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The packages are aimed at individuals and small groups of walkers, lovers of nature, historical heritage and local traditions.
Christian, professional guide and tour manager, is a specialist of French & Spanish Catalonia. He leads you along ancient footpaths, often well off the beaten track to the highest mountains, where history and legends add a touch of adventure to the walks.
Guided walks are available all year round apart from January.
Week's tour of the Canigou mountain & the Conflent Valleys
Day 1 - Sunday: Arrival
Guide picks you up at airport - 1h drive to the small village of Olette in the heart of Conflent.
Welcome by Janet & Hugo at La Fontaine.
Day 2 - Monday: Monastery St Martin du Canigou
Short drive to the start of an easy walk up to the Romanesque monument (guided visit) restored during the XXth century. It stands at the altitude of 1055m and still welcomes a religious community. Afternoon trip along the nearby gorges or up to a watchtower with 360° views over mountains, valleys and (if lucky) the sea. Drive back to Olette for dinner & night.
Day 3 - Tuesday: Gorges of Carança
Dramatic walk into the gorges along a vertiginous cliff. Crossing of water by suspended bridges & "passerelles" and picnic lunch by the rushing river. Great fun! Afternoon break at hot springs in an open air swimming pool near the hamlet of St Thomas. Drive back to Olette for dinner & night.
Day 4 - Wednesday: Balcony of Conflent
1h30 spectacular trip up the valley on the legendary "Petit Train Jaune" (highest railway line in France) to Mont-Louis. The fortified town built in the XVIIth century was recently labelled "World Heritage of the UNESCO". The scenic walk down to Olette follows the historical "Route of the Canons" and crossing remote stone-built villages. Dinner & night in Olette.
Day 5 - Thursday: Day Off
Highly recommended: dinner in a good restaurant (not included in package) in the medieval town of Villefranche (also on the list of the UNESCO) set on the historical Camino de Santiago, the Way of St James to Compostela.
Day 6 - Friday: Around Villefranche de Conflent
Walk starts under the ramparts of the town and goes up over the Cadi valley, facing the beautiful Massif du Canigou. Romanesque church in quiet little village and 3500 years old dolmen on a hill. Return down a zig-zaguing footpath across deep forests. Drive back to Olette for dinner & night.
Day 7 - Saturday: Abbey St Michel de Cuixa & the Old Iron Mines
An easy trail to the vestiges of the mining industry hidden in forests of beech and chestnut trees. After lunch, commented visit of the emblematic abbey, cradle of Catalunya. Drive back for a detour to the miraculously preserved village of Evol. Back to Olette and La Fontaine.
Day 8 - Sunday: Departure
Driving back to airport.
Based at La Fontaine - 7 nights stay (6 half board), 5 days guided walks, picnics, airport and local transfers included. Price: 532 Euros per person based on 6 people.
This programme is adaptable and might be altered depending on weather conditions and flights timetable.
Guided Walks in the Conflent Valley - 4 days/3 nights
(Same content as week programme)
Day 1 - Arrival (eventually: visit Villefranche)
Day 2 - Balcony of Conflent (+ Train Jaune)
Day 3 - Gorges of Carança (+ St Thomas)
Day 4 - St Martin du Canigou (+ Departure)
3 nights full board stay - 2 ½ days guided tours for 342 Euros per person (min 4). Airport and local transfers included.
Discovery Tour in the Conflent Valley - 4 days/3 nights - Excursions & visits in a 7-seat car
(Same content as week programme)
Day 1
Morning:Arrival
Afternoon: Drive to the nearby village of Jujols, base of a Nature Reserve.
Day 2
Morning: St Martin du Canigou. 40 min walk up to monument. Commented visit of monastery. Picnic lunch on viewpoint or lunch at restaurant in Vernet or Villefranche.
Afternoon: Villefranche de Conflent. Visit of the town (optional visit of ramparts and Fort Liberia). On the way back, detour to the remote village of Evol.
Day 3
Morning: Visit of the classified villages of Mosset and Eus. Picnic or lunch at restaurant.
Afternoon: Scenic drive up the valley to Mont-Louis. Visit of fortress. On the way down, break at hot springs in St Thomas.
Day 4
Morning: St Michel de Cuixa. Commented visit of the Abbey. Lunch at restaurant and/or drive to airport and departure.
3 nights full board stay - 2 ½ days guided tours for 321 Euros per person (min 4). Airport and local transfers included.
To check availability please send an email to hugo@atasteofcatalonia.co.uk
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