This isn't what you would typically think of as a walking tour, at least that American style that takes only a few hours out of a single day wandering through a neighborhood or two. No, to get from Point A to Point B (and on, to Points C through H) will take you nearly eight full days on your feet moving at your own pace, exploring this sun-dappled, ancient and agrarian region visiting old forts, vineyards and Mediterranean beaches, stopping for lunch when you like and moving on again.
This self-guided walking tour allows you to combine the freedom to explore as you follow your daily route, on average between 5-9 miles per day, with the structure of an organized tour. You will have preset destinations (namely your hotel) to reach by the end of each day and a suggested route to get there. What happens in between is up to you. Staff members will transport your belongings each day to have them waiting on you upon your arrival.
This $745 fee (based on double occupancy, $125 single supplement otherwise) includes three meals a day and lodgings-but not transportation. Discover France agents will help you make arrangements, however, for these. Your starting point in the town of Estragel can be reached by air from Charles de Gaulle Airport via Toulouse in less than an hour or a five-hour train trip.
Each tour starts on Saturdays only from April through October, so you can pick dates that meet your schedule. For complete details, call 800/960-2221 or go online at www.discoverfrance.com.
To learn more about this less-oft visited part of France, check out our free online destinations section here: www.frommers.com/destinations/languedoc-roussillon.