Reviews

Since 2016 we have enjoyed four wonderful trips with Bartek and Muriel, covering areas in northern Spain from Costa Brava on the Mediterranean coast to Salamanca in the west, and in southern France, from Narbonne to Carcassonne and the Cathar region in the eastern foothills of the Pyrenees.
We stayed in comfortable renovated farmhouses in remote scenic areas, where we returned from hikes to meals prepared by Muriel using locally sourced ingredients accompanied by local wines and good conversation.
Bartek took us to high country where we saw griffons on the ridge above us; he hiked with us through spectacular gorges; introduced us to Cathar castles atop barely accessible ridges, and a cave with 14,000 year old rock paintings.
Bartek’s energy is epic, but his choices of routes and duration of hikes were entirely suitable for older (70+) relatively fit folks. We formed strong friendships with our travelling companions and were terribly sad to part from everyone at the end of the adventure.
We cherish every memory.

Jack and Suzi, Canada/USA

This is one of the most tranquil places to have as our base for walking in the Pyrenees. Bartek leads with sensitivity and has found us varied beautiful walks each day. It’s been a delight.
Muriel, thank you Muriel for the delicious meals, one superb meal after another, for shopping and spending relax time with us. It’s been a joy. Let’s do it again.

XX. Lis from California.

I so enjoyed this week of challenging hikes, spectacular views, amazing delicious meals. Bartek and Muriel are more than generous and instantly feel like old friends.
I will miss them but hope to see them again.

Kim Collet, Sebastopol, California.

We had a glorious week with Bartek and Muriel. The walks were well thought out, and took into account the weather and our different paces!
They varied from beautiful woodland walks to stunning lakes and waterfalls.
It was lovely to come back to a hot shower and comfortable house. Muriel always provided glorious and delicious food. Bartek took us to see various churches and villages which were very interesting, especially Saint Lizier.

Colin and Sukie, Cornwall, UK

Such a pleasure to spend another week with Bartek and Muriel. As always a meticulously planned series of walks based on deep knowledge of the local - and what a local!
Les Pyrénées Ariégeoises are so great, so varied, so beautiful landscapes to walk through. Add in delicious meals and delightful friends and you have the perfect vacation.
Can’t wait for the next one!

Chris, California

Wow! What a week! So glorious.
This Gite that Bartek and Muriel found for 8 of us hikers was/is a dream of peace and beauty. We are all nurtured with Muriel’s cooking - absolutely delicious. breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Our marches each day are an adventure and well chosen to our level of enjoyment (with a little push).
Bartek and Muriel always put every effort and thought into making a fabulous walking holiday. I want to make walks with ‘Walk On The Bart Side’ an annual event!

Cathy from UK / California

An experience of walking and waking !
I came to walk in a region I knew nothing about with a guide I was told knew the area intimately with his best.
No disappointments - only amazements and respect for Bartek who shared his passions for walking with all of us.
Each day I awakened with the question, where will Bartek take us today?
And each day was unique with another view & experience of the new, varying from local history, mining, waterfalls, mountain trips, villages, churches,Tour de France, Compostelle, cows, sheep, horses and local culture.
And when we finished each day, we were greeted and cared for by Muriel and her wonderful feasts and sensitivities.
I want to come back again to experience another time with them!
Until we meet again!!!
Best Best.

Brooke, Sebastopol, CA.

A fantastic walking week with Bartek, who was a great guide!
The routes were well planned and enjoyable and some very spectacular.
Bartek also showed us interesting villages and ancient churches and monuments in the region and was informative and fun!!
Both Bartek and Muriel were welcoming and friendly hosts, with Muriel's delicious food being a great hit with everyone.
Best wishes.

Andrew Wilson, Hershan, Surrey, U.K.