Walks France
... by The Walking Party
Unknown France: Haut Quercy Hop
This area of south west France, known as the ‘Quercy’, was given by Eleanor of Aquitaine to Henri d’Anjou in 1152, two years before he became Henry II of England, and its beauty and timelessness has changed little since. Not only that but it is still known today as being the gastronomic heart of France.
| Duration | Distance | Price Per Person | Single Room Supplement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Days | 17 Miles | €980 excluding air fares | €360 |
| Departure Dates | |||
| 2nd - 6th September | |||
Unknown France: Haut Quercy Hop : Day 1
Friday
You arrive at Toulouse airport in the afternoon to be met by James. We drive to Le Vert, a charming Quercy stone Manor House situated in the middle of the rolling Quercy countryside. All rooms have bathrooms en suite. It is a most lovely and relaxing place to stay under the careful eye of Bernard and Eva Philippe. Bernard will cook us dinner as we sit in front of a roaring fire drinking aperitifs and enjoying the weekend off.
Unknown France: Haut Quercy Hop : Day 2
Saturday
You are greeted in the morning by a table laden with croissants, pains chocolats, jams, fresh fruit juice, fruits and strong black coffee. We drive towards Chateau Chambert to walk to the village of Saint Matré. he faded village of St Marcory in the Périgord Agenais before setting off on a walk for the bastide village of Monpazier. This is a gentle
easy walk and takes us to the prettiest of all bastides where we will eat in the square before continuing for an hour’s walk to Chateau Biron. We will visit this magnificent chateau built by the Gontault-Biron family and used today for occasional medieval or d’Artagnan style films! Coffee or a drink at the beautiful bastide village of Villereal before returning to Le Vert for another of Bernard Philippe’s delicious dinners.
Walk: 6 miles
Unknown France: Haut Quercy Hop : Day 3
Sunday
After another lovely breakfast we drive to the village of Bovila. Here we will walk with Daniel and the donkeys to Montcuq where the keep of an old castle stands defiantly on the
hilltop. The castle here was stormed by Simon de Montfort during the Cathar crusade and now nothing beside remains except a village full of vitality and with an excellent Sunday market. We will have time to wander around the market before eating at the Café de France beneath the lofty chestnut tree. After lunch we set off on foot for the village of Sainte Croix. Return by vehicle to Le Vert. Farewell dinner at Le Vert.
Walk: 6 miles
Unknown France: Haut Quercy Hop : Day 4
4 Monday
After breakfast we set off in the cars for our last beautiful walk through the Quercy. This will build up our appetites with the fresh french air for an excellent picnic lunch beneath the apple trees of the orchard of Madamoiselle Goul. After lunch and a well earned siesta we will change boots for shoes and drive to the airport of Toulouse for the farewell departure.
Walk: 5 miles
