q       Day 1. Arrive Nice. Transfer from airport to Chemin de Fer de Provence narrow gauge railway station and thence by train along spectacular alpine valleys to St. Andre, a small village set between forested hills and the Lac de Castillon. If there is time it is recommended that if you are able to take an early train that you stop at the beautiful historic town of Entrevoux and then catch the later train to St. Andre. (Train not included in tour price).

q       Day 2. We follow narrow trails over the hills high above the western side of the Lac de Castillon. Along the way the intense yellow flowers (at least in Spring)  and honeyed scent of wild Broom and Rosemary, contrast with the deep green shades and resinous air of the pine forest. You are finally greeted by the stunning out crop of Notre Dame de Roche above Castellane; and you should have plenty of time before dinner to climb up to the little chapel there and take in the sunset. 15km/6hrs.

q       Day 3. The well waymarked GR4 long distance trail from Castellane follows an ancient Roman route high up on the side of the deep winding Verdon valley. Ancient villages, with their tightly clustered ochre-walled houses, seem to grow naturally out of the rugged landscape. There is a small artisan village enroute where you can purchase hand made brooches, pottery and lavender essence, before heading off over the high limestone moors (compass useful here) and pastures before dropping down to Rougon and thence to Point Sublime. 22km/7hrs.

q       Day 4: Today we tackle the traverse of the famous Gorges du Verdon, France's Grand Canyon. High up on the towering red and grey limestone walls of the gorge you may even spot rock gymnasts pitting their skill against the force of gravity. The gorge is quite challenging for hikers too, as there are a number of metal ladders to negotiate along the way. The walking is not as daunting as it may sound and only a modest head for heights and an ability on rocky paths is required. Halfway along is a delightful spot to picnic and cool off by the river. At certain water levels this is a nice place for a dip although normally very cold! Then there is a steep, sweaty climb up to La Maline, where from the balcony of the gite there you can in season, enjoy an overview of the gorge over a cold drink, before debating whether or not to walk the last section on road to La Palud, or take a taxi. 12km/6hrs (Point Sublime to Maline); 20km/8hrs (Point Sublime to La Palud).

q       Day 5: Today we follow a high forested ridge overlooking the turquoise-blue Lac de Ste. Croix, before making a steep descent and gradual reascent to the little town of Moustiers Ste. Marie, clustered at the foot of towering crags and long famous for its ceramics. The walking is dramatic, wild and beautiful and on the descent, you wind through giant limestone crags and rock towers. 16km/6hrs.

q       Day 6: We walk abruptly up over the scarp slope and out of the Provencal Alps and into a new landscape: the broad vistas and immense arching skies of the Plateau de Valensole. The plateau is cultivated for cereals, lavender (at its best in July) and truffles (hidden underground between   rows of specially planted Downey Oaks). We descend to the tiny village of Roumoules, perhaps have your picnic in the square under the plane trees.  Next there is a gentle climb along a woody ridge and then a short steepish descent down to the town of Riez, where the columns of a Roman temple remind us of its historic past. After a Pastis (definitely not included), head off along the riverside, and short road section to our quiet hotel, that is except for the geese! Our night is spent in a converted chateau in a quiet rural setting about 4km from Riez. It is a superb quiet location to unwind. In season on warm days, you may want to enjoy the swimming pool in which to cool off. 23km/6.5hrs.

q       Day 7: After breakfast you will be transported to Manosque  (included) to take a morning train to Aix en Provence. The train takes about 50 mins.

q       Day 8: Depart Aix when ready: Bus or train from Aix perhaps to Marseille and its airport or back to Nice. Marseilles is only 40 minutes away. Nice about 3 hours. Some people have preferred to return to Nice by train to Digne and then the Ligne des Pignes to Nice.