dossier

Day 2: Ile de Porquerolies 6mi/10km/5hr
We start with a 20 min ferry ride (fare included) to Ile de Porquerolies, the largest of the Iles d'Or (Golden Islands), and declared a botanical conservatory in 1979. Starting off on the northern tip. we join a good coastal path to an old pirate's hidden cover - good swimming and a great picnic spot - and on to the lighthouse on the south coast. Magnificent views back across the Med. We then traverse the semi-tropical orchards of the central spine of the island (peaches. apricots, almonds, figs) before catching the boat back to the mainland.

Day 3: Massif des Maures 7mi/12km/4hr
Our circular route follows an old charcoal burner’s path through shaded green forests of Aleppo pines, chestnuts and ancient oaks – many of the villagers of the hamlets on the densely wooded slopes of the Massif des Maures still make their living from gathering the sweet chestnuts. After a picnic we head over to the charming village of Collobrières – THE place to sample marrons glacés! Finally we stop off for a spot of tasting of the famous Côtes de Provence wines.

Day 4: Cap Lardler 11km/7mi/5hr 
A superb coastal path, lined with pillar-box red poppies, bright yellow cistus and startling white mimosas, leads us from the sandy beach at Gigaro to Cap Lardier, a noted bird sanctuary. Look out for little eagle owls, falcons, hawks and kestrels circling overhead. Before returning to the hotel, we take a short detour to the typically Provencal village of Ramatuelle. 

Day 5: Grimaud & Millionaire’s Bay
We start the day with a visit to the Provençal market at Grimaud, an attractive village perché which once belonged to Monaco’s Grimaldi family. Then on to neighbouring Port Grimaud where we board a private motor sailing yacht. Champagne on arrival, then off to explore Millionaire’s Bay – and the houses of the famous and infamous! A buffet lunch on board, then ample time for swimming, snorkelling or simply relaxing in the Riviera sun. A leisurely stroll through the maze of Port Grimaud’s hidden alleys and graceful bridges is the perfect end to the day.

Day 6: Fort de Brégançon 10km/6mi/4hr
A gentle coastal path leads us from the Plage du Pellegrin around beautiful sweeping bays and on to the C11 Brégançon Fort - lovely views south to the tiny off shore Etagnol Islands. We then continue to the picturesque hilltop village of Bormes-les-Mimosas. After lunch in our favourite café, we follow a circular route around the village enjoying superb views of the Côte d’Azur coastline.

Day 7: Cap St Tropez 6mi/19km/4.5hr 
Our final day's walk is mostly at sea level along a well-trodden path, carpeted with Mediterranean maquis. Wild mint, rosemary and lavender scent the sea-swept air as we discover tiny coves only accessible by foot. After a leisurely picnic against a backdrop of the snow-capped Alpes Maritimes, we carry on to the honey-pot resort of St Tropez You can wander along the quayside, visit the Citadelie, or savour a kir royale in Place Carnot and watch the world go by.

Day 8: Leave Le Lavendou
We take you to Marseilles airport for your flight home.