Holiday Walks in Provence

Judy Smith

From the remote foothills of the Alps to the luxurious Mediterranean coast, nowhere could offer more variety of landscape than Provence. Holiday Walks in Provence includes 30 walks that are described in detail with suggestions for over a hundred more. Scramble to the cross on the top of Montagne St Victoire, or follow the coastal path around the peninsula of St Tropez. Explore scenes painted by Cezanne and Van Gogh, encounter chamois in the remote valleys of the Mercantour, or take Europe's most popular trail through the spectacular Gorges de Verdon.

Provence is a land of infinite variety - from the wild Mercantour National Park in the foothills of the Alps, to the well-known splendours of the Mediterranean coast, from the greenness of the Luberon hills and their 'perched villages' to the sparkling lakes of the Camargue under a wide sky. It is a colourful land of blue skies and red ochre earth, of grey olive trees, green cypresses, pink flamingos, purple lavender, yellow mimosa and bright wild flowers. With its record of warmth and sunshine and some of Europe's most glorious beaches, Provence has long been a favourite holiday destination. Now is the time to explore it on foot! For those just seeking to escape the crowded resorts for the day or planning a complete walking holiday in the area, this book should offer plenty of ideas.
The 30 walks described here vary in length and difficulty. There are gentle rambles along the coast, shady strolls in the forest, energetic scrambles to splendid viewpoints, all-day hikes in the rocky hills and deep gorges - and most routes can be shortened or extended, making them even more adaptable for all needs. And to further increase the range, each walk is accompanied by recommendations for other interesting rambles in the same area.
In addition to route descriptions and sketch maps, there are historical and geographical details, a wealth of Provencal folk-lore, suggestions for refreshment and other nearby places of interest, tourist information centres and a glossary of words useful to walkers.