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Spring flowers : Gentle walking holiday in the PyreneesA week of gentle walking in spectacular surroundings |
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Outstanding Mountain Views. |
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OVERVIEWSituated on the border of Andorra, this part of the Eastern Pyrenees is one of France's best kept secrets. These relatively undiscovered mountains are home to wealth of flora and fauna and have been described as one of Europe's great wildernesses. On this unique holiday we base ourselves in the small mountain resort of Ax les Thermes, nestling in the Ax Valley at 750m high. Our location gives us excellent access to the high mountains and their stunning views, plus a variety of beautiful valleys with traditional small French villages dotted throughout the countryside. This holiday is lead by James and Cathy Thompson, who have made their home in the region. They are both keen walkers and James is a qualified International Mountain Leader (IML). The areas we are walking through are both beautiful and varied
and have been chosen not only for the pleasant gradients and walking
conditions, but also to allow us to discover more about the seasonal
flora and fauna of the area. In Spring the wild flowers are practically
an assault to the senses with a vibrant mix of colours. We have
a number of species that are rarely seen in the UK, plus the area
is known for its orchids. In autumn the mellow, rusty yellows and
browns cover the hillsides in bands as the season progresses down
the valley.
Using private transport we are able to access areas with differing
geology and varied altitudes, enhancing the wildlife environments
that are available for us to explore. Ax itself has been inhabited since Roman times, due to its thermal springs which still flow freely down the streets. It is now a popular base for summer and winter activity holidays enhancing its charm with lots of interesting shops, restaurants and lively bars. In late 2008 Ax opens the doors to its newest tourist attraction, a large spa centre with jacuzzi, steam room and massage facilities. IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?If you own a pair of walking boot and enjoy beautiful landscape, discovering flora and fauna or relaxing by a high mountain lake, then this trip is for you. We walk at a leisurely pace covering about 7 to 10 km per day. A reasonable level of fitness is required as most days there is over 300m of uphill. If you like summer walking in the lakes, or peaks, then you will enjoy this week. It is important to us that people book the correct trip. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have have any doubts.DATESFri 15 May - Fri 22 May 2009 (Trip code WFA I19)HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?The holiday costs £610, starting at Carcassonne Airport. Flights are not included but can be picked up very cheaply if booked in advance. If you want a guarantee a single room, there is a supplement of £120 (let us know on booking). Allow about £40 for drinks and the meals not included (outlined below). There are no other local payments or hidden costs. Please note that we offer a 5% discount if you book more than 3 months before the departure date. We also offer group and loyalty discounts. More Info >> WHAT DOES THE PRICE INCLUDE?6 days guided walks with a Qualified Mountain Leader. 1 day with a local botanist and wildlife expert. Airport Transfers (specified times only). Private vehicle transfers during the week. 7 nights in a 2 star Hotel. 6 evening meals, 7 breakfasts, 6 picnic lunches.WHERE DO WE STAYWe stay in a small, comfortable 2 star hotel in the town of Ax-les-Thermes. Known for its friendly atmosphere and good cuisine, the Hotel Terminus source the ingredients for their traditional French dishes, locally. The house wine is organic, plus they have an extensive wine list with choices from both near and far. Traditional French breakfasts are also provided and lunches on all walking days will be arranged and provided by James and Cathy. The hotel is a short walk from the Town centre, and is situated on the banks of the River Ariege. Accommodation is normally allocated on a twin share basis with shared facilities. A single room can be guaranteed for a supplement of £100 on booking.FOOD7 continental style breakfasts are included. Comprehensive picnic lunches will be provided on walking days which you will be expected to carry with you. 6 evenings meals are taken at the Hotel, where we will be served delicious local dishes like confit du canard, steak frites and local river trout. Wine and coffee are not included in the cost of the holiday. One evening is designated as a 'free evening' to allow you to explore Ax and go to a restaurant of your choice. Vegetarians are welcome and will be looked after very well.GUIDING AND INSTRUCTION
The tour is lead by James and Cathy Thompson who have made their home in this
region. James is a qualified International Mountain Leader (IML).
During the trip we will be joined by a flora and fauna expert for
a couple of days, giving us the chance to learn more about the environment
we are walking through, particularly the wild flowers, butterflies
and mushrooms. James and Cathy will carry all the equipment necessary
to safeguard the group. GROUPThere is a maximum of 16 people (minimum 4) plus James and Cathy on this holiday. Bookings from single people are welcome as these kind of holidays are a great way to make new friends.TRANSPORTThroughout the trip you are transferred to and from the walk start points in a private minibus. The unique road network around Ax means that we can drive high and gain good views with minimum effort. Transfers will be from 20 to 40 mins each way.CLIMATEThe proximity of Ax to the Mediterranean gives us a warm stable climate. Perfect walking weather! Rain can not be ruled out, but there are plenty of wet weather alternatives.WHAT TO BRINGYou will need basic gear for going out in the hills, walking boots and rain jacket. You will should also bring some warm clothes, gloves and warm hat as we may be heading up to 2600m on one day. You should be able to carry 2L of fluids in your rucksack. A full kit list will be sent on booking.HOW DO I GET THERE?Carcassonne Airport is only 2hrs from Ax by road and is well served by
Ryan Air flights from London Stansted and East Midlands airports.
Minibus transfers at specified times are included in the cost of the
holiday. Please see the
Transport section
for all travel options (air, road, and rail), plus getting to the start
point independently of the group transfer. OUT: Flight FR72 dpt Stansted at 0950, arrive in Carc. at 1245 OUT: Depart East Midlands Airport at 0725, arrive Carcassonne
1025 On the OUTWARD transfer, we will meet the East Midland flight at 1245 and look after your bags, dropping you in Carcassonne to look around and grab some lunch before picking you up after the Stansted flight has arrived at 1405 in order to transfer to Ax. On the RETURN transfer we will drop off for the East Midlands flight for 1050 and for those on the Stansted flight, we will look after your bags and drop you in Carcassonne, picking you up again to take you to the airport in time for your 1310 departure.
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| HOLIDAY ITINERARY | |
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NOTES |
Below is an outline of the kind of activities/trips that you are likely to experience on your holiday. However, there are many options available, and James and Cathy will tailor your program to the weather, and the wishes of the group. Our resident flora/fauna expert will accompany us on one or two days Wet Weather Option: Due to the limestone geology of the area, we have access to a number of local caves. The grotte at Niaux boasts prehistoric drawings dating back 10,000 years. Another option is to visit the longest navigable underground river in Europe, the Grotte de Labouiche, which has boat trips through the caves. |
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DAY 1 |
Arrive in Carcassonne and transfer to the mountain resort of Ax les Thermes (750m), where we book into the Hotel Terminus. |
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DAY 2 |
After breakfast and a briefing, we will head off to the Valley of Orlu, a National Nature Reserve. This is an excellent introductory walk showing the beauty of the scenery of this area. Our walks takes us through beech forests and alongside a fast flowing river with numerous waterfalls. The valley opens out into a wide, spacious plain where both Izzards and Marmots are commonly sighted (total distance approx 6km). |
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DAY 3 |
Today we explore the valley of Ax and head off to the small village of Garanou to start our gentle climb to the village of Lordat, whose castle (now a ruin) was once occupied by the Cathars. Today it is home to a number of birds of prey, and we will have the chance to watch the excellent flight demonstration, including the huge Griffin vulture (wingspan of 2.5metres). We will pass through several traditional French villages and take time to explore the Roman churches. |
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DAY 4 |
We head high today with a drive to the Col of Puymorens (1930m) for some stunning views of the Andorran, French and Spanish mountains. Our walk will be on the high meadows with magnificent panoramic scenery. We may have the opportunity of spotting Mouflons (curly horned sheep) which roam in herds up here. There is the possibility of visiting Andorra for a spot of Duty Free shopping. |
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DAY 5 |
Today we have the option of taking a guided walk from the door of the hotel to explore the beech forests around Ax. Alternatively, if you are interested in the Cathar history you could take the train on a picturesque journey to the medieval town of Foix (at your own expense). The skyline of Foix is dominated by an incredible triple towered a castle which is well worth visiting. |
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DAY 6 |
We are going to stay local today, exploring the hills around the town of Ax les Thermes with our butterfly expert, Graham Hart. We drive up to Chioula (1400m) which has a wonderful viewpoint with the local mountains marked. We walk 150m up to the peaceful Refuge de Chioula, where we stay for a leisurely, freshly cooked lunch in a friendly atmosphere. Following our afternoon stroll, we will head back down to Ax to dip our feet in the local spa bath where natural waters flow at temperatures up to 70 degrees C |
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DAY 7 |
For our last day we take a drive to the magnificent and famous castle of Montsegur, the last stand of the Cathars against Simon de Montfort and his Crusaders in 1244. The castle stands atop a rock 1207 metres high, and to reach the ruins we take a 45 minute walk up and around the hill. In the afternoon we explore the nearby Gorge de la Frau, a dramatic 1000m deep limestone gorge, before retuning to Ax |
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DAY 8 |
After breakfast we transfer to Carcassonne airport, feeling refreshed and full of memories of an excellent week. |
