My French Hiking Adventure
View from the hotel window in Menton, France
After our long, cold, snowy winter, a hiking holiday in the south of France, with sojourns both in the Provençal countryside and on the Mediterranean coast, had me, a novice trekker, signing on the dotted line and rushing out to buy hiking shoes and a backpack.
How hard could it be? I thought. The tour company catered to seniors. And while the activity level was rated a four (the highest category), surely I could handle the odd uphill climb and a 10K walk.
So that’s how I found myself scrambling up and down rocky hillsides, wading through ankle-deep water in a pitch dark tunnel, and crossing narrow footbridges high above a beautiful turquoise river (thank god there were railings on one side!).
It was scarier than it looks in this picture, honest!
I definitely surprised myself in being able to keep up (barely) with my intrepid fellow travellers. I was proud to discover I was chalking up 20,000+ steps per day. Not to mention coping with, if not conquering, my fear of heights!
It helped that, on all our outings, the views were outstanding - often with the Alps or the Mediterranean Sea in the background. Cameras were constantly being pulled out of our pockets to record yet another wonderful vista. Also, as well as being super knowledgeable, our guides were upbeat, helpful and encouraging - just follow me, said “G” - you can do it!
Of course it wasn’t all thrill-inducing. It was a delight to wander through the market village of Forcalquier, to enjoy an apéritif in a charming town square, and to visit the stunning home and gardens of Beatrice de Rothschild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
Sublime symmetry in Cap Ferrat
Listening to the sound of the surf from the window of our hotel, which was right on the sea in Menton, was another pleasure. A day trip to the village of Dolceacqua, Italy complete with lunch of pasta and tiramisu gave me a chance to practice my Italian!
As far as equipment goes, I was super pleased with my trail shoes (Altra brand) - no blisters! and the Osprey backpack was lightweight, and just the right size for lunch, the all-important water, and a jacket for early mornings. Walking sticks would have come in handy on some of the steeper paths.
All in all, it was a worthwhile and fun trip. Slightly more challenging than I anticipated, but life-enhancing. What more could you want after a frigid Canadian winter?
Holding on for dear life (jk)
