Stroll
Van Gogh's Provence - 5 Days
FranceProvence

Van Gogh's Provence - 5 Days

5 Days
Easy

Overview

Walk in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh through one of the most painterly landscapes in France on this journey from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence to the ancient Roman city of Arles. Provence unfolds like a living canvas throughout — vivid blue skies above fields of sunflowers and lavender, silver olive groves, rugged limestone peaks and the fragrant hills of Les Alpilles scented with thyme, rosemary and cistus. The route passes the Romanesque monastery where Van Gogh sought refuge and created some of his most celebrated works, winds through cypress-lined farmsteads and medieval villages, and climbs to the dramatic clifftop village of Maussane before descending through the extraordinary medieval marvel of Les Baux-de-Provence to Arles. A walk through one of the world's most inspiring artistic landscapes.

Highlights

  • Trace the path of the famed artist Vincent Van Gogh
  • View the diverse and captivating landscapes of the Alps and French Riviera
  • Awe-inspiring vistas over the Mediterranean from clifftop vantage points
  • Authentic Provençal villages, old stone farmhouses and huts along centuries-old paths
  • Discover the stunningly picturesque village of Les Baux-de-Provence
  • Indulge in delectable local specialties, savoring the flavors of the region
  • Exploring vibrant local markets: Wednesday in St Remy, Saturday in Arles

Loading overview…

What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights)

Transfers

  • Private Vehicle Transfers
  • Luggage Transfers

Meals

4 breakfasts, 0 lunches, and 0 dinners

Guidance & Support

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

How We Rate This Walk

1

Stroll Walking Grade

Easy

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

Flat, easy paths with minimal exertion. Perfect for those who prefer a relaxed pace with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery.

View Fitness Guide

3

Days on the trail

9-17 km

Average per walking day

276-412 m

Gain per day

4/10

Trail difficulty

Where You'll Stay

Nights are spent in handpicked three-star hotels and guesthouses in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Maussane and Arles, each chosen for their character, location and connection to the region. All rooms have private facilities, and the hosts are genuinely knowledgeable about the local history, food and wine — always happy to share recommendations. Occasional substitutions of equivalent quality may be made depending on availability — always communicated in advance.

What You'll Eat

Four buffet breakfasts are included throughout the walk. Lunch and dinner are yours to explore independently each day, with cafes, food stores and excellent restaurants available in each town along the route. Your hosts will happily provide a list of local dining recommendations. We strongly suggest adding a day or two at the end to truly savour all that Provence has to offer — just contact our team and we will arrange it.

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.

More About This Trip

The walk starts in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and finishes in Arles. The easiest option is to fly into Marseille and take the train to Avignon, around one and a half hours and approximately $30 AUD, then a 30-minute bus to Saint-Rémy. Alternatively, fly into Paris and take the TGV to Avignon in around three to four hours. Book train tickets in advance at thetrainline.com for the best fares.

At the end of the walk, trains from Arles connect back to Marseille in around one hour, with onward flights to Paris and beyond, or a direct train to Paris taking approximately four hours.

This walk is available from March to mid-November, with the exception of July and August when trails in the region close due to fire risk. Spring and autumn are the finest times to walk, with mild temperatures and the Provençal countryside at its most beautiful. June is warm and long-daylit, while September and October bring cooler conditions and a quieter, more reflective atmosphere as the summer crowds thin out.

This walk is graded easy, with daily distances averaging around 11.7km and little significant ascent throughout. The paths are well-maintained and accessible for most fitness levels, making this an ideal introduction to walking in Provence. The region is extraordinary beyond the trail itself, and an extra day or two after the walk to soak up the sweeping views from the Alpine peaks to the deep blue Mediterranean, and to fully savour the food and wine of the region, is highly recommended.

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

July 2026

Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Available
Limited
Unavailable

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?

Call Us

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

£720/person