In Ariege, the heart of the Couserans
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We are running three guided walking tours and an Easter mini-break in the Pyrenees this year, based in the Couserans, a beautiful region in the foothills of Mount Valier. There are miles of high mountain walks, woodland, lowland pastures, rivers and pretty stone villages. |
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| We are well placed to explore the Couserans as the village is at the mouth of three valleys: Bellelongue, Biros and Bethmale. Spring starts in the lowlands in May, but in the mountains regions it does not come until mid-June.After the snow has melted, the high mountains come alive with wild flowers, edible berries, birds, butterflies, roe deer and wild boar.
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This tour is a chance to explore the Couserans on foot at the beginning of spring. We walk in the three valleys that branch out from Castillon; Biros, Bellelongue, and Bethmale. On one of the days we will meet up with Idris a shepherd and his family to watch him at work with his sheep and then sit down to lunch. We will introduce you to our friends and show you places that many people don't find.Also we will share our indepth knowledge of the area. The picnics and the evening meals will be prepared by us, this is a chance to discover some of Myriams culinary secrets with local Ariege recipies mixed with a Greek and Spanish style. Our foods are all prepared with organic produce. Walking grade two-- Non resident participant welcome, please contact us directly.
Book Easter long week-end March 2008
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Saint Jean Tour
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N.B This tour is running in conjunction with the painting tour. This means that couples can come for the same week but not participate in the same activity. The two activities are split up, meaning that this is not a walking and painting week, but a week where each person chooses their activity at the start of the tour. It will however be possible for art students to join in if they wish, or for students to go off on their own for a couple of hours at the end of the day. There will be plenty of opportunities in the evening to be together, but during the day the two groups will be split up to concentrate on their chosen activity. |
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Special aspects of the tour:
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Walking grade two--  We walk for up to five hours a day (10 miles/14 km), ascending up to 500 metres. The terrain is varied. We walk on well-kept footpaths at a gentle, regular pace. The Cost : Telephone bookings (call + 33 5 61 04 64 47) can be made at any time but the best time to call is between 3pm and 7pm French time. We are one hour ahead of UK time. We are bonded by the French 'habilitation tourisme' scheme (No. HA 009 02 0003) which guarantees the security of the deposit and the advance payments made to book holidays with Jonathan's Tours. Price includes: Bed and breakfast for seven nights; lunches during the five walking days; four evening meals at Le Clos Enchanté and three in local restaurant ; guiding and transport during the week; transfer to and from Toulouse airport (we do one transfer on the arrival and departure days, please check your arrival and departure times with us). Price does not include: Flight ticket; personal insurance; drinks; lunches on the arrival and departure days. The lunches and evening meals should cost between €20 and €35, including wine.
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Transpyreneean Tour
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| This is a 12-day tour based in three centres: Ainsa in Spain for the west; Castillon, in the centre and Axat in Aude valley eastern Pyrenees. |
We will explore the three areas in depth during this trip. We begin in the Sierra de Guarra, an arid area of pine forest, deep canyons and deserted villages. Then on to the Couserans where there is abundant water, lush vegetation and pretty stone villages. To finish we explore the mysterious country of the Cathars; it has a partly mediterranean feel with miles of vineyards and small forests. We will visit Cathar fortresses and learn about the brutal suppression of the Perfects, an unusual heresy. |
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Special aspect of the tour:
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Walking grade two-- You will have to flight in to Pau and flight back from Carcassonne |
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Autrefois
le Couserans Tour :
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This is one of the liveliest parts of the year in the Pyrenees; a time of fairs, festivals, concerts and parades.
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The high point of the week is the two-day 'Autrefois le Couserans' festival in the town of St Girons. The second day begins with a huge parade with antique tractors, men on horseback, dancers and others. We will take the opportunity to walk around the market, meeting local craftsmen and vendors. |
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Special aspect of the tour:
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| Walking grade one -- The walking during this week will be gentle and not cover more than five miles (7km) a day, with no more than 300 metres ascent. We walk on dirt roads and well-kept paths. These walks will take up to three hours a day, probably in the mornings or in the late afternoon. Price includes: Bed and breakfast for seven nights, lunches on the walking days, four evenings meals at Le Clos Enchanté and three in local restaurant ; guiding and transport during the week; transfer to and from Toulouse airport (we do one transfer on the arrival and departure days, please check your arrival and departure times with us). Price does not include: Flight ticket; personal insurance; drinks; lunches on the arrival and departure days. The lunches should cost between €20 and €35.
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High Mountain
Tour Non-walking partners welcome Price: €745 per person
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This is the third year we have run this tour. We have chosen late August to invite you to explore the high Couserans. It is at this time of the year that the high mountains are at their best. The summer heat has gone and in the cooler, sunny days the mountains come back to life.
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Special aspect of the tour:
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Walking grade three -- |
