SemiMike

Really like the idea of self-guided walking tours, but with luggage transfers and local hotel arrangements made for you. Would actually prefer not to have dinner meals included, since I prefer a substantial meal at mid-day rather than evening. In any case, does anyone have any experience with Sentiers, or companies offering similar services?

klondike

ttt

KathyWood

We've done seven self-guided tours in various parts of Europe, including two through Sentiers de France... the RL Stevenson walk in the Cevennes and a customized two-week walk in the Dordogne and the Lot. The RL Stevenson walk was especially great, and we'd definitely recommend Sentiers de France.

We've also done two walks in England, one in Ireland, one in Switzerland, and one other in France through a different company. We're doing a self-guided walk on the Cotswolds Way in England later this summer.

I'd rethink your plan of having a large mid-day meal... you don't want a heavy meal when you're walking and it can take up a lot of time that you might not always want to invest. We've found it's better to take a simple packed lunch you can eat along the way. Your walking notes will tell you whether you can get a packed lunch from your hotel (sometimes enough for two to share) or where to buy food to take with you.

We liked having dinner included, usually a "formula" menu in France at your hotel. We really liked the table d'hotes arrangement in smaller B&Bs where we shared a table with other walkers.

I'd be happy to answer other questions you might have.

Kathy

SemiMike

Kathy, great information - thanks! I did a "walk" last year of 10 days of trips out of Paris (from Annabel Simms' "An Hour From Paris") and came to like a mid-day break for a meal (not heavy - normal French cafe lunch), then a lighter evening snack - but YMMV, of course. Also, could you name, and recommend (or not), the other company you used for a France walk?