A wonderful trek across the "Causse", a Unesco World Heritage site. There is a striking contrast between these limestone plateaux with their vast steppe-like expanses, and the lush green gorges of the river La Vis.
The daily stages, each with its own particular interest, aim to help you explore a varied, cared-for heritage. The Cirque* of Navacelles, the mediaeval village of La Couvertoirade, the karstic rock formations of the Causse, the resurgence of the river La Vis, the menhirs...all these unforgettable sites and sounds will make yours a memorable holiday.
The Botanical Trail of Vissec highlights a wealth of flora and fauna, and the incessant flights of vultures overhead remind us that they are back in the Larzac after a long absence!
*corrie
You'll love
the beauty and variety of the walks
the vivid contrast between the arid beauty of the 'causse' (karstic plateaux) and the floral abundance of the Gorges
strolling round the village of La Couvertoirade
your comfortable accommodation in the very heart of the listed site of Navacelles
20,5km stage with total uphill 290m (level 3/5). About 5hours30.
This walk takes you to the heart of the Larzac, whose characteristic limestone plateaux are singularly beautiful. Keep your eyes open and you'll see numerous traces of human occupation: menhirs dating from the New Stone Age, small ponds ("lavognes") of the Gallo-Roman period set in hollows in the limestone, XVIII century farmhouses. Deep in the causse, your arrival in the picturesque hamlet of La Vernède provides an opportunity to take a break before continuing on towards Le Cros.
Evening meal and night in guestrooms in Le Caylar.
D3
Around Le Caylar
17,4km stage with total uphill 250m (level 3/5). Around 4hrs.
Today you carry on over the Causse along the GR (long distance footpath - "Grande Randonnée) known as the Tour du Larzac Méridional. High spot of the day: the village of the Templiers de la Couvertoirade (Knights Templar), where within its venerable walls you'll find yourself transported back to the Middle Ages! Truly impressive...
Evening meal and night at the guesthouse.
D4
From Le Caylar to Navacelles
24km stage with total uphill 260m. (level 4/5). About 6½ hrs.
Short transfer by taxi to St Michel.
A walk with an unusually striking range of scenery. A passage across the arid plateau of Larzac is followed by a marked descent into the vale of the Virenque, then the gorges of the Vis river. Unceasingly the opulence of the vegetation intensifies. Atlas cedars, pistachio and maple trees take the place of brambles and juniper bushes. Ever pleasant paths wind between low stone walls on the Causse, or meander through mediaeval villages such as Vissec, then follow the cool turquoise waters of the river to bring you to the Cirque de Navacelles (an impressive incised meander), the crowning moment of a long and beautiful day.
Evening meal and night in guestrooms on the spot.
D5
Around Navacelles
9km stage with total uphill 350m (level 3/5). About 3hrs.
A day to make the most of the Mediaeval village and the cool waters of the Vis river and its falls. We also suggest you walk up above the site to get a good view and better understanding of its exceptional geological and scenic qualities.
Evening meal and night in guestrooms on the site of Navacelles.
D6
From Navacelles to La Vacquerie
19,4km stage with total uphill 560 m (level 4/5) - About 6hrs
You leave the Cirque by an impressive footpath overlooking the river Vis. The climb back up to the plateau is fairly tough going, but you can take a break in the lovely village of Saint Maurice before reaching La Vacquerie across the plain of La Barre.
Picnics for the whole trip: 70 € per adult or junior
What's not included?
Beverage and extra
Round trip transfer from Home to the first accomodation
Facultative cancellation and repatriation insurance
Characteristics of circuits
Walking holiday from place to place.
Daily stages between 6 and 24 km, around 2hrs to 6hrs30 walking.
Total uphills vary daily from 180 to 560 metres.
Altitudes are between 250 and 800 metres.
Organisation
These walks are much more about relaxed exploration than athletic performance. Your roadbook will guide you from beginning to end. We provide the logistical and technical support necessary.
Accommodation has been selected for its atmosphere, warm welcome and environmental and architectural excellence.
These are half board circuits. Picnic lunches are extra and may be ordered at reservation.
N.B : the accommodation described above is given as an indication and may vary according to availability at the moment your reservation is finalized.
Access
By car
On the highwayA75 take the exit52 then followD25 direction La Vacquerie-et-Saint-Martin-de-Castries.
By air
Marseille airport
By train
Montpellier railway station. Then, tram and bus to Lodève. Next, bus from Lodève to La Vacquerie St-Martin with reservation available from the tourist office. The entrance to the first accommodation is not recommended with public transports. For more informations, call the agency.
Comments
Global note
4.5
Nous avons reçu un livret imprimé très bien fait pour son utilisation terrain.
Toujours de belles découvertes et de jolies surprises sur les itinéraires et les hébergements.
Organisation au top. Gràce à Safran, nous avons découvert une magnifique région sans se soucier de l'intendance. Nous recommandons vivement cette agence.
Beauté et évasion totale et tête aérée pour reprendre le travail.
A wonderful trek across the "Causse", a Unesco World Heritage site. There is a striking contrast between these limestone plateaux with their vast steppe-like expanses, and the lush green gorges of the river La Vis.
The daily stages, each with its own…
A wonderful trek across the "Causses", a Unesco World Heritage site. There is a striking contrast between these limestone plateaux with their meditative steppe-like expanses, and the lush green gorges of the river La Vis.
The daily stages,…
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