Provence d'Azur, France
Sierra Club Outings Trip | International
Highlights
Includes
Overview
The Trip
The heart of coastal Provence…imagine azure inlets; ancient flowered hill towns; a warm, breezy, early fall climate; seafood suffused with olive oil and garlic; lush vineyards; and a friendly local populace. Provence d’Azur, renowned for its beauty and diversity, offers all this and more! This area has been long appreciated by humans, beginning around 3,000 BCE; traces of Greco-Roman villages are still visible
The Trip
The heart of coastal Provence…imagine azure inlets; ancient flowered hill towns; a warm, breezy, early fall climate; seafood suffused with olive oil and garlic; lush vineyards; and a friendly local populace. Provence d’Azur, renowned for its beauty and diversity, offers all this and more! This area has been long appreciated by humans, beginning around 3,000 BCE; traces of Greco-Roman villages are still visible.
Working to preserve the area, the island of Port Cros is Europe's only maritime national park. When we visit, we will walk, picnic, and possibly swim. Meeting with a park ranger will help us better understand French conservation -- a multi-layered approach to earth protection, which includes working with forests, plants, birds, coastal zones, and human impact.
Our local guide and friend, Vincent Blondel, will be working with us on this outing. Vincent and partner Patricia (a published photographer) live in the seaport village of Carquerianne. While guiding us on previous trips to the area, his knowledge, concern for environmental protection, and ready smile have been appreciated; the interesting information he has provided to us has been a memorable part of every trip. Vincent worked at the American Embassy in Marseille; his ability to joke in English was influenced by that experience!
This trip focuses on a part of the French coast unique in reflecting the Mediterranean French, a lively, talkative, friendly population. The presence of sun, fertile fields, and the Mediterranean have influenced both the farms and the people; we are likely to succumb to the unrushed charm of the area. Sidewalk café breaks and conversation are important ingredients of our stay.
This trip last ran in 2011. Want to read how well it was received from a participant’s viewpoint? Go to http://www.colorado.aaa.com/encompass/archives-2012/island-time-in-provence/
Itinerary
Day 1: Everyone will meet at our hotel in Hyères. You can fly into the Toulon/Hyeres airport or arrive at either the Toulon or Hyères train stations; everyone is encouraged to arrive by early afternoon to have time to ride to our accommodations, settle in, and explore the inn and immediate surrounding area. Dinner this day is the first meal provided by the trip.
Day 2: Today we visit the bustling town of Hyères to enjoy the historic central area (a pedestrian-only zone), as well as the large outdoor market and botanical garden.
Day 1: Everyone will meet at our hotel in Hyères. You can fly into the Toulon/Hyeres airport or arrive at either the Toulon or Hyères train stations; everyone is encouraged to arrive by early afternoon to have time to ride to our accommodations, settle in, and explore the inn and immediate surrounding area. Dinner this day is the first meal provided by the trip.
Day 2: Today we visit the bustling town of Hyères to enjoy the historic central area (a pedestrian-only zone), as well as the large outdoor market and botanical garden.
Day 3: The hill town of Bormes-les-Mimosa is our morning destination. This town offers relaxed strolling, wide vistas of the Mediterranean, and a local market replete with all manner of Provençal products: cheeses, fabrics, and bric-a-brac. After our picnic lunch purchased from the market, we visit an extensive Mediterranean garden.
Days 4-7: Today we boat to Porquerolles Island, walking and visiting its National Botanical Conservatory. Here we see gardens, wild cliffs, and a water recycling plant. Our boat ride is just 20 minutes. There are well-developed beaches and walking paths on the island. Few cars are in evidence; most visitors choose to walk or bike the forested paths. During our four-day stay in this archipelago, we will visit Port Cros and their National Park and enjoy the endless nature reserve where development is not allowed.
Day 8: Hyères. This is our casual day. Perhaps you want to see more of Hyères or stay at our inn for some reading and relaxation. It’s a time to catch up on postcards or snap more favorite pictures.
Day 9: The 12th-century Cistercian abbey of Thoronet is our morning destination. This simple and pleasing abbey is known for its architecture and acoustics. We follow this with a walk in the artistic community of Collobrières.
Day 10: Our trip ends after breakfast (the last meal of the trip) and participants will return to Toulon or Hyères for continued travel. You should have no trouble making a noon flight or train.
Note: This is a suggested itinerary; our plans may change dependent on weather, site availability, and safety.
Logistics
Getting There
Flights are available directly into the regional Toulon/Hyères airport. Flights arrive from major airports in Brussels, Paris, Rome, and London, as well as a few other regional airports. You can also reach Toulon or Hyères from Paris by the fast train (TGV). Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leader.
Accommodations and Food
We will stay in a locally owned and run inn in the heart of Hyères. Our hosts offer us a continental breakfast of café-au-lait, fruit, yogurt, and local bakery products, often still warm from the oven. Picture yourself enjoying these treats outside on the charming terrace. Each room is reserved for two people, with private bath. A few rooms can accommodate three people, if participants traveling together so desire. Lunches will often be picnic-style or eaten at resta
Getting There
Flights are available directly into the regional Toulon/Hyères airport. Flights arrive from major airports in Brussels, Paris, Rome, and London, as well as a few other regional airports. You can also reach Toulon or Hyères from Paris by the fast train (TGV). Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leader.
Accommodations and Food
We will stay in a locally owned and run inn in the heart of Hyères. Our hosts offer us a continental breakfast of café-au-lait, fruit, yogurt, and local bakery products, often still warm from the oven. Picture yourself enjoying these treats outside on the charming terrace. Each room is reserved for two people, with private bath. A few rooms can accommodate three people, if participants traveling together so desire. Lunches will often be picnic-style or eaten at restaurants while we are out and about on our excursions. Our dinners will be in local restaurants; we will sample the excellent cuisine of the area. If you have dietary restrictions, please talk to the leader before signing up for this trip.
Trip Difficulty
This trip is suitable for people in good physical condition who are comfortable walking on many types of terrain. Swimming is possible. The ocean is a comfortable temperature. Bring along a hearty appetite and be ready to experience new types and preparations of food. Our hikes will be chosen based on the group’s desires and should be no more than four to five miles over rolling hills. Enjoying the French and their way of life enhances this outing, as does understanding that French perceptions, mannerisms, and habits are different from our own. An extra reserve of energy to meet unexpected circumstances or weather is helpful.
This is a group trip; accordingly, you will experience the pleasures, and also some of the frustrations, that this type of travel entails. Your fellow Sierra Club members come from all parts of the country and bring a variety of backgrounds, attitudes, opinions, and ages to the group. Please be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your fellow travelers. Patience and a sense of humor are required for everyone to get the most from the trip. Remember, too, that you have responsibilities. Being on time for departures is important. We are each an important attribute of this outing; encouraging compatibility adds immeasurably to an enjoyable experience.
Equipment and Clothing
A suggested list of equipment and clothing will be sent to registered trip participants. You are strongly encouraged to limit your luggage to your daypack and one medium-sized luggage piece. On several occasions, you will be required to lift and carry your gear onto and off a boat, coach, or train. There are no porters, so be kind to yourself -- travel light!
Your daypack will carry your raingear, a sweater or jacket, water bottles or reservoir with a two-liter capacity, lunch or a snack, as well as a camera, if you so desire. The most important items are a comfortable pair of walking shoes, water storage, and a hat with visor or brim.
References
Websites:
- Official French Tourism Site: http://www.tourisme.fr/
- Provence & Beyond: http://www.provencebeyond.com/
Books:
- Check your local library for books/novels/CDs about Provence. Peter Mayle’s book, A Year in Provence, has been followed by many other authors recounting of personal experiences.
Conservation
Since its founding in 1892, The Sierra Club has worked to preserve and restore the natural environment we all share on this planet. Thousands of grassroots-level volunteers spearhead our efforts to conserve and sustain resources, both in our own backyards and on a global scale. Through direct experience in the outdoors, Sierra Club outings enable participants to better understand, advocate, and participate in the environmental conservation goals of the Club.
We seek to include all these aspects in our trip. We will observe a different style of life in our daily travels through this unique corner of France. We will also learn how the French have managed to protect and enhance an area that has experienced man’s footprint and impact for centuries. Our visit to the Port-Cros National Park will put us in touch with current French and worldwide conservation practices. Strolling around the island of Porquerolles means going at a gentle pace toward a subtle border between water and land, between men’s wisdom and excess…
Evacuation and Travel Insurance
The Sierra Club provides evacuation insurance to all participants on international trips. Since this coverage does not include any trip cancellation or interruption insurance, we suggest you purchase another policy separately to provide coverage for your trip and other travel costs. This policy also does not cover pre-trip and post-trip travel. Please note the evacuation insurance provided does not cover claims resulting from any pre-existing condition that occurs within 60 days of the trip departure. If you have specific questions about this exclusion, please review the insurance brochure. For information on purchasing a separate policy, please see our travel insurance page.
Staff
Important Notes
- Carbon Offsets
- Carpooling
- Electronic Billing and Forms
- Electronic Devices
- Equipment
- Essential Eligibility Criteria
- How to Apply for a Trip
- Leader Gratuities
- Medical Issues
- Non-discrimination Statement
- Participant Agreement
- Seller of Travel Disclosure
- Single Supplements
- Terms and Conditions
- Travel Insurance
- Trip Feedback
- Trip Price
- Wilderness Manners