Trans Verdon Run
Trans Verdon Run
Trans Verdon Run
Trans Verdon Run
Trans Verdon Run
Trans Verdon Run

Trans Verdon Run


Trail running holiday in France

A fabulous week for runners exploring the stunning landscape known as the 'Grand Canyon of Europe', an immense gorge carved over the millennium by the Verdon River and the second largest canyon in the world. On this trail running holiday we journey from the foothills of Haute Provence, in France, through the Verdon National Park taking in scenery that is truly stunning. If you love sunshine, and lavender fields, then this is the trip for you.

Highlights

  • Enjoy the beautiful landscape of Haute Provence
  • Experience running the largest canyon in Europe
  • Enjoy the acclaimed wine and food of the region
  • Traverse the famous GR4, Napoleon's route
  • Daily transfer of your luggage included 
  • Great running on gorgeous trails 16-23km (10-14 miles) per day 
  • Expert guiding by an International Mountain Leader
  • Stay in a mix of characterful family run accommodation
  • Three hotels with outside pools

This guided trail run is designed for those of you who run on a regular basis and who have off-road experience. Each day your luggage will be transported to the next hotel, and you only need to run with a light pack. The run is a mixture of good trails, wide tracks and some rocky sections in the Gorge itself.

The 25km (15.6 miles) of the Verdon Gorge, the largest canyon in Europe, slices through the limestone plateau midway between Avignon and Nice. Carved by the turquoise water of the Verdon River, the gorge is between 250m to 700m (820ft to 2296ft) deep. The bottom is 8m (26ft) to 90m (295ft) wide, while the rims are 200m (656ft) to 1500m (4920ft) apart. The National Regional Park of Verdon was created in 1997 to protect an environment that has evolved over two million years, and also prides itself in being labelled by UNESCO as the largest geological reserve in Europe. 


The Tracks and Trails Trans Verdon trip was extremely enjoyable. It was well organised, through beautiful and spectacular countryside, and with a considerate and informative guide - Seb. My favourite moment of the trip was eating crepes and drinking cider, following a great days running.

- Scott, UK, 2019

This trip had everything I needed for a perfect holiday. Our guide, Seb, is very knowledgeable and told us intriguing tales about the trails. The accommodations and food were fantastic, that includes our lunch stops along the route. The trails were along magnificent scenes I almost had a hard time processing them in 3D!

- Rima, Saudi Arabia, 2019

My first time running in this kind of terrain. It was a great experience. The views were stunning, and Seb, the guilde, was fantastic. Plus I actually managed to lose a few pounds in weight whilst on holiday. I also thought the hotels on the last two days were particularly nice as well.

- Will, UK, 2019

Seb our guide was fantastic! Ensured everyone's needs were being met (fast running, slow running…sharing of history along the way, pointing out noteworthy things, fun to be with, great pre-run briefings!) The most memorable moment was running to Pointe Sublime, with the most awesome crepe stop, but the Verdon Canyon was the highlight for sure!

- Joany, Canada, 2017

Itinerary

  • This evening your guide will meet you, at approximately 1800 hrs, in the small village of Saint-André-les-Alpes. Saint André sits at the head of the turquoise Lac de Castillon. This quiet, Provençal village was built on the site of a 12th century medieval castle built by the Templar Knights and can be easily linked by road with other Provencal regions on what's known as the Route La Lavande.

  • From our hotel in Saint-André-les-Alpes we take the famous long distance hiking route the GR4 which follows the ancient route used by the Romans to reach Lyon. We ascend steadily through mixed woodland to reach high meadows and a ridge on the western side of the lake which offers excellent views of the Lac de Castillon, the neighbouring valley and back towards the peaks of Haute Provence. The trail meanders over a high a limestone plateau where in springtime the primroses are usually found in abundance. On the way we pass the pine trees where the locals can be found collecting the sap to make 'pine sweets'. After passing old farm buildings used by the French Resistance fighters in World War 2, we then descend and join the famous Voie Imperiale, a trail used by Napoleon returning from Elba, in March 1815. Our destination today is the village of Castellane a beautiful example of the architecture of the area. If time allows a run up to the 'Notre Dame de Roc' is well worth it as from here we gain commanding views of Castellane and the Verdon River. Throughout the day we are running on good trails, and footpaths.

    Ascent: 790m (2591ft) Descent: 850m 2788ft) Distance: 20km (12.5 miles) Duration: 6h00

  • We leave Castellane and continue along the GR4 trail which meets the Verdon River and a Roman Bridge. We then climb gradually on easy wide trails to gain our first views of the Verdon valley. With the river running beneath us towering cliffs, jagged rocky spires line our path. We pass sleepy hamlets and houses typical of the region, with red tiles and terracotta walls. We plan to stop for a snack at the lovely old school, now a gite, at Chasteuil which is run by Pascal. The family hand make lovely cosmetics and lotions made from natural ingredients and there is always the temptation to buy a few samples! We then make a second steady climb, again on good tralis, to reach a high wide open plateau where we are rewarded by our first views of the Verdon Gorges itself. As our trail descends further we arrive at the delightful medieval village and castle of Rougon. Perched on a rocky outcrop Rougon has a small chapel at it's centre, connected by narrow cobbled streets and is home to various artists and the best creperie we know (and that is saying a lot!). From here we can enjoy views of the 'Grand Canyon' of the Verdon and if we are lucky the magnificent griffon and black vultures. The association of "Vultures in Haute Provence" reintroduced these stunning birds in the 1990's and watching them in flight with their 2.5m (8ft) wing span is an absolute highlight of this trip. When we are ready to leave a further 20 minutes of running brings us down to the head of the gorge to the perfectly situated Auberge du Point Sublime, our hotel for the night.

    Ascent: 780m (2558ft) Descent: 750m (2460ft) Distance: 20km (12.5 miles) Duration: 5h00

  • Today we enter the famous 'French Grand Canyon'. From our auberge, we have a short jog to the trail which leads us down to the Couloir Samson and the Verdon river 300m (984ft) below. Here, the trail is more challenging under foot as we descend toward the river along the steep walls of the gorge joining what is known as the 'Martel Trail'. What follows is a stunning world of limestone, towering cliffs and jade green waters. This trail was laid out in 1928 by the Touring Club of France and takes the name of the French speleologist, Édouard-Alfred Martel (1859-1938), who undertook the first complete descent into the canyon in August 1905. After a day of exploring we have a steep climb out of the Gorge, but the good news is that we exit the gorge at a bar, which seems to go down rather well! After a rest and chance to view the stunning panorama, we take a short transfer along a historic road opened by the Touring Club of France in 1928, to the lovely Provencal village of La Palud. Or if you are feeling the urge to run further we can complete an extra 8km from the top of the gorge all the way to our accommodation. This is on easy trails and is very pleasant running.

    Ascent: 700 m (2296ft) Descent: 700m (2296ft) Distance: 16km (10 miles) Duration: 5h00

    If running to La Palud: Ascent: 850m (2788ft) Descent: 800m (2624ft) Distance: 20km (12.5 miles)

  • The trail today leads up and through a large pine forest to the Col de Plein Voir which has the name suggests is an exceptional viewpoint above the turquoise lake of Saint Croix. It is very pleasant running today as we make our way on a single track trail through larch and pine forests along the Crete de l'Ourbes, a limestone craggy top, to reach 1213m (3978ft). The trail offers views to both sides, and is one of our favourite days. A final, steeper rocky descent brings us to the picturesque village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, where we spend the night. Moustiers, steeped in the history of the Knights Templar, is a gem of a village. It is totally Provençal in its nature with many lovely art workshops and galleries to visit. Definitely plenty of retail therapy today, if you want it!

    Ascent: 750m (2460ft) Descent: 900m 2656ft) Distance: 18.5km (11.5 miles) Duration: 5h30

  • Still on the long distance walking route of the GR4 route, we leave Moustiers behind as we head down the valley and across low lying meadows which are often dotted with red poppies. We then begin to climb through the pines to a higher plateau which provides excellent farming land. Be prepared for the scent of aromatic plants such as lavender and field after field of crops. At one point there are well manicured lavender fields stretching in every direction with a backdrop of the higher Alps. Our trail continues past a truffle farm, then through orchards of apples and oak trees. A coffee stop at the old village of Roumoules sets us up for the last climb of the day to regain the higher ground, before descending to the ancient Roman riverside town of Riez - also known as the 'Lavender Capital' - another souvenir destination. The town is full of character and there are many shops, a pharmacy, cafes, and bars. 

    Ascent: 340m (1115ft) Descent: 358m (1174ft) Distance: 17.5km (10.9 miles) Duration: 4h30

  • Our last and longest day completes our traverse of the Verdon Nature Park, and has a touch of Provence around every corner. The route begins along a quiet lane, then follows ancient mule tracks and paths. These link rolling fields of wheat, lavender, poppies and coriander to reach the village of Saint-Martin-les-Bromes and its thirteenth-century tower built by the powerful Knights Templar. There is a quaint cafe here where we often enjoy putting our feet in the cool waters of the fountain while sipping a cold drink. Back on trail the final section of our GR4 walking route leads us partly through forest, then to fine views of our final destination, Gréoux-les-Bains, stretching out below us. Gréoux is a hilltop Roman town and popular hot mineral spa destination complete with characterful narrow streets and a "Templar" chateau overlooking the town. We aim to arrive with time to explore or simply relax before enjoying our final meal and overnight.

    Ascent: 451m (1479ft) Descent: 618m (2027ft) Distance 23km (14 miles) Duration: 5h30

  • Today is departure day and your package finishes after breakfast. Please consult 'Arrival & Departure' in our Trip Information section for travel information. 

It is always our aim to complete the proposed itinerary outlined above, however, it may be necessary for our guides/instructors to adjust the daily itinerary based on the weather conditions, group safety and enjoyment. 

Accommodation

We always aim to accommodate our guests in well-situated, clean, characterful, family run accommodation. All of our trips are based on two people sharing a bedroom, what we call a 'twin' means two single beds in one bedroom. If you are booking as a single traveller you will share with someone of the same gender. In many cases a single room is available for a supplementary fee, but these can be in short supply and require early booking. Note that it is very rare to have air conditioning in European mountain areas, and most bedrooms do not have this facility. If you have any questions about the accommodation please contact us.

Hotel Lac et Foret, St André les Alpes

Hotel

This stately old building sits on the edge of town and looks out down the valley. The name Lac et Foret, 'Lake and Forest' says it all really in terms of the views. The hotel has twenty comfortable rooms with en suite facilities  and we always receive a warm welcome here. 

Le Nouvel Hôtel du Commerce, Castellane

Hotel

The 3* Nouvel Hôtel du Commerce is a 14 century coaching inn located in the heart of historic centre of Castellane, the gateway to the Verdon Gorge. Having retained many of it's traditional features it offers 31 quiet rooms, many of which have balconies with mountain views, all are equipped with a safe, TV, free internet, ensuite bathrooms, courtesy tray and all guests have access to the outside swimming pool. We eat out tonight a typical Provencal restaurant.

Auberge du Pointe Sublime

Auberge

We love staying at Pointe Sublime, as the name suggests the Auberge is located at a magnificent viewpoint over the Verdon Gorge. For three generations the same family has welcomed travellers and hikers. They described the Auberge as a typical Provencal family hotel, with comfortable en suite bedrooms, and a shady terrace to enjoy a drink. If we are unable to stay at the auberge our alternative accommodation will be at the creperie 'gite' in Rougon village called Le Mur d'Abeilles where the evening can be spent watching the majestic vultures swooping overhead.

The restaurant has the accolade Pays Gourmand and also the label "Maître Restaurateur". This means excellent home made food based on local produce chosen from local producers known to the family. They love to say they offer authentic cuisine with the scents of Provence.

Hotel Le Provence, La Palud

Hotel

This characterful family run hotel is in the village of La Palud, and heart of the Verdon region. The hotel was completely refurbished including the bedrooms, Le Styx restaurant, and the hotel's common areas to obtain 3 stars in 2020. The bedrooms have en suite facilities and many have balconies. There is a terrace by the hotel where you can enjoy a drink in the sun, or the shade! The hotel is located close to the small range of artisan gift shops, grocery store and bars.

La Bonne Auberge, Moustiers St Marie

Hotel

La Bonne Auberge is ideally situated at the entrance to one of France's most beautiful villages, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. It has comfortable rooms with ensuite facilities, a shaded terrace where you can enjoy the local offerings from the restaurant, and a great outdoor pool. The hotel is ideally place for exploring the centre of the village as it is only a few minute walk to all the shops, cafes, and bars. 

Hotel des Deux Lions, Riez

Hotel

Our 3*** hotel in Reiz is quite different to the others on the trip. It is a modern hotel set on a leafy, hillside property offering contemporary bedrooms with balconies, and sitting areas. Relax on the very lovely garden terrace, or the  lounge area in the lobby. The decor features extensive marble, and stone and it feels lovely and cool after the heat of the day. 

Hotel des Alpes, Greoux les Bains

Hotel

A former coach house, this lovely hotel is close to the Gréoux-les-Bains thermal spas and offers very comfortable bedrooms, a heated outdoor pool, and has an excellent restaurant with a terrace. The hotel has a rose garden, and outdoor seating so that you can enjoy relaxing at the end of your hike. The hotel also has a spa and can arrange massages to ease any tired muscles! Dinner is really excellent with food prepared from local produce. 


  • Arrival

    Train You can enjoy a train ride from Nice which will take you through the Provencal countryside to the start of your trip at St André Les Alpes. The journey time is approximately 3 hours. Times and tickets can be seen here.

    Flights For your arrival the nearest airport is Nice. Many guests prefer to arrive a day early and explore the ancient seaside boulevards of Nice and the old town. 

    Bus Click here for general information on travelling by public transport in Europe. 

    Departure

    Flights Marseille is the closest airport for your departure, but there are also options to return to Nice. We recommend using the online public transport scanner to search for your method of transport www.rome2rio.com To get to Marseille Airport by bus you will go via Manosque and it takes 1h40. Follow this link for bus times to Marseille Airport.

    Bus Flix Bus runs a service from Aix en Provence to Nice and Nice Airport taking 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on the timings. Tickets can be bought in advance for the intercity buses but not the regional buses. We recommend buying regional bus tickets on the bus itself to avoid queues. The bus stop in Greoux-les-Bains is about 100m from the hotel. If going to Aix-en-Provence all buses go to/from the main bus station.

    Other onwards travel details from Greoux-les-Bains can be found here on the local website. Please contact us if more detailed travel information is required or help is required with translation.

    We can provide contact details for a private taxi transfer which you may like to share with other members of the trip. 

  • When booking a trip we ask you to acquire insurance to cover you for the following:

    Mountain Rescue Insurance

    It is a condition of booking that you are insured against medical expenses, injury, illness, death, mountain rescue, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. Please ensure that your insurance covers you to the maximum altitude given on your trip itinerary. The maximum altitude for any trip can be checked on the 'At A Glance' box on each trip page. Most of our trips have a maximum altitude of 3,000 metres. If you are unsure or are joining a bespoke trip, then please ask us for specific details.

    Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance

    You should also have insurance to cover trip cancellation and curtailment. Please note that your deposit and balance payments are non-refundable, unless it is Tracks and Trails who cancel the trip due to a failure to reach the required minimum numbers. In this case we will offer you a refund or the option of transferring to another trip if one is available. We also advise that you should have insurance which covers baggage loss/equipment damage as Tracks and Trails will not be held responsible for loss/damage to baggage/equipment.

    COVID-19 Insurance

    As well as medical cover, we recommend that you have appropriate travel insurance so that if you fall ill and test positive for COVID-19 prior to (or during) your trip, you will be financially covered for cancelling your trip. You should also consider booking a policy that covers you if you have to cancel or curtail your holiday because you have to self-isolate. If you choose to cancel, cancellation charges will be payable, but if the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges. Please read the clauses below detailing trip cancellation and curtailment.

    Travel Insurance covering COVID-19 is now available from a number of suppliers, Campbell Irvine, Trailfinders and Staysure. Please check their websites for the latest information on what is and isn't covered. It is likely that more companies will offer COVID related cover in the future.

    All of the above insurances are detailed in our Terms and Conditions

    If you are joining a trip in the UK helicopter/mountain rescue insurance is not required as this is a free service.

    For further details, please read the Insurance section on our website.

  • In mountainous terrain the weather can vary considerably and you should always be prepared for any eventuality. 

    Temperatures in Haute Provence, France, range from daily highs of 17°-21°C (63°-71°F) in April, and May, to daily lows of 5-9°C (41°-48°F) . In September and August the daily temperature ranges from an average 24-29°C (76°-84°F), down to 11-15°C (53°-59°F). 

    It is often sunny with good clear days and can be very warm where hydration will become important, but it can rain and the temperatures can drop dramatically. It is not unusual for thunder storms to occur at the end of the afternoon and waterproof clothing should be carried at all times. 

    In mountainous terrain the weather can vary considerably and you should always be prepared for any eventuality. 

    Temperatures in Haute Provence, France, range from daily highs of 17°-21°C (63°-71°F) in April, and May, to daily lows of 5-9°C (41°-48°F) . In September and August the daily temperature ranges from an average 24-29°C (76°-84°F), down to 11-15°C (53°-59°F). 

    It is often sunny with good clear days and can be very warm where hydration will become important, but it can rain and the temperatures can drop dramatically. It is not unusual for thunder storms to occur at the end of the afternoon and waterproof clothing should be carried at all times. 

  • When packing for a trip in the mountains it is important to have appropriate equipment and clothing. This kit list features items we believe are necessary for the weather you might encounter and accommodation you will be staying in. If you have any questions with regards to what to bring, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

    Equipment 

    • Trail Running shoes - for a variety of trails
    • Running poles - highly recommended for long climbs/mixed terrain 
    • Running pack/vest maximum 20 litres, ideally with a chest and waist strap. Test your pack for comfort once full
    • Rucksack liner/cover - to keep contents dry
    • Water container 1-1.5 litres, or 2 x 'soft' flasks
    • Survival blanket 1.40m x 2m minimum

    Clothing 

    You must be able to cover yourself with 3 full layers on your upper body and 2 full layers on your legs

    • Waterproof jacket with hood - waterproof and breathable membrane designed for mountain use
    • Waterproof over trousers 
    • Mid-length tights and longs socks or long running tights to cover the legs completely
    • Thermal top – long sleeves 
    • Thin fleece/lightweight down jacket
    • Running shorts/skort
    • Breathable t-shirt/vest 
    • Warm hat
    • Ear/headband
    • Baseball cap/sun hat 
    • Gloves x 2 - 1 thick and 1 thin pair
    • Running socks 
    • Recovery socks/compression socks - optional
    • Scarf/buff for neck
    • Fleece/ wind stopper waistcoat - optional

    Comfort

    • Lip salve
    • Sunscreen
    • Sunglasses – essential
    • Toilet/tissue paper - we recommend biodegradable bags to dispose of rubbish
    • Snacks for running - bars/gels /energy drinks/trail mix/recovery drinks etc

    Personal First Aid 

    • Personal medication – if required 
    • Blister Plasters 
    • Normal Bandaids
    • Blister tape - eg Strappal
    • Pain relief/anti-inflammatories
    • Glucose tablets 
    • 2 x Re-hydration sachets
    • A few throat lozenges
    • Anti-chaffing cream/Vaseline
    • Antiseptic cream/spray 
    • Bandage/Knee support if required

    Documentation

    • Cash – Euros
    • Credit card 
    • Passport 
    • Waterproof bag for documents 
    • Mountain Rescue Insurance - compulsory

    Additional Items

    • Camera 
    • Phone that will function in the countries you are visiting
    • Clothing for use in hotels 
    • Swimwear for pool/hot tubs if available 
    • Ear plugs – recommended if sharing a room
    • Head torch - also useful when sharing a room
    • Maps can be bought locally - not essential
    • Heart rate monitor – if owned
    • GPS watch/phone - to track your route, optional
    • Toiletries - soap/shower gel as not all accommodations supply this
    • Padlock - for luggage being transferred
    • 1 Medium sized - kitbag/holdall/suitcase

    Your luggage will be moved each day by a taxi driver. Please restrict yourself to one bag of approximately 15kg (33lbs) per person. Not all hotels have 'lifts' and you must be able to carry your luggage upstairs. There may be a charge imposed by the taxi company if you have more than 1 bag, and we would ask you to cover this. 

    **Supplementary snacks if you follow a gluten free or coeliac diet**

    Leaders are all first aid trained and will carry their own first aid kit

  • On many of our trips there will be an element of 'group kit' which will be shared amongst our guests. As mountain people you will be used to team work and working together to the mutual benefit and safety of the group.

    The 'group kit' will be minimal and usually just a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example on a week-long trip you may carry a small shelter for just one day before passing it on to the next person. 

    If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items. These will be distributed in such a way that no one is over burdened. 

    Other group items necessary for safety and comfort will be carried by your guide/instructor.

  • For each of our trips a minimum number of guests is required before we can confirm that your trip will go-ahead. The minimum and maximum number of guests on your trip is displayed in the 'At a Glance' box on the righthand side of the trip page. 

    We strongly advise you do not book travel until we have confirmed your trip is 'guaranteed' to run. If you book travel before we have confirmed it is 'guaranteed' we cannot be held responsible for any financial loss if the trip does not go ahead.

  • When booking a holiday as a solo traveller a twin bedded room comprising of two single beds, is booked as standard. This will be with someone of the same gender unless you request to pay extra for your own room. Single rooms are often limited in supply so if you would like to pay a supplement for a single room we urge you to get in touch as soon as possible. This trip has a single supplement of £460.

  • We go to great lengths to work with first class guides who are passionate about their work. They are all fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation.

    Please note your guide has complete discretion to make a daily decision on whether or not to take the advertised route based on the weather and the ability of the members of the group. They have our authority to make any route changes they believe are necessary in the interests of safety and enjoyment. 

    Your trail running guide will be a fully qualified and experienced International Mountain Leader. International Mountain Leaders are not only qualified to ensure the safe management of the group, but are also a source of knowledge about the local flora and fauna, and traditions of the area which you are visiting. For our trail running trips we employ International  Mountain Leaders who have a particular passion for trail running. Many of our trail running guides have competed in mountain marathons, and ultra marathons in the European Alps and further afield. 

    You can learn more about our guides and instructors on the About Us page. 

  • On this point-to-point trip you will have luggage support which means your bags are transferred each day to the next accommodation and you only need to carry a small/medium sized 'rucksack' for items you might need during the course of the day. Please refer to the kit list for this trip for guidance on the size of rucksack required.

    As your luggage will be moved along the route by taxi we ask that you keep the weight to a maximum of 15kgs (33lbs), and ONE bag per person. Many of the taxi companies who move your bags impose a 15kg (33lbs) limit and restrict the number of bags simply because they have to unload and reload the vehicle many times each day. If you take more than one bag you may be asked to pay a supplement. Also with regard to weight be aware that you may have to carry your luggage to your bedroom, which may involve climbing several flights of stairs as not all hotels have elevators. Luggage on wheels is a good idea.

  • We do not include lunches in your trip fee for various reasons, the most important of which is food waste. In general our guests have particular tastes and requirements for 'trail' or 'hill' food and it is better you purchase your own snacks rather than throw away items from the picnic lunch which we would supply.

    Lunches on our trips are 'picnic' style lunches, in other words you take a packed lunch with sufficient snacks, food and fluid to sustain you throughout the day. Buying snacks and trying local specialities is a great way to inter-act with local people and to practise your language skills.

    If there is the possibility of lunch being taken at a restaurant/farm/cafe beside the trail, your guide/instructor will advise you of this. Each evening you can order a picnic or a sandwich from the hotel, or your guide/instructor will advise you of other options such as a local shop or market. In all cases we would ask you to settle any 'bill' for lunch or drinks the evening before you depart, and not in the morning when there may be a queue.

  • On your itinerary you will find an indication of the amount of ascent and descent you can expect each day. This offers a guideline to how much effort might be expended each day and allows you to decide, based on previous experience, if your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip. 

    We make every attempt to ensure these statistics are as accurate as possible, but ask you to note that the most modern of technology used to record these details can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance. In other words no two people using GPS devices on the same route will have exactly the same details recorded at the end of the day. 

    The statistics given should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required. 

  • Your leader will carry the correct maps and you are not expected to navigate, but if you would like to have maps of the itinerary you could consider those listed below:

    IGN 3541 OT: Annot 1:25,000

    IGN 3542 OT: Castellane 1:25,000

    IGN 3442 OT: Verdon 1:25,000

    IGN 3342 ET: Plateau de Valensole

  • It is useful to arrive at your destination with some cash in the local currency, however, on most occasions it is relatively easy to visit a 'cash machine' after arrival and withdraw money on a credit or debit card. Some of our locations are an exception to this in particular Norway, where the accommodation will often have no facilities for withdrawing cash, but they will take a credit card. 

    On many of our trips we will visit remote cafes/farms where it is wonderful to enjoy a drink and a cake, at places such as these they will often only accept payment in the local currency in cash.

  • Food

    We encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes and for this reason many of our accommodation options will be family run with a reputation for traditional food and where the menu reflects the best that the region provides.

    The hotels to there best to accommodate the dietary needs of our guest . If you are vegetarian this is not a problem as the hotel is used to being asked for vegetarian meals. If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy or intolerance which will make you ill then the accommodation will cater for this as best they can but we would ask that you make it clear on your booking form of any food intolerance so that we can discuss your needs with the hotel at the earliest point possible. When using remote mountain huts the staff are usually able to offer breakfast and dinner which meet with the clients needs.  Packed lunches can be more problematic and so we do suggest that, if you do have a specific dietary requirement, you bring a range of suitable snacks to supplement the lunches.  If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet, gluten or lactose intolerance  contact us

    We request that you do not CHANGE your dietary requirements during the trip as we will have pre-ordered your meals.

    Water

    The countries we visit all have tap water which is drinkable. If for any reason a particular hotel or mountain hut is having a problem with a remote mountain water supply they will normally post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water.

    At all times you are welcome to ask your guide/instructor if the water can be drunk. We would ask, for environmental reasons, that you avoid using single-use plastic bottles, and bring a water bottle that can be used repeatedly.

  • A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for the country you are visiting, paying attention to your citizenship. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.  

    We ask that you carry a paper copy of your passport with you on your trip. We suggest keeping your passport in your rucksack, and a paper copy of your passport in any luggage you might have. If your trip is without luggage transfers then keep a paper copy somewhere in your rucksack, separate from your original document. 

  • We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at:

    Plug, Socket & Voltage by Country

    Note that if your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut that electric sockets may be in short supply and for that night you may not be able to charge any items. Although the accommodation will have electricity this will often be supplied by solar panels or a generator and limited to use by the staff. For this reason we advise that carrying a small slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be very useful for recharging phones which many of you will also use as your camera. 

  • Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your  departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor.

    For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring with you a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment in certain European countries, but is not a substitute for medical travel insurance.

    If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a GHIC to replace it. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Please check this before departing. We advise that you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number. 

  • We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We would point out that we operate a ‘zero tolerance’ for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all your rubbish items from the mountain even those you consider to be bio-degradable. In particular we ask that you remove any toilet tissue.

    You can read our full policy here.

  • Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means that the price of our trips can change overnight. We have, however, undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. In this respect we urge you to book early to ensure that you receive the price advertised on our website. The website price may increase due to currency fluctuations, but we guarantee that the price advertised on the date of your booking will be maintained in your individual case. 


What's Included

  • Seven nights half board accommodation; breakfast and dinner, based on two sharing
  • Daily transfer of your luggage to your next accommodation 
  • Services of an International Mountain Leader who's also an experienced trail runner
  • Private taxi transfer from Chalet Maline to La Palud

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Airport transfers
  • Drinks and snacks
  • Picnic lunches 
Return to Search Print Trip Notes

Grade: Intermediate

READ GRADE DESCRIPTION

At a Glance

From Price £1975
Holiday Type Trail Running
Duration 8 Days
Group Size 4-10
Minimum Age 18
Maximum Altitude 1228m (4027ft)
Countries Visited France
Meet In Saint-André-Les-Alpes, France
View all Trail Running Holidays

What to Pack for Trail Running

The Grand Canyon of Europe

Top Tips on Trail Running

Why book with T&T?

  • Highly professional guides
  • Personal service guaranteed 
  • Attention to detail throughout
  • Explore off the beaten track
  • Single rooms on request
  • No surcharge guaranteed
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