Maritime Alps – Savoir vivre in the high mountains

Maritime Alps – Savoir vivre in the high mountains

Day 1:    The “Little Alps” give the perfect sample

We await you at Marseille Airport and accompany you to the hotel “Moulin de Vernegues”. After the overview of the Road Book and the introduction to the Mercedes-Benz classics, you start on your first expedition towards Salon-de-Provence: you will enjoy the shadow play in the venerable plane tree avenues, the scent of rosemary, lavender and wild caraway. You will drive through cork oak forests as sandstone formations slide past. Back at the hotel you have time to relax by the pool and try the hotel’s fine cuisine in the elegant courtyard.

Day 2:    The gateway to the Hautes Alpes – the Lac de Serre-Ponçon

Today’s stage takes you through the Luberon, always following the course of the notorious Durance, to the Lac de Serre-Ponçon. The second largest reservoir in Europe with 3,000 hectares is reminiscent of Lake Mead in the USA. Azure water, surrounded by the mountains of the French Western Alps and miles of shores that are only accessible by water make the lake an Eldorado for water sports enthusiasts. To the east of Guillestre, the roadbook leads you uphill through the Combe du Queyras Canyon to the Queyras National Park. The mighty Queyras Castle towers over the valley like an eagle’s nest. Finally, in the rugged high mountains of the Alps, you can expect a luxurious domicile for the coming days.

Day 3:    The Col d`Izoard

This morning you master the first pass of the Route des Grandes Alpes. 2,360 vertical meters have to be mastered every year on the “Tour de France”. You have this effort done by the Mercedes-Benz’ six-cylinder and experience a spectacularly rugged, partly moon-like high mountain landscape. The picturesque Briançon is the highest town in France, the starting point of five valleys and a UNESCO World Heritage Site is the first choice for an extended lunch stop.

Day 4:    Hussar ride to the Côte d´Azur

Today we start early on a grand tour full of altitude and serpentines. The best landscape and panoramic views, from the first to the last kilometer, with two of the most beautiful passes of the Route des Grandes Alpes: add the Col du Var (2,111 m) and the Col de la Bonette (2,715 m) to your collection. In the late afternoon you will arrive at Nice Airport, unless you have made preparations for an extension.

Additional Information

Arrangement includes

• Transfers from/to Marseille Airport (MRS) to the hotel, as well as on location
• Nostalgic Mercedes-Benz SL (W113 and R107) for you to self-drive, including fully comprehensive insurance (Euro 500 deductible), fuel
• 1 night accommodation incl. breakfast at “Moulin de Vernegues” ****, Mallemort
• 2 nights accommodation incl. breakfast at “Alta Peyra Hotel”**** Superior, Saint Veran
• 1 dinner and 1 lunch
• Admission fees and guided sightseeing according to itinerary
• English-speaking guide and service team during the entire trip
• Road book

Not included in the arrangement:

Meals, unless otherwise indicated; journey to Marseille (MRS)