Wild & Prehistoric
FRANCE
Including Lascaux II & Rouffignac ● May 12-25, 2017
We invite you to join Mark Walters on this very
special expedition to explore Wild & Prehistoric
France!
Discover wild areas and prehistoric sites in
Haute Provence, the Massif Central, and the
Dordogne, including spectacular gorge country
populated by raptors, remote villages, and
images of the greatest cave paintings in Europe
at Lascaux II.
In Quinson in Haute Provence, explore the
Musée de Préhistoire and the spectacular Gorges
du Verdon. Then depart for the Massif Central
and its relatively unexplored plateauland, Les
Causses, interspersed with breathtaking gorges
and numerous prehistoric dolmen and stone
circles.
In the town of Roquefort, see the standing
stone and look for blackcaps, woodpeckers,
firecrests and other woodland bird species.
Then explore the Causses and the geologic
wonder of Cirque de Navacelles. Learn about
the griffon vulture reintroduction program at
Gorges de la Jonte, and the prehistory of ancient
Millau, an important cross­roads in antiquity.
Explore the Vezère Valley, a hot-spot for
prehistoric finds of both Neanderthal and
Cromagnon man. Enjoy a picnic and walk on
the Grand Randonner. See the cave paintings
in Lascaux II, then follow the river to another
spectacular cave, Rouffignac. The trip will
culmi­nate in Provence in Arles, Fontvieille,
and Les Baux, a spectacular medieval town
with wonderful views across the Camargue
and Rhone Valley.
Join us for an extraordinary adventure in
France!
Sincerely,
Margaret M. Betchart, President For AAAS Travels & Sigma Xi Expeditions
LEADERSHIP
Leading this expedition will be Mark
Walters. Travel writer, university lecturer,
and naturalist, Mark has an MA from
Cambridge University in the Classics,
Archaeology and Anthropology and an MSc
in Environmental Management. He has
published widely in fields ranging from
linguistics to natural history and archaeology,
with his most recent contributions being for
Fodor’s and Time Out travel guides. He also
leads historical and natural history
expeditions to Greece, Tuscany, and Sicily.
Though currently based in southern Italy,
Mark is a self-confessed Francophile, having
traveled extensively in France since the
1960’s. He is looking forward to sharing his
love of archaeology, pre­history, and nature,
and his enthusiasm for French culture and
language with expedition members.
ITINERARY
Days 1/2 New York to Marseille
Depart from New York for Paris and take a
connecting flight to Marseille. Transfer on own
to the Best Western Marseille Hotel. Evening
at leisure.
Day 3 Marseille to Greoux les Bains
This morning we will explore Vieux Marseille
and tour the Museum of the Roman Docks. We
will then drive to Greoux les Bains, our first stop
en route to the Gorges du Verdon. Enjoy a
welcome social and dinner at Hotel des Alpes
(2 nights). B,D
Day 4 Quinson, Haute Provence
Drive to Quinson to visit the Musée de
Préhistoire, designed and constructed by worldfamous architect Sir Norman Foster. This state-ofthe-art museum will guide us through the various
periods of prehistory in France and will also raise
the issue of conservation of Paleolithic sites. After
our guided tour, we will stock up with picnic
provisions at the local epicerie and have a picnic
on the leafy bank of the River Verdon. We will
then explore the gorge—the site of so many
prehistoric finds—by boat or foot. Evening
lecture. B,L,D
Day 5 Les Causses, Massif Central
& Millau
This morning, we will have an early de­parture
westwards towards the Massif Central and its
relatively unexplored plateauland, Les Causses,
interspersed with breath­taking gorges, stretching
across south central France. Homo sapiens have
inhabited the area since Paleolithic times. We will
focus on the curious Neolithic remains dotting
the land­scape, on stone circles, megalithic
dolmen, and menhir. After a light lunch at the
ancient Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard, we will
arrive in Millau and explore historic sites in the
town center. Cevenol Hotel (3 nights). B,D
Day 6 Roquefort & Millau
Today we will explore the river valley below
the town of Roquefort to see the standing stone
placed incongruously on the river bed. This will
give us an opportunity to listen for blackcaps,
robins, woodpeckers, firecrests and other
predominantly woodland bird species. At the
town of Roquefort we will view one of the
traditional caves used for cheese-making.
Have lunch at the caves in Roquefort with an
afternoon visit to the Museum of Paleontology
and Archaeology. Besides the wealth of fossil
remains, we will see signs of continuous
occupation from the Neolithic onwards as Millau
was an important crossroads in antiquity. B,L
Day 7 Gorges de la Jonte
& Cirque de Navacelles
Today we will follow the Tarn River valley
northeast into the Gorges de la Jonte. This is
the site of a griffon vulture reintro­duction
program which can be viewed from Belvedere
des Autours. We will explore and learn more
about flora and fauna of this fascinating place.
After lunch, we will cross architect Norman
Foster’s remarkable bridge spanning the
River Tarn. We then drive past rolling fields
and pastures of the
Causses via Alzon
to the geological
wonder of the
Cirque de Navacelles,
a remarkably eroded
gorge testifying to the
dynamic land­scapes
of the area. We will
take a short walk
past stone circles
and a dolmen on the
deserted plateauland
of the Causses. B,D
Day 8 Albi, The Dordogne & Les Eyzies
We will depart this morning for the Dordogne,
the center of prehistory in France. Our route
takes us cross-country to Albi. Like so many
towns in the interior of France, Albi is beautifully
preserved and idyllically located on the Tarn
River. Our first visit will be to the medieval
cathedral-cum-fortress of Ste Cecile towering
impressively over the rest of the old town.
Close to the cathedral is the Toulouse-Lautrec
Museum. Albi is the artist Albi’s birthplace, and
the museum houses the most comprehensive
collection of his works and has a small prehistory
section. Continue to Les Eyzies on the River
Vezère. Hotel des Roches (3 nights). B
Day 9 Lascaux II
Take a morning walk on a Grand Randonner,
one of the many sign-posted trails running
through rural France from Le Moustier towards
La Madeleine. This is an introduction to the
Vezère Valley, the hot spot of prehistoric settle­
ments in Europe. Visit Rogue Saint Christopher,
the site of millenia of settlements on limestone
terraces carved by the River Vezère.
In the afternoon, we’ll specialize in paleolithic
cave paintings and explore Lascaux II. Ranking as
number one among prehistoric sites in Europe,
the cave at Lascaux was discovered in 1940.
Although the cave has now been closed to the
public, the facsimile cave reproduces two
galleries from the upper part of the original.
After our guided tour of Lascaux II we will
follow the river back towards Les Eyzies
for another spectacular cave, Rouffignac.
Because of the delicate environment within
the cave and the possible damage to its paintings,
visitor numbers are severely restricted. We will
take a train into the caves and see the prehistoric
drawings, especially of mammoths.
Day 10 Vezère Valley,
Abri Pataud & Sarlat
In Paleolithic times, the limestone overhangs
and caves were used as shelters and burial sites
by groups hunting reindeer which migrated
through the Vezère Valley. One of the reindeer
river crossings must have been close to Les
Eyzies, as this whole area is a hot spot of pre­
historic finds for both Neanderthal man and Cromagnon man, our direct ancestor. This morning
visit the Museum of Prehistory and learn about
the many finds often spanning several thousand
years at the same site. Nearby is Abri Pataud, a
shelter used in Paleolithic times and focal point
for multi-disciplinary studies on early mankind,
ranging from the study of living or fossil plant
spores or pollen to forensic medicine. Have a
picnic on the banks of the Vezère in Les Eyties.
We will head to the beautifully preserved town
of Sarlat for an evening guided tour by gaslight.
B,L,D
Day 11 Arles, Provence
This morning we travel south­east to Arles.
Commanding a strategic point in the Rhone
Valley, Arles flourished in Roman times and is
considered the heart-and-soul of Provence.
Lunch en route at the Canal du Midi near
Carcassonne. In the afternoon we will visit the
Musée de Arles Antiques, a museum recently
opened at the western end of the ancient Circus
Maximus near the banks of the Rhone. We will
view the well-displayed prehistoric and Roman
sections in order to get a clearer idea of land
use and settle­ments in ancient times. Hotel du
Forum (3 nights). B
Day 12 Fontvieille, Les Alpilles
& Les Baux
Our first stop this morning is Font­vieille, site
of a megalithic chamber, one of many to be found
in the calcareous landscape of Les Alpilles. This
is also the location of Les Baux, a finely
preserved medieval town complete with
a chateau affording wonderful vistas
across the plains of the Camargue and the
Rhone Valley. B,L
Day 13 La Palissade, Camargue
Today we head south of Arles into the
Camargue, the low-lying area between
the Grand Rhone and the Petit Rhone,
considered one of the finest wetlands in
Europe. Our destination is La Palissade.
Here we will look for the greater
flamingo, found in the Camargue
through­out the year, as well as a variety
of other birds like the European beeeater and little tern. We will also learn #1457
Yes! I/we want to join the Wild France Expedition,
May 12-25, 2017, offered by AAAS Travels, Sigma Xi, ACS,
and The Planetary Society. Please reserve _____ space(s).
As a deposit, I/we enclose a check for $___________ ($500 per
person) payable to Betchart Expeditions Inc. Trust Account.
Name(s) _ _______________________________________ Age_________
_ _______________________________________ Age_________
Address_ _____________________________________________________
City_________________________________ State_____ Zip_____________
Phone: Home (________)_______________________________________
Work (________)_______________________________________
Email Address_________________________________________________
Membership (please circle):
AAAS Sigma Xi ACS Planetary Society
Accommodations Preference:
___ Twin ___ Single
Twin Share:
___ Nonsmoker ___ Smoker
RESPONSIBILITY
Advancement of Science (AAAS), Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, the
American Chemical Society (ACS), and The Planetary Society act only as agents for the
passenger with respect to trans­portation and hotels, and exercise every care possible.
We can assume no liability for injury, damage, delay, loss, accident, or irregularity in
connection with the services of any airplane, ship, motorcoach, or any other convey­
ance used in carrying out the arrangements of the tour. Operation of the ship is solely
the responsibility of Skorpios Cruises, Chile. We cannot accept any responsibility for
losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness,
weather, strike, war, quarantine, acts of God, terrorism, or other causes beyond our
control. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger, as tour
rates provide for arrangements only for the time stated. We reserve the right to sub­
stitute another leader of similar expertise or to cancel any tour prior to departure in
which case the entire payment will be refunded with no further obligation on our part.
The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the
tour. No refund will be made for the unused portion of any tour unless arrange­ments
are made in sufficient time to avoid penalties. The price of the program is based on
current tariffs and rates, and is subject to change. Any tariff, exchange rate, or fuel
increases will be passed on to participants. Baggage is carried at the owner’s risk
entirely. It is understood that the air ticket when issued shall constitute the sole
contract between the passenger and the airline concerned. The airlines concerned
are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time
passengers are not on board their plane or conveyance.
©2016 Betchart Expeditions Inc. All rights reserved. Map by April Milne. Photos courtesy of Wikipedia Commons and Mark Walters.
CST# 2036304-40
___ with a friend or
___ assign a roommate
Signature ____________________________________ Date_____________
Signature____________________________________ Date_____________
Please Mail To: Wild France 2017
Betchart Expeditions Inc.
17050 Montebello Road
Cupertino, CA 95014-5435
THE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SOCIETY
RESERVATIONS
• SIGMA XI • ACS • The Planetary Society
about the salt extraction industry which began in
Roman times. After a picnic underneath the stone
pines at La Palissade, we return to Arles. Farewell
dinner in celebration of wild and prehistoric
France. B,L,D
Day 14 Marseille
Transfer to the Marseille airport for our return
flights home. B
AAAS Travels
ACS & Sigma Xi Expeditions
The Planetary Society
BETCHART EXPEDITIONS Inc. 17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014-5435
FIRST CLASS
Wild & Prehistoric FRANCE!
May 12-25, 2017
COSTS & CONDITIONS
Trip Fee: $3,995 per person twin share for 14 days, plus
air fare of approximately $1,495 including tax from New
York to Paris and Marseilles, round trip.
Air Fare: Air fare quoted is a special fare with Air France.
AIR FARES AND TAXES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
Accommodations:
Are in first class or country style hotels which reflect the
charm and heritage of France, and are well situated for visits
to prehistoric sites, nature reserves, shops, and walking
paths. We encourage singles to register on a “twin share”
basis. Limited singles are available for a supplement of $795.
What to Expect:
This expedition is planned for the travel enthusiast who
would enjoy exploring and learning about the fascinating
heritage of France, includ­ing world renowned caves with
prehistoric cave paintings plus wild places and birdlife of
Southern France.
Travel is by motorcoach, with daily outings on foot
of 1 to 2 miles at a leisurely pace suitable for exploring
prehistoric sites, museums, medieval cities and wooded
footpaths. Exploration requires some walking up and
downhill. Please be prepared to actively explore
on foot.
This expedition is a tremendous experience for travelers
with an appetite for adventure and discovery who would
like to explore off- the-beaten-track locations in south central
France with an excellent leader. (No smoking in vehicles,
during lectures, or meals, please.)
Expedition Fee Includes:
Land transport; group airport transfers; accommodations
in first class and country style hotels which reflect the
cultural heritage of France; most meals; tips to drivers
and guides; group entrance fees; baggage handling;
leadership, administration.
Expedition Fee Does Not Include: International air
fare (quoted separately); some meals; independent airport
transfers; gratuity to expedi­tion leader; personal items
such as alcoholic bever­ages, laundry, phone calls, bottled
water, snacks, passport, personal insurance.
Reservations, Deposits & Payments:
Please mail a deposit of $500 per person to:
Wild France 2017
Betchart Expeditions Inc.,
17050 Montebello Road
Cupertino, CA 95014-5435
Final payment is due 60 days before departure.
Questions: Please call Marisa Eide
at Betchart Expeditions Inc.
Phone: (800) 252-4910
or (408) 252-4910
Fax:
(408) 252-1444
Email: [email protected]
Look on the Web: www.betchartexpeditions.com
Cancellations & Refunds:
The initial deposit is refundable up to 60 days before
departure, less a handling fee of $100 per person. There
is no refund for any
cancellation after
the 60 day period
unless your space
can be resold; then
a $100 per person
handling fee applies.
No refunds are made
for unused services.