A journey through history, art and countryside in Umbria, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Italy.
Call us on 01707 817260
Or, email us at customersupport@rambleworldwide.co.uk
Call us on 01707 817260
Or, email us at customersupport@rambleworldwide.co.uk
Experience an unforgettable week exploring colourful gardens and scenic footpaths on the Côte d'Azur. Immerse yourself in the wonders of the French Riviera.
French Riviera
Wildlife & Nature
Coast & Islands
Apr
May
Average group size: 12-14
What does this mean?
What does this mean?
What does this mean?
The perfect blend of guided shorter walks, sightseeing trips, and quality accommodation for a more leisurely way to discover the world.
Overview
You're here on the French Riviera, known for its celebrity allure, but the true treasures lie in its captivating gardens and natural beauty. The magic truly happens in spring, and we invite you to soak up the Mediterranean sun and explore the incredible gardens of the Côte d'Azur and Nice with us.
Your exclusive itinerary ensures you have access to these exquisite gardens, serene havens where you can leisurely wander among vibrant flowers, lush foliage, and charming birdlife. Each garden is a tranquil sanctuary, with the breath-taking blue Mediterranean as your backdrop.
Your exploration begins in the heart of Nice, where you'll navigate the charming streets of the Old Town led by a knowledgeable local guide. You'll discover the enchanting 'Jardin Exotique' in Eze and the irresistible allure of Menton, both havens for garden enthusiasts. A standout moment awaits at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, where the intricate beauty of the region's vibrant flora is showcased.
The blend of garden exploration and leisurely local walks beautifully encapsulates the French Riviera's finest offerings. As you wander through the local countryside, you'll encounter romantic hill towns, follow coastal paths, and admire opulent villas that have hosted the world's elite.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant essence of the French Riviera, where gardens and natural beauty harmoniously coexist. This immersive experience promises a fusion of culture, history, and the splendour of the outdoors that will leave you enchanted by this stunning region.
Click the button below for a detailed Holiday Information Sheet containing all the particulars about this trip.
NOTE: Itineraries and Holiday Information Sheets can vary by a specific date chosen
50250
Experience a revitalising week filled with leisurely and serene walks amidst rolling hills, along secluded beaches, and exhilarating hikes through spectacular gorges.
As you wander along the leafy banks of the River Rhône, immerse yourself in the charm of Avignon's narrow cobbled streets. Here, you'll uncover a city rich in ancient lore and mystery, waiting to be explored.
Walking and sightseeing amongst the rugged coast, ancient castles and charming gardens of Northumberland - an area steeped in history and natural beauty.
Your week in Alsace promises a perfect blend of cultural richness and scenic beauty. Wander through fairy-tale Alsatian villages, surrounded by rolling vineyards as far as the eye can see. Indulge in wine tastings, savouring the region's renowned Riesling and Gewürztraminer. Discover a unique landscape and terrain as you stroll through the picturesque countryside along the French-German border. This holiday will awaken your curiosity to discover more about this fascinating area.
Itinerary & Travel
Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the outlined itinerary and advertised programme, local conditions can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This may mean that routes and timings need to be amended or the order of days may change, sometimes at short notice.
Meals
Accommodation
After landing into Nice and transferring to your hotel, gather with fellow travellers and your Leader for a delightful first dinner.
Meals
Accommodation
Distance
Ascent/Descent
In the morning, a local guide will take you on a journey through Nice's rich history along the Promenade des Anglais and Le Chateau Park. Your route will include Garibaldi Square, the Palais Lascaris, and Cours Saleya Market. Did you know Matisse once lived on the 3rd floor of the impressive building at the end of Cours Saleya?
Your city tour concludes on the seafront, leaving time for lunch and leisure in the city. Alternatively, your Leader can guide you to more discoveries in this charming city.
In the afternoon, taking the public bus you have the option to explore Cimiez, featuring a delightful walk around the Roman arena and Monastery Gardens complete with stunning city views. You may even visit the Matisse Gallery.
The walk specifics detailed above are in relation to our walk in Cimiez, you can expect to walk a couple more miles including the guided tour.
Meals
Accommodation
Distance
Ascent/Descent
Start the day by taking the train to Menton. Visit the beautiful Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden. As you stroll through this lush garden, you'll discover a variety of exotic plants and vibrant flowers, offering a peaceful start to your day.
Next, you'll walk into the heart of Menton, where you'll visit the Cocteau Salle des Mariages. Here, you can enjoy a detailed self guide experience that describes all the intricate details and fascinating history of this unique wedding hall, adorned with the artwork of Jean Cocteau.
After exploring the Salle des Mariages, you'll have the option to visit the Cocteau Museum. This museum showcases a comprehensive collection of Jean Cocteau's work, providing deeper insights into the life and creativity of this renowned artist.
This day not only immerses you in the natural beauty and artistic heritage of Menton but also offers a leisurely pace to fully appreciate the charm and culture of this picturesque town.
Meals
Accommodation
The 9 Gardens of the Villa Ephrussi await us to discover with a local guide. To add to the fairytale feel, musical fountains spring from the large pond like a grand aquatic ballet.
Distance
Ascent/Descent
Just a short 10-minute train ride from Nice, you'll find the picturesque Beaulieu bay. Nestled on the Cap Ferrat promontory, you'll discover the exquisite Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild adorned with its seven unique gardens.
Following the villa tour, you can choose to either stroll around the peninsula or cross the small bay to explore Villa Kerylos, a tribute to Ancient Greece dating back to the early 20th century.
Meals
Accommodation
Distance
Ascent/Descent
You start your day with a visit to Matisse's charming Chapel de la Rosaire on the outskirts of Vence. Your journey continues into the heart of this quaint walled town, where you'll find a delightful mix of unique local shops, ancient architectural wonders, and serene hidden lanes and squares.
Next, the coach transports you to the picturesque hill village of St. Paul de Vence, home to numerous art studios where you can immerse yourself in the rich history of 20th-century art and the vibrant hues of Provence.
As you return to Nice, there's a chance to explore Renoir's house in Cagnes-sur-Mer, adding an artistic flourish to your day, soaking in the ambiance of the artist's former home and studio, surrounded by beautiful gardens and olive trees.
Meals
Accommodation
Distance
Ascent/Descent
Today is all about the gardens, you embark on a scenic coach journey to Ventimiglia, Italy, to visit the enchanting Villa Hanbury at La Mortola. These gardens were originally created by Sir Thomas Hanbury, of Allen and Hanbury pharmaceuticals, as a testing ground for plants with potential business applications. Dorothy Hanbury, Thomas' daughter-in-law, made significant structural enhancements to the garden before World War II.
Despite suffering severe damage during the war, the garden was meticulously restored and later entrusted to the Italian state in 1960. Since 1987, the University of Genoa has been responsible for its care. The gardens boast an extensive array of plants, decorating the steep slopes leading to the sea. It's easy to lose track of time while wandering through these captivating and diverse gardens.
Following your visit, take a short visit to town before heading back to Nice.
Meals
Accommodation
Distance
Ascent/Descent
Situated halfway along the Moyenne Corniche between Nice and Monaco lies Eze, a picturesque 'village perché' perched high above the coast. Its character is defined by steep, winding lanes that lead to an exotic garden. The panoramic views from this vantage point offer marvellous vistas of the sea and coastline.
Following your visit, you'll have the option to either take a short bus ride directly to Monaco or embark on a scenic walk down the Sentier Nietzsche to Eze Bord de Mer (mainly via steps). Once you all convene in Monaco, your itinerary includes a visit to the renowned Casino in Monte Carlo, a ferry ride across a harbour filled with expensive yachts, a glimpse of Princess Grace's resting place in the Cathedral, and free time to explore the palace and Oceanographic Museum.
Meals
As your time among the enchanting gardens comes to an end, it's time to say goodbye and embark on your journey home.
From (GBP)£1,799
Departure dates for your selected tour
22nd Apr 2025 - 29th Apr 2025 (7 Nights)
13th May 2025 - 20th May 2025 (7 Nights)
Accommodation
Below is the accommodation featured on this holiday across all departure dates. Please refer to the Itinerary for more detail about each night's accommodation for each departure date.
Welcome to the Hotel Vendome in Nice, where you have the choice of well-appointed twin bedded or single rooms, each equipped with en-suite facilities. You'll find the hotel perfectly situated in the heart of the new town, just a short stroll away from the bustling Place Massena and the charming old town. As you enter the hotel, you'll be greeted by the elegant charm of a beautifully converted townhouse, and an elegant historic main staircase.
Once you've settled in, take a moment to unwind in the tastefully decorated lounge. Here, you can admire the captivating murals, the ornate mirrors, and the vibrant colours that create a welcoming atmosphere.
Your room comes equipped with all the modern amenities you need for a comfortable stay, including:
Please note that, in keeping with the historical nature of the building, some of the rooms may be a bit more compact, which is quite common in city hotels.
Trip Information
All Adagio holidays are expertly designed to allow you to immerse yourself in the destination. Leisurely exploration of the must-see, as well as lesser known, highlights together with relaxed enjoyment of local food and wines is what we have in mind.
There may be days of sightseeing on foot around a spectacular city or unchallenging strolls on easy terrain, guided tours, boat trips, cafe stops and traditional restaurants.
This holiday is a Grade 2. A lot of the programme involves walking around the towns and villages of the French Riviera, many of which have cobbled streets and hilly parts. The countryside walks between Vence & St Paul and around the Peninsula on Cap Ferrat are on good paths with a small amount of ascent and descent. All of these walks are optional and do not otherwise affect the sights you will see on those days. The maximum altitude we reach on this holiday is 400m.
Holiday Budgeting
As you plan your holiday budget, it's essential to account for expenses such as drinks, meals not covered in the holiday price, entrance fees not included, optional local excursions, and any souvenirs or additional services like laundry. For a rough estimate, budgeting around £10-£20 per person per day for lunches and drinks is a helpful guideline.
Local Transport Costs
In the holiday cost, we have included all local transport expenses related to the advertised activity program for your convenience. If there are additional visits or excursions to enrich your experience, you can choose to participate and cover the costs locally. Depending on the itinerary, local transport may involve a mix of private hire coaches, taxis, local buses, and ferries.
Entrance Fees
To make the most of your time in Nice entrance into some attractions/monuments are not included in the holiday price and will have a small fee. However, entrance to Hanbury Gardens, Jardin Exotic in Eze, Val Rahmeh and Villa Ephussi de Rothschild, the Matisse Chapel and Renoir’s House are included in the holiday cost.
Country Currency
The currency in France is the euro.
Credit cards are widely accepted. You may be asked to provide ID if you can’t pay by chip and PIN. ATMs are widely available in most towns and villages throughout France.
Tipping
In your holiday price, we've included tipping for our local suppliers, covering hotel and restaurant staff, local guides, and drivers. Should you wish to make an extra contribution for a specific service, this should be given directly to the recipient at your discretion.
Your Leader
Your tour leader plays a crucial role in enhancing your holiday experience, and they share your passion for exploring the world on foot. In addition to being resourceful and organized they are also well-travelled and deeply enthusiastic about showing you new destinations. Your tour leader takes care of all the local, ensuring you can fully enjoy your holiday without worrying about the logistics. While leading group holidays, they always keep in mind that each group is composed of individuals. Each tour leader brings their unique style, talents, and professional background to the table. Rest assured, they are all trained, qualified, experienced, and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting, and inspiring as possible. Remember, your leader, while on holiday, is your first port of call for any issues, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience for you.
Leaders Evening Briefing
Each evening, your tour leader will meet with you to review the programme for the next day. This is your chance to discuss details and ensure that the planned activities align with your walking ability. If you have any concerns about clothing or equipment, feel free to bring them up during this discussion. If, for any reason, you prefer not to participate in the organised group programme, please inform your leader. Your preferences are important, and your leader is there to make sure your experience aligns with your expectations.
Local Guides
Visiting historical sites, churches or museums are much more rewarding with a local guide. They give an insight to the local culture, language and traditions and can bring a destination alive. Many of our Adagio holidays include a knowledgeable English speaking guide on at least one of the days. Please refer to your daily itinerary to see where a guide is included.
Group Size
We believe that the best things come in small packages, and our Adagio holidays prove just that. We limit our groups to a maximum of 18 persons, plus the Adagio Leader, so that everyone has the opportunity to mix, share their love of travel and return home with new friendships. Small groups also have less detrimental local impact, allows us to use public transport on some days, eat at small local restaurants and, we believe, offers a better experience.
Getting to your Holiday
We offer this holiday with flights from London, however there are many travel options to get to Nice from the UK. Below are some tips for how to get to the hotel should you book your own travel to France.
The taxi fare from Nice airport to the hotel is approximately €30.00 each way.
By public transport, take the tram from the airport to Durandy (line 2 towards Port Lympia). Exit the station with the gardens behind you. Turn right on Rue Pastorelli. Hotel Vendome is on the second corner on the right.
If you are travelling by train to Nice Ville, it is a 20 minute walk to the hotel. Turn left from the station, then right (south) down main street Avenue Jean Medecin. Then left on Rue Pastorelli.
A taxi from Nice Ville station to the hotel will cost approximately €10.00.
www.nice.aeroport.fr
Booking Your Own Travel Arrangements
If you prefer to arrange your own flights from a non-UK or regional airport or travel to your holiday destination by rail or car, you may qualify for 'land only' reductions, and we can provide details upon request. Feel free to reach out to us for more information.
Before finalizing any independent travel arrangements, especially if you're doing so 12 weeks or more before your intended travel date, please check with us first to ensure your holiday has been cleared to operate. If you plan to join your holiday locally, kindly inform us at least 14 weeks in advance.
If you're joining and leaving your holiday overseas, we assume, unless you specify otherwise, that you will join and leave the holiday at your hotel.
Although airport/station transfers are not included for those making independent travel arrangements, you may have the option to join the group at the overseas airport/station, depending on your arrival time. If interested, contact us at least 5 weeks before departure for more details.
Please be aware that you must arrive within 30 minutes of the group flight/train arrival to be eligible for the group transfer. Additionally, we'll need your flight number, arrival time, and departure point or independent travel arrangements to ensure the group leader can meet up with you. If you have a mobile, please ensure we have the number, and it is turned on while you are traveling for effective communication.
Hotel Transfers
When you book a flight or rail inclusive holiday, transfers between the airport/station and hotel (and vv) are included. On some holidays, where we offer various flight options, the transfer vehicle may wait for all flights to land before transferring to the hotel.
Luggage Allowance & Tickets
If you're booking a flight or rail inclusive holiday, rest assured that details of your travel arrangements and baggage allowance will be clearly outlined in your 'Final Travel Documents'. These will be sent to you approximately 10 days before your departure, ensuring you have all the necessary information for a smooth and well-prepared journey.
Personal Details Check
To ensure the accurate administration of your holiday arrangements, kindly verify that the personal details we have for you are current and correct. Confirm that you've given us all the necessary information for securing your travel and accommodation. Please review your passport details, date of birth, and any other pertinent information crucial for the management of your holiday.
Additionally, please make us aware of any dietary allergies or intolerances you may have. Your well-being is important to us, and this information will help us make appropriate arrangements for your meals during the trip.
You can access and update the provided information or add missing details through the "Manage My Booking" feature on our website at www.rambleworldwide.co.uk. Alternatively, reach out to our Sales and Reservations team at +44 (0)1707 331133. Upon receiving your booking confirmation, promptly check the details. Your cooperation ensures a seamless and enjoyable holiday experience.
General Passport Advice
It is a good idea to carry photocopies of the personal details pages of your passport page (with your photo on). Should you lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of replacement documents and your return to your home country. Passport and visa requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements.
General travel and destination advice for UK nationals is available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at www.fco.gov.uk/travel and at www.gov.uk/travelaware.
Brexit Passport Advice
If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must meet the Schengen area rules.
Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:
Your passport may need to be less than 10 years old during your whole visit, and the 3 months at the end of your visit may need to be within 10 years of your passport’s issue date.
Check both the issue date and the expiry date in your passport. If you renewed your passport early, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. This could affect the requirement for your passport to be less than 10 years old.
Non British Passport holders should consult the host country’s embassy for applicable passport and visa entry requirements.
A substantial buffet breakfast is served at the hotel. All dinners will be at restaurants in Nice. Providing a variety of French and international cuisine. Lunches are not included, but can be purchased by the group at local supermarkets, bakeries, cafes and restaurants en route.
When taking reservations for groups in local restaurants, it is the policy of some restaurateurs to offer one set menu, served to everyone at the table with the exception of vegetarians, vegans and gluten free. We would like to remind you that when making your holiday booking you had the option to state dietary requirements, if you didn’t do so at the time, please let us know as soon as possible so we can strive to try and meet your needs.
Footwear
Comfortable, broken in, walking boots or shoes with a good sole are recommended for this holiday. Walking shoes or other comfortable footwear will be suitable for sightseeing days.
General Kit List
Outdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared.
If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:
This list is not exhaustive and every traveller is different and may have their own preference.
Swimming in France
Please note that in French public swimming pools men are not permitted to wear baggy swimming shorts but must have ‘Speedo’ style trunks or tight fitting longer shorts. Men with incorrect swim wear will not be allowed into the pool.
Water To Go
Opting for filtered water from a reusable bottle with its built-in water filter, like the Water-to-go bottle available at www.watertogo.eu, is a sustainable alternative to single-use sealed water bottles. Simply refill it from any water source and contribute to saving the environment from disposable plastic bottles.
Exciting news: Water-to-go has introduced two new bottles to their collection. The Active bottle is designed to fit bike water bottle holders, and the Sugarcane bottle is an even more planet-friendly option. Crafted from fibrous cane, a by-product of liquid extraction, it undergoes a process to create plant-based plastic. Explore the details on the Water-to-Go website for this innovative new range.
As a token of appreciation for your commitment to the environment, we've secured an exclusive 15% discount with Water-to-Go for you. Visit www.watertogo.eu and use the code RWH17 during your order.
Note: If you're booked on a long-haul holiday, departing after November 1, 2023, you'll receive a complimentary Water-to-Go bottle, sent to your home address 2 or 3 weeks before your holiday. Thank you for being a part of our sustainable journey!
Travel Document Checklist
To ensure your holiday gets off to a good start, please make sure that you bring the following documents and information with you:
Electricity in France
Electricity is supplied at 220 Volts. If you wish to use electrical equipment you will need a European two pin adaptor with round pins. More information can be found at https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/
The Map Shop
If you cannot find the maps or books locally we recommend:
The Map Shop
5 High Street
Upton upon Severn, Worcs
WR8 0HJ
England
Tel: 01684 593 146
Website: www.themapshop.co.uk
E-mail: themapshop@btinternet.com
If you key many of the local places mentioned in this holiday fact sheet into YouTube, you will find a vast array of spectacular footage of the area.
Country Health
No compulsory immunisations are required for visits to France.
You should be up to date with the usual immunisations recommended in the UK.
You may wish to consider immunisations against Tetanus and Tick-borne Encephalitis
Further Health Advice
For further advice please visit:
You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.
GHIC / EHIC Cards
Starting January 1st, 2021, you, as a UK traveller, can continue using your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) throughout its valid five-year period, granting you access to medical assistance during your holiday until its expiry date. Be aware, though, that this coverage will no longer extend to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland. In case you don't have a valid EHIC, you can apply for a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which will replace the EHIC as it gets phased out.
It's essential to emphasize that the EHIC/GHIC, while valuable, should not be regarded as a substitute for comprehensive medical or travel insurance. For your peace of mind and comprehensive coverage, considering additional insurance is highly recommended.
For more information, please visit www.nhs.uk/ehic
Travel Insurance
It’s a condition of booking that you obtain adequate travel insurance, from a reputable provider, to undertake the holiday, including UK trips chiefly due to the cancellation element of cover.
The policy must cover the period from the date of booking to the last day of your trip and should include, as a minimum, cover for: medical expenses (including the consequences of a Covid positive test result), mountain rescue including helicopter rescue, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment and shall not have exclusion clauses limiting cover for the activities you will partake in on your trip, including altitudes reached in the holiday arrangement. It is your responsibility to check that your policy is adequate for the nature and destination of the holiday booked.
Once you have obtained your travel insurance, please provide us with the name of your travel insurer, the policy number and the insurer’s 24 hour emergency assistance number.
In the event that you fail to obtain suitable Travel Insurance we shall not be liable for any costs incurred or claims made against us due to your failure to comply with this term.
If travelling outside the UK you must carry proof of insurance with you and produce it if reasonably requested to do so by RWH Travel staff, tour leaders or suppliers. No refunds will be made should you be excluded from the walking programme through being uninsured or you being unable to demonstrate that you are insured.
Our house broker MPI should be considered for whom we are an affiliate and contact information is on our website and will be referred to in your booking confirmation.
If you are travelling to an EU country or Switzerland please also ensure that you have either an existing valid EU EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card) or a valid UK GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card). You can apply for a UK GHIC free of charge on the NHS website at https://services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/cra/start.
Responsible Travel
We are dedicated to promoting responsible travel practices that prioritise the well-being of both the environment and local communities. We believe in the transformative power of travel and aim to minimize our ecological footprint by selecting eco-friendly accommodations, encouraging waste reduction, and supporting sustainable transportation options where possible. Our walking tours are designed to immerse participants in the local culture, fostering meaningful connections with the communities we visit. We strive to leave a positive impact by engaging in responsible tourism activities, respecting local customs, and contributing to the preservation of natural landscapes. Through our commitment to responsible travel, we aim to create enriching experiences for our guests while actively contributing to the conservation of the destinations we explore.
Heart and Sole
We appreciate that we are in a fortunate position to be able to use our profits to help make a difference to people's lives. Heart & Sole is a venture managed by our office staff, whose aim is to reach the heart of the communities in the countries we visit. Through Heart & Sole, we hope to make more of a long term, direct impact to these communities, particularly in less developed countries where even a small amount goes a long way.
The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust
Unlike many other tour operators, we take pride in our unique approach. Ramble Worldwide channels its surplus profits back into various outdoor, walking-related, or environmental conservation projects in the UK through our own trust. When you choose us, you contribute to this impactful initiative.
The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust is passionate about making the outdoors more accessible for more people from all communities. We grant funds to many organisations and have recently partnered with Mind Over Mountains, Adaptive Grand Slam, and other groups to create an enduring impact on people’s lives and to support them to enjoy the outdoors. In addition, the Trust makes many small grants to local organisations such as Ramblers Groups, Walkers are Welcome, My kind of Books and recently provided a small grant, via his scouting group, to enable a young man whose family had fallen on hard times to complete his DofE Gold award.
Patron of the Trust is the renowned explorer, Mark Wood. Over 20 years Mark has undertaken expeditions to some of the most remote parts of our planet. Our shared values make for an exciting partnership, and we believe that by standing shoulder to shoulder we can encourage people from all communities to enjoy being active outdoors in whatever way suits them best.
For more comprehensive details, please visit the 'About' section on our website and click on the Charitable Trust link. Your choice to travel with us goes beyond a memorable vacation; it contributes to meaningful projects that have a positive impact on our community and environment.
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Useful Information
Capital
Currency
Language
Time Difference
Flight duration
Visas and Passports
January
Avg. Rain: 65mm
February
Avg. Rain: 56mm
March
Avg. Rain: 55mm
April
Avg. Rain: 59mm
May
Avg. Rain: 66mm
June
Avg. Rain: 58mm
July
Avg. Rain: 51mm
August
Avg. Rain: 56mm
September
Avg. Rain: 66mm
October
Avg. Rain: 79mm
November
Avg. Rain: 76mm
December
Avg. Rain: 74mm
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