Provence & Cote d'Azur
History and glamour combine for "une experience magnifique".
We begin our adventure in historic Provence, where Greeks and Romans may have left their mark, but it was the 19th century Impressionists who most shaped the region we know today. Based at the HOTEL CLOITRE SAINT-LOUIS - originally a Jesuit school, now a historic but modern 4-star hotel located inside the walls of Avignon, we not only get full access to this celebrated city, but it serves as the gateway to hikes that perfectly illustrate Provence's appeal. We will take you hiking under the jagged ridge of Les Dentelles de Montmirail, descend into the Nature Reserve of the Gorge Du Gardon and, of course, visit the famous ancient Roman aqueduct bridge, the Pont du Gard. Forested valleys and colourful canyons feature prominently during our visit here, as does one of the region’s most celebrated figures - Vincent Van Gogh.
Mid-trip, we transfer to the luxurious Cote d'Azur, one of the most opulent coastlines in the world, which attracted famous artists like Rénoir, Chagall and Picasso. Today, this exquisite region is known for having the most billionaires per capita on earth. Conveniently nestled between Nice and Monte Carlo, our home base for this half of the holiday is the charming and picturesque town of Beaulieu-sur-Mer, whose name literally means "beautiful place on the sea". Staying at the IBIS STYLES HOTEL, a mere 2 blocks from the beach, we have access to some of the affluence that has attracted aristocrats since the mid-19th century & the trails that attract hikers like you and me.
Roman influences abound in the hilltop villages high above Monaco, as we hike by monuments and ruins that date back to the 2nd century AD. We explore small towns commonly referred to as "villages perchés", because of the of the way they appear to be glued or "perched" to the side of the mountains. Equally charming is the fact that many of these locales have maintained their old world character, with their narrow cobblestone lanes, church squares and even communal washing stations - a sharp contrast to our coastal hike around Cap Ferrat, where some of the world’s wealthiest people call home. On your day off, you have a dizzying array of choices – from people watching on the Promenades des Anglais in Nice, to visiting the perfume capital of the world, Grasse, or even enjoying a little sun worship in St. Tropez. All of these areas are easily accessible by train from Beaulieu-sur-Mer.
A mix of French provincial charm and Mediterranean opulence - this holiday is magnifique!
| Dates | April 2 to 15, 2019 |
|---|---|
| Grade | Moderate |
| What's Included | - 13 nights' hotel accommodations |
| Cost | $3880 CAD land |
| My Own Room | If you would like to share accommodations, we offer a roommate pairing service. If there is another solo traveller looking to share accommodations, we will pair the two of you up together; in this case there would be no single supplement to pay. |
| Meeting Times/Places | April 2, 2019 |
| Status | This trip is full but we would be pleased to add your name to the wait list. |
Daily Synopsis
Map
Photo Gallery
Accolades
Waitlist
Terms & Conditions
Daily Synopsis
| Day 1 | BIENVENUE EN FRANCE! |
|---|---|
| Day 2 | LES BAUX TO VAN GOGH |
| Day 3 | L'ISLE-SUR-LA-SORGUE & ROUSSILLON |
| Day 4 | GORGES DU GARDON |
| Day 5 | DAY OF LEISURE |
| Day 6 | DENTELLES DE MONTMIRAIL |
| Day 7 | TRANSFER TO COTE D'AZUR |
| Day 8 | CAP-FERRAT |
| Day 9 | BIRD'S EYE VIEW |
| Day 10 | DAY OF LEISURE |
| Day 11 | PEILLON TO PEILLE |
| Day 12 | DAY OF LEISURE |
| Day 13 | EZE |
| Day 14 | AU REVOIR ET A BIENTOT! |
Interactive Trip Map
Click on the interactive map to see where we'll be hiking.
Select satellite view to get even more detail.
Photo Gallery
We have some great photos of previous tours of this location.
Click on the photo gallery link to view the gallery.
What an experience!
"I had such a wonderful time in France. I can hardly wait until our next C.H.H. adventure, whenever and wherever that might be. I'm telling anyone who will listen just how much I enjoyed the perfect mix of exercise, sunshine, history and friendship." Carol R. (Provence & Cote d'Azur 2018)
"It was a brilliant trip, with the nicest new friends/hikers and we love France!" Ruth P. (Provence & Cote d'Azur 2018)
"Thank you for a fabulous holiday! Beautiful setting & a great itinerary of hikes and opportunities to explore the lovely regions of France."
Karla R. (Provence & Cote d'Azur 2017)
Make a Reservation
We're so glad you've decided to take a trip with us! We will do our very best to ensure you have a great time. Thank you for your business and we look forward to seeing you.
Please fill out the registration form below.
It is important that you read the Terms and Conditions before completing this form.
Note that this trip is currently full but you can complete the registration form to get your name on the waitlist.
Terms & Conditions
RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENTS
A deposit is required at the time of booking (see individual trips for amount required for deposit). The balance is due 60 days prior to departure unless otherwise specified. Late payments causing penalties to be levied by the airlines or any other supplier shall be the responsibility of the traveller.
Reservations are to be made online. We accept credit cards and personal cheques (payable to Comfortable Hiking Holidays). If paying by cheque, mail cheque along with a reservation form to:
Maddalena Molino
Comfortable Hiking Holidays
251 Consumers Road, 7th floor
Toronto, ON M2J 4R3 Canada
6079113 Canada Inc., doing business as Comfortable Hiking Holidays, is an independent travel affiliate with Vision Travel DT Ontario-West Inc., a Canada corporation registered under the Ontario Travel Industry Act, 2002 Registration Nos. 50023501 and 50023502.
DEPOSITS AND CANCELLATIONS
All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Comfortable Hiking Holidays will base the decision whether or not to proceed with a trip taking into account several key factors, including but not limited to: the Canadian government’s travel advisory, the state of entry/exit requirements in each specific country, as well as the overall COVID-19 situation at that time. Rest assured, that our number one priority remains the safety and well-being of all our guests.
After the balance has been paid, refund will be made (less $50 per person and less any incurred charges by hotels, airlines etc.) if YOU can find a replacement person. If no replacement is found, then all monies paid will be forfeited. No refund for any unused portion of a trip. All cancellations are only considered to have been received on the date of receipt of written cancellation in the office of Comfortable Hiking Holidays.
If we are forced to cancel a holiday, Comfortable Hiking Holidays will endeavour to recoup any monies already paid, however full refunds are not guaranteed.
AIRFARE
Group airfare is not offered for any of our trips, but we can recommend and book flights for you. We can accommodate any itinerary that suits you and from any city, including stopovers. There is a service fee for booking flights, which is not included in the cost of the tour package.
Should you decide to book your own flights (which is not a problem at all), Comfortable Hiking Holidays will provide a meeting time and place for you. It will be your responsibility to ensure that you coordinate your schedule to fit with the trip’s itinerary, so that you can take advantage of transfers between airports and hotels together with the group.
Do not book your airfare until you check with Comfortable Hiking Holidays that we have the minimum number of participants to move ahead with the trip. Comfortable Hiking Holidays is not financially responsible for additional expenses incurred by you (such as non-refundable airline tickets) should a trip be cancelled.
Call us to discuss and we will tailor your flights to meet your needs.
TAXES
H.S.T.
The Harmonized Sales Tax will be added to all trips taking place in Canada.
INSURANCE
Medical and cancellation insurance is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED and can be arranged through our offices; we work with Allianz Global Assistance. If insurance is declined, a signed form will be required.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
It is the traveller’s responsibility to determine what documentation is necessary for each country to be visited. All Canadian and U.S. citizens require valid passports for travel. It is recommended and sometimes necessary that passports have a minimum of 6 months to expiry. Other nationalities should check with Comfortable Hiking Holidays. For more information on travel requirements per country, visit www.voyage.gc.ca.
It is imperative that the traveller discloses to Comfortable Hiking Holidays any medical condition(s) that may affect his/her ability to complete the hike and/or tour. Examples include (but are not limited to): allergies, ailments, diseases, medical conditions, special diets, medications and so forth. This information will be kept strictly confidential.
Our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, but if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely partake in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, they are authorized to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. Although rarely enforced, by booking this trip you agree that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these circumstances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be responsible for additional costs incurred.
In booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described. If you have any doubt about your abilities, please call us to discuss.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE
Prices are quoted are in CANADIAN DOLLARS (with some exceptions which are quoted in USD). They were calculated based on the exchange rates at the tme of publishing and are subject to change without notice. Should tour costs increase, Comfortable Hiking Holidays reserves the right to increase the price accordingly. If the price change is more than 7% of the total price for the travel services (except for a price change that is a result of Government Taxation), you are entitled to cancel if you wish, with full refund. You must notify us of your intention at least 48 hours after notification or if the change is a last minute change, within 24 hours of notification.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Prices quoted are for shared accommodations (two to a room). A roommate will be arranged when possible, otherwise the single supplement will apply. Single rooms are available on most holidays; cost for the single supplement is available on request.
PHOTOGRAPHS
The scenery is always picture-worthy so please take as many photos as you wish. We will do the same, but please note that it is customary for us to use photographs taken on actual hikes for our promotional materials. If you do not wish to have your photo used in any of our promotional materials, please inform your hike leader at the BEGINNING OF THE TRIP.
SMOKING
As the great majority of trip participants do not smoke, those who do are requested to refrain from smoking while with the group (e.g. on the bus, during the hikes, at meals, in the bar and in your room if sharing with a non-smoker).
CHILDREN
All participants must be at least 18 years of age.
SITE ACCURACY
Comfortable Hiking Holidays has attempted to make this site accurate. However, changes might occur for reasons beyond the control of Comfortable Hiking Holidays. In addition, the right is reserved to substitute hotels or change the itinerary when necessary, provided the travel facilities or other services are of at least the same standard or value.
HIKE LEADERS
All of our leaders are experienced hikers and have had first aid training. A representative of C.H.H. will accompany all of the trips (unless otherwise specified) to ensure they run smoothly and efficiently. Our hike leaders will be your guides on most holidays, but in some cases we will use local guides. C.H.H. reserves the right to make changes in hike leaders when necessary.
FORCE MAJEURE
Neither Comfortable Hiking Holidays nor Vision Travel shall be liable for any claims, losses, damages, costs, expenses, delays or loss of enjoyment of any nature or kind whatsoever, resulting from events beyond their control or a supplier’s reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, strikes, lockouts or other labour disputes or disruptions, wars, blockades, insurrections, riots, terrorist acts, fire, earthquakes, weather conditions, storms, hurricanes, flood, civil or military authority, government requirement or restriction, disease, epidemic or pandemic.
OPERATOR'S RESPONSIBILITY
Comfortable Hiking Holidays and Vision Travel the operators, its agents, and/or suppliers of services act only as agents for the traveler and accept no responsibility for services of any hotel, aircraft, vessel, train, motor coach or any other conveyance used in connection with these tours, nor any delays, loss or accident to travelers or baggage occasioned by such services, from whatsoever cause. In the event it becomes necessary due to changes by supplier's airlines, or for the comfort or well being of passengers, or for any other reason, to alter the itinerary or arrangements, such alterations may be made without penalty to the operator. The extra cost, if any, resulting therefore, shall be paid by the tour members. Conversely, refunds will be made to passengers if any savings are effected thereby. The right is reserved to cancel any tour and to decline to accept any person as a member of the tour, at any time. Acceptance of the initial service to be provided under the tour shall be considered an acceptance of all these conditions. There may be different living standards and practices and different standards and conditions with respect to the provision of utilities, services and accommodations outside Ontario. Climate conditions may affect the provisions of services and the accommodations included in our tours. Accommodations offered in the tour are, to the best of our knowledge, available at the time of printing and accurately described.
TRAVEL WAIVER
AIRLINE CLAUSE
The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omissions or event during the time the passengers are not on board the aircraft. The Passenger Ticket in use by the airline(s) when issued constitutes the sole contract between the airline(s) and the purchase of the ticket and/or passenger.
Although every precaution is taken for your safety, this type of excursion involves, by its very nature, a certain amount of risk. All participants are therefore required to sign a form releasing Comfortable Hiking Holidays and Vision Travel of all liability.
Effective September 7, 2023, until further notice.
