Stroll
Provence Uncovered - 8 Days
FranceProvence

Provence Uncovered - 8 Days

8 Days
Moderate to Challenging

Overview

Walk through the sun-drenched heart of Provence on this journey from the ancient papal city of Avignon to the charming canals of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. The route traverses two iconic mountain ranges — Les Alpilles and Le Luberon — along open ridges and ancient paths, passing through some of the most celebrated villages in France. From Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and the spectacular clifftop village of Gordes to the ochre landscape of the Colorado Provençal and the dramatic Aiguebrun valley, every day delivers extraordinary scenery and centuries of history. Handpicked guesthouses, exceptional Provençal cuisine and jaw-dropping views across the southern French landscape complete the picture.

Highlights

  • The diverse landscapes of the Alpilles & Luberon
  • The mysterious spring of the Sorgue river: Fontaine de Vaucluse
  • 300 year-old Mur de la Peste and the 12th century Romanesque architecture Sénanque abbey
  • Saint Paul de Mausole Monastery where Van Gogh spent over a year creating 150 paintings
  • The hilltop villages of the Luberon, including Gordes, Bonnieux, Lacoste, Saignon, Les Baux de Provence
  • A stay at the otherworldly 11th century converted goats farm converted into the Auberge des Seguins guest-house in Buoux
  • Awe-inspiring vistas atop the Alpilles mountains, beautiful vineyards and olive groves blanketing the plains

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights), Guest House (4 nights)

Transfers

  • Private Vehicle Transfers
  • Luggage Transfers

Meals

7 breakfasts, 1 lunches, and 5 dinners

Guidance & Support

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

How We Rate This Walk

4

Stroll Walking Grade

Moderate to Challenging

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

Regular hills and varied terrain. These walks involve more challenging sections. Regular walking beforehand is recommended.

View Fitness Guide

6

Days on the trail

9-21 km

Average per walking day

276-529 m

Gain per day

7/10

Trail difficulty

Where You'll Stay

Nights are spent in handpicked three-star guesthouses, charming small hotels and family-run auberges, each chosen for their character, location and connection to the region. The accommodation reflects the warmth and history of Provençal village life at every stop. Occasional substitutions of equivalent quality may be made depending on availability — always communicated in advance.

What You'll Eat

Seven continental Provençal breakfasts, one picnic lunch and five three-course à la carte dinners are included throughout the walk. On evenings where dinner is not included, your walk notes contain a handpicked dossier of local restaurant recommendations — the places where locals actually eat. The region is world-renowned for its food and wine, and we strongly recommend adding a day or two at the end to savour it properly.

Note: Drinks and alcohol are not included with meals, with the exception of tea, coffee and juice served with breakfast.

More About This Trip

The walk starts in Avignon and finishes in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. The easiest option is to fly into Marseille and take the train to Avignon, a journey of around 40 minutes costing approximately €10 to €30. Trains run frequently enough that advance booking is not always necessary. From Paris, TGV high-speed trains reach Avignon in around three hours. Book train tickets in advance at thetrainline.com for the best fares.

At the end of the walk, trains from L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue connect back to Marseille in around one hour and 50 minutes, with onward flights to Paris and beyond, or a direct TGV to Paris taking approximately five hours.

This walk is available from 1 March to 30 June and 1 September to 15 November. Spring and autumn are the finest times, with mild temperatures, beautiful light and the villages at their most peaceful. Summer brings warmer days and the full bloom of the Provençal landscape, though the walk is not available from late June through to the end of August due to the high fire risk in the region during this period. The route stays well away from the busier tourist areas, so crowds are rarely an issue at any time of year.

This walk is graded moderate, with daily distances averaging around 16km and five to six hours of walking. The terrain covers mostly flat, well-maintained paths through the most beautiful parts of Provence, making this an accessible walk for most fitness levels — though we recommend honestly assessing your walking capability against the daily distances before booking. The region is extraordinarily rich in history and beauty beyond the trail itself, and an extra day or two after the walk to explore Provence is highly recommended.

Note: Although we have carefully timed this walk to avoid the highest-risk period, forest paths may occasionally be closed or partially restricted until 11am if fire risk is elevated. Restrictions are published no later than 6pm the day before — your accommodation can assist with checking conditions. Any additional costs arising from path restrictions are at the client's expense, and alternative options will be provided wherever possible.

Travel insurance is required for all Stroll walking holidays, covering cancellation costs, loss of luggage and injury. For international trips, your policy must also include medical evacuation coverage. A cancellation fee applies if you cancel after your holiday has been confirmed. See the FAQ section for full details.

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

September 2026

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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.

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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

From

£2,105/person