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9.5 17 beoordelingen
  • 8

    A week walking the limestone hills of pretty Provence

    A centre based holiday at Grieux les Bains exploring the local limestone hills .

    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    Enjoying the local treats that our guide had bought for our lunch. This was halfway through our mid-week walk. We bought our bread and he produced tasty local tapenade, ham, olives and chorizo when we stopped under shady trees. We'd also found some amazing local cherries at the market that morning, a huge delicious bag for 2€ .

    What did you think of your group leader?

    Yves was very good. His English was good and he was extremely patient with the slower group members, always keen to spur them on to complete more than they thought they could. Excellent local knowledge.

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    We arrived around 2.00pm after an early start but your room will not be available until at least 4.00pm. This was a bit disappointing but Yves was very good at rallying us to grab what we needed and go for a walk into town to get our bearings.

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

    The accommodation is a large collection of hostels in a park with central bar and dining area. The chateau is not accessible and only gives the title to what is a holiday park in a large grassy landscape 2km from the town.

  • 10

    Glorious Provence

    Staying in the beautiful town of Greoux - Les -Bains , this was a well chosen base,within easy reach of all the Key landmarks of Provence. A well balanced schedule of manageable and variable hikes made this a very good introduction to this beautiful region. If you get the chance make the trip on the free day to Aix-en-Provence , I would highly recommend it.

    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    Seeing the Gorges du Verdon for the first time, a truly jaw dropping sight and the endless fields of Lavender on the Valensole Plateaux.

    What did you think of your group leader?

    Our group leader Yves was just brilliant. Friendly, enthusiastic, experienced, prepared to go that extra mile for his clients and obviously passionate about the outdoors , this approach made all the difference to my first overseas hiking holiday. Many thanks!

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    It gets very hot hiking in June! Obvious advice I know but slap plenty of high factor sun cream on and reapply regularly... I think hiking poles, especially when descending down some of the inclines would be useful for that bit of extra stability , it's very rocky and loose underfoot.

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

    A well organised and well thought out schedule. Many thanks

  • 10

    Highlights of Provence

    Excellent walking holiday,beautiful scenery and flowers.

    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    Walking in the Verdun Gorge alongside the river

    What did you think of your group leader?

    Yves was first rate.Conscious of safety ,aware of differing abilities and experience in the group.Very knowledgeable about the history,geography,flora and fauna of the area.He gave invaluable advice about all aspects of the holiday and he was fun.

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    Take walking poles.It is hot walking and if there is an opportunity for an early start in hot weather take it.Aix was very busy and hot,local public transport is good so spending a day somewhere quieter would be an option.

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

    Very nice hotel,friendly staff ,spotlessly clean.Good food everywhere.

  • 10

    Hit the spot for group walking pleasure.

    As a solo traveller and walker it always makes a wonderful change to quit the usual track of UK holidaying and go abroad to join a group. Walking on ones own is all very well but I do get that extra motivation by being in a crowd with a good leader. There is opportunity to socialise or be on ones own; however the walks were so good on this holiday that any omission would be detrimental to the pleasure of the entire holiday. Going to Greoux les Bains with Exodus was particularly pleasurable and worthwhile - for walking, culture and company. This is the first time I've been with Exodus and it will not be the last.

    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    Walking alongside the blue water of the Verdon Gorge. High cliffs, matching blue sky, flora and fauna, plus lunch at a high perch next to an old chapel made this a perfect experience.

    What did you think of your group leader?

    Yves was excellent, charmingly Gallic. He took great care of the group and was concerned for safety and cohesion. I do believe all in the group really felt he was a very good leader. On encountering a flooded tunnel in the Verdon Gorge he checked out the obstacle and encouraged the group to get through to the other side - there were no problems and it added to the interest of the walk. I would give this man 10 out of 10 - especially for his detailed knowledge of the walks and their features.

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    My recommendation is: do not hesitate to book - the walks were moderate in difficulty as advertised. Staff in the hotel were polite, helpful and looked after guests in a professional manner. If you want to feel the safety of being with a professional guide then this is the holiday for you. Do you enjoy French food? Then you'll be in your element! Breakfasts were very good and eating out in different restaurants and cafes was a pleasure.

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

  • 10

    Hiking in Provence in June

    It's been an unforgettable journey! The hotel was located in a pretty little town Greoux-les-Bains. Some walks started right in Greoux, for other walks we traveled with our guide in a van. The walks ranged from easy to medium in terms of complexity. All routes were very scenic: lavender fields, meadows with poppies, limestone cliffs and wooded hills. The hotel centrally located, with comfortable rooms and a swimming pool, excellent buffet for breakfast. There was a small electric kettle in the room with complimentary tea and coffee bags. There were lots of restaurants, cafés and pastry shops within a few minutes' walk. A couple of grocery stores selling fresh fruits and veggies.

    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    Walking together and admiring the beautiful hills and meadows of Provence

    What did you think of your group leader?

    Yves impressed me as a very experienced and knowledgeable guide, with an excellent command of the English language and sense of humor. He knew the routes in detail and adjusted the walks to the weather conditions. Yves did everything to make the journey as pleasant as possible

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    I recommend going in June to see the lavender fields. Take light long pants for hiking and long sleeve shirt to protect against the burning sun. Opt for going to Aix-en-Provence on the free day. It's a charming picturesque town, with a maze of narrow streets.

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

  • 10

    Great walking, views and place to stay

    This trip excelled our expectations in several ways. The scenery in the walks was magnificent with a good variety - villages, pastoral, wooded, rocky, ravines. The accommodation was very good with lots of facilities on site and a lovely town in short walking distance. The food also excelled expectations - lots of choice at breakfast and choices for the evening meal too. Beautiful quiet location, well-kept grounds - very quiet at night, ideal for sleeping well.

    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    Beautiful village of Moustiers-Ste-Marie. Massive array of colourful stalls at the Forcalquier market. Breath-taking views of Verdon Gorge and ravine above Moustiers. Lots of laughs.

    What did you think of your group leader?

    Yves was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. The welcome pack with useful information and maps of all the walking routes was an excellent addition and something we have not had on previous Exodus trips. Yves was sensitive to the needs of the group. His experience as a mountain guide made him a supportive leader with just the right balance of humour, tact and assertiveness. He adapted the week's programme according to weather conditions and each day's walk according to abilities of the group and finding very welcome shade in a rather hot week.

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    Greoux itself is a lovely little town for a wander so try to find time to fit this in. There are plenty of facilities at the Chateau Laval site including indoor and outdoor pools, zip-lining, boule, volleyball, tennis, horse-riding and evening activities, if you wish, too e.g. films, games. So, if you don't feel up to walking every day there is plenty to do without going far. The vast majority of the other guests at the hotel were elderly so not a place to go for raucous nightlife. Allow plenty of time for bag-drop at Gatwick and Marseille (we hadn't travelled with EasyJet previously so didn't realise how long the queues would be).

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

    We like that the local tour operator has clearly acted on previous feedback e.g. providing a raw vegetable platter with each meal. Very impressed with the varied menu throughout the week, with the flexibility of the hotel to cater for special dietary requirements and with the attentive helpful restaurant/bar staff (staff who spoke English were specifically assigned to our group). Air conditioning in the transport bus would have been nice as it was such a warm week.

  • 10

    Walking in Provence October 2015

    I would highly recommend this holiday to anyone who likes walking with a wide variation of different types of terrain and views. All packed into a week. The hotel Des Alpes was conveniently located at the end of main street, so very convenient to walk into town for shopping, ice creams and we ate out in a different restaurant each evening.

    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    Our guide, Yves was extremely competent and knew the area, the flora and fauna and al lot of local history and customs. Our group would have followed him anywhere.

    What did you think of your group leader?

    Yves was an inspirational group leader. He was great fun to be with and hos knowledge appeared limitless. If you are thinking of taking ths tour in 2016 then check that Yves is your group leader and you will not be disappointed.

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    Exodus provided excellent advice of what to pack. Just follow that advice. A good pair of walking shoes are essential for comfort on the rocky trails and walking pole(s) were a great help on the steep downward slopes.

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

    Off course the added incredient to any group holiday is the group itself. We/I was fortunate that we all gelled on the first day. As a result all eight of us ate together in the evenings. We were a good mix of sexes. age and nationalities.

  • 10

    Highlites of Provence Hiking tour--Southern France

    I've traveled extensively, mostly NOT by way of a booked tour. However, this was undoubtedly a fabulous experience and would do it again. Meeting people from across the globe and bonding with them as if we were mates for years. All within a weeks time! Another positive about a booked tour, if you know your exact destination, and/or type of activities you prefer then the rest is done for you! The trip details were pretty true to the write up, including our lovely hotel...great location, clean hotel, delicious breakfasts &amp; friendly staff.

    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    Just hiking and walking as if not a care or worry in the world and the only thought...wondering what magnificent sight was next....a divine lavender field or quaint village! Not to mention the delicious wines &amp; cheeses...very inspirational!

    What did you think of your group leader?

    Not only did John Bernard and I share the same day and hour of birth, he was delightful, had a great disposition and immensely enjoys what he does. Also very informative during the hike.

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    This was my first Exodus trip, however a few people in my group had been w Exodus time and time again....I can see why after one booking!

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

    The only thing I'd like to mention is that on some of the directions a few things have to be updated. We joined the group as we did not fly from the UK. Items such as bus fare were slightly off and walking distance from bus stop to hotel for example was listed as a 10 min. walk, however it was pleasantly only 1 min walk. Also, a mention of the local Thermes De Greoux-Les-Bains as a possible option after the last day of walking. It was a wonderful experience and a superb way to end the trip in a spa after all that hiking. Perhaps during the summer months, the hikes should start a half to full hour earlier in the morning.

  • 10

    Highlights of Provence

    This trip proved to be my best holiday ever !! The Exodus team are very efficient from the moment you make contact and inquiries and all the way through the trip. The Hotel Des Alpes in Greoux was a perfect place to stay; very clean, comfortable rooms, excellent ,delicious,gourmet dinners, pool to cool off after hiking. Greoux is a charming small town easy to explore on foot. It has many quaint shops and enticing restaurants. I recommend on the way back from the last hike to stop at Thermes De Greoux-Les -Bains and indulge in a spa package there. I tried the Spa Liberte for E39 which was divine. Floating in a warm clay bath to ease the muscles and soften the skin was pure bliss after a hot day of hiking.Thoroughly enjoyed all the hiking trails and was thrilled to be there to see the sunflowers and beautiful lavender in bloom. I think it is worthwhile to book your trip at this time to experience this, however if you do not feel comfortable in the hot climate another time of the year i am sure would be also memorable. A beautiful part of France that i will definitely return to.

    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    The Verdon Gorges hike was truly magnificent. Spectacular views and quite easy hiking trail to follow. Hiking in the natural scenery along the canyon,listening to the sounds of nature and chatting to fellow hikers is my idea of a perfect day.

    What did you think of your group leader?

    Jean Bernard is a lovely man, very informative on the flora , fauna , historical and geological areas. He has a passion for his career which shines through. He is a very experienced hiking guide and looked after the group very well.

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    Read the trip notes carefully and plan accordingly. I chose this trip as i love France and i wished to spend my birthday hiking. As mentioned above be aware of the grade of hiking and the temperature at the time of year to make sure it will be suitable for you. I would recommend wearing long pants over shorts as they protect from sun exposure, insect bites and thorn scratches.

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

    Some information on the trip notes needs to be updated. Price of bus ticket from Marseille to Aix is E8.20. There are three bus stops in Greoux, so quite confusing as to which one to depart at. Could mention departing at the hotel as it is less than 1 min from the bus stop, not 10 mins as printed in the notes. The guide could mention an option of visiting the spa on the last hike. You can hire a swimsuit and all you need when you arrive there. Very easy to walk back to the hotel from there. Hikes could start out earlier in the morning if the breakfast buffet could be available at an earlier time.

  • 10

    Walking in Provence

    Super holiday, one of the most enjoyable I have taken.

    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    Early June was a great time to go (green landscapes and some lavender/sunflowers) not too hot for comfortable walking.

    What did you think of your group leader?

    Yuves was a perfect, very experienced tour manager/walking guide - well organised, great knowledge of the routes and local history. He was very conscious of peoples' differing abilities and client safety. As well as the expected walks, Yuves frequently 'went the extra mile' by introducing to some 'extra' beautiful villages. (On one day, when I left my walking pole behind he insisted on walking back some distance to retrieve it for me!) Because of his friendliness, great sense of humor and efficiency he is my nomination for 'Tour Manager of the Year'.

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

    Located in the small village of Greoux les Bains, the 'Hotel des Alpes' was a perfect selection - rooms very clean and the staff were very 'smiley'. Best cold buffet breakfast I have seen with dozens choices. Very convenient for walk starts, either by foot from hotel or about an hour by minibus. More than enough restaurants a short walk away for excellent evening meals.

  • 8

    Walking in Provence - TEA

    Different walks each day with amazing views towards the Alps. Not too strenuous and the ascents/descents are not that difficult if taken slowly.

    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    Visiting the beautiful town of Moustiers and looking down in the Verdon Gorges.

    What did you think of your group leader?

    Pierre had been thrown in at the deep end as the regular tour leader could not make it. Shy at first, he soon got used to us and became an important part of the group. His knowledge of the area could not be faulted and his pace on the walks was always sensible.

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    Take a travelling kettle as there are no coffee/tea making facilities. Don't expect gourmet food and make sure you ask for the cheese course!

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

    It's a shame there was no opportunity for eating out in the evening as all dinners are included, so choice in the evening is limited.

  • 10

    A jewel of a holiday

    I booked on the last scheduled "Highlights of Provence" tour for 2015 at the last minute from Australia (where sadly, Exodus doesn't get much exposure). The tour proved to be an absolute joy, a real jewel of a holiday. The "centre-based" accommodation concept is clever, as you can relax for the duration and not have to pack and unpack every day. Gréoux-les-Bains is a good base - it is a charming village, well maintained and with a good range of eateries and little shops. The Hotel les Alpes in Gréoux-les-Bains was a lovely base - my room was spacious, comfortable and spotlessly clean. The hotel staff were friendly and the breakfast buffet was generous with a variety of choices. The two dinners we ate in the hotel restaurant (included in the tour price) were stylish and delicious.

    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    There were many - so many that I took over 1,000 photos - but it would have to be walking along the spectacular Verdon Gorge near Quinson, with its plunging cliffs, turquoise water and azure sky.

    What did you think of your group leader?

    I have nothing but the highest praise for our tour leader, Yves Novel, whose good humour, encyclopaedic knowledge and confident and assured leadership made the trip a pure joy. Although we were lucky enough to have glorious, sunny weather every day, storms were never far away, and Yves wisely paid close attention to "le météo" and adjusted the programme on a couple of days to ensure we got the best out of our day and weren't ever at risk of storms whilst up in the mountains. At all times he consulted the group and guided and cautioned us about how best to climb in the stony terrain with great patience.

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    The walks weren't hard nor particularly long for fit travellers used to walking tours, but the rocky terrain did pose some challenges to knees, which can be overcome by bringing a walking pole (or two) with you.

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

    It was a privilege and a pleasure to spend 8 days in the company of such like-minded travellers (there were 8 of us on the tour plus tour-leader Yves). Haute Provence is a glorious part of the world, and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour. You've certainly whetted my appetite to go on more Exodus Tours!

  • 10

    Highlights of Provence

    Our first exodus holiday and we would definitely book holidays in the future.The holiday was excellent with good walks,an excellent leader,a very good hotel and food.The hotel location allowed us to walk to other restaurants in the area in the evening which were all goodWe were lucky with good weather and an abundance of wild flowers for the timing of our visit

    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    .

    What did you think of your group leader?

    An excellent leader

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

  • 8

    Walking in Provence

    We had a lovely holiday. The area around Greoux was superb and the village it self likewise. We found the hotel very comfortable and friendly, and wonderfully situated for the walks. We would have enjoyed walks that were a bit more challenging and longer. The walks were too slowed down to last over a day when we were usually have completed these distances in a half day.

    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    The walk above Moustieres St Marie was spectacular. The village was extraordinarily pretty and the scenery was fantastic. We also loved Greoux les Bains as a base to return at the end of a days trip. The green gorge was beautiful.

    What did you think of your group leader?

    Yves was personable and definitely a good talker. Kathy in particular found this exhausting and we did not find him a good listener or willing to engage with the group or find out about our experience and expectations. On occasions we found him patronising; we always welcome advice and guidance but sometimes the level of instruction failed to recognise that we are adults capable of making decisions in our lives. We found the pace of the walks frustrating at times. On the last evening Yves advised us that the intention of the walks was to go at a strolling pace. For most of the group, who were on the whole seasoned walkers this wasn't what we had wanted and too slow (to the extent on occasions that we were tripping over each other's heels. It became clear to us that he saw himself as a walking guide rather than a trip leader. The information he gave about options was very limited; there were many cultural events happening in the village and it was by chance that we found out about these. On such a short trip it is difficult to get to know what is available quickly and we would have wanted a trip leader who could give an indication of the wide variety of possible options.

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    If you like scenery, strolling and stopping frequently to look at flowers then this is the trip for you.

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

    We didn't catch the group flight and subsequently were due to arrive just before the group. Our flight was delayed which meant both our flight and the group's landed at the same time. The joining instructions had indicated we were to meet the group and trip leader at the arrival hall, but failed to indicate that this was at terminal 2. As a result we were quite concerned when there was no one to greet us and it was only after 40 mins (when he was able to see to the others in the group) that the trip leader was able to make his way to meet us in terminal one.

  • 8

    Highlights of Provence

    Liked our hotel with lovely outdoor swimming pool in the good centre of Greoux les Bains. The walks were leisurely as indicated in the tour description but as it was hot this was no bad thing. However, I was disappointed that the walk on the last day appeared to have been shortened as we didnt reach the village of Valensole as stated in the tour description and we rushed back to the hotel for lunch rather than stopping for a picnic, when I really enjoyed the picnics with the local breads and cheeses etc. The walks were varied and I enjoyed the gorge and the walk by Moustiers St Marie best. Yves was knowledgeable on many topics which was great and I was especially interested in the plants. It was nice to have a free day to visit Aix en Provence and time to visit the thermal baths if one chose. Eating out in large groups was often problematic as the service was usually very slow. It would be good to be given a list of local restaurants with a rough idea of cost as some were quite expensive. But it was a good holiday with a nice group.

    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    I enjoyed the variety of the holiday with the mix of walks and a lazy swim in the pool. Although I normally go on more challenging walks, I chose this holiday knowing it was classed as a leisurely holiday.

    What did you think of your group leader?

    As above. Yves looked after us well.

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

  • 10

    Highlights of Provence Sept 2015

    Hotel des Alpes was very welcoming, clean, modern and with excellent facilities. Breakfast buffet was excellent, a huge choice. The two group meals taken at the hotel restaurant were very enjoyable and the staff very friendly (these were a set meal but the staff were able to cater for those who had different requirements). The pool and terrace area were set out very comfortably. The staff were helpful and friendly. The group walks were varied and offered beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and mountains. We were given enough time to explore small villages we passed through on our walks and use local facilities for lunch (market day at Forcalquier).

    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    The trip gave a general feeling of escaping - we hardly saw anyone else on the paths used giving a senses of isolation and relaxation. Picnic spots on the walk were idealic.

    What did you think of your group leader?

    Our guide was wonderful. Isabelle made the area come alive with her enthusiasm and local knowledge. I could not have asked more of her, she was always available, helping in any way she could. Most walking days she brought along local ‘delicacies’ for the group to try.

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    Most evening meals were taken in restaurants in the town at travellers own expense. Restaurants were prebooked for the group. My husband and I chose not to join these group meals but used other restaurants in Greoux which were plentiful, good value and well worth exploring. On the free day we chose to do another local walk. The route was excellently marked. Our guide kindly loaned us her map to use. (The tourist office in town also had walks and additional information which were very useful). The town of Greoux, at the time of our stay, had a Jazz festival and we enjoyed going along to a couple of these free events in the local square.

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

    Local taxi transport was used to transport us to start and collect at the end of the walk to return us to the hotel. All arrived on time and were very professional and friendly. Even taking slight detours to show extra points of interest on our journey. Although the walks were Leisurely/Moderate and well within my reach as I wanted a relaxed walking holiday; some days proved long and very slow due to some very slow walkers who were also inappropriately equipped for walking in the hills. This also meant that we arrived back at the hotel quite late, often with only time to shower before dinner.

  • 10

    Excellent Level 2 Walking Holiday

    I really enjoyed this walking holiday, it was graded a Level 2 and that was right. About 6 hours walking each day, including stops, with 300-500m ascent/descent, taken gently. Some unbelievable beautiful scenery, and also a nice hotel in the middle of a pretty town with lots of restaurants to choose from.

    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    I loved the walk alongside the Gorge, it was stunning.

    What did you think of your group leader?

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

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