of  historic and cultural delights
• Steep hidden gorges and sweeping plateaux with great wildlife
• Visiting the historic city of Albi
• Wonderful guest houses in beautiful historic towns

• You'll be staying in 2 small luxury B&B's in local historic towns. They are in charming historic properties that have been lovingly restored where you'll be reserved a warm welcome.

1. Pick up from Toulouse or Rodez airports and all transport for the week, guided walks led by mountain leader Siân Thomas, full board accommodation in two guest houses in centrally located towns

1. Travel to Lyon, France; lunches on the day of arrival and departure, lunch on rest day, entrance fees.

The Walks

The walking on this guided holiday is mixed allowing walkers of moderate ability to enjoy the ever changing views and landscapes and see the beautiful array of wildlife and flowers. Some moderate ascents up and down gorges and hills. Most walks are well within the grade. The walks can be varied to the fitness of the group. Paths are generally good, although they can be rough in places.

Day 1: Arrival

Welcome, pick-up from airport and drive to B&B

Day 2: St Antonin Noble Val

Visit St Antonin Noble Val nestled at the opening of the Aveyron Gorge, this beautiful medieval town was the backdrop to the film ‘Charlotte Gray`.  We take time to visit the Sunday market before walking up the  escarpment and following a path across the Causse or limestone plateau.  12kms  300m climb

Day 3: The old drovers path

Walk from Le Claouzet to Cordes sur Ciel, widely considered the finest fortified town in France.  We follow an old Drovers path above the Cerou Valley, and then climb into the old town to explore the narrow winding streets and see the beautiful gothic and renaissance buildings, which are incredibly well preserved.  14km 360m climb

Days 4: The forest of Gresigne

Our walk today starts from Puycelsi, a hilltop town which has maintained a strategic highpoint from prehistoric times,  there are both bronze age and Roman remains in the area.  The walk drops into the forest of Gresigne which is the largest forest in the Tarn and the greatest oak forest in the South of France.  Our walk passes through  a conservation  orchard, a Roman road and the hunting forests of King François I. 16km 350m climb

Day 5: Albi

Rest day and a chance to visit the beautiful city of Albi on the banks of the river Tarn.  The city is home to Saint Cecile Cathedral, the largest brick built building in the world.  There is also the chance to visit the Toulouse Lautrec museum which houses over 1000 of his works or just stroll by the river and relax in one of the numerous cafés and bars.

Day 6: Sidobre

Today’s walk takes us on a circuit through verdant forests on the edge of the parc naturel regional de Haut Languedoc and allows us to see several of the granite "sculptures" which decorate the area. 10km 240m climb

Day 7: The Black Mountains

For our last day’s walking we’ll venture into the Black Mountains, close to our base at Mazamet. You’ll pass by the beautiful lac des Montagnes and follow picturesque wooded valleys.

Day 8:  Departure

Drive to airport and transfer home. If time allows we stop off in Cordes market giving you the chance to pick up a few delicacies to take home with you.

Contact us about this guided walking holiday