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Your opinion on CHEMINS DE FRANCE


April and May 2023  49 days on the Vezelay Route

Hi Cécile,

We have now been back for a month. I would like to thank you for all your organisation of our Vezelay walk.

We had a fantastic time and met some wonderful hosts.

The hotels/ Maison d’hôtes well mostly excellent, and same with the food.

Some of the maps to find the hotels were a bit hard to work out. But we managed.

Thanks once again for your superb organisation. I will gladly recommend your company.

Thanks again,

Françoise . Australia

 

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MAY 2023

Dear Cecile,

We are back home now, and I just wanted to thank you for the organisation of our Cele Valley walking holiday.

Our taxi transfers - Bernard taxis from Figeac and the Hotel des Grottes at Cabreret worked perfectly, and let us pace ourselves for each days walking. The accommodation and food was all very enjoyable, and gave us a real feeling for the region, which was new to us. Our luggage arrived safely every night.  

We loved the scenery, and especially the wild flowers and butterflies. The tour of the caves at Pech Merle was spectacular.

Even the weather was just about perfect ie not too hot!

Once again, many thanks for doing all the detailed work for us. 

Jean & Jack UK

 

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Stevenson Trail + Tarn Gorges, combined hiking tour of 26 days.

July 2022

Let me start with saying THANK YOU!

 

We had a brilliant time and enjoyed even the heatwave. The Tarn Gorge was beautiful and gave us the opportunity to try some things we otherwise might never have considered. Due to the hot weather, we were a bit nervous about the long walk from St Enimie to Le Vignes so we changed plan a bit. We walked to La Malene and the hired a canoe which shortened the walk, was great fun and do-able even for complete novices. Something I think others would perhaps want to try as well.

 Luggage transport went without a problem, and our taxi transfer from St Enemie back to the Stevenson Trail at Florac was really helpful. There is an alternative along part of the trail which is new since 2020. It runs on the old railway and is called the Chemins Vert. Very pleasant and easy for the first part of that day, without loosing any of the peace or beauty.

The last stage of the Stevenson into St Jean du Gard has a change to the end bit of the route because of a mud slide to this section in 2019. Your map needs updating, but it was not a problem for us a we used an app called AllTrails, which was also was not completely correct but gave us a better map to navigate by. The route is marked just not as well as it is on all other sections.

 As far as accommodation is concerned we were more than happy with most, but especially good were the 2 hostels on Stevenson where we ate communally (Le Bouchet and Cheylard l'Eveque) I think because, despite our poor French, we managed to talk and laugh with our fellow walkers.

 In the week we were in the Tarn Gorge we also had great accommodation and food, but I would especially recommend the place we stayed in Hyales (Gite Dolene). It was so calm and beautiful, with a warm welcome and a lovely host. Definitely worth a return visit.

The only place we struggled was in Saint Germain de Calberte, although the staff were friendly, the food was poor, the facilities basic, and the people only spoke Spanish. We would have coped but on our arrival the place was closed with no note to say if or when it would be opened, and looking at the untidy outside area we could not be sure it was still in operation at all. Perhaps a slightly longer walk that day to one of the hostels we passed the next morning would have been better, but I can see from our e-mails you had problems booking that section.

 Over all though Cecile we have no complaints, just huge thank you for all the work you put in to make our holiday possible, we had an absolutely lovely experience

Yours

 Ingrid Uk

 

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The Puy Route from Le Puy en Velay to Conques

 May 2022

Dear Cécile

Sorry for taking so long to thank you for your organisation of the walk - we loved every minute  of it and we didn’t have any problems. I note that we had almost perfect weather and the spring flowers were intoxicating 

I am sorry our bags for transfer were initially too heavy - we are away for 5 weeks and were not sure of weather and washing facilities. Had we known we could ask for an extra bag we would have done so. From the beginning.

Hotel Le Puy on Velay - quiet room -dinner and breakfast exceptional

Saint Privat - gite very clean and newly appointed-breakfast and dinner ok. Everyone sat together so we met many of our fellow walkers here.

Saugues 2 star hotel clean and comfortable- dinner exceptional

Les Faux beautiful gite - dinner and breakfast ok

Aumont aubrac - beautiful new hotel dinner and breakfast exceptional 

Nasbinals. Hotel 400 m out of town disappointing after 26 km walk. no reception and no bar or restaurant- were directed to a crowded restaurant back in town. Food plentiful but no choice provided. Certainly doesn’t rate 3 stars

St chely d’aubrac - lovely hotel excellent staff and meals

Espalion again no one at reception on arrival directed to restaurant nearby. Breakfast ok

Estaing

Beautiful accommodation- appreciated the swimming pool excellent meals.

Golinhac lovely quiet accommodation- nice dinner cooked by wife of owner

Conques- beautiful hotel dinner and breakfast outstanding. A great end to our trip.

Will certainly recommend ‘Chemins of France’

PS - baggage transfer Arrangements were perfect.

Catherine - Australia

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The Puy Route from Le Puy en Velay to Conques

 

May 2022

The "tour" went very well! The accomodations were fine, overall. Some were better than others, but for us we enjoyed aspects of each one.

A few accommodations that we particularly stood out- La Flore, Les Faux, La Bastide d'Olt and L'Alcove. In each place where we stayed though, the proprietors tried hard to make our stay pleasant and that meant a lot to us.

Luggage transfer was effortless and easy. Instructions were clear for everything.

It was a pleasure working with you and I appreciate your patience with us after cancelling last fall.

Many thanks again for organizing this for us.
All the best,
Kathy - USA

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Vezelay Route from Le Vezelay to St Jean Pied de Port  - 50 days

October 2021

> Bonjour Cécile,

>

> I want to thank you so much for the wonderful walk you arranged for us.  We really appreciate all the work you put into making that itinerary for us, and you had to make all those arrangements twice!  It was perfect, and the accommodations were amazing, and so varied.  Also the restaurants you booked for us at Auros and Sauveterre were fabulous. 

> We just love walking through the French countryside and are now adjusting to finishing.  On Saturday we walked from St Jean Pied de Port up the route Napoleon towards Roncevaux just for fun - we just went for about 6 kilometres up and then came back down, but it was so lovely up there in the mountains.

> So now we are in Bayonne for a few days, and found the Foire au Jambon was happening - a very festive atmosphere.  We will enjoy our time here in the Pays Basque.

> Thank you again for making this all happen.

> With best wishes,

> Rosemary. Australia

 

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Vezelay Route from Le Vezelay to Limoges - 24 days

September 2019

Bonjour Cecile,
Our wonderful few weeks of walking have now finished and we are back in Australia.
We would all like to thank you for making this possible and everything went very well.
The quality of the accommodation was excellent, the transfers were always on time and the excellent map sheets and the notes made the route easy to follow.
We look forward to the possibility of walking with you again.
Kind Regards

EJ from Australia. 

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Dear Cecile,

 We have finished our Vézelay randonnée and it was a wonderful walk.  We were very pleased with the package that you put together for us.  

The accomodation was of a good standard and all the taxi transfers and luggage transfers went like clockwork.  We have very happy memories of our trip.

 We'd like to thank you for your planning and effort in preparing this and look forward to working with you again in the future.

 Kind regards,

Diane. Australia

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September 2019 - The Vezelay Route from Le Vezelay to Bourges

Bonjour Cécile,

We arrived back home well. I would like to thank you again for the excellent organization. Exact evaluation I sent via link. 
Unfortunately we forgot to say goodbye to the "second host mother" that the taxi came so fast. 
Could you please do this in our name. All three guesthouses were an absolute highlight! Both from the kitchen, as well as from the care (very personal, nice contact).
Unfortunately, one of the everyday life has caught up soon, but I have enjoyed the time in your beautiful country. 
Thank you for allowing me to be a guest.
regards
Uschi- Germany

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September 2019 -

Lourdes - St Jean Pied de Port

I had a wonderful trip with Chemins de France (Lourdes to St Jean Pied de Port)!It was a beautiful walk and the logistics were perfect. 

I especially enjoyed the hospitality at Maison Briseteia.   Thank you for all the  thoughtful arrangements and support throughout!  

I hope to travel again with Chemins de France and am happy to recommend to other travellers. 

Best, 

Valerie -USA

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May 2019 - Lourdes to Saint Jean Pied de Port walking tour. 

Thank you for all your help during this wonderful trip. Despite the weather, we had a terrific experience. Though as it is to be expected in these type of trips, the quality of the accommodations differed, the hospitality and helpfulness of our hosts was uniformly fantastic.  We found this trail to be excellent . It fitted our usual walk day length, and the difficulty matched our level. Your book of directions was excellent ( I will write you more about that in a separate e-mail later on.) The views were great. This was also the best signed trail we have ever done. We loved that our bags were always there when we got to our destination and never waited for a room.

 We did climb the mountain today and made it in less than 6 hours to SJDPDP.

 We also found that the French people we met along the way to be very helpful, gracious and hospitable.

 You have a great country.

 Finally, your support was first class and we really appreciated it.

Best regards,

 Jose and Carolina - USA

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September 2018 - Loire Valley cycling - 3 and 4* hotels

The tour was excellent. Probably should have extended the tour for a few more days to allow the visiting of additional places.

Road book was good. Would have liked to see it earlier for planning purposes.

A point of concern. The bikes were dropped off with just a note on how to adjust them. This was not a problem since I new how to adjust the bikes, but had expected to see someone that would explain any peculiarities of the E bikes. Also there was some confusion at the pickup of the E bikes. Our information indicated that they would not be picked up until after 4:30 (1630) and we had left some personal gear on the bikes. Returning to the hotel at 3:00 (1500), we found that the bikes had already been picked up with our gear. The Bicycle company was contacted and they returned the gear. A small inconvenience.

A special note of thanks to Cécile for helping with the recovery of my iPad, which I had forgotten at the hotel in Angers.

Accommodations  in Tours and the Chambres d'Hôtes in Gennes were excellent.  an outstanding host at the Chambres d'Hôtes in Gennes.

Rolland - USA

 

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10-22 September, 2018  The Stevenson’s trail

I loved the challenge of the Chemin Stevenson, walking over such rough ground for long periods eg walking through the trail after St Etienne was not quite expected but a fabulous experience. The scenery was stunning for the whole of the Chemin and well paced between towns. I wouldn’t change anything. I had no reason to worry about anything. Ici & Là Nature took all the worries away.

Margie, Australia

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September 2018 - Self guided walking tour in Quercy and Dordogne Valley

What was the interest of the tour ?

The pace. The opportunity to walk through places and visit places we would never have a chance to visit otherwise (the valley walk along the Alzou and those old mills; the caves of Paderac, Rocomadour, etc). The ease of not having to plan every detail. (All accommodations were fantastic, almost every meal was stellar.) Christine and her crew were fabulous. Cecile was so helpful and responsive in helping us to make this happen (even though it took over a year from our initial inquiry.) This was a trip of a lifetime, such a special experience.

Sara.

Seattle, USA

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June 2018 - Walking the Cele Valley

Nous avons termine le voyage (:

All was good although hot, especially on the hills. 

We would recommend Chemin des France to others, and may do more trips, but in May or with less hills.

We await our luggage at 3:30 pm. Is there someone to call if it doesn’t come by 5:00 pm?

Merci pour toutes, Ron

 

Cécile,

Thank you!  The luggage was always so early it seemed wrong not to be here. Thank you for checking and especially for arranging the second delivery 🙏.  They just arrived!

Now there is nothing I can say that is not a compliment.

We will be thinking of more walks. In the meantime, four days with a car and no hot walking.  

We will remain in touch.

All the best 🏃‍♂️ Ron

Vancouver, Canada

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September 2017

Walking the Cele Valley

+ The Camino Ingles 

 

Hi Cecile

We have really loved the French section of our walk and would recommend this to anyone. Your choice of hotels has been perfect. 

I have only been dissapointed with the gluten free aspect. As you know for many days I was not catered for and then even after that there were 2 hotels which did not have breakfast provision for me. These were Les Anons du Cele and Auberge du Sombral. I would not recommend that you use these establishments for other clients with special dietary requirements.

Thanks for all the organising.

 Selma - Australia

 

 


 

September 2017

Cycling tour on the Via Rhona

Dear Cecile

 We have now returned from our trip, and want to thank you for organising Condrieu to Avignon so well. The maps worked very well, our luggage arrived on time, and the hotels were excellent. We particularly liked La Cardinale, a real gem.

 We had hoped to meet you or your representative at the start, but this did not effect the efficiency of the arrangements. Of course the Via Rhona is still developing, so sometimes we had to chose between the map and some new signs. The only real problem we had was finding the hotel in Pierrelatte. We followed the route marked from Bourg to the centre of Pierrelatte, and spent some time before we realised the mistake and found our way to the hotel. I hope this comment is helpful for you to correct the map for others.

 Best wishes.

John - Uckfield -UK

 

 


 

 

April 2017

Self-guided walking tour on the Cele Valley

We arrived home yesterday after a superb time in France. As soon as we met Philippe, the charming taxi driver from Quercy tours,  we knew we would love the trip. Our accommodation was lovely, the food plentiful and our hosts made us most welcome,  especially Evelyne and Alain in Livinhac and Ian in Le Picarel, who could not do enough for us. The walks were very good and the weather was perfect.

 There are, however, two minor quibbles: the photocopied maps were not at all helpful and we had to rely on the GPS on the phone to find our chambres d'hotes. Also, the luggage transfer had a limit of 13kg per bag for the maille poste and 14kg for Claudine's company; we were unaware of this and our bags were overweight. I was given an extra bag to share the load, and the normal charge for this is 3 euros a day. We were not charged, however, at the owner's discretion, but I do feel that this should be pointed out in the trip notes.

It is a good sign when we start looking at your website for future walking holidays even before we've got home from the current one. Huw fancies the Pyrenees next, whereas I like the idea of visiting Rocamadour. Thank you for your help, Cecile, and we look forward to booking many more holidays with you in the future.

 

Best wishes,

Leigh

 

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June 2016

The Velodyssey cycling tour - from Bordeaux to Biarritz,

Thanks very much Cécile. I really appreciate your help. Not having my bike makes life so much easier. 

I will definitely tell friends about the ride and your excellent service. 

 June 2016

Roger, New Zealand

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May 2016

The Puy Route - Moissac-Barcelonne du Gers -

This was our first hiking tour and it did not disappoint.

We were very impressed with the hotels selected for our tour and found the quality of the meals to be very good - we especially liked the hospitality of the Chambre d'Hotes. Further, we were impressed with the promptness and professionalism of our email exchanges with Cecile.

We would highly recommend Ici et la nature.

 May 2016

Jayne and Philip 

Stittsville, Ontario, CANADA

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October 2015

 

Camino Frances - 43 days

.. Every accommodation has been perfect and everyone in Spain is beautiful and soooo friendly 💕 I can hardly believe I hit the half way mark yesterday 💕

Thank you sooooo much for all you have done to plan this trip ❤️

Having phone problems but did write to say thank you the package arrived at exactly the right time as the decent was amazing but hard,,,,,, everything is perfect and can not thank you enough for the great choices. Stopping places not only cozy but the best food this is a perfect Camino for ME 💕

Maureen- HARRISBURG Pa - 43 days on the Camino Frances from Saint Jean to Santiago and Carantona (near Cabo Fisterra)

 

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June 2015

A very good range of landscapes, culture and activities, slightly more hills than expected, 

Just the right amount of kilometers per day.

It was a great service and we were very pleased with all aspects of the holiday.

We were also very pleased with the hotel that was booked for us in Bordeaux. Thank you.

Isobel, Dublin.  Bike tour from Bordeaux to Arcachon in 8 days.

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August 2015

I wanted to reiterate that the experience was great and wonderful.

It opened many vistas within and without.

It was demanding and grueling but a feast to the soul. Thank you for your help to make it so easy.

Leo from San Francisco

Customized trip on the Camino : 15 days from le Puy to Cahors + 15 days in Spain to Santiago.

 

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May 2015

We are back home now and reminiscing about a wonderful Cathar Castle Trek.  We all learned a great deal about a part of France we knew nothing about.  The biggest surprises along the way were the steady and fierce mistral winds which buffeted us for the first four days and the almost non-existent hikers on the trail and/or villagers in the places where we stayed overnight.  
All this said, we enjoyed the hosts where we were lodged, ate consistently good food, slept soundly in comfortable beds, and had a memorable time.Very best regards and many thanks for all your support and assistance
 

David P. from Portland Oregon.

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Ocober 2014

Bonjour, Cecile -

        Now that my wife and I have returned to the US from our wonderful walk in La France Profonde, I wanted to thank you for your flawless support of our Walk.  Everything that you organized for us - hotels, taxis, baggage transfer - worked perfectly.  You and your colleagues at Chemin de France have a fine reputation on this Camino route.  Our hosts at our accommodations and our taxi drivers spoke well of you and provided friendly, reliable service.   Without you, we could not have had such a wonderful trip.

       Our thanks for a job truly well done.

                 Buen Camino !

                       John 

 

Customized 27 days walking tour between Conques and Figeac, Rocamadour varaint to St Cere and Cele valley to St Cirq Lapopie.

 

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October 2014

 

We have had a marvellous walk so far- beautiful weather and stunning country side- a wonderful walk indeed!

With many thanks for your assistance Cecile

Liz

 

Le Puy to Aumont walking tour

 

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October 2014


Hi Cecile,

 I am now back home after an excellent walk. I appreciate your help and support with this, and have submitted the appreciation form.

Exceptional support and response from Cecile.

Mostly excellent accommodation and wonderful landscape.

 

Ian

Cahors to Lectoure walking tour

 

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April 2014

Bonjour Cecile, 

We would just like to say what a wonderful time we had on the Cathar castle walking tour.  We found the accommodation charming, the food delicious and our hosts very welcoming.  The notes and maps provided by Nouvel Itineraire were excellent and their organisation of the whole trip was superb. We met two Americans who had booked the same trip through an English company and were disappointed not to receive the maps and guide book that we were sent! We recommended your company to them, as we will our friends, as we have been delighted with the service provided.

 We are very interested in many more of the independent walking holidays you feature on your website and look forward to dealing with you again in the future.

 With thanks and best wishes,

Leigh and Huw

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July 2013

Here I am on the Way of Saint James full of  joy and emotions !

Thanks to you Cécile, I dedicate this trip in Spain to you and your help to find a quality accommodation. Thank you !

Corinne

 

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Thank you for setting up this holiday for us.

 

Best wishes,

Jan    

Seattle, WA

USA

 

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May 2013

 

Merci Cecile

  ..... . You are being very helpfull . Perhaps we can meet and have a lunch or dinner along the way. I live in Florida and will send you my flights as soon as I book them.

Bon nuit

     Stewart , Florida 

 

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Back from the Way of Saint James customized for a 8 person group, with a guide driver.

Hi Cecile,

We have all returned safely to the U.S. and are settling in to our normal routines.

Thanks for your help. It was a wonderful trip.

 Sincerely,

Mark

 

The Cele Valley walking tour

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June 26th - Back from the Cele River.

 

Hi  Cécile,

 

I have attached our replies to your questionnaire.

We enjoyed our trip very much and will certainly recommend your web site and the Chemins de France agency to anyone who is interested in this type of holiday.

All the best.

 

Isabel, Edith, Kristin..

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May 2013

 

Hi Cécile,

 

.......I also want to thank you for all the help you have given us in arranging this holiday. Everything seems to have gone very well. Now the only thing left is to do the walking which we are all looking forward to!

 

Many thanks and all the best.

 

Isabel 

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It was great ! Tough but great and beautiful ! Thanks for your help !

Julia, Cris and John

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