Hike from Provence to the Mediterranean!

This exciting International Veterinary Seminars course takes place in fabulous Provence!

Provence is synonymous with colorful landscapes, the French Riviera, wonderful wine tours, french dishes and aromatic plants and perfumes. This is a land that boasts thousands of years of history: ancient chapels, walled villages, hidden ruins and lively towns.

Walking is a wonderful way to explore the small villages, towns, and countryside of this fabulous part of France. Van support allows us light day-packs and customized hikes.

Our colorful, bilingual, knowledgeable guides will take us off the beaten path to hidden gems and treat us to a truly “authentic” Provence experience.

We’ll enjoy fabulous French cuisine and charming accommodations. We’ll also do some wine tasting in this mecca’ of French wine areas.

All are welcome including spouses and friends! Only the veterinarian attending needs to register for the CE.

Seminar registration fee for 12 RACE approved CE hrs:
2026 – $895.00
2027 – $925.00

Speaker: As you explore Provence & the French Riviera, Dr. Ross Palmer from Colorado State University will provide 12 CE hours on managing the limping dog and cat.

Seminar Topics:
Along the way, Dr Ross Palmer will provide a relaxed group discussion on a variety of orthopedic topics – you don’t need to be a surgeon to enjoy Ross’s presentations. Ross is known for his interactive presentations and as the adventure progresses, he will discuss many of the orthopedic problems that you encounter in daily practice including lameness exams, canine and feline osteoarthritis, casts and bandages and orthopedic first aid tips.

TRIP ITINERARY*

Day 1: Arrival Day
Group transfer from the Marseille airport at one o’clock, to your hotel. A two-hour transfer takes us to our hotel ‘la Garbine’. At six o’clock, you will meet your guides who will explain the ‘workings’ of the trip followed by a welcome dinner. The dinner is a gastronomic delight at a restaurant in the nearby village of Ramatuelle, a typical ‘provincal’ community where we will have time to tour the village before our meal.
Hotel La Garbine (D)

Day 2: Hiking along the coast around the St Tropez Peninsula
Leaving the hotel on foot we will hike along the coast passing many of the famous beaches such as the Pampelone Beach where we may see some famous celebrities. The trail takes in some of the most beautiful coastline of the area. The hike continues around the peninsula where we will transfer into the town of St. Tropez where you will have a couple of hours to peruse the shops, the citadelle, or just enjoy a beverage and admire the expensive yachts. Dinner will be at a restaurant about 10-minute walk from our hotel.
3-4 hrs. 6 miles.
Hotel La Garbine (B/D)

Day 3: Cap Lardier
Continuing the “sentier du littoral” sometimes called the Coastguard Path we are in a nature conservation area with colourful shrubs and flowers, umbrella shaped pine trees (pin parasol), and views of tiny islands like “Crocodile Island.” This is a National Marine park where the hundreds of species of flora and the fauna are protected. Especially the rare land and marine birds we will see. 5 hrs. 8 miles. Sea level. Transfer to our hotel.
Eden Rose Grand Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 4: L’ile de Porquerolle
After a transfer to the small port we board a ferry. Approximately, a half hour boat ride takes us to the historic island of Porquerolle, also part of the National Park, protecting flora et fauna since 1971. We will see the Agatte fort, walk to the lighthouse and see the vineyards, beaches and cliffs of this small beautiful island which has been a military post for centuries. There will even be the opportunity to bathe in the sea. We finish the afternoon back on the ferry to take us back to the mainland. This hike is weather dependent. 4 hrs. 4-5 Miles.
Eden Rose Grand Hotel (B/L)

Day 5: St. Nary
A long drive takes us to St. Nary where you will be free to explore this small coastline town and have lunch on your own. In the afternoon we will transfer to the Bandol vine growing region to visit a vineyard and taste some wine. Short ride to La Cadière. La Cadière-d’Azur is a small, old, medieval hilltop village where our hotel is situated. A 14 century cloister building. Dinner in Le Castellet only 5 minutes away. Another charming Provencal hilltop town.
Hotel Bérard & Spa, la Cadière (B/D)

Day 6: La Montagne St. Baume
Today we abandon the coast for the mountain of St. Baume, 1,048m. high. Along the way we will discover the Mediterranean Glacier! This consists of buildings, which take advantage of the cool air from the hillside for making ice. Our beautiful trail takes us above the limestone cliffs, which rise up above the garrigues with views of the sea and Provence interior. Transfer 50 minutes to our hotel. Gourmet dinner at the hotel.
6hrs. 8 miles. 2,500ft.
Hotel Bérard & Spa, la Cadière (B/L/D)

Day 7: Le Cap Canaille
An easy day with superb scenery. We hike along the trail to the summit of Cap Canaille – one of the highest cliffs in Europe giving stunning views of the coastline. Waves crash against the foot of the cliff 400m below. We descend this cliff by a trail that takes us to the port of Cassis. A very pretty trail along the coast.
5 miles, 4 hours. Dinner on your own tonight.
Hotel de le Plague Mahogany, Cassis (B/L)

Day 8: The “Calanques”
The Calanques are a succession of narrow canyons with white limestone cliffs jutting into the azur blue sea. Probably the highlight of the trip as far as beauty is concerned, a photographer’s paradise. Our trail takes us along the coast meandering in and out of these little ‘fjords’ with breath-taking views. This is a well-known region for hikers and climbers of the South of France and was classed as the tenth National Park of France in only 2012.
4hrs. 5 miles. Farewell dinner at the harbour.
Hotel de le Plage Mahogany, Cassis (B/L/D)

Day 9: Morning Group Transfers to Marseille Airport
There will be a morning transfer to the airport for mid-day flights. If your flight is very early then you will need to arrange a taxi separately. It takes around 1 hour to travel to the airport.

Changes of itinerary
Changes of the proposed itinerary may become necessary for reasons beyond our control. Weather/sea conditions particularly, may affect the hike on the island of Porquerelle in which alternative plans will be made.

La Garbine Hotel –Information

Hostellerie du Cigalou – Information

Hotel Brard & Spa – La Cadire – Information

Hotel Le Mahogany – Information