High Point Holidays Walking Holidays Brochure 2019 2019 | Page 18

-Massif Central-
T he heart of southern France is made up of one vast upland region the size
of Scotland, known as the Massif Central. It is separated from the Alps by
the Rhone Valley and contains a variety of landscapes resulting from its
varied geology. A large proportion of this upland region has been
designated as regional and national parks.
The Auvergne lies in the west of the Massif Central and contains dramatic
volcanic peaks dominating open plateaux and secluded valleys. In the
Northern Auvergne we have 2 self-guided holidays, one is a centre-based
trip - Amazing Auvergne - which explores a wide area including rugged
peaks such as Puy de Sancy, the perfectly preserved volcanic cones of the
Chain des Puys, lakes, waterfalls, historic villages and much more.
We also have a circular trail which explores the Puy de Sancy mountain and
surrounding area in more detail: Summit of Auvergne - Tour of Sancy.
Further south lies the Cantal Massif, which is the extinct remains of a huge
volcano. Erosion has since created a series of rugged ridges, rocky peaks and
green valleys of stunning beauty. Our centre-based holiday which is called
Cantal Mountains, the Rugged Heart of France offers exciting walking in an
untamed landscape with rich wildlife.
A different walking experience, but still within Auvergne, can be experi-
enced on our Tranquil Auvergne Trail in the Haute Loire. Starting & finishing
at Puy en Velay, the world heritage town, this walking tour explores an
upland plateau landscape in the southern Auvergne punctuated with
intimate valleys and volcanic domes.
Further south we have two more holidays in 2 rugged & sometimes wild
parts of France. Our Tour of Ardeche-Rustic Trails takes a loop through the
Ardeche Regional Park & includes wonderful heather-clad mountains with
great panoramic views; pretty chestnut forests; beautiful rivers, where it's
possible to bathe, and sun parched, vine covered slopes.
Finally, our new holiday in the Cevennes travels south through a mixture of
limestone plateaux and amazing gorges such as the Tarn to reach Provence.
This is an old drovers trail and a pilgrimage route away from the crowds.
Holiday Page Nights Grade Type
Cantal Mountains: The Rugged Heart of France
Tranquil Auvergne Trail
Amazing Auvergne: Volcanoes, Lakes & Historic Villages
Summit of Auvergne: Tour of Sancy
Tour of Ardeche: Rustic Trails
Cevennes to Provence: St Guilhem’s Trail 50
50
51
51
52
52 7
7
7
6
8
9 Challenging
Moderate
Moderate to Challenging
Challenging
Moderate to Challenging +
Moderate to Challenging + Self Guided
Self Guided
Self Guided & Guided
Self Guided
Self Guided
Self Guided
General Information
• Our Tranquil Auvergne Trail and Tour
•
•
of Ardeche are unique trails created
by us.
Our Cantal Mountains and Amazing
Auvergne holidays are centre-based.
St Guilhem’s Trail is a lot less frequent-
ed than the St James’ Way.
-Brittany-
The Brittany peninsular in North West France is a region defined not only by
its geography but by its people, traditions & their ancient Celtic heritage.
The Emerald Coast has some of Brittany’s most impressive coastline, with
rocky headlands jutting into the sea, backed by a landscape of gorse and
heather, with numerous small beaches and villages, and several fascinating
historical towns such as St Malo. The highlight in terms of dramatic scenery
is the headland at Cap Frehel, with its dramatic cliffs.
The Granite Coast is a beautiful coastline where pink granite blocks contrast
with turquoise seas and fine sandy beaches. The GR34 or sentier de douani-
ers, a former coastguard footpath, winds among fantastically shaped rocks
interspersed with countless rock pools, sandy coves and stunning views.
Further west the Coast of Legends stretches from Roscoff to Brest, passing
the western-most tip of France, several beautiful estuaries and numerous
coves bordered by rocky headlands. This holiday is split into 2 sections of
relatively easy walking.
18
Holiday Page Nights
Brittany’s Emerald Coast
Brittany’s Granite Coast
Brittany’s Coast of Legends Part 1, Roscoff to Aber Wrac’h
Brittany’s Coast of Legends Part 2, Aber Wrac’h to Brest 53
53
54
54 6
9
7
7/9
Grade
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Type
Self Guided
Self Guided
Self Guided
Self Guided
General Information
The Emerald Coast and Granite Coast
holidays include transfers to cherry
pick the best sections.