the way of st james le puy to aumont

Transcription

1 A holiday is all about exploring Europe your way. It s about U + the walking tracks and cycling trails you want to discover. Since we began in 2006, has quickly become known as the leaders in active European holidays. Our itineraries are creative and very affordable. Set your own pace on a flexible self guided trip or enjoy the benefits of an experienced local guide on a guided tour. Together with our sister company Sherpa Expeditions, we offer over 400 active tours across the continent and it s many exotic islands. There s an active holiday idea everyone including families, culinary enthusiasts, history buffs, experienced alpine walkers or those that just want to see Europe differently. The physical demands range from introductory to challenging with all offering unique opportunities to discover the untrodden Europe, spanning postcard landscapes, centuries old cultures, rural lifestyles and tempting culinary delights. Compare the price and you will see that we offer exceptional value active programs that are virtually all inclusive, giving you more time to enjoy the natural and cultural wonders you ve come to experience. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2 star or 4 star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want. explore europe your way TRIP COST Joining Le Puy en Velay : $890 Trip Concludes: Aumont Aubrac All prices are per person OPTIONS & SUPPLEMENTS H - October supplement pp: $48 Single Supplement: $230 Single Traveller Surcharge: $320 Hotel upgrade supplement: $430 Single Supplement - upgrade option: $650 Single Traveller Surcharge - upgrade option: $720 As the trip price is based on twinshare, a single supplement is payable if you are not sharing with a friend / family member or a single traveller supplement if you are travelling solo*. Please refer to the price options for costs or ask our office for details. Note regarding single rooms The single supplement guarantees the privacy of your own room, however, rooms can at times be small and in some places may not enjoy the same facilities as double/twin rooms. *The single traveller surcharge is only available on trips deemed suitable the way of st james le puy to aumont TRIP NAME: THE WAY OF ST JAMES LE PUY TO AUMONT TRIP CODE: TRIP DURATION: CT1 5 DAYS GRADE: MODERATE 3 ACTIVITY: SELF GUIDED WALK ACCOMMODATION: 4 NIGHTS IN GUESTHOUSES OR HOTELS DATE DETAILS: DAILY FROM 1 APR TO 31 OCT France Lyon Le-Puy-en-Velay Les Faux Saugues Aumont-Aubrac Spain Montpellier highlights Experiencing the busiest section of the trail marked by magnificent architecture, crosses, statues and grain silos Exploring the interesting town of Puy en Velay Enjoying the camaraderie of fellow hikers and pilgrims Learning about the tale of the Bête du Gévaudan (Beast of the Gévaudan). Viewing the contrasting landscapes and architecture between the volcanic plateau of the Velay and the granite plateau of the Gévaudan the trip Traverse the centuries of time and the borders of Europe on the medieval pilgrim trail of Compostela. In the 9th century, the tomb of the apostle St James was unearthed in Compostela. The site became the focus of a pilgrim trail beginning in France, and crossing northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela. This journey, also known as the Way of St James winds its way across borders, following in the footsteps of thousands of medieval pilgrims through the beautiful Sierras of Navarre and Aragon. The route passes a multitude of churches and monasteries, resembling a travelling museum of Romanesque art. Four stages of this historic trail are included in our self guided walking programs. This section begins in the centre of France, on the Central Massif at Le Puy en Velay where many trails from across Europe converged enroute to the tomb of St James in Spain. The trail ascends the volcanic highlands of Margeride in the Haute Loire before continuing through the traditional granite villages of the Lozere. The presence of stone chapels and the unique crosses are symbolic of the pilgrimage and a continual reminder of the religious significance of the trail, whilst the pretty villages, rolling countryside and strong gastronomic traditions make this one of the best short walks in France. Page 1

2 for solo travellers. It is usually more expensive than the single supplement due to the extra cost for luggage transfers and organisation. IMPORTANT NOTES H - High Season DN1 - The October supplement applies if any walking days occur in October. DN2 - Upgrade to 3 and 4 star hotels - supplement applies. DN3 - For start dates on Fridays and Saturdays, dinner will not be at the hotel restaurant in Saugues, as it is closed on Sunday and Monday evenings. Instead, dinner will be at a local restaurant. the way of st james le puy to aumont itinerary at a glance Day 1 Arrival in Le Puy en Velay Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 or 10.5mi) detailed itinerary DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 To St-Privat-d Allier (5-6hrs, 23km/14.3mi) Descend the gorges of Allier and ascend to Saugues (4-5 hrs, 19km/11.8mi) Cross the Margeride plateau to St Alban (7hrs, 26km or 29km/16.1mi or 18mi) Into the Truyère valley & end at Aumont-Aubrac (5-6hrs, 20km or 17km/12.4mi Arrival in Le Puy en Velay Arrive in historic Le Puy-en-Velay, a pilgrimage centre since the Middle Ages. This ancient town is surrounded by a volcanic landscape dominated by rocky peaks rising from the valley floor. We recommend that you allow at least half a day to explore its narrow streets and warm up your walking legs climbing the 267 steps to the Chapel of St Michael d Aiguilhe. Built by Godescalc after his pilgrimage to Santiago in AD951, you ll have great views over the town and surrounding area. You can also visit some of the many museums and the striking Romanesque Cathedral of Notre-Dame. meals: NIL To St-Privat-d Allier (5-6hrs, 23km/14.3mi) The cathedral at Le Puy is the starting point for your walk. As you follow the trail, there are great views over the whole area. Through rural landscapes you ll ascend rapidly from the Puy Basin. Crossing the Velay Mountains past fields of the famous green lentils, you enter the heart of the volcanic chain of the Deves before arriving in the small village of St Privat d Allier, where you re picked up and taken to a gorgeous B&B in the valley with beautiful views. meals: B,D Descend the gorges of Allier and ascend to Saugues (4-5 hrs, 19km/11.8mi) Most of the day is spent crossing the valley. You will pass through the village of Rochegude, famous for its St Jacques Chapel, where a descent to the river at Monistrol will follow. Whilst the trail is easy to follow, the following ascent is quite sustained (500m over 11km) just beyond Rognac from where the route leads you to the historic village of Saugues, famous for its mushrooms, wooden shoes and a meeting point for all pilgrims coming from the Auvergne. meals: B,D Cross the Margeride plateau to St Alban (7hrs, 26km or 29km/16.1mi or 18mi) Today is very picturesque as you cross the Margeride Plateau. With vast grassy plains and moors of broom and heather, this part of the trail is relatively easy going - although gently ascending most of the day. Amongst the most interesting sights are St Roch Chapel or L Hospitalet du Dauvage Chapel, founded in 1198 as a hospital for pilgrims and travellers. Overnight in St Alban/Les Faux (26km/16.1mi) or St Alban/Le Rouget (29km/18mi), dependent on availability. meals: B,D Page 2

3 DAY 5 Into the Truyère valley & end at Aumont-Aubrac (5-6hrs, 20km or 17km/12.4mi or 10.5mi) From Les Faux or Le Rouget the trail continues to the town of St Albans then descends into the Truyere valley. You then traverse the vast plain of the Margeride before reaching Aumont-Aubrac. On the way, admire the Roman church of the Estrets, reworked several times and surmounted by a bell tower wall with three openings supporting a small steeple. Trip concludes on arrival in Aumont. Depending on what time you arrive and your onward arrangements, a celebratory lunch may be in order. Note: this itinerary can easily be combined with the next section of the Way of St James - Aumont to Conques. Ask our staff for details. Please do not book your onward travel before 5pm due to luggage transfer arrangements. meals: B inclusions 4 breakfasts, 3 dinners (no dinner in Le Puy en Velay): Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad, followed by a chicken, red meat, fish or pasta dish & finishing with a dessert of fruit or cakes or cheese. 4 nights in guesthouse or hotel on a twin share basis, generally with ensuite facilities. On occasion facilities will be shared with one or two other rooms. Information pack including maps and walking guide (per room booked) Visitor tax Baggage transportation (max 1 bag of 15kgs per person) items not included Travel to Le Puy en Velay and from Aumont Aubrac Drinks, lunches daily and one dinner Items of a personal nature Entrance fees Tour guide this is a self guided walking trip Transfers Travel insurance mandatory Excess baggage arrangements can be made to carry baggage in excess of the 1 bag of 15kgs limit. Excess baggage which has not been pre organised may be refused. A supplement applies for excess baggage. Please ask our office for details. suggested extensions The Way of St James Aumont to Conques getting there BY CAR BY TRAIN BY AIR Driving routes can be accessed via the following websites: com For timetables from Paris to Le Puy en Velay and Aumont Aubrac see www. voyages sncf.com.australiantravellerscanbookrailineuropeviathelinkontheutracks.comhomepage. Fly to Clermont Ferrand, France and then catch the train to Le Puy en Velay. On arrival catch a taxi to your hotel. We are happy to assist with rail and air bookings. Page 3

4 trip grading - moderate Daily walks are between 17.5 to 27km on well marked trails over diverse terrain from relatively flat to mountainous. There are some reasonable hills. This is a well worn path where route finding is straight forward (refer below for further details on self guided adventures). The main areas to concentrate on route finding are arriving and leaving towns. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. dietary requirements Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a peanut free or allergen free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with life threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self administering these medications. a note on our self guided adventures Self guided walking or cycling requires individuals to use problem solving skills, be adaptable and have a keen eye. On self guided cycling tours it is expected that you will know how to repair punctures and make minor adjustments to gears, handlebars and seats. For anything more serious, our local partner will be able to assist. It is recommended that you are comfortable map reading, referring to route notes and that you have a good sense of direction (or are willing to work on improving this!) Sometimes route finding, losing your way, finding it again and asking the locals for help is all part of the adventure. If you ve never been on a self guided trip, after the first couple of days you will get the hang of it as the vast majority of our first time travellers attest. Please be assured that our written material issued to you for route finding is updated regularly and we provide a 7day service hotline in the event of any problems. Using directions and maps can be more difficult for solo travellers as often two heads are better than one when it comes to finding your way. There is a certain level of the unknown that comes with self guided trips, however with a methodical approach potential problems will be averted. The freedom of a self guided trip is something that, once experienced, is sought time and time again. joining instructions Three weeks prior to departure you will be sent your final documents which include details of the joining hotel, a hotel list, maps and a walking guidebook (one per room booked). accommodation DURING TOUR Page 4

5 During the trip you will be accommodated in 2 3 star hotels, Chambres d hôtes (B&Bs) and gîtes (guesthouses), always on a twin share basis. Some of the gîtes may have shared bathrooms and you will need to bring your own soap. The eclectic mix of accommodations is one of the great attractions of the trip, with the Chambres d hôtes offering home style cuisine and house wine, and the gastronomy in the hotels ranging from good to excellent. It is possible to upgrade accommodation to mainly 3 star properties this must be requested at the time of booking. fast facts COUNTRIES VISITED VISAS France Visas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see www. schengenvisainfo.com/schengen visa countries list/ for countries part of the Schengen). Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements. CLIMATE Walking between 700 and 1300m high. Climate of the uplands, fresh in spring and autumn, warm but temperate due to the the altitude in summer. MIN GROUP SIZE 1 SPECIALIST GEAR REQUIRED Wet weather gear, sunscreen, good walking boots / shoes, sun hat and walking poles. A comprehensive gear list is included in the pre departure information provided on confirmation of your booking. how to book To book a UTRACKS trip, complete our booking form which is found at the back of our brochure or can be downloaded from our website On completion, fax or post the form to your nearest UTRACKS or World Expeditions office along with full payment by cheque or credit card (note: surcharges apply for credit card payments). UTRACKS/World Expeditions has access to pre and post accommodation and competitive airfares to Europe. Call your nearest UTRACKS/World Expeditions office or travel agent for assistance with your travel arrangements including flights, travel insurance & additional accommodation. follow us There s even more tips and ideas on our blog at Page 5

6 slide shows invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel slide shows. These special evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced and passionate adventure travellers. Ask our staff for a slide show schedule or register on our website Shows can fill early so it is important to register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two! e-newsletter To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure news, subscribe to our monthly e newsletter! You can do this on line through our website, com or contact our office. IMPORTANT NOTE THESE TRIP NOTES REPRESENT THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION AVAILABLE FOR THIS ITINERARY, AND SUPERSEDE ANY INFORMATION DETAILED IN THE CURRENT BROCHURE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE ITINERARY AND PRICE. talk to us If you require any further assistance regarding this trip or any other adventure, please contact your nearest UTRACKS or World Expeditions office. Page 6

7 AUSTRALIA Level 5, 71 York St Sydney NSW 2000 T: (02) F: (02) Toll free: Feel free to visit our World Expeditions offices in:- Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide (Thor Travel) For address and office phone numbers visit NEW ZEALAND Level 1, High St Auckland CBD PO Box Auckland City 1143 T: (09) F: (09) Toll Free: CANADA - OTTAWA 47 William St Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1N 6Z9 T: F: Toll Free: contact@utracks.com UNITED KINGDOM 1B Osiers Road Wandsworth London SW18 1NL T: F: T: (Ireland) info@utracks.com is a division of the World Expeditions Travel Group Page 7