Stroll
Hidden Gems of the French Riviera - 5 Days
FranceProvence

Hidden Gems of the French Riviera - 5 Days

5 Days
Moderate

Hidden Gems of the French Riviera - 5 Days

from £850 / person

Overview

Just inland from the French Riviera lies the Pays de Grasse, a region of rolling hills, fragrant landscapes and quietly remarkable villages that most visitors to the coast never discover. Tucked above Cannes, this is the perfume capital of the world, where olive groves, lavender fields and aromatic herbs have shaped the character of the land for centuries.

This 5-day walk moves through some of the most enchanting villages in the south of France, including Gourdon, St Paul de Vence and Tourrettes sur Loup, with sweeping views that stretch from the snow-dusted peaks of the Alps to the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea. The walking is unhurried and the scenery consistently rewards, with the unspoiled backcountry of the French Riviera offering a world away from the coast below.

The food and wine of the region add another dimension to the experience, with the flavours of Provence as distinctive and memorable as the landscape itself.

Highlights

  • The diverse and captivating landscapes of both the majestic mountain peaks and the deep blue Mediterranean sea
  • Awe-inspiring vistas over the French Riviera from clifftop vantage points
  • Authentic hilltop villages of Gourdon, St. Paul de Vence, and Tourrettes-sur-Loup
  • Visit the Picasso Museum and Forte Carré, where Napoleon was imprisoned
  • Indulge in delectable local specialties, savouring the flavours of the region
  • Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of colourful markets, such as the Friday morning market in Vence and the Sunday morning market in Antibes

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Pont du Loup

Your journey begins with a scenic 30-minute afternoon transfer from Grasse to Pont du Loup, where you'll spend the night. If you're arriving from Nice airport, you can opt for a convenient 1-hour bus ride on the 650 route to Grasse, or take a slightly longer 1-hour and 10-minute train journey from Nice centre. Consider arriving a day ahead to explore Grasse, renowned for its perfume heritage. Don't miss the chance to delve into the fascinating world of fragrances at the International Perfume Museum and admire masterpieces at the cathedral, showcasing artworks by acclaimed painters like Rubens. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Provence at the Art & History Museum, offering insight into life in the region across different eras.

Accommodation

3-star Hotel in Pont Du Loup

What's Included

Accommodation

3-star Hotel (4 nights)

Meals

4 breakfasts

Transfers

  • Luggage Transfers
  • Transport on day 1, 3 and 4

Guidance & Support

  • Itinerary & Walk Notes
  • Walking App for Navigation
  • 24/7 on-trip support

How We Rate This Walk

3

Stroll Walking Grade

Moderate

Rated by our team — we walk every route before we recommend it.

Expect some hills and longer walking days. A reasonable level of fitness will help you enjoy the experience.

View Fitness Guide

4

Days on the trail

5-14 km

Daily distance range

90-750 m

Daily ascent range

4/10

Trail difficulty

Where You'll Stay

During this tour, you will stay in double occupancy rooms with private facilities across three of the French Riviera's most rewarding stops, Pont du Loup, Vence and Antibes. Every property is well used to receiving walkers, and the hosts are genuinely knowledgeable about the region, always happy to talk about the local history, food and wine.

The accommodation listed is an indication of the standard that will be booked and may vary depending on availability. Should any displayed option be unavailable, we will ensure any alternative meets the same standard. Additional nights can be arranged if you would like more time to explore this remarkable corner of France.

What You'll Eat

Four buffet breakfasts are included throughout the trip, served after each night's stay. Lunch is available at local cafes and food stores along the way, and for dinner, your hosts will happily put together a list of recommendations so you can eat wherever takes your fancy. On the French Riviera, that is rarely a difficult decision.

Note: Please advise us of any food allergies or intolerances at the time of booking. If you have severe allergies, bringing some of your own snacks is recommended, as specialist ingredients can be harder to source along the way.

More About This Trip

The walk starts in Pont du Loup and finishes in Antibes, on the French Riviera. The most convenient airport is Nice (NCE), with good international connections. From Nice, trains and buses run to Grasse in around 1 hour. A transfer from Grasse station to your accommodation is included; please let us know your arrival time in advance. Book French rail tickets in advance through SNCF.

The walk ends in Antibes, from where trains and buses run back to Nice in around 30 minutes, with onward flights and rail connections available from there.

This walk is available from 1 March to 5 November, with no fixed start days. May, June, September and October are the ideal months for walking, with comfortable temperatures and far fewer visitors on the paths. Spring brings wildflowers and fresh green hills, with the occasional shower. July and August are warm and sunny, though early starts are advisable on exposed sections. Autumn is particularly rewarding, with the Provençal vineyards turning colour and quieter trails throughout. Pack a light waterproof whatever the month.

The distances are short but the elevation is significant, so the days carry more effort than the kilometres alone suggest. Sturdy walking boots with good ankle support and grip are essential.

A regular training routine with a focus on hill work is recommended in preparation. Building lower-body strength through exercises such as squats, lunges, and step-ups will prove particularly useful given the elevation involved. Daily walk notes, maps, and GPX tracks are provided.

You must hold adequate travel insurance for your trip, including cover for personal liability and accidental injury and illness. For all trips involving international travel, your policy must also include emergency medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation cover. We strongly recommend your policy also covers trip cancellation and curtailment, and loss of or damage to luggage.

A cancellation fee usually applies if you cancel after your booking is confirmed. Travel insurance with cancellation cover will generally cover this fee, so it's worth arranging your policy at the time of booking.

Full insurance requirements are set out in our booking terms and conditions.

A detailed information pack and itinerary will be sent to you around six weeks before departure, covering everything you need to know for a seamless experience. In the meantime, our team is always on hand to answer any questions.

Dates & Pricing

Choose Your Start Date

Pick any available date — this is your trip, your schedule

August 2026

Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
1Out of season
2Out of season
3Out of season
4Out of season
5Out of season
8
9
10
15
16
17
22
23
24
29
30
31
Available
Limited
Unavailable
Out of season

Prices shown are per person, twin/double share basis.

Provence reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Your main luggage is transported between accommodations each day while you walk — it will be waiting for you when you arrive each evening. You carry only a daypack on the trail. All transport on and off the track and luggage transfers are included in the package.

The terrain in Provence is beautifully varied — long stretches through lavender fields and sunflower meadows, oak and chestnut forests, dramatic limestone gorges, vineyard tracks, and the ancient mule paths of the Luberon hills. Villages appear on hilltops with extraordinary regularity, and the route regularly passes Roman ruins, Cistercian abbeys, and historic fortifications. The walks are generally graded as moderate and suit walkers with a good base fitness. The pace is relaxed, and the scenery rewards those who take their time.

Provence is extraordinarily rich. Avignon's Palais des Papes — the palace that housed seven popes during the 14th century — is one of the great medieval buildings in Europe. The hilltop village of Gordes, clinging to its limestone escarpment above the Luberon, is arguably the most beautiful village in France. Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with its papal castle and some of the world's finest vineyards surrounding it, is essential. Isle-sur-la-Sorgue — often called the Venice of France for its river canals — is one of France's most charming and underrated small towns. And then there are the lavender fields of the Valensole Plateau, the ochre cliffs of Roussillon, the ancient Roman theatre at Orange, and the quiet Cistercian abbeys of Thoronet and Sénanque hidden in forest valleys. The region that inspired Van Gogh, Cézanne, Matisse, Picasso, and Peter Mayle has no shortage of reasons to slow down and look.

A: Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are the ideal walking seasons. April and May bring wildflowers, mild temperatures, and the Luberon at its most lush and green. June sees the lavender beginning to bloom in the lower fields. The famous lavender peak is generally mid-June to mid-July — visually breathtaking but also the beginning of the hot season. July and August are the peak tourist months and can be very warm — if you're walking in summer, early starts are essential. September and October bring cooler days, the grape harvest, and a golden light that photographers come from around the world to capture.

A comfortable daypack with a waterproof cover. Key items include a quality waterproof jacket (storms can arrive quickly in the hills even in summer), warm layer for evenings, sun hat, sunscreen (the Provençal sun is fierce), sunglasses, at least 1–2 litres of water, snacks and lunch supplies, a personal first aid kit, cash in Euros, your phone, and your walk notes and maps. Walking poles are optional but useful on some of the hillier sections.

France uses the Euro (€). Cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops throughout Provence. Carry some cash for village markets, small boulangeries, and rural farm stalls where card readers may not be available. ATMs are easy to find in larger towns like Avignon and Gordes, but can be scarce in smaller villages — stock up when you have the opportunity.

Tipping is not mandatory in France, but rounding up a restaurant bill or leaving a few Euros for good service is always appreciated — especially at smaller, family-run establishments.

Provence is dense with churches, abbeys, and ancient ruins — many of them still active places of worship or serious archaeological sites. Dress modestly when entering religious buildings — covered shoulders and knees are generally expected. Speak quietly and follow any posted guidelines. Many of the Roman sites and abbeys charge a small entry fee; having some cash on hand makes this easier. At the Palais des Papes in Avignon, booking tickets in advance during peak season is strongly recommended.

Flag any allergies or dietary needs at the time of booking so your guesthouses can be informed in advance. Provençal cuisine is largely Mediterranean in character — olive oil-based, vegetable-rich, and full of fresh produce — which makes it relatively accommodating for a range of diets. That said, smaller rural guesthouses can have limited menus, so the simpler your requirements, the smoother the experience. Reconfirm your needs with each host on arrival.

Want to Know More?

The Provence Experience

Wonder
Stroll Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s historic vineyards beneath ruins of the Avignon Popes’ summer castle
Walk where every path leads to something beautiful like Séguret and Gigondas, medieval villages perched high above the Rhône Valley
Descend to colourful Menton, passing Sainte-Agnès and sweeping Mediterranean clifftop vistas
Wellness
Lavender, limestone and master the art of going nowhere fast on moderate trails through cedar, pine and olive groves with uplifting sea air
Cool off in Malaucène and Vaison-la-Romaine hotels with welcoming swimming pools
A feast for the senses, savour Châteauneuf tastings, Provençal cuisine and market mornings in Vaison-la-Romaine
Nature
Climb towards Mont Ventoux’s barren white peak through shaded pine and cedar paths
Follow ancient paths through lavender fields, wooded valleys and rosemary-drenched hills
Marvel at Dentelles de Montmirail, Bausson Pass and broad alpine-to-sea panoramas