France - Walking on the Arles Way from Arles to Castres

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Self-guided walk - the Arles Way or Via Tolosana - from Arles to Castres.

This self-guided walk along the Arles Route is an enchantment thanks to the stunning landscapes, rich heritage and culture, as well as delicious food. Walking from Arles to Montpellier through the Camargue is an immersion in a “green environment”. Along the Arles Way you will discover towns and villages of great beauty such as St Guilhem le Desert. From Lodeve you enter the Mont d Orb and then cross the Natural Regional Park of Haut Languedoc and reach Castres in 7 walking days.

Day 1

ARLES
Arles is such a beautiful little town where Roman and romanesque heritage live together where Van Gogh’s spirit is still alive. This is the Capital of Camargue with a bullfighting tradtion. Ste trophime Church, the arenas, the cloister are some of the sightseeings of the wealthy city.

Day 2

ARLES to ST GILLES - 19 km – 5h00 of walking.
A pleasant walk to discover the vast flat stretches of Camargue along the Petit Rhone. To visit : St Gilles Basilica and the underground crypt, the tower bell stairs and the amazing portal

Day 3

ST GILLES to VAUVERT - MONTPELLIER 16 km – 4h00 of walking
Walk through large cultivated plains and small villages. Transfer to Montpellier. To visit : Notre Dame de Vauvert sanctuary

Day 4

MONTPELLIER to MONTARNAUD – Stage :18 km – 4h30 of walking
The scrub scenery spreads as far as the eye can see, fragmented with oak and pine tree woods giving off mediterranean scents.

Day 5

MONTARNAUD to ST GUILHEM LE DESERT – 15 km – 4h00 of walking
Before reaching Saint Guilhem le Desert and the entrance to the Herault Gorges, you walk through scarce villages.

Day 6

ST GUILHEM to ST JEAN DE LA BLAQUIERE - Stage : 22 km - 5h30 of walking
After leaving St Guilhem, take the historical path, walk up to the plateau and then descend through almond trees orchard towards St Jean de la Blaquière.

Day 7

ST JEAN DE LA BLAQUIERE to LODEVE 14 km – 3h30 of walking
Short stage and time to visit the Ancient Priory of St Michel de Grandmont, and make a detour to admire the 12th century Church of Soumont as well as the 17th century sacerdotal clothing.

Day 8

LODEVE to LUNAS - Stage 24 km – 6h30 of walking
This stage leads you to Joncels and its cloister remains before reaching Lunas where you can visit the Gallo-Roman city.

Day 9

LUNAS to ST GERVAIS SUR MARE - Stage : 24 km – 6h30 of walking
Stage up in the ridges with breathtaking views on the landscape and start the descent by the Monts d’Orb towards St Gervais sur Mare. To visit : the stairs and the galeries of the city, the 16th century houses. Before leaving visit the “Maison Cevenole”.

Day 10

ST GERVAIS to MURAT SUR VEBRE - Stage : 24 km – 6h30
The Natural Park of Haut Languedoc where the particular waymarking helps you to follow the way. Have a break to admire the Chapel Ste Eutrope’s ruins and finally reach Murat-sur-Vebre perched at 800m of altitude and located on the Salt Route.

Day 11

MURAT to LA SALVETAT SUR AGOUT - Stage : 22 km – 5h30 of walking
Stage where you will take the time to take a short nap on the shores of Lauzas Lake before arriving to the fortified village of La Salvetat. To visit : the fortified doors, the dungeon and the medieval façades.

Day 12

LA SALVETAT to ANGLES - Stage : 18 km - 4h30 of walking
Short stage but beware of the bad waymarking through the forest tracks and the scattered villages will lead you to Angles and its 17th century castle.

Day 13

ANGLES to BOISSEZON - Stage: 20 km – 5h00 of walking
Reach Boissezon walking in the valley surrounded by the mountain.

Day 14

BOISSEZON to CASTRES – Stage : 16 km – 4h00 of walking
Short stage into the plain, the way pasess by the Notre Dame de Noilhac and its amazing triple voussure portal. Arrive in Castres. Extra charge : 60 € per person in double room for 1 night in Castres

Day 15

CASTRES
End of the walk after breakfast