Herault Gorges to Camargue
A Classic Journey from limestone canyons to wild salt-water horizons, through the calm forests of the Cévenol foothills.
Traverse one of Southern France’s most striking natural arcs — starting in the limestone cathedrals and pilgrimage paths of the Hérault Gorges, rising through the shadowed forests and stone hamlets of the Cévenol foothills, and descending toward the vast, wind-sculpted wetlands of the Camargue.
All versions of this multi-adventure journey bind canyon energy, mountain quiet, and coastal wilderness into one evolving storyline — rafting through sculpted gorges, hiking dramatic canyon trails, riding horses across open plains, biking forest paths, and discovering the ways of the land through rare, meaningful encounters — moving, exploring, and slowing down across the South.
Your only decision is how deep you want to go: a Classic Journey with our favourite layered experiences, or an In-Depth Escape that lets you drift deeper into South France stories, flavours, and hidden corners.
Classic Journey
HIGHLIGHTS :
• Raft the Hérault gorges and plunge into refreshing, crystal-clear river pools carved into ancient limestone.
• Discover timeless villages steeped in legend — from Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert to Sauve and the iconic Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.
• Hike sacred forest trails and dramatic cliff paths that reveal the raw, spiritual landscapes of the South.
• Bike through the Cévennes foothills on quiet ridgelines, woodland tracks, and old country routes shaped by history.
• Explore the wild Camargue on horseback and by bike, moving through flamingo-filled marshes, salt flats, and wide coastal horizons.
• Meet the artisans and makers who keep Occitanie’s ancient crafts, flavours, and stories alive.
At a Glance
Start / End
Nice or Marseille
Season
Mid-April → Mid-October
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Comfort
From €3,250
Signature
From €4,850
ITINERARY
DAY 1 & 2 :
Hike the dramatic limestone amphitheatre of the Cirque de l’Infernet and wander the sacred, stone-lined streets of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert — Taste local wines and discover the character of the Pic Saint-Loup terroir, shaped by ridges, garrigue, and Mediterranean light — Raft and river-hike through the raw, sculpted gorges of the Hérault, plunging into refreshing natural pools — Learn the land’s secrets through hands-on encounters, from geology and fossil hunts to meetings with local producers
DAY 3 & 4
Hike the forested slopes and riverbeds of the Cévenol foothills, moving through quiet valleys shaped by chestnut groves and limestone outcrops — Bike the trails that weave through the garrigue and foothill ridgelines, discovering the raw beauty that defines the Cévennes — Learn to play pétanque and experience local customs in the timeless villages of Sauve and Anduze, where artisans and traditions shape daily life — Wander the lively market streets of Sommières and taste the flavours of the land — Explore the medieval walls of Aigues-Mortes, gateway to the Camargue and its hidden stories.
DAY 5 & 6
Plunge into the cinematic landscapes of the Camargue, where salt flats and wide horizons meet — Explore flamingo-filled marshes by bike and on horseback — Wander the legendary village of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and glimpse its living traditions — Share sunset apéros and refined Mediterranean dinners — Sail into the evening light on a catamaran, carried by sea, wind, and colour.
In-Depth Escape
Builds on our Classic Journey with added days for deeper exploration and stronger connection.
This modular extension takes you beyond what you have already explored, opening the door to a nearby area with its own character and highlights, continuing your South of France journey in a natural flow.
Enhance your experience by adding one of our compatible Long Weekend trips, each naturally pairing with the Classic Journey to create a cohesive 9-day experience that feels like one continuous storyline — not a separate trip.
Comfort from €4,800 — Signature from €6,950
Final pricing varies depending on the selected Classic Journey and compatible Long Weekend combination
Compatible Long Weekend Trips
What’s Included
• Expert Blue Dune trip hosts for all daily activities and hosted meals
• Daily breakfasts, curated lunches, selected dinners, snacks & beverages
• Luxury boutique accommodations (final hotels confirmed with your dates)
• All multi-adventure activities with equipment and professional guides
• Special visits, tastings, and cultural experiences as outlined in your Trip Doc
• All local transport during the trip — shuttles, ferries, trains, and boat travel
• Park and reserve fees
• Baggage transfers
• Comprehensive Trip Doc with practical information and daily guidance
• All gratuities for hotels, restaurants, guides, and activity partners
What’s Not Included
• International flights and travel to/from trip start or end locations
• Additional alcoholic beverages and personal purchases
• Explore Meals
• Personal travel insurance
FAQ
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We select small, character-driven hotels and guesthouses that reflect the region.
Comfort focuses on charm, location, and simplicity
Signature elevates the experience with standout properties, stronger design, and a more refined atmosphere
Both prioritize warmth, cleanliness, and sense of place. Your Trip Doc will confirm exact properties once dates are finalized.
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Blue Dune trips are designed for active travelers of all levels.
By choosing your trip level—Easy-Going, Dynamic, or Adventurous—you already set the overall rhythm and intensity of the experience. Within that framework, daily activities remain adaptable, with pacing options, terrain variations, and built-in flexibility.
Beginners, families, and mixed-ability groups are welcome on many trips. Your host will help shape each day so everyone feels engaged, supported, and comfortable.
Your Trip Doc will explain activity levels and daily expectations in detail before departure.
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No. Participation is always optional.
Each day has a core experience, but lighter alternatives, rest time, or cultural exploration are always available. Blue Dune is about engagement, not obligation.
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Explore Meals are meals intentionally left open so you can discover local food at your own pace, usually one lunch on Long Weekend, one lunch and one dinner on Casual Journeys, two lunches and one dinner on In-Depth escapes.
Your Blue Dune host will always share recommendations and may join when it fits the flow.
Explore Meals are meals intentionally left open so you can discover local food at your own pace.
Outside of Explore Meals, your Blue Dune host will be with you throughout shared dining experiences to ensure everything runs smoothly and to enjoy those moments together. These meals are an important part of the trip rhythm—time to slow down, connect, and share the experience as a group.
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Yes. A Blue Dune host travels with the group for the full journey.
Your host manages logistics, activities, and daily flow, while also sharing key moments with the group—including lunches and dinners—creating a balanced, social, and relaxed experience.
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Trips are private by default.
If a departure is opened to other travelers, it will be clearly listed on our Open Trips page, allowing others to join the same dates.
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Group size depends on whether the trip is private or open.
Private trips have no fixed minimum or maximum. For the best overall experience, we generally recommend keeping groups under 16 guests. For very small private groups (under 4 guests), a small-group premium may apply to cover fixed logistics and staffing costs.
Open trips are intentionally capped at around 16 guests, ensuring smooth logistics, strong group dynamics, and a more personal experience.
Any group-size considerations will be clearly confirmed during the planning process and detailed in your Trip Doc.
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What happens after I send my Trip Request?
We contact you within 48 hours to review your details, clarify any questions, and discuss your vision for the trip if needed.
Once your dates and preferences are confirmed, we prepare your Trip Doc — a detailed itinerary outlining your proposed journey.
You review it, refine it with us, and once it feels perfect, we finalize your trip.