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Mauritanie 2004 English translation pending
by SylvieF · 2004-04-01 · 6 replies
Alors voilà, je me lance dans une petite dissert sur ma rando en Mauritanie. J’espère que ça vous plaira!

Le premier jour, arrivée à Atar. Première angoisse : il fait 18°C (contre 35 attendus) et le vent souffle tellement, que le sable nous masque complètement les plateaux juste derrière, on ne voit rien! On s'imagine déjà toute une semaine à lutter contre la tempête de sable....

Heureusement, à peine embarqués dans nos camionnette pour aller à Chinguetti, le paysage se dégage et la beauté des lieux nous apparaît : nous traversons l'Adrar et en route pour Chinguetti! Bien évidemment une des roues d'un des véhicules crève à quelques km de cette ville aux portes du désert de dunes et nous voilà à.....10 dans le même 4x4 pour finir la route!!!

Chinguetti : du toit de l'auberge on peut observer cette ville, prisonnière du sable et qui semble presque déserte. L'atmosphère est très surprenante. Plus surprenant encore, le guide qui nous montre des photos de l'an passé où l'oued qui sépare les deux parties de la ville est innondé! Impressionnant un fleuve en plein désert! Le soir petit tour en ville et rencontre avec des gamins fan de Zinedine et (heureusement) pas encore trop quémandant (A nous, "touristes" de ne pas leur donner de mauvaises habitudes!!). Rencontre aussi avec un homme qui détient une des bibliothèques de la ville et qui nous passe un beau message de tolérance en nous montrant des écrits anciens aussi bien en arabe, qu'en hébreux et quelques pages de la bible....

Le matin nous voilà en route, accompagnés de nos deux chameliers et de nos huit chameaux. C’est étrange de quitter les habitations pour s’enfoncer dans les dunes. Aucun repère, rapidement plus rien que du sable, quelques pousses de verdure (si!si!), quelques traces dans les dunes (scarabés, lapin...serpent???). Le midi, pause dans un oasis, à l’ombre bienvenu des palmiers. Le seul petit inconvénient du trajet c’est que les points d’eau sont forcément les points de raliement, non seulement des nomades mais aussi des autres groupes de rando...

Première nuit dans le désert, à la belle étoile. Ce qui surprend, c’est la variation de t°. A peine arrêté de marcher sous la cagna, on se retrouve à se changer et enfiler polaire et chaussette! Mais cela ne durera pas. On a pu se rendre compte de l’évolution de la température entre le premier et le dernier jour où là le sac de couchage n’était même plus nécessaire.

Et puis les jours défilent et ne se ressemblent pas : deux jours de dunes, avec des couleurs tellements variées. Dans le petit pot de sable que j’ai ramené, j’avais fait de belles couches blanches, grises, beiges, dorées, rouges....et évidemment tout s’est mélangé!!!!!! De temps à autre on croise des nomades, un homme avec son âne parti chercher du bois, un troupeau de chameau, des femmes sorties de nulle part qui arrivent pour étendre un tissus et poser dessus de l’artisanat à nous vendre. Et lorsqu’on se dit « mais bon sang, tout à coup, une femme au voile plein de couleur, qu’on n’a pas vu s’approcher se retrouve là, près de nous », le guide nous répond le plus naturellement du monde « ben, oui, elle habite dans le coin! ». On n’a forcément pas les mêmes repères....

Après les dunes, on se retrouve dans le désert de pierre. Tout à coup, sans même nous en rendre compte on se retrouve à marcher sur des plateaux caillouteux à couleur dominant brun foncé. Et puis, mais oui, au loin il semble que le plateaux se casse. Alors, presque on presse le pas pour voir « et après? ». Et là, tout le monde s’assied en silence pour admirer la palmeraie de Meirheit. Une « vallée » entre deux montages. Des palmiers verdoyant alors qu’on sort d’une étendue de pierre.

Puis petit à petit on se retrouve face aux hauts plateaux de l’Adrar. Magnifiques!!! Encore une fois on n’a pas vu arriver ce nouveau paysage et se retrouver face à « ça » nous laisse tous ébahis...

Pour finir une halte à Tergit qui se prolonge : notre guide nous annonce que l’avion n’est plus prévu pour dimanche, mais plutôt lundi. On reste donc une nuit à tergit avant de rejoindre Atar. Bon, honnêtement, ce n’est pas l’endroit que j’ai préféré. Certe la palmeraie est très agréable, très belle et nous permet de faire trempette dans une vasque naturelle...mais c’est surtout le point final de beaucoup de rando et on se retrouve donc à 6/7 groupes....On retrouve un peu de civilsation qu’on aurait bien encore laissée de côté.......

Et puis, et bien oui, il faut revenir à Atar, profiter d’une dernière soirée pour aller écouter un festival de contes et puis courte nuit et retour......

C’était une première rencontre avec le désert et on ne m’imaginait pas que ça puisse être aussi varié, aussi riche finalement! Et puis, il faut bien reconnaître qu’on a eu la chance de se retrouver dans un groupe de 9 personnes absolument extra! Tout le monde avait la même approche de se voyage qui s’est révélé bien paisible, bien reposant et comme d’habitude bien motivant pour préparer le prochain!!!!!!

Bon, je viens de relire et je ne sais pas si j’ai été suffisamment longue dans mes descriptions....suis pas non plus un bonne naratrice alors je ne voulais pas que trop long = trop saoulant!

Promis dès que j’arrive à me reconnecter sur le net à la maison, je me tais et je vous envoie quelques photos!!

Bizz à tous!
Carte de L'Adrar - Mauritanie English translation pending
by Sicilia · 2004-03-30 · 18 replies
Bonjour à tous,

Je reviens d'un trek de 15 jours en Mauritanie, et je suis à la recherche d'une carte d'une région de la Mauritanie : l'Adrar. L'IGN ne la fait pas. Savez-vous où je pourrais m'en procurer une ? Merci d'avance.
Vos plus beaux paysages English translation pending
by Trekkerbeub · 2004-03-16 · 208 replies
Devant le succès de la rubrique "vos plus beaux portraits", et la qualité ainsi que la variété des photos publiées, je me propose d'ouvrir cette rubrique. Je commence avec cette modeste contribution :

Beub
Excursions au départ de Djerba? English translation pending
by Fastball83 · 2004-02-26 · 7 replies
🙂 Bonjour,

J'envisage d'aller à Djerba en tunisie cet été ou lété prochain par l'intermédiaire de FRAM mais je souhaite conaitrre d'avance le detail des excursions possibles sur place car dans le catalogue les explications ne sont pas tres "parlantes", et à l'agence de voyage on m'a dit qu'on ne pouvait pas en savoir plus . Quelqu'un dans ce forum aurait 'il deja fait ce voyage ?

En effet, je reve de voir les dunes de sable dans le desert mais je me demande si cela est possible en excursion d'une journée au depart de Djerba.

Merci d'avance de vos aides et bon voyage à tous cet été 😉
Mui ne et pêche en mer au Vietnam English translation pending
by Etxe · 2004-01-22 · 2 replies
😏bonsoir,

je vais découvrir le vietnam avec mon épouse au mois de mars pendant 3 semaines, je voudrais me poser quelques jours 3, 4 à MUI NE, petite plage près de Phan Thiet, avant de rejoindre Saigon; j'ai choisi Mui Ne pour son calme, est ce que je me trompe? avez vous des tuyaux?

D'autre part, je suis fana de pêche en mer, avez vous des expériences de pêche au vietnam en géneral? pêche au gros, pêche au calamar, pêche surf casting...peu m'importe.

merci à tous. peio.
Quel hôtel et quelle plage à Margarita? English translation pending
by Berny40 · 2004-01-14 · 3 replies
Allo qui pourrait nous renseigner sur le meilleur hôtel et la plus belle plage sur l'ile de Margarita il y a -t-il des voyageurs parmi vous qui y sont allés très récemment et aussi la bouffe si c'était potable et si les employés de l'hôtels sont aussi harcelants qu'à Cuba pour les pourboires....Merci Berny
Hébergement, transport et sécurité en Libye English translation pending
by Willy75 · 2003-11-25 · 5 replies
et oui !! il parait que c'est très beau, que ce n'est pratique que pour le tourisme de groupe..et pourtant, est ce facile d'y aller depuis l'égypte?cher?

ou sont les hebergements???et les moyens de transports???

ou sont les guides en francais sur la lybie????????

quelqu'un y a t il été ?????

AU SECOURS !!!!!
Excurions à Djerba (Tunisie) English translation pending
by Mariel · 2003-11-10 · 2 replies
Bonjour

Qui va a djerba la semaine de noel ?

Je vais au Djerba sun club.

Qui peut me dire les excursions proposées dans les hotels et leurs tarif? 😉

Si vous avez de bon plan d'excursions hors celle que propose les hotels c'est sympa aussi !!! Surtout que les excursions proposées sont souvent tres cheres.😕

A+
Namibie, terre de mirages English translation pending
by Afbé75 · 2003-11-02 · 1 reply
Comme le laisse suposer mes différentes interventions dans divers forums je suis un amoureux de ce superbe pays d'Afrique australe qu'est la Namibie.

Du Fish River Canyon au sud au Parc National d'Etosha au nord en passant par les sables du Namib, du Kalahari ou de la côte des squelettes; de la bande de Caprivi au Damaraland ; de la Petrified Forest au monts du Naukluft ; du plateau de Waterberg à Twiffelfontein ; de White Lady aux Welvetchias ........

Dans ce pays où un léger vent vous rafraichis tout au long de l'année, on ne peut faire beaucoup de Km sans s'émerveiller. Les sables et les dunes rouges sombres de Sossusvlei sont toujours un choc la première fois, nues ou couvertes d'herbes rases jaunies; quelques kilomètres plus loin les monts sombres du Naukluft; encore un peu plus loin cette vision lunaire du désert au portes de Swakopmund.

Et encore : le désert, la mer et ....... 60.000 phoques . Ou alors : le Damaraland avec ses sites pariétaux exeptionnels, sa forêt pétrifiée, Organ pipe, ses Welvetchias et ses cratères de météorites.

Et que dire du spectacle offert dans le parc national d'Etosha, au détour d'un point d'eau, derrrière le moindre buisson la vie animale africaine dans toute sa splendeur. Lions qui s'abreuvent, troupeaux de zèbres, gnous, oryx, et autres antiloppes et gazelles qui paissent, léopards repus sur sa branches, Hyènes, chacals, renards du Cap, Troupeaux d'éléphants ou mâles solitaires parcourant le bush, rhinocéros noirs trotinant près du pan ......

🙂 Et les nuits passé à veiller autour des "waterholes" éclairés pour fixer au fond de ma mémoire ces scènes nocturnes incroyables de la vie animale.

La bande de Caprivi et sa verdeur pleines de petits parcs nationaux sublimes. Le plateau du Waterberg où Isolés au sommet rhinocéros blancs et noirs y cotoient antiloppes roannes et hypodragues. et le Kalahari et ses Sans, ces petits bushimens si accueillant et vivant en parfaite harmonie avec sa terre hostile.

Ce pays mérite DES séjours et non pas UN car il y a tellement à y découvrir.

🙂 Vivement avril 2004 🙂
Conseils sur excursion en 4x4 depuis Merzouga (Maroc) English translation pending
by Touareg · 2003-09-25 · 6 replies
Nous partons 2 semaines en octobre pour le sud marocain. Nous envisageons une excursion depuis Merzouga en louant une 4x4 avec un guide sur la piste Touaz-Tagounite.

Avez-vous des conseils à nous donner.

Quels vêtement prévoir ?

Avez-vous des contacts à recommander ?
Bons plans pour la Tunisie English translation pending
by Méjaie · 2003-06-16 · 5 replies
Hello à tous!!

Je lance un appel à quiconque pourra me donner des infos sur la tunisie ( les villes où séjourner, les sites à visiter ...bref les endroits à ne manquer sous aucun prétexte 😉)

Je souhaiterais savoir si qqn connait la chaîne hotellière ABOU NAWAS????

Merci d'avance pour ces renseignements!!

Have a nice day 🙂
Maroc en camping-car English translation pending
by Marierobert · 2003-04-02 · 12 replies
😏 bonjour, nous partons au Maroc en camping-car pour les vacances de Paques(zone b), avec nos 2 enfants, nous disposons en tout de 2 semaines.Nous prévoyons de visiter surtout le sud en passant par Fes, todra, dades, tafilalt, route des Kasbhas, draa, marakech, ......Si vous avez des tuyaux sur les campings, ou endroits pour dormir, les visites à ne pas manquer, le circuit....cela vaut-il le coup d'aller jusqu'à Mhamid pour voir les dunes, ou faut-il privilégier les dunes à Merzouga.Pour acheter ou trouver quelques fossiles, et roses des sables... ?

Sur les routes nous allons rencontrer beaucoup d'enfants, que peut-on leur offrir comme petits cadeaux, ainsi que pour les adultes si l'on est invité à partarger leur repas.

Tous vos conseils seront les bienvenus car nous ne connaissons pas du tout ce pays qui parait-il est très accueillant.

Je lance aussi un appel à d'autres camping-caristes qui partiraient à la meme période et qui chercheraient comme nous des compagnons de route, nous sommes partant.

D'avance merci.

Marie.
Maroc: location de voiture et bons plans sur le sud English translation pending
by S0perst0ph · 2003-02-23 · 6 replies
Je pars au MAroc en avril, avez vous de bons plans de location de véhicules, des idées d'itinéraires faciles avec une voiture de Cat. A ???

J'atteris à Agadir et souhaite faire le sud avec Essaouira, Marrakech, Ouarzazate, et surtout voir le désert avec si possible une excursion avec 1 ou 2 nuits en bivouac...

Si certains ont de bonnes adresses d'hotels pas chers mais propres, je suis preneur 😉

Merci de vos indications
Oman, at the edge of the sands and the horizon
by Fabhyène · 2026-09-02 · 35 replies


If I close my eyes and think of the Sultanate of Oman, I first smell a light scent of incense, feel the warmth of a sunbeam on my skin, before sand slips through my fingers. I taste the sweetness of a date, a real candy, then the flavor of coffee with a hint of cardamom and rosewater... I hear the desert wind whistling in my ears, the distant call of a muezzin, then the murmur of water. I open my eyes to see smiles, welcoming gestures, a turquoise sea, rocks ranging from ochre to purple, deep wadis where torrents burst forth, orange dunes, white sandy beaches where tiny crabs scurry at full speed. I see incredible oases emerging between arid mountains. I see abandoned villages that I’d dream were full of life, imposing fortresses overlooking valleys, and lively souks where offers are delicate and negotiation is a mutual courtesy.

All that, and so much more.

This is what I tried to capture in my illustrated travel journal, which I’ll fill in here and there with photos. I drew this journal “cold,” after my return (actually, I made it this summer, while our trip was last winter). It’s a pretty special format—I bought it in Japan without really knowing what I’d do with it. Well, it found its purpose! Below is a photo of this accordion-style journal: here, it’s only partially open, because when fully unfolded, it’s 5 meters long!



For drawing enthusiasts: The accordion format is both a constraint (each sheet is 9 cm x 27 cm) and a freedom (you can create a fresco). The paper is also a bit special: it doesn’t allow for fine lines, but it takes ink well (liner pen). However, everything has to be done almost in one go (with a very light pencil sketch) because it erases poorly. It absorbs too much water for coloring with markers or watercolors (unless you avoid soaking it), but it works well with oil pastels and their use with a brush and solvent. Since it’s yellowish, it allowed me to create contrasts even with white pastel.

On the right, the "welcome marker"—those dates offered everywhere as a sign of hospitality. On the left, a tribute to those stunning doors worn by time, admired all over the old quarters, including the abandoned ones.



Oman is one of the world’s largest producers of frankincense resin. Incense burners are everywhere, from the simplest clay ones to the most precious handcrafted silver ones...

Hospitality will often lead you to accept a small coffee, an "Omani coffee," very light, subtly flavored with cardamom, maybe a touch of saffron, and occasionally rosewater. Here, I’ve depicted a man in the common everyday attire of Omanis: the dishdasha, mostly white (during the week and daytime; colors are more common in the evening or on Fridays and Saturdays). While you’ll see some men dressed in Western clothes, they’re very few. The white dishdasha is truly the shared attire of all men. The dishdasha, which has no hood, is distinguished by a small pom-pom attached to the collar, the furakha, which is soaked in perfume. And believe me, Omanis go overboard with it! "It smells like the pom-pom" is an expression that’s now part of our shared language, my husband and I. Another must of men’s attire is the kuma, a small round head covering, usually white with brightly colored patterns. The keffiyeh is also worn (but without the cord called an agal in Arab countries), and it’s mostly worn by those with roots in the desert, from what I understood. And what about the women, you might ask? Some are veiled, some in full black (but not a burka—more like a chador + abaya), due to the influence of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, whereas the traditional outfit used to be a layering of very colorful dresses. Most of the women we saw wore neutral clothing, a plain veil over their hair, but with their faces uncovered. We also saw many saris and colorful veils—don’t forget that 40% of the population consists of Indian, Nepalese, and Bangladeshi immigrants, who work a lot in tourism, hospitality, restaurants, services, and construction. Just to clarify, as a tourist, there’s no pressure to wear a veil, and never any disapproving looks. Of course, you’ll save the mini shorts, plunging necklines, bare shoulders, and midriffs for the hotel terrace—but I’d say that’s the same for men and women, and with the sun being strong, it’s better for your skin too. Here’s the introduction! In the next post, I’ll tell you about my itinerary, and we can dive in!
Marrakech to Merzouga circuit in December by shared taxi with young kids
by MelJol · 2026-09-02 · 2 replies
Hi there,

We're a family with two kids aged 7 and 2, planning a trip to Morocco from December 21 to 28, 2026. We're thinking of spending 2 days and 2 nights in Marrakech, then heading out on the third morning to the Erg Chebbi dunes (Merzouga or Khamlia, still deciding), and returning to catch our flight. The plan is to go via Skoura, the Valley of Roses, the Dadès Gorges, Tinghir, to reach the Merzouga dunes. On the way back, we'd stop at Tamnougalt before returning to Marrakech.

A few notes, since traveling with young kids slows everything down: - Ideally, we'd like to travel by shared taxi or bus - I don’t want to stop and sleep in Ouarzazate, as I’ve already visited.

Questions: - Does this seem doable in December (especially the Marrakech-Ouarzazate stretch)? - Which overnight stops would you recommend between Marrakech and Merzouga? We’ll spend 2 nights in two different places, then 2 nights in Merzouga, and 1 night in Tamnougalt. - I’d prefer shared taxis, but can they drop us off a bit farther than city centers (e.g., if our hostel is a few kilometers from Boulmane Dadès, or not in central Merzouga but in Khamlia)? Basically, is it possible to travel a little off the beaten path with shared taxis? - We love family-friendly hostels—if you have any recommendations, we’re all ears!

Thanks, fellow travelers, for your tips! Mélanie
June 2026 Theme Thread: Such a Beautiful Landscape
by Philippebrg · 2026-06-01 · 142 replies
This is where we chat.
Review of my trip to Mongolia with guide Hacha
by Juliega · 2026-05-17 · 25 replies
Hi everyone!

I wanted to share my experience from the trip I had this summer in Mongolia, in case it helps anyone get their bearings—I also relied a lot on forums myself.

We went as a couple with a French-speaking guide, Hacha, for a 17-day trek through the steppes and the Gobi Desert.

The experience was amazing—the landscapes are truly diverse and stunning. We started with a quick visit to Ulaanbaatar, then headed into the steppes for half the trip, including the Orkhon Valley, before moving on to the desert, which isn’t just sand but has incredibly varied scenery.

We traveled with Hacha, who has been a guide for 27 years and knows Mongolia inside out. She was accompanied by her daughter (with our consent). Hacha teaches French the rest of the year and speaks it perfectly. Her kindness and humor were much appreciated, and she’s become a friend. She prepared delicious homemade meals throughout the trip, adapted to European tastes since she’s used to it. We also had a driver who was really friendly and professional.

I injured myself on the way there with a sprained ankle, and Hacha immediately adjusted the pace and some activities to accommodate my injury, as well as booking more comfortable lodgings for the first few nights. She didn’t tell us it cost her extra, and we only found out later—we chose to pay a supplement, but she never asked for anything. Hacha was very fair with money, and her rates seem a bit lower than what we’d found elsewhere. She also tailors the program to the budget we gave her, and we had the option to adjust accommodations to fit our budget.

As for lodging, we stayed in tourist yurt camps (more comfortable with restaurants, showers, etc.), guest yurts, nights with nomadic families, and a few nights in tents. Our most memorable experience was two nights with nomads who welcomed us warmly, even though it was only the second time they’d hosted tourists. They shared their traditions with us, and the location was beautiful—right by a lake.

Hacha also adapted to our last-minute requests. For example, I mentioned wanting to see a shaman, which was tricky since it wasn’t planned in advance (my fault for not bringing it up earlier), but she used her contacts to see if there was a possibility. Unfortunately, no shamans were available, but we spontaneously stopped by the family of a young shaman during one of our trips. She wasn’t there, but we got to hear her parents’ stories and ask questions about the rituals to become a shaman and their experiences. It was a rare and unique moment I won’t forget!

We’ll definitely return to Mongolia as a family to explore less touristy regions (though we weren’t really bothered by tourism), as Hacha offers other off-the-beaten-path itineraries, including one that visits a turquoise lake surrounded by sand dunes—which sounds incredible, according to her.

I highly recommend Mongolia to anyone looking for an authentic trip that pushes you slightly out of your comfort zone while still feeling safe and enjoying breathtakingly diverse landscapes. And I 100% recommend Hacha—she created a personalized trip based on our requests and adapted to our needs and wishes on the spot!
Recommendations for a southern Morocco road trip with kids
by SayGui · 2026-01-15 · 14 replies
Hi there,

We’re heading out at the end of February for a road trip with our two kids, ages 3 and 7. Our itinerary includes Ait Ben Haddou, Tizi-n-Tichka, Sourate, Tinghir, Zagora, Ouarzazate, Ouzoud, and Essaouira. I’d love recommendations for accommodations, restaurants, and typical/spectacular spots to visit. We’d like to spend a night in the Zagora desert. We’re looking for authenticity and a friendly vibe—not tourist traps—for our trip. We’ll be there during Ramadan—any tips? Thanks in advance!

Your fellow globetrotter’s perspective is invaluable.
Trip to Morocco in September-October 2025, in our camper van
by Yan55 · 2025-12-27 · 21 replies
Hi everyone, We’re just back from a month-long trip to Morocco in our camper van. After crossing France (we left from the Nantes area) and Spain, we arrived in Algeciras where we bought our boat tickets to Tangier. When we got to Tangier, as we were going through customs, you can imagine our surprise when the customs officer took our road map of Morocco and pointed out the label "Western Sahara" (just like in the forum’s destination section, by the way!). He wanted it to say "Moroccan Sahara" instead!!! But there was nothing we could do—it was an old map... He wouldn’t listen, and after long discussions with the other (younger) customs officers, he finally gave it back and let us through... Unbelievable! Later, we heard that other travelers had their maps confiscated outright. So, hide it well if you want to keep yours!!!

Anyway, we skirted around Tangier’s suburbs—pretty grim—and finally arrived in Asilah.

Following the coast and the long promenade along the beach, we reached the campsite. It was a bit crowded, not much shade, but it wasn’t far from the medina or the beach, and it wasn’t expensive. There’s some life here: Moroccan families seem to live on-site, in tents or basic bungalows. A woman was cooking tagine on a brazier—we were right in the atmosphere! The night was quiet, and we slept well. We set off on foot, walking along the seafront to the medina... We’d already been here in 2009. It was less touristy back then! Still, at this early hour, the little streets inside were very quiet. The walls had been freshly whitewashed, and there were even more murals than before. Around 11:30 AM, we strolled along the ramparts by the sea. There was a nice breeze! And a lot more people around. We enjoyed a milkshake on the terrace of a café overlooking the beach that stretches out at the foot of the medina. Some young guys were having fun diving off the rocks—and even off the top of the wall!





Martine from DD in Arizona and New Mexico
by Marcalamar · 2025-12-26 · 64 replies
Good evening everyone! 🙂

We’re back from our September 2025 road trip, this time to explore Arizona and New Mexico, and it’s time for me to start my travel journal—especially since everything’s already booked for another trip in September 2026 (to California), and I need to get started on the planning.

I was a little worried this new visit to Uncle Sam’s country might not be as "wow" as the others, but we still discovered some incredible places.

For those who don’t know us, we’re a couple in our seventies who speak very little English, but that didn’t stop us from fully enjoying our stay.

For this 6th road trip in the U.S., we spent 21 nights there, drove 4,160 km by car, and walked nearly 160 km in a loop starting from Phoenix.

We’d been to Arizona before (but not this side) and never to New Mexico. This whole road trip was a huge discovery for us.

In the prices mentioned (some in euros, others in dollars), bank fees and exchange charges are included. The flights, car rental, and parking were all paid for in December 2024 when we booked.

We’d downloaded the MPC (Mobile Passport Control) app, but there wasn’t a dedicated line at Phoenix Airport. Still, we got through quickly with friendly, smiling agents.

I don’t drive at all (I hate it), so the stops were chosen based on activities but also, for some, to limit daily mileage for the sole driver. The kilometers listed in the itinerary are the daily distances.

We traveled from September 9th to 22nd, unfortunately once again without our dear friends Mimi and Maumau.

The itinerary



Day 1: Flight Marseille-Paris-Phoenix, then Gold Canyon (133 km) Day 2: Tucson (271 km) Lost Dutchman State Park Day 3: Tucson (155 km) Day 4: Tucson (34 km) Day 5: Bisbee (182 km) Day 6: Lordsburg (345 km) Day 7: Las Cruces (253 km) Day 8: Alamogordo (162 km) Day 9: Roswell (264 km) Day 10: Tucumcari (369 km) Day 11: Las Vegas (281 km) – the one in New Mexico Day 12: Taos (213 km) Day 13: Santa Fe (224 km) Day 14: Albuquerque (123 km) Day 15: Gallup (246 km) Day 16: Holbrook (224 km) Day 17: Flagstaff (179 km) Day 18: Sedona (118 km) Day 19: Sedona (48 km) Day 20: Sedona (41 km) Day 21: Phoenix (256 km) Day 22: Phoenix Airport (35 km)

📊 **Budget**: A little over 7,500 € for both of us, all included. The exchange rate was in our favor (1.17 dollars to 1 €). 📊 **Flights**: Marseille-Paris Charles de Gaulle-Phoenix: 1,787 € for two, with one checked bag each (Air France) 📊 **ESTA**: $42 📊 **America the Beautiful Pass**: $80 📊 **Parking**: 134 € (super eco at Marseille) 📊 **Car rental (Hertz)**: 865 €. Since there were no SUVs left in the reserved category (Nissan Rogue), we got an upgrade (4x4 Ford Explorer). We booked through Air France (15% discount). We’d originally reserved it in December for 1,140 €, but since prices dropped in March, we canceled and rebooked for 865 €. Hertz offers a free Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program, which gives you priority counter service when picking up the car. 📊 **Accommodation**: 2,400 € We stayed in hotels and motels of varying standards (from 60 to 203 € per night, depending on the city), all booked through Booking.com or Hotels.com. Out of 21 nights, only two didn’t include breakfast in the price. Booking.com sometimes offers slightly cheaper rates if you book by phone using the mobile app, and our Genius 3 status on the site also got us some preferential rates. 📊 **Supplementary insurance**: AVA 200 € for medical care if needed 📊 **Cash**: $2,078. We left with 1,000 € exchanged before departure and made two withdrawals of $500. This cash covered: - Evening restaurants and tips - Midday picnics - Gas: $298 for 4,160 km - Museum and private park entries (per person): - Lost Dutchman: $10 - Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum: $28 - Bird Cage Theater: $16 - Tombstone Shootout: $8 - New Mexico Farm & Ranch Museum: $12 - Roswell International UFO Museum: $5 - Billy the Kid Museum: $7 - Rancho de Taos: $22 - West Fork Oak Creek Trail entry: $15 We got a few discounts thanks to our senior age (+65). - Souvenirs and little treats

Like on our previous road trips, we didn’t rent a GPS. We got around using offline GPS apps Here WeGo and Organic Maps, with maps of the states we visited downloaded before we left (on our phones).

❤️❤️❤️ **Highlights** (there are so many!) 📍 Goldfield Ghost Town (even if it’s a reconstruction) 📍 The standing army of Saguaro cacti at Saguaro National Park West 📍 Diving into the cowboy universe of Tombstone 📍 The welcome from Rick and Henry at our guesthouse in Bisbee (Garden at Mile High Ranch) 📍 The tangled rocks of Chiricahua National Monument 📍 The flavored pistachios from Dwayne’s Fresh Jerky and Mac Ginnis Pistachioland 📍 Restaurants: La Posta (Las Cruces), Diner 66 (Albuquerque), and the Haunted Hamburger (Jerome) 📍 The old plazas of New Mexico 📍 The solitude and beauty of the white dunes at White Sands National Park 📍 Stepping back in time at the Billy the Kid Museum (Fort Stanton) 📍 Sections of historic Route 66 and the old motels of Tucumcari, especially at night when all the neon lights are on 📍 Taos Pueblo and diving into Native American culture 📍 After the Rio Grande Bridge, the descent via NM 567 to the very bottom of the Rio Grande Gorge, then the road along the riverbanks to Taos 📍 The tranquility of the Chimayo Sanctuary 📍 Discovering the ingenious native dwellings at Bandelier National Monument and Walnut Canyon National Park 📍 The small towns along the Turquoise Trail 📍 The red rocks of Red Rock Park and the Painted Desert 📍 The extraordinary colors of the petrified trees at Petrified Forest National Park 📍 Sedona, its red rocks, and the reward of the viewpoints at the end of hikes (Devil’s Bridge, The Subway, and West Fork Oak Creek) 📍 The immersion in Mexico when visiting Tlaquepaque 📍 The almost-ghost town of Jerome and its terraced streets 📍 The incredible kindness of Americans, always ready to help and up for a chat ❤️

☹️☹️☹️ **Flops** (there are very few) 📍 Several museums and churches being closed, so we couldn’t visit them 📍 Some museums and visitor centers opening late (10 AM) and closing early (4 PM) 📍 A 64 € phone roaming charge because we got near the Mexican border and picked up their cell tower 📍 The outrageous price ($5.99) for a gallon of gas at the Shell near Phoenix Airport

I hope this helps! Anyway, thanks for reading my long post. Don’t hesitate to reach out, even via PM, if you see I haven’t replied and you’d like more details. Have a great evening, everyone! 🙂
What type of car for the Atlas?
by Seb33650 · 2025-12-11 · 16 replies
Hi there, in mid-January my wife and I are leaving from Marrakech heading to the Atlas (Essaouira ==> Dades ==> Merzouga ==> Draa Valley) before finally making our way to Taghazout near Agadir for 2 or 3 days.

The route ends up looking like this, except for the end where we head toward the ocean.
https://www.les-covoyageurs.com/ressources/images-produits/photo-produit-29-carte.jpg?v=6

I’m hesitating about renting a car, and since I don’t know the road conditions, I’d like to know if a Dacia Sandero is enough for this kind of trip?

Another thing making me hesitate is the possibility of rain and roads being less passable.

I’m reaching out to more experienced travelers who can share their advice, of course.

Thanks in advance
Quebec road trip: questions about travel distances and accommodation prices
by Bedlam31 · 2025-12-08 · 8 replies
Hi there, We’re planning a trip to Quebec from June 15 to 28, 2025, specifically along the St. Lawrence River. As I’ve been looking into it, I’ve got two main questions:

First, about our route—I feel like I might be biting off more than we can chew by wanting to follow the left bank downstream from Quebec City (including the Saguenay Fjord and Lac Saint-Jean), then heading to Gaspésie by ferry, and finally returning along the right bank. We’re flying into Montreal and will likely stop in Quebec City too. Over about ten days, is that too much? Would it be better to stick to the left bank, enjoy the coast and the lake, and maybe explore Mauricie or Mont-Tremblant on the way back instead?

Second, about prices. Since we’re thinking of renting a car and booking accommodations at each stop, I was a bit surprised by hotel and motel rates. I’ve always heard Canada is a pretty expensive destination, but I’m seeing average prices very similar to France—between 60 € and 90 €. Am I missing something? Is service not included? Meanwhile, on platforms like Airbnb, the prices seem exorbitant.

This second question is a bit generic, but as I’m trying to budget, I don’t feel like there’s a huge difference compared to France, even for meals. Am I way off base?

Have a great evening! !
10-day itinerary starting from Ouarzazate and returning via Marrakech - family of 5
by Ness77810 · 2025-11-22 · 18 replies
Hi everyone, We’re a family of 5—2 adults and 3 kids aged 8, 10, and 16. We arrive on 20/04/2026 at noon at Ouarzazate Airport and return on 29/04/2026 at noon from Marrakech Airport. We plan to rent a car in Ouarzazate and drop it off in Marrakech.

What we’d love: discovering the landscapes of southern Morocco, meeting locals, and experiencing the desert. We’d prefer to stay in comfortable, clean places with nature views—not too noisy. We’re aiming for half-board (except in Marrakech). We don’t want to feel rushed, but I’m not sure what to skip.

This is our first time doing a somewhat itinerant trip, and it’s our first family trip abroad. We don’t want the kids to get tired of daily hotel changes, which is why I’m questioning the options in my draft itinerary. I’d be so grateful for your thoughts on it, and if you have any great recommendations—especially some with pools!

As for prices, I’m struggling to gauge what’s reasonable. For 5 people, we quickly need 2 rooms, and for nicer places with pools, I’m seeing rates around 160 € to 190 € per night. That seems expensive to me.
15-Day Road Trip Recap: Colorado and New Mexico
by Dennis2 · 2025-11-13 · 2 replies
Hello, here’s a totally subjective recap of our 15-day road trip between Colorado and New Mexico, from late September to mid-October.

Our main interests are culture, museums, and landscapes—no hiking or trails for us. Personally, I’m pretty contemplative, and luckily, there’s always something to see out there! We’re pretty used to the US; we’ve been going there often for a long time (let’s just say we’re not exactly young anymore).

Budget: Even though we don’t set a strict budget beforehand, we try to keep costs as low as possible. This time, we managed to spend around 4000 € for two, all included. To do this: avoid expensive accommodations, staying between 60 and 120 € per night with an average of 90 €/night, mixing Airbnb and motels. And skip the “real” restaurants, which are pretty pricey in the US: sandwiches for lunch, takeout or cooking in the Airbnb in the evening. We shop at Sprouts or Whole Foods—organic-style chains that are pricier than Walmart but better. In the evenings, Sprouts has discounts on items that didn’t sell during the day. Also, avoid toll roads, paid parking, and overly expensive attractions or sites. The dispensary budget is separate…

Route: Denver/Colorado Springs/Alamosa/Raton/Santa Fe/Cuba/Cortez/Grand Junction/Glenwood Springs/Denver This wasn’t too planned in advance—we booked a few nights upon arrival and went with the flow. Flight from CDG to Denver with AF/Delta, car rental at Dollar for a standard SUV. The guy at the Dollar counter upsold me on extra insurance for flat tires (and since I knew we’d be off-roading, I took it). Without telling me, he upgraded me to a Jeep Sahara 4X4 Hybrid. Nice.

Listening to the news upon arrival, the anchor announced, “It’s officially fall now.” We hadn’t really thought about that before leaving, but yeah—it’s the time when the trees turn fluorescent yellow and red. Amazing.

Colorado Springs: Garden of the Gods is a free park with paved trails winding through red/orange rock formations. Magical at sunrise—groups of deer roam around, along with birds and rabbits. It’s small but wow! Didn’t try the Manitou Incline in Manitou Springs, a staircase with thousands of steps going straight up the mountain. Impressive from the bottom, but the parking is paid, which is a downside for those willing to tackle it. The Cog Railway goes up to the summit of Pikes Peak—around $100 when we were there. No thanks. And of course, the parking is paid too. For fans, Maggie’s Farm dispensary is great.

On Route 24, Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area is fly-fishing paradise—just like in the movie *A River Runs Through It*. Entry is $11, and a trail follows the river at the bottom of the canyon to the dam. Dozens of people in waders are in the water, casting their lines over and over. You can see the salmon in the clear water, and we had a picnic in the sun, imagining Brad Pitt catching a fish.

Buena Vista: A cute little tourist town with an Outdoor Fair that day—some pretty impressive vehicles for sale, set up for mountain living (like Juniper outfitting a RAM).

Alamosa: The closest town to Great Sand Dunes National Park, crossed by the Rio Grande (and let’s be real—it’s more of a stream than a river!). Park access was free because it was National Park Day. A park with massive dunes—climbing them is pretty exhausting, with lots of wind and sinking sand. Glad we didn’t do it in summer; I can’t imagine how tough it’d be in the heat. It’s a bit deceptive: it looks easy to get to the top of a dune, but it’s really not. The campsites were nice, and it was busy that weekend. We passed the “Point of No Return,” a sandy trail winding through the hills and connecting to Route 559 from above. Didn’t go all the way, but it’s possible the entrance is free from that side. However, you need a 4X4 with good ground clearance. After 1 or 2 km on the trail, you’re alone between the dunes and hills—hardly anyone around. But tricky to turn around or pass other vehicles; the trail isn’t wide. We crossed paths with a Hanomag (registered in the Netherlands—impressive!) coming down without stopping, or risking getting stuck.

On the way out, we took the small Route 403, which quickly turns into a trail crossing the mountain. Entire sections of forest were turning fluorescent yellow with patches of green and red—an incredible sight.

Raton: A small town that probably peaked in the late 19th century and has been in slow decline ever since. The Raton Pass Motor Inn is the kind of place that makes the US legendary—entirely 50s and 60s decor, really well done. I had the Betty Page room—too cool. Felt like we were on Route 66. Even better.

Santa Fe: A small city with no high-rises—almost all low-rise buildings, many in adobe, blending perfectly into the landscape. The old downtown is touristy but nice, with its plaza and church. There’s a really cool vibe—we loved it. For drinks, the bar at the top of La Fonda Hotel was packed for sunset, with a diverse crowd. Not overpriced for the location. SITE Santa Fe is a contemporary art space near the train station. It’s free, and the temporary exhibit was really good—high quality. Museum Hill is, as the name suggests, where several museums are located. We visited the Museum of Indian Art and Culture—great if you’re into “First Nations” history. Saw The Dandy Warhols at The Bridge—an outdoor venue, one of the last concerts of the season before winter makes it too cold. Oddly, there was no bag check, just an ID required (even though it was obvious we were over 21!). Tickets were reasonable, around $30 (concerts in the US can be crazy expensive). The band was good, with fewer than 300 people in front. A sign at the bar warned: Don’t forget you’re at 1,500 meters—alcohol hits harder up here!

Albuquerque: A sprawling city with an old historic center that feels a bit like Disneyland—too perfect for my taste. The real highlight is the Sandia Peak Tramway, which goes up to the old ski resort above the city. Tickets are around $35, and it’s worth it—the ride over the canyons is pretty wild. The ski resort is a bit abandoned; apparently, like elsewhere, there’s no snow anymore. I asked several people about the lack of snow, and the answer was always the same: “It’s cyclical.” Okay then. We arrived for the start of the International Balloon Fiesta (one of the world’s largest hot-air balloon gatherings), hoping to see hundreds of balloons in the sky. Nope—windy today, so no one took off. Bummer.

Las Vegas: New Mexico has its own Las Vegas, but it’s nothing like the other one—a sleepy little town with a perfectly preserved 19th-century Historic Plaza Hotel, brick buildings, and vintage streetlights. Everything is so well-preserved it’s often used as a filming location. NM attracts a lot of productions thanks to tax incentives and its Western landscapes—and it’s cheaper than California! That day, a huge Texas flag was flying in the wind: they were filming the second season of *Ransom Canyon* for Netflix in the town center. If we’d been dressed more “Western,” we could’ve been extras.

Jemez Springs: Its Jemez Hot Springs is super cute—several thermal pools at different temperatures, a New Age vibe. The pools are surrounded by big rocks, and you’re asked to speak softly. A place where you could spend hours. $50 for two hours for two.

Los Alamos: A town made legendary by the bomb, the movie, etc. Heads up: It’s still a research center, and to cross part of the town, you need to show ID. No stopping or taking photos allowed. Other than the Oppenheimer House (currently closed—only the neighboring house is open to visitors), there’s not much to see. There’s a replica of the camp entrance, but it’s been turned into restrooms.

Georgia O’Keeffe Trail (American painter, 1887–1986): Her museum in Santa Fe is pretty good, even if they don’t have tons of works. Entry is $20. Her house in Abiquiu is open for visits, but it’s way overpriced at $65. So we skipped it. You can get an idea of it by stopping at the Welcome Center on Route 84. Further down the same road, Ghost Ranch is worth a visit—beautiful setting, free to enter, with trails to explore and a great atmosphere.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park: A pretty isolated park—25 km of trails to get there, with only a small section paved. The road is decent except for the last few kilometers, which have potholes. I can’t imagine it being accessible after rain, though that doesn’t happen often! This park, in the middle of a desert plain with a few canyons, is one of the rare places where you can find multi-story structures from pre-Columbian civilizations—so, before the “current” tribes. But cruel disappointment: it’s been shut down for a few days. We met a Native ranger—tall, with long hair—who explained that even though he wasn’t being paid, he was still guarding the park and had closed all access to the sites. Darn. Turned around and headed back down the trail.

Same story in the next town, Aztec (a funny name, right?): Aztec Ruins National Monument was closed too.

We passed Ship Rock, the Navajo’s sacred mountain—really impressive. Couldn’t find a trail to get closer, but it’s better from a distance anyway! The town of Shiprock itself is pretty depressing—poor living conditions for some Natives, with rundown mobile homes and piles of junk cars.

Stopped in Cortez to visit Mesa Verde National Park. Ate at Denny’s—hadn’t been there in ages (though it’s the kind of place I should feel at home in!). The customers all looked like they’d stepped out of *The Addams Family*—a little creepy. Or funny, depending on your perspective. For Mesa Verde, after discussing it on this forum with the honorable member Caussat (who didn’t find it that amazing), we were on the fence. Problem solved: it was closed too. Back on the road.

Durango: Really nice with its Main Ave and its shops, cafés—touristy but with local life. Famous for its tourist train to Silverton, but we didn’t do it—way too expensive. Choice between a steam locomotive or diesel (which belches black, stinky smoke—yuck). The diesel should be replaced with electric as soon as they get the funds.

Million Dollar Highway: The road winds through the mountains, and every turn (and there are a lot) is breathtaking—unbelievable landscapes with fluorescent yellow, green, and snow-capped mountains. Just wow.

Silverton: A Western town nestled between two mountains, preserved in its original state despite the tourists arriving by train. Around it, abandoned mines and old wooden ties—must’ve been tough for the 19th-century miners.

Grand Junction: The city is surrounded by giant mesas—pretty impressive. The old downtown is *too* clean—almost sterile.

Colorado National Monument: Just outside the city, a winding road climbs between stunning canyons, with sweeping views of the valley. Entry was free that day due to the shutdown.

Route 330, which we took to get back to the highway, passes through a place called “Cowboy Country”—and it’s true. We saw guys in Stetsons with huge pickups, the road turned into a trail with cows wandering on it, and we had to honk to get them to move. The trail to I-70 was full of potholes—the 4X4 came in handy. Had a picnic by Vega Reservoir: the booth at the entrance was empty, but people left cash in envelopes for camping fees. Anyone passing by could’ve taken it, but it’s an example of US trust and honesty!

Glenwood Springs: A small town famous for its hot springs pool—they claim it’s the largest in the world. I don’t know about that, but it has a great look. Unfortunately, it was closed for maintenance those days! Blew our budget by staying at the Hotel Colorado, a huge 1893 building with a real atmosphere in its grand lobby and fake fireplaces. Fire pits in front of wooden chairs in the garden with mountain views—just really great.

Aspen: The billionaires’ ski resort, but surprisingly, parking was free for 2 hours. Rare to see a place for the super-rich that doesn’t scream “not for you” (like Palm Beach, for example). A former mining town completely redone, every shop occupied by a luxury brand. There’s even a thrift shop run by sweet retirees—funny as hell. Two ski lifts to start directly with your skis, but we didn’t see the price—they were still closed. Lots of houses that aren’t huge but are cute, though looking at real estate prices made us think, “Is there an extra zero on that listing?” A 6-bedroom villa for $52 million? Wow. The mountains around are gorgeous—no wonder it became what it is.

Another fancy resort nearby: Vail, more modern in its construction. The restaurants opted for a “Schwarzwald” decor—kind of odd.

Denver: Nothing really stood out for us in this city, except the Design Museum—the Kirkland, where a local painter collected furniture and supplies from Arts and Crafts to Postmodern. Just really great. Entry is included with a visit to the Denver Art Museum, which has diverse collections—from Impressionism (they have a Manet, a Van Gogh, a Cézanne, several Sisleys) to photography. The best part for me was the “Ancient Americas” totems—huge, impressive wooden sculptures, painted, the kind you’re more used to seeing in Polynesia or Easter Island. Personally, I didn’t know Natives made them too. That’s what museums are for!

Back at the airport, where I had to tag my own luggage (you have to do everything yourself with these US airlines). The tag said SLC/CDG! But we were supposed to connect through JFK. Turns out, they’d put us on a DEN/SLC/CDG flight without telling us. In the end, we gained 30 minutes on our original arrival time in Paris!

There you go—hope this inspires other travelers! !
Feedback on a 20-day Quebec road trip plan
by Vince7545 · 2025-10-28 · 3 replies
Hi everyone, I’m planning a trip to Quebec at the end of June/beginning of July 2026 for 20 days. We’re a family of 4, with two kids aged 7 and 4 at that time. I’ve already started drafting our itinerary but I’m open to all suggestions and ideas. We plan to land in Montreal and stay a few days to recover from the trip. Here’s my first draft of the itinerary: -Day 1 to 4: Exploring Montreal: -Day 5: Sucrerie de la Montagne in Rigaud. -Day 6/7: Parc Omega (staying in Pods) -Day 8-10: Saint-Alexis-des-Monts (staying at Pourvoirie du Lac Blanc) -Day 9/10: Heading toward Lac Saint-Jean: I’m still looking for accommodation halfway to La Tuque. I’ve noticed Pourvoirie du Triton or Domaine Le Bostonnais. -Day 10/11: Zoo Sauvage de Saint-Félicien: I’m also looking for accommodation near the lake for this stop + visiting Village historique de Val-Jalbert? -Day 12-13-14: Stop in Sacré-Cœur at Ferme 5 Étoiles. (I also saw the Canopée Lit accommodations in the area—something to consider). -Day 15-16: Tadoussac: Whale-watching excursion. Should we do it by Zodiac given my kids’ ages? I’m also looking for accommodation in the area (Hotel Tadoussac is out of budget). On the way back from Tadoussac to Quebec City, I’m considering an intermediate stop if there’s a spot worth the detour (Malbaie??). -Day 17-18-19: Exploring Quebec City (Montmorency Falls / Old Town / Wendake). -Day 20-21: Return to Montreal and flight home. I’d love recommendations for activities for young kids along this route. Thanks
Your advice for Namibia itinerary in January
by Joris74 · 2025-10-27 · 8 replies
Hi everyone,

We’re heading to Namibia for the first time at the end of January 2026 for 12 nights as a couple, with a 4x4 rental (no tent). We’re planning to stay in lodges, hotels, or similar. Our goal is to explore Namibia and see as many animals as possible.

We were thinking of following this route:

Windhoek to Sesriem – 2 nights

Sesriem to Omaruru – 2 nights

Omaruru to Ongava (ETOSHA) – 2 nights

Ongava to Onguma (ETOSHA) – 2 nights

Onguma to Okonjima – 2 nights

Okonjima to Windhoek – 2 nights (these last two nights near Windhoek at a lodge like Our Habitas)

What do you think of this plan?

I know we’ll miss a lot of must-see spots, but we only have 12 nights, and the distances between the points of interest we’ve chosen are pretty long.

Also, since January/February is the "rainy season," do you think this itinerary is suitable?

Don’t hesitate to tell me if we’re completely off track or if you’d recommend something totally different—we’re open to any suggestions.

Thanks so much for your time and advice!

Joris
Sao Vicente - Santo Antao and Boa Vista itinerary plan
by Frozenmad · 2025-10-15 · 2 replies
Hi everyone,

I’d like to share our travel plans for March 2026 to get your valuable feedback...

- Arrival in Sao Vicente on Tuesday, March 3rd at 9:20 AM from Lisbon (EasyJet) - Direct departure the same day or the next day for Santo Antao – 3 or 4 nights on Santo Antao (depending on whether we spend the first night in Mindelo or on Santo Antao) - Return to Sao Vicente for 3 nights - Flight to Boa Vista via Sal (Cabo Verde Airlines) on Tuesday, March 10th – 5 nights on Boa Vista - Return flight on Sunday, March 15th (Boa Vista to Porto: EasyJet)

Given the various bits of info I’ve seen about the unreliability of inter-island transport, is this itinerary realistically doable without stress? Would it be better to just take a simple flight from Sao Vicente to Sal and end the trip there (from where it’s also possible to return to Europe or France)? I’m still more drawn to Boa Vista... but I’m worried that two flights in a row might be complicated, unless it’s the same plane that just makes a stopover and continues...

Also, I’m calling on the expertise of hikers for Santo Antao: I’m not a big sports enthusiast—I enjoy walking when I travel, but not distances much longer than 10 km, and nothing too difficult (especially steep climbs where I quickly run out of breath)... For the hike from Ponta do Sol to Cruzinha: can you confirm that the hike is easier in the direction from Ponta do Sol to Cruzinha (less climbing)? I’ve found info that this hike is 14 km and takes about 5 hours. Do you think it’s possible to shorten it by taking a taxi or *aluguer* to Fontainhas? If so, how long would the hike be then, and how much time would it take?

For the hike from Xoxo (starting at the Bela Vista kiosk on the Cova road), I’ve found info that it’s 12 km and takes 5 hours of walking. I think it goes to Ribeira Grande. Apparently, you can shorten the hike and find *aluguers* on the road near Café Melicia... In that case, do you know how long the hike would be? Is this the hike that lets you walk along *levadas* (like in Madeira), cross banana plantations, and pass by the Cachoeira de Vinha waterfall?

Sorry for all these questions, but I can’t find a guide with hikes and difficulty levels... I think two hikes (one along the coast and one inland with terraces, *levadas*, and banana plantations) would suit our level.

On the third free day, do you think we could rent a 4x4 to explore: take the two scenic routes on the east side and maybe venture a little off the beaten path (without taking risks, of course)... Otherwise, hire a guide for the day: do you have any recommendations and an idea of the price?

One last thing: in March, is it worth (or pointless) to choose accommodation with a pool (especially on Santo Antao)? Is the pool water warm enough? What about the ocean temperature?

Thanks so much for your help, have a great day!
Tadoussac-Saguenay and activities near Hautes-Gorges de la Malbaie National Park
by Claireloise · 2025-09-11 · 10 replies
Hello,

We’re heading to Quebec in just over a week to meet up with our son, a young adult on a Working Holiday Visa who’s been there for nearly a year 🙂🙂🙂 and I still have a few questions:

1) We’re starting with 3 nights near Shawinigan (Lac à la Tortue). The day after we arrive, we’ll have a relaxed day with one or two activities (sugar shack in St-Mathieu-du-Parc? A seaplane ride?). Any other suggestions? (Besides Parc de la Mauricie, which we’ll visit the next day.)

2) Then, we’ll head to Quebec City via the Chemin du Roy, where we’ll spend 3 nights, followed by a scenic drive to La Malbaie. We’ll be staying in St-Aimé-des-Lacs near Hautes-Gorges de la Malbaie National Park for another 3 nights. One day will be dedicated to hiking in the park—likely the Acropole des Draveurs for our son, and the Riverain trail plus two shorter walks for my husband and me, since he can’t use hiking poles. So, I’m unsure about the second day: should we go back to the park for the cruise, or do something else nearby? Any suggestions?

3) After St-Aimé-des-Lacs, we’ll spend 3 nights in Tadoussac. We’ll definitely stop at Port-au-Persil, but since the drive isn’t too long, we’ll arrive pretty quickly (I think you say "rendu" here 😉). I was thinking of exploring Tadoussac that day, doing the Pointe de l’Islet trail, the Estuary trail, and the Dunes lookout. The second day, we’d head toward Les Bergeronnes and Les Escoumins to visit the interpretation center and take a Zodiac cruise. I was considering Neptune because they offer covered boats. Any other options? And on the third day, we’d go to Sainte-Rose-du-Nord via the Saguenay Fjord National Park’s Baie Sainte-Marguerite sector to hike part of the "Le Fjord" trail from the Beluga Observation Center. I’m aware this trail requires a park access fee. However, I just realized that the trails we planned for the first day (Estuary and Pointe de l’Islet) are also part of the Tadoussac sector of the park. Do we need to pay the access fee (10.10 CAD) for these two short trails? If so, it might make sense to do them on the third day. In that case, can we pay the fee in Tadoussac, then head to the Baie Sainte-Marguerite sector and use the same ticket?

Feel free to share any thoughts or suggestions!

Claire

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