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Walking Ratings for

France Off The Beaten Path Tours

RATED EXCELLENT WITH 500+ REVIEWS

2019 WINNER!! 3RD CONSECUTIVE YEAR!

RECOMMENDED BY FROMMER’S FRANCE!

Always enjoyable walking on France Off the Beaten Path Tours!

No matter which of our active, small group tours you join, you can expect to know, in advance, the level of difficulty of the walks scheduled during each tour by reading our walking tour ratings information below. We also provide expert-guided cultural options daily for BOTH walkers and non-walkers alike. Choose to walk as much or as little as you wish!!

Please note that due to the nature of the activities and excursions of each of our tour itineraries, France Off the Beaten Path Tours are not suitable for anyone with serious mobility issues. Even if opting out of scheduled walks to participate in our proposed cultural options, guests need to be able to walk a minimum of short distances, i.e. leisure walking in villages and towns, as well as through historic sites and monuments.

 


Every France Off the Beaten Path tour vacation is designed to meet a wide variety of guest fitness levels. Each walk is categorized using the system below.

 

  • EASY:  Relatively flat terrain. Well-kept paths. Fine for even occasional walkers.  Average walk distance: Up to 2 miles.  Average walking time: Up to 1.5-2 hours.
  • EASY TO MODERATE:  Ideal for those who walk for a morning or afternoon on a regular basis. Footing may be a variety of surfaces (gravel, cobblestone). No extended ascents or descents.  Average walk distance: 2–4 miles.  Average walking time: Up to 3 hours with photo-ops.
  • MODERATE:  Suitable for experienced walkers who are comfortable with ascents and descents (but no scrambling!). Uneven terrain possible. Elevation gains of up to 800 feet.  Average daily distance: 4-6 miles.  Average walking time: up to 4 hours
  • Our tours are structured and designed to appeal to BOTH walkers and NON-walkers alike.
  • We offer the best and most flexibility in leaving the distance choice up to each individual guest by offering multiple pick-up points throughout each walk.
  • Any guest who starts a walk, but opts to get picked up during a walk can then choose to participate in a cultural option.
  • We have multiple guides and a dedicated driver on each tour.

 


WALKING TOUR RATINGS For Provence Tours – WALKS ARE RATED AS FOLLOWS:

 

PLEASE NOTE – Our Walks are nature walks through the Provence countryside that include walking through quaint and historical villages, vineyards, forests, olive orchards, lavender, flower fields, a truffle farm, and other such landscapes in nature. These are country walks, enjoying the scenic backroads and natural landscapes to discover Provence. We enjoy the “slow road” taking in the beautiful scenery of the Provence countryside and local villages daily.

Provence Walk #1 …

  • WALKERS – April, May, First Half of June, September, October: Guided walk “Luberon Valley Village to Village” walk in the Luberon is rated EASY to MODERATE (optional: designed for interested guests). Walking on vineyard and country trails through picturesque lansdcapes and French country architecture, lavender and sunflower fields with a variety of beautiful villages in the background. Ideal for those who walk for a morning or afternoon on a regular basis. Walk  length – approximately 2 hrs. depending on stops made for photo-ops.
  • Non-Walkers – EASY : Shuttle to each of our beautiful hilltop villages and gourmet picnic/winery hosted lunch.

During lavender season (2nd Half June thru July, August)…

  • WALKERS – Second Half of June, thru July, August:   Our morning Luberon village to village walk is replaced with our “Lavender Trail“ Walk and is rated EASY to MODERATE (optional: designed for interested guests) – Walkers – Participate in a Spectacular, guided walk amidst some of the most beautiful landscape of Provence; walking through magical fields of lavender. The countryside is absolutely beautiful with incredible color and aromas, and offers the perfect setting for a walking experience. This walk is ideal for those who walk for a morning or afternoon on a regular basis. Walk  length – approximately 1.5-2 hrs. depending on stops made for photo-ops.
  • Guests will visit our friends’ local lavender farm and distillery to learn about lavender production and essential oil distillation.
  • Non-Walkers – EASY: shuttle to lavender fields to experience and photograph the endless fields of lavender and enjoy non-walking cultural experiences with your guide.

Provence Walk #2 …

    • WALKERS: Guided Walk – “CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE – Amidst the Vineyards Walk”- is rated MODERATE due to large Rhone River bedrock at end of trail (optional: designed for interested guests). Sturdy walking shoes recommended. Walking on vineyard and country trails with riverbed rock and large gravel stones, occasional easy ascents and uneven terrain. The trail offers spectacular views of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape vineyards – The walk is rated moderate-Ideal for those who walk on a regular basis. Walk length – approximately 1.5-2 hrs. of walking depending on number of stops made for photo-ops.
    • Non-Walkers – EASY : shuttle to Roman town of Orange to visit the Roman amphitheater and old town with your cultural guide.
  • WALKERS – Van support is provided for walks to offer maximum flexibility to all guests. You decide how much walking you’d like to do, if participating in our walks.
  • NON-WALKERS:  Are shuttled to/from all activities, excursions, meals and visits. NON-Walker rating = EASY.

 


WALKING TOUR RATINGS for Bordeaux Tours – WALKS ARE RATED AS FOLLOWS:

 

  • Walk No.1 – For Walkers:  The Saint Emilion walk is rated EASY. Ideal for those who walk for a morning or afternoon on a regular basis. Walking on vineyard and country trails. Walk length – approximately 1 hour of walking plus cultural & historical guided walk of Saint Emilion village. Winery tours and tastings range in duration from 1-1.5 hours each.
  • Walk No.2 – For Walkers:  The Arcachon Basin walk is rated EASY. Ideal for those who walk for on a regular basis. Walking on coastal path. We will also embark on a cultural & historical walk of the Ville d’Hiver of Arcachon. Walk length – approximately 1.5 hrs. of leisure walking with photo-op stops.
  • Bordeaux wine country is relatively flat with some small rolling hills in the Saint Emilion and at Pilat Dune.
  • WALKERS – Van support is provided for walks to offer maximum flexibility to all guests. You decide how much walking you’d like to do, if participating in our 2 walks.
  • NON-WALKERS  are shuttled to/from all activities, excursions, meals and visits. Non-walker rating = EASY.

 


WALKING TOUR RATINGS for Loire Valley Tours – WALKING IS RATED AS FOLLOWS:

 

  • ALL TOUR GUESTS – There is extensive leisure walking daily on this tour. Guests need to be able to walk from our drop off points to castles, through castles during visits, as well as manage standing for short periods of time during story telling at the castles. Guests need to also be able to manage steps and uneven sidewalk terrain throughout the tour at castles and in villages. There are no elevators or escalators available to our groups at the chateaux (castles). This tour is not suitable for anyone with mobility issues.
  • TOUR RATING – Tour Rating = EASY. Tour involves only daily leisure walking at castles and in villages.

 


WALKING TOUR RATINGS for Champagne Tours – WALKING IS RATED AS FOLLOWS:

 

  • This tour involves a considerable amount of daily leisure walking.
  • This trip is not recommended for travelers with severe or impairing knee or back problems or any mobility issues that would result in limited participation in the tour.
  • Travelers need to be comfortable climbing up and down a significant number of steps to tour the cellars of each producer. Travelers need to be able to stand for extended periods of time at markets, during champagne house tours, as seating is not available.

 


WALKING TOUR RATINGS For Dordogne Tours – WALKS ARE RATED AS FOLLOWS:

 

  • Walk No.1 – For Walkers:  The “chateau (castle) walk” is rated MODERATE. Walking on gravel and country trails. Suitable for experienced walkers who are comfortable with ascents and descents (but no scrambling!). Walk length – approximately 3 hours.
  • Walk No.2 – For Walkers:  The “gorges d’enfer” walk is rated MODERATE. Walking on gravel and country trails. Suitable for experienced walkers who are comfortable with ascents and descents (but no scrambling!). Walk length – approximately 3 hours.
  • WALKERS – Van support is provided for walks to offer maximum flexibility to all guests. You decide how much walking you’d like to do, if participating in our walks.

 


EMAIL US at franceotbp@gmail.com or  by message or WhatsApp at 1.717.683.2827 with your tour questions.

Visit our Facebook page for more France Off the Beaten Path tour travel information and photos…


 

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RATED 5 STARS BY HUNDREDS OF HAPPY TOUR GUESTS

OVER 500 VERIFIED FIVE-STAR REVIEWS ON TRUSTPILOT

A WORD FROM Our Guests:

Exceeded Our Expectations!

“This trip to the Loire Valley exceeded our expectations! Christy planned unique and interesting excursions and activities that highlighted the beauty of the area and provided in-depth background knowledge about the various chateaux we visited. The cooking classes with renowned chefs, held in their restaurants and homes, were never-to-be forgotten experiences, and the visit to the winery was a highlight. The hotel was delightful and charming, and staying in one location for the entire time was a treat. Every meal or cocktail hour was planned to highlight the delicious specialties of the region. Christy is extremely knowledgeable about the various places we visited and imparted that knowledge in an interesting and entertaining manner. She and Remi took great care to ensure that we were always comfortable and well-looked after. We could not have asked for a better trip!” — Ron Rose & Sharon Matsumoto (Have done Provence tour and Loire Valley tour)

This was my third trip in the same number of years

“This was my third trip in the same number of years with Christy and Off the Beaten Path. While on her trips you can tell how much effort there is on the off season to make every single week perfect. From the pick up at the train station to the teary goodbye at the airport, everything is perfectly planned and executed. The hotel in St. Remy is magical, and the tour guides Philippe and David are exceptional. If you are considering a trip with OTBP, go for it and come home with new friends, a love of Provence and a longing to return as soon as you can!” — Beth Bower (Has done Provence tour twice and Loire Valley tour)

The Best Tour Company!

“I have done two tours – Provence and Loire Valley – and I am already looking forward to booking another. The tours are all perfectly curated and Christy is a wealth of knowledge. She is so kind and takes all of your needs and wants into consideration. I cannot recommend Off the Beaten Path enough!” — Madison Carl (Has done Provence and Loire Valley tours)

“We did the Provence tour. 8/2019. I had taken the tour 2017 & this time my husband came with me. It was just as fabulous this time as it was in 2017. Restaurants, picnic, sights, wine, all of it just delightful, but the frosting on the cake is a the knowledge, insight, humor, & attention to detail from David & Philippe. To us, they make a great trip soooo much fun. (also, 3 of our neighbors joined us this tour). Don’t hesitate, take this tour & enjoy!!!!!” — Jim & Carol Dean (Carol has done Provence tour twice)

Returning to Provence with France Off the Beaten Path

“I wanted to return to Provence as soon as it was open. I had toured with Christy in Loire Valley in 2019 and knew I wanted to travel with her again. For the second time, everything was well organized, personal and definitely off the beaten path. Christy and Phillippe have a wealth of knowledge and are eager to share. The hotel was perfectly located in St Remy, the tours to the lavender and sunflower fields are my favorite memory. The lunches and dinners were like visiting friends. The boat tour in Cassis was another highlight. Even though I had visited Provence, this trip with France Off the Beaten Path brought a new appreciation for the area.” — Susan Gage (Has done Loire Valley tour, Provence tour, Champagne tour)

“We had an excellent tour with Christie and her crew in the Loire valley. We did things that only a true insider would have access to-dinner at a Michelin chefs house, helping/learning to cook at a highly rated restaurant in their kitchen. This was in addition to seeing the sights and touring the castles. A truly unique experience that is off the beaten path. We will use her again when going back to France.” — Karen Berner (Has done Loire Valley tour)

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