Jasper

Hi, Sorry about the belated reply...I've only just noticed your post.  In the end I decided to go on a week's walking holiday with Exodus, so I had a successful week in Provence in mid-June.  The lengths of the walks were about right - several hours each day.  Perhaps the best walk was the one between the hill towns of Gordes and Rousillon.  I like some creature comforts, such as eating well when on hol, so I'm not sure if sleeping out on the hillside would be my thing - unless just for a night or two. Rgds, Jasper  

Hi, Thanks v. much for the suggestions. Inntravel does self-guided walking, including some short, 4 day itineraries, but as I don't have a companion I'd probably prefer to do a group walk with a guide.  I've started having a look at the French tourist boards, to see if there is a French company which does the sort of thing I'm looking for. Regards, Jasper  

Hi, I'm planning to do some walking in Provence in June, and as I'll be going there on my own I have been looking at the various group holidays offered.  However, they tend to be 7 or 8 day ones: I'd prefer a shorter format so that I can do my own thing for the rest of my trip to France.  Therefore, does anyone know of a company that puts on one-day or weekend group guided walks? Any help would be v. gratefully received! thanks, Jasper.                                    

I recently had a very good four night break in Strasbourg.  If anyone would like to find out some more about the city as a holiday destination I am happy to share my thoughts.  It exceeded my expectations - medieval streets, half-timbered buildings, plenty of bridges (the centre is an island).  I spent one of my days in Colmar (30 mins south by train), from where I had a superb minibus tour of three villages and tasted some wine at a vineyard. Jasper  

Thanks for this suggestion.  'M's idea, Blois, is something I'll look into too, but having had a quick look in an old Michelin guide the population of Beaugency is (or was) only 6,814, so is small yet has several sights to see - and therefore sounds good.  I will do some more research now... Jasper.  

Hi, I aim to go on a short holiday with my Dad, who is in his 70s, this autumn and we'd like to have a couple of nights in Paris followed by a train ride to the Eastern Loire (or thereabouts) to stay in a smallish town for about 3 nights where we can 'chill out' a bit (as youngish people like me would say) and do some walking without needing to drive anywhere to gain access to some footpaths.  A picturesque town with one or two pleasant restaurants would be especially welcome.  Does anyone by any chance have a recommendation / suggestions regarding a possible town?  Would be v grateful for any help. Thanks, Jasper