Auvergne, the Cevennes and the Alps Holidays
La vie Française
Weather
Summers here are hot but the temperature variation between early morning and afternoon is large. Winters in the Cevennes are milder but in the Alps, be prepared for rapid weather changes in any season.
Wine & Cuisine
Food is hearty and filling: truffade, mashed potatoes with cheese, then fried with bacon and garlic; coussinat, a rich soup made from chestnuts and cream and fondue savoyarde are examples. Lake and river fish (including smoked fish) and game are plentiful. Charcuterie and cheeses are excellent; look for Fourme d’Ambert (a blue) and hard Emmental-style cheeses. The light red Côtes d’Auvergne, Gaillac (good white and red) and the red St Chinian are worth a try and also Salers or Av`eze, a liqueur made from the giant yellow gentian plant found in the Cantal mountains.
How would you like to...
Follow in the steps of Robert Louis Stevenson? Gasp in wonder across snows or meadows to Mont Blanc? Traverse picturesque extinct volcanoes?
Holidays in Auvergne, the Cevennes and the Alps
Volcanoes of the Auvergne
Wooded hills and lunar lakes
The dramatic landscape is full of contrasts: barren yet lush, rolling yet rocky. You’ll be walking on a whole range of surfaces, from narrow woodland tracks to country lanes. We grade this walk as moderate.
Auvergne Discovery
Hidden rivers and secret villages
Based principally in Brioude, this region offers some great cycling with daily circuits from 16 to 37 miles. Due to the terrain we book mountain or VTT bikes here. Midweek you transfer to Reilhac with scenic rides along the valley of the River Allier.
Stevenson Trail 1st Stage
In the footsteps of one man and his donkey
In 1878, Robert Louis Stevenson published, “Travels with a Donkey”, an account of his intriguing journey accompanied by his donkey, Modestine. Starting at the southern end of the Massif Central, the walk takes you across the Cévennes to the edge of the Midi.
Stevenson Trail 2nd Stage
Follow the Pilgrims Way, perhaps combining both stages (13 nights)
The walk is moderate, with a few long climbs. Conditions underfoot are good, well drained, though often rocky. The landscape is ever-changing, tiny villages, valleys and woodland give way to desolate boulder-strewn plains.
Untamed Cévennes
Dramatic landscapes and remote beauty
The rugged Cévennes offer stunning and dramatic scenery: steep tree covered slopes, cascading streams and remote granite strewn plains. This easy to navigate moderate walk allows you to experience the majestic beauty of the Cévennes without too much exertion.
Secrets of Savoie
Group walking in the Alps
These holidays are available both summer and winter. Staying only twenty miles west of Mont Blanc, you can be sure of some stunning views and a genuine experience of Alpine life. The grades are selected to suit the group.
Discovering The Allier
Faces of the Allier River
A series of walks through deep gorges and along high plateaux past tumbling rivers and ancient abbeys. Look out for huge birds of prey including the Golden Eagle. Finally transfer to Vichy for your final night along the Allier.
Cantal Capers
Chains of green volcanic ridges
A veritable hiker’s dream; la Chaîne des Puys in the regional natural park of the Volcans d’Auvergne, is an area of breathtaking beauty. From rocky peaks to green valleys walking along ancient paths that can only be reached on foot, experience the finest Cantal walks and landscapes.
Snows of the Savoie
Snowshoeing in the Alps
Discover a winter wonderland! This guided walk on snow-shoes will let you take in the magic, serenity and breathtaking views of the snow covered Alps.
Want to know more?
Why not give us a call and we'll help you pick a holiday that suits you.
