Spring :
– As a general rule, The Blanc-Martel shuttle runs weekends and public holidays from early April to July 1. Don’t forget to reserve itThe same goes for your accommodation and activities.
– Bring a bathing suit and sun hat, depending on when you come… And always a small jacket and sun cream: the nights are still cold and the April sun can be bright.
– The famous lavender fields near the gorges are in flower from mid-June!
In summer :
– Accommodation, activities, the Blanc-Martel shuttle: just one piece of advice: book well in advance, ideally the winter before in the case of accommodation.
– Most whitewater activities depend on water releases from the Castillon dam and are only available on certain days. Ask our guides or tourist information offices before planning your activities.
– A swimsuit, water bottle, hat (or cap!) and sun cream are essential, but the nights are still cool, so don’t forget your jacket.
– During the peak season, drive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid traffic jams.
– Canoes and pedal boats on Lac de Sainte-Croix cannot be booked in advance. The solution: get up early (8am, doesn’t that sting?) to avoid waiting 1 or 2 hours.
– The lavender fields near the gorges are in bloom from mid-June to mid-July!
Autumn:
– Numerous events are organized during the autumn school vacations (zone B).
–
the Blanc-Martel shuttle
runs on certain dates.
– From November 1st, please refer to the winter period.
In winter :
– Bring gloves and a hat, as the temperature is low at almost 1000 m altitude, even in the south. Snowshoes and après-ski can come in handy during heavy snowfalls.
– Book your accommodation as few are still open. Find out about shop openings and trail conditions.
– Equip your car with winter tires, even when there’s no snow. Their rubber remains softer at low temperatures, so the car reacts better in bends and under braking. Take your chains with you.
– During winter, the Route des Crêtes is closed from the Carelle lookout to the Chalet de la Maline. Don’t worry, you can still visit the most famous sites.
– All trails remain open, although the Blanc-Martel shuttle is no longer in service. Ask about the presence of snow on the heights and beware of slips in the gorges.