This guidebook, half of a two-volume set, is intended for motorists who want to tour western Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon by car and enjoy some superb walks en route. This new edition has been thoroughly revised in the two months before publication.The car tours have been described in such detail that there is no need to make constant reference to a map. Each drive highlights the best picnic spots en route, recommended walks and restaurants which particularly appeal to the authors.The walks selected - all set in areas of great natural beauty and historical interest - are those the authors believe offer the greatest sense of satisfaction for the effort involved. These are not tough GR routes, but mostly circular walks suitable for moderately fit people.The book is also ideal for those taking city breaks to places like Carcassonne, Perpignan, Nimes, Marseille, Montpellier with the budget airlines. (The same authors have also written a guide called Walk & Eat around Avignon featuring walks in and around Nimes, Avignon, Arles, St-Remy, Les Baux, Gordes, the Pont du Gard, etc.)
12 car tours (with two accompanying touring maps, showing both western and eastern Provence - for which there is a companion guide), 50 long and short walks (each illustrated with 1:50,000 topo maps), 33 picnic suggestions. Free online update service with specific route change information on the publisher's website, maintained daily.The 'Landscapes' series, with 50 destinations, has been dubbed 'the blue Bibles' by the Sunday Times."After using the Sunflower Eastern Provence book last year, it was a no-brainer to get the companion book on Western Provence. 12 interesting driving tours with 50+ walks that are suitable for both your casual stroller and your hardcore hiker, makes this book essential to get the most out of a holiday. It isn't a book for those wanting a relaxing break in the south of France; it is a book for those prepared to get in their car, for those wanting to see and eat at the best places Provence has to offer. Sure you need to put some effort in, get your feet wet on some walks, but the views and experiences this book will bring are second to none." --(SJD, Amazon)"Excellent guide...The authors have captured the very essence of the countryside in a manner that is both personal and highly informative.
I was impressed with the itineraries for exploring Provence by car..." --(Craig Bradshaw, Motoring and Leisure)"The first thing we do is check whether or not one of these valuable [Sunflower] guides is available. We also use other guidebooks, but it always turns out that it s the Sunflower which we take with us." --(AH, Amazon)"We are regular users of the Landscape series and this one gives a comprehensive selection of walks, especially between Perpignan and Carcassonne." --(LW, Amazon)
Languedoc-Roussillon and Western Provence : 12 car tours, 70 long and short walks, recommended restaurants
Description
Table of Contents
Preface 5Bibliography 6Picnicking 7A country code for walkers and motorists 7Touring 9Car tour 1: NATURE TAMED BY INDUSTRY 11A tour of 255km beginning at Aix-en-Provence andending at RoussillonCar tour 2: THE LUBERON 16A circuit of 166km beginning and ending at RoussillonCar tour 3: MONT VENTOUX AND THEDENTELLES DE MONTMIRAIL 21A tour of 182km beginning at Roussillon and endingat l'Isle-sur-la-SorgueCar tour 4: THE THREE-STAR ROUTE 27A tour of 124km beginning at l'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue andending at Pont du GardCar tour 5: ANTIQUITIES AND THE ALPILLES 31A circuit of 198km beginning and ending at Pont du GardCar tour 6: THE CAMARGUE AND ARLES 28A circuit of 278km beginning and ending at Pont du GardCar tour 7: LES GARRIGUES 42A tour of 177km beginning at Pont du Gard andending at LodeveCar tour 8: CIRQUE DE NAVACELLES 46A circuit of 180km beginning and ending at Lodeve, witha detour to the Viaduc de Millau and Gorges du TarnCar tour 9: CASTLES IN THE AIR 51A tour of 184km beginning at Lodeve and endingat CarcassonneCartour 10: MONTAGNE NOIRE 55A circuit of 201km beginning and ending at CarcassonneCar tour 11: CORBIERES, LAND OF THE CATHARS 59A circuit of 195km beginning and ending at CarcassonneCar tour 12: TOWARDS THE PYRENEES 64A tour of 206km beginning at the Chateau de Queribusand ending at CouizaWalking 68Weather; What to take; Nuisances;Waymarking, grading, safety; MapsWALKS1 Colorado Provencal 722 From Roussillon to Gordes 753 Gordes and the Abbaye de Senanque 78Contents4 Circuit around Buoux 815 Foret des Cedres 846 Dentelles de Montmirail 867 Pont du Gard 898 Gorges du Gardon 929 Circuit to the Cascades du Sautadet 9510 Gorges de l'Ardeche 9811 Barbentane and St-Michel-de-Frigolet 10112 St-Remy and Les Baux-de-Provence 10413 Le Destet and Aureille 10914 Tour des Opies 11115 Digue a la Mer 11316 Montcalmes, and a view over St-Guilhem-le-Desert 11517 On the shoulders of Pic St-Loup 11818 Source of the Vis 12119 Montpellier-le-Vieux 12420 Sentier de la Vallee du Tarn 12621 Roc des Hourtous 12822 Chateau de Malavieille and La Lieude 13123 Cirque de Moureze and Montagne de Liausson 13424 Gorges d'Heric 13625 Circuit above Olargues 14026 Circuit above St-Pons 14327 Gorges de l'Arnette and Hautpoul 14628 Canal du Midi - Carcassonne to Trebes 15029 Minerve 15330 Circuit above Lagrasse 15631 Circuit above Termes 15932 Peyrepertuse and the Fontaine de la Jacquette 16233 Circuit below Peyrepertuse 16434 Circuit to Queribus 16635 Circuit above Tuchan 16936 The 'Roman' bridge at Bugarach 171Glossary 173Restaurants 175Index 182Touring maps inside back cover