Proposed Mediterranean Pyrenees adventure tour on a budget
- without compromising the quality of the experience:

A budget adventure can be a great experience with teamwork. Economy is achieved by focusing on participation of the individual, meals prepared by the group, and accommodation within walking distance of many natural and cultural attractions.

The trip would be classified as a moderate adventure, some walking, and some optional harder alternatives. The following is an outline of a suggested program. It should be suitable for a group of friends, a club, companies, perhaps a team-building event.
To organise a tour for your party please contact us for availability and further details.

The Tour:
1- and 2-weeks adventure tour which comprises a blend of Pyrenean wilderness and Catalan culture and cuisine. Hiking, excursions away from the tourist trail, visiting medieval villages, tasting local foods and wines.
Option: The stay can be extended for any number of days beyond the planned period, subject to availability, in which case it becomes a self-catering stay.
Age group: 18 to 70. Couples and singles.

Day 1:
Arrival at Perpignan or Girona airport (see optionals below) and transfer to Vernet-les-Bains, our base at 700 meters altitude ( 1 hour from Perpignan, or 2½ hours from Barcelona) . Those who arrive on their own wheels will join the party in Village Catalan. Welcome wine and briefing in the garden of Village Catalan. Catering having been done in advance, evening meal (for example barbecue) prepared by the group.

Day 2:
Breakfast. Hike directly from the cottages through the forest to Cascades des Anglais, the waterfalls 1 hour from the village. Picnic lunch at or near the waterfalls (suggestion: fresh baguette, cheeses, ham, wine, coffee or tea). Return to Village Catalan in 1 hour for those who want to acclimatise (read: relax) or take an individual excursion. - Alternative longer trek goes to Casteil and Tour de Goa (1300 meters), the medieval watch tower providing superb panoramic views of the mountain range, or visit the monastery St Martin de Canigou. Return to Vernet-les-Bains via Pic de la Pena (1000 meters), about 3-4 hours walk. Afternoon: Relax and enjoy the panoramic views of the terraces in Village Catalan, or visit Vernet-les-Bains.
Evening meal prepared by the group.
Day 3:
After breakfast we walk 5-6 kms along a mountain ridge, enjoyoing views of two valleys along the way, down to the fortified village Villefranche and visit the remparts, created by Vauban (Louis XIV). From here there are two options:

Option 1 (not included in the price): Canyoning (summer season only): continue by car to Prades, the capital of the Conflent region, visit the medieval village Eus, clinging to the mountainside, elected one of the most beautiful villages of France, then to Molitg, to meet our canyoning instructor for a half-day exhilarating experience down the canyons (for beginners). Marco, our very qualified instructor, hands out wet suits, harnesses, helmets and ropes, and practices with each participant, before descending the waterfalls - first small ones, then slides, then larger ones - two hours in the whitewater and all the muscles are ready for the hot springs upon return to the village.

Option 2: From Villefranche, take the historic "Petit Train Jaune" to the Caranca canyon - this is walking, not canyoning, but the scenery is among the best in France. The canyon starts near the road and gets steeper as we go further in. Choose to walk half an hour or 3 hours, it is suitable for beginners as well as experienced walkers. After Caranca it is possible to drive up to the open air hot springs pool at Saint Thomas, for a relaxing swim, (36 degrees sulphuric water). Return to Village Catalan, for the evening meal. Transport can be arranged.

Day 4:
The big day for hikers, to reach the summit of Mount Canigou (2785 meters), the sacred mountain of the Catalans. The walk from the village is 4-5 hours each way, and is for the most experienced walkers, but there are several optional walks part of the way, where you can enjoy the beautiful western side of the Canuigou, instead of the top.

Picnic lunch on the plateau below the Canigou, or individually for those who choose a shorter route. Optionally for advanced hikers: Stay the night at Chalet des Cortalets, evening meal there, continue to the Canigou the next morning, and take the southern route known as the "Chimney" down to Mariailles (1750 m) and to Vernet-les-Bains (650-700 m). Bring picnic lunch.

Day 5:
A long day, we travel by minibus off the beaten track into Spain - from the Tet to the Tech valley, up to Coustouges, a small road into Spain (old smuggler route) to see the very beautiful, unspoiled Boadilla lake. Lunch by the lake or at local restaurant. Continue to the contrasting madness border shopping area at Le Perthus, to cross the frontier into France along the Roman road "Via Domitia". From here we escape the traffic and head for the quiet mountain roads again on our return journey, time permitting, or return to Village Catalan in one hour or so the quick route.

Day 5 option: Andorra. The drive from Village Catalan to the Principality of Andorra is very scenic, and Andorra itself is mostly known for skiing and 40 kms of tax free shopping. The recommended drive is via Pas de la Casa, up to 2400 meters on the way up, it takes 2 hours, then a good lunch at a local Borda in Andorra (1000 meters)or picnic lunch, a bit of shopping, and return via Seu de Urgell in Spain (or reversed itinerary), it is about 5 hours driving, but adds up to full 10 to 12 hour day.

On earlier occasions we have successfully planned these options when discussing the participants preferences on the first day, off season.

Day 6:
Day at leisure, local walks, enjoy a visit to the hot springs, the casino, or sample a local restaurant for lunch (not included).

Evening meal prepared by the group.

Day 7:
Breakfast, market day in Vernet, return to the airport.

Technical details:

Price:
On an indicated budget of 50 Euros a day on the average, a 1-week adventure will cost 350 Euros per person. The exact price will depend on the group size and time of the year. Please contact us at an early stage of your planning for exact details.

Accommodation: Mountain cottages in Village Catalan, 2 to 4 persons sharing each house of 1 or 2 double bedrooms, lounge, kitchen, terrace with panoramic views. Alternate accommodation depending on chosen itinerary: 1 night in simple mountain chalet.

Transport: Transfers and excursions by minibus. Walking. Optionally self-drive, own or medium size rental cars (not included). Or motorcycles: Rental or own bike. See http://www.fenouilledesmotos.com for details.

Group size: 6 to 16 participants. Alternative programs exist for larger groups.

Included on the tour price: Airport transfer, Accommodation, utilities and tourist tax, breakfast, evening meals prepared by the group, wine and water, services of local group leader, 2 excursions by minibus.

Not included: lunch, often picnic lunches are the most appropriate, access to the hot springs (4 Euros/visit), personal gear, travel insurance, flight. Prices are ex Perpignan airport. Alternative airports: Barcelona, Girona, Montpellier, Carcassonne or Toulouse. Transfer by local transport or minibus (depending on number of participants).

Distances: Most days involve walks from Village Catalan, Certain days are long, i.e. Andorra or Les Alberes, each about 200 kms by minibus, plus short walks, total 10-12 hours.

Weather: The recommended periods are from May to mid-July and from September to mid-October, avoiding the main tourist season of mid July through August. June and September are the best months, predominantly sunny and warm, but freak rain storms can occur. The climate in Vernet-les-Bains is pleasant and not too hot, due to its altitude (650-700 meters). Bring light summer clothing, and warmer clothes for the higher altitude. For hiking at high altitude a windproof anorak is recommended. Remember swimming gear, even in the mountains - for the lakes, rivers, rock pools and hot springs...

Erik G. and his Team at  Actionsites.

About us: This event is proposed by Destination-Pyrenees, a club registered in France under law 1901, founded to develop sustainable tourism and the economy of remote Pyrenean villages, and based at Le Village Catalan in Vernet-les-Bains. The founder, Erik Gundersen, is an expedition organiser and adventure tour operator. Recognized as one of the pioneers of modern adventure travel, Erik has escorted overland expeditions, exploratory, educational and theme travel in Africa, Asia and Europe since 1973.

Contact:

Le Village Catalan
F-66820 Vernet-les-Bains, France
Tel: 0468056571
International phone: +33 4 6805 6571
UK Freephone 0800 652 1255 - Fax: +44 709 208 7367
Email: Village Catalan webmail - Website: www.villagecatalan.com


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