Provence Uncovered - 8 Day Self-Guided Walking Tour

Provence Uncovered – 8 Days

SELF-GUIDED

SELF-GUIDED
8 DAYS
Moderate

PRICE FROM £ 1,805 per person

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £ 600 per person

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OVERVIEW

Get up close to the beautiful landscapes, food, wine and nature of Provence, with its charming ancient towns and villages.

This walk starts in Avignon, and ends in L’Isle sur la Sorgue – or Provençal Venice, a beautiful fishing village. Walk the path from St Remy de Provence through famed villages such as Gordes and Saignon; witness the spectacular Aiguebrun valley, and finish in the Colorado Provencal.

You’ll stay in handpicked guesthouses, enjoy delicious Provençal cuisine and soak up jaw-dropping views over the Southern French landscape. Traverse open ridges and along 2 picturesque mountain ranges: Les Alpilles & Le Luberon. Walk to 1000-year-old villages rising spectacularly from the valleys below, many of which are considered the most beautiful in France.

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

ITINERARY

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DAY one

AVIGNON

The start: Arrival by your own means in Avignon (plane to Marseille, train to Avignon or private taxi upon request). You can walk from the central train station to your accommodation. There’s no walking scheduled today, however, there is an incredible array of historic sites to explore. A medieval town on the banks of the mighty Rhône River, Avignon has many hidden treasures: the Pope’s palace, the 12th-century bridge, the 14th-century ramparts, still intact, and many museums and churches. Meander through a labyrinth of cobbled streets and discover cafés in open squares, shaded by gorgeous plane trees.

Walking: Easy 1 – 5 km
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Cloître Saint Louis in Avignon

DAY two

ST REMY

The walk starts in the picturesque & artsy town of St Remy situated in the Alpilles hills.

There’s a great Wednesday morning market in St Remy if you can make the timing work for you. We begin by exploring the town, including its Roman ruins and the former monastery where Van Gogh spent the last year of his life. Walk up the Van Gogh trail, lined with reproductions of his paintings facing the very scenes that inspired them. The walk continues up a meandering botanical path to the crest of the Alpilles mountain. This section finishes with a crescendo, the short climb that leads to Rocher des deux Trous and outstanding views back over Massif des Alpilles and the surrounding area.

You then have two options: either a leisurely stroll back down the mountain, or a sizeable more challenging detour on a breathtaking path along the uneven rocky crest of the mountain adding an element of adventure, and a ton of “wow” to the day’s walk (followed by the same leisurely stroll back down the mountain…).

Walking: Moderate to Challenging / 10 – 18 km / 3–6 hrs/ a shorter option is available / +550M / -550M
Meals: Buffet breakfast and three-course dinner
Accommodation:Hôtel Gounod in St Remy de Provence

DAY three

ST REMY TO LES BAUX AND DETOUR TO MAUSSANE

Leaving St. Rémy by foot, and up to the crest of the windswept Alpilles mountains framed by lines of cypress trees accompanied by vineyards. The track atop the escarpment is complete with awe-inspiring 360° view. The gentle undulating track travels towards the medieval village of Les Baux de Provence. The town, perched on a rocky precipice makes for one of the most beautiful village settings in all of France. There’s time to visit le Chateau des Baux from the Middle ages and take in its magnificent views over the valley. From here it’s a gentle hike down to the prestigious olive groves that carpet the plain. You can taste some of the local olive oils and specialties in Maussane, a quaint Provençal town: This charming village has splendid vaulted houses and a 16th-century chapel. Strolling through the narrow streets, you will come upon old oil-presses, chapels and splendid fountains. Made from a blend of five different varieties of olives, the olive oil made here is among the best made in the Mediterranean basin.

Option 1: The longer version finishes in Maussane – taxi pick up is arranged from Maussane to Gordes (next hotel)
Option 2: The shorter version finishes in Les Baux – taxi pick up is arranged from Les Baux to Gordes (next hotel)

Walking: Moderate / 12 or 19 km / 4– 7 hrs/ a shorter option is available / +350M / -400M
Meals: Buffet breakfast and three-course dinner
Accommodation: Mas de la Beaume in Gordes

DAY four

FONTAINE DE VAUCLUSE TO GORDES AND SENANQUE ABBEY

The walk starts at Fontaine de Vaucluse, with some irony today because this is the end of the mythical pilgrimage not the beginning. There is time to explore this unique watercourse, one of the largest underground systems in the world and the gorgeous town. The walk then climbs away from the water up through pine and cedar forest on seldom-used trails, and up to a plateau. The sweeping views extend to far off hilltop villages, the effect a visual palette that is unique only to France. The walk continues along the 300-year-old Mur de la Peste, constructed when the plague hit Marseille in 1720, as a means to protect the Provence of the Popes from the ravaging disease. Your journey ends at the magnificent village of Gordes, perched up on its rocky crag, its’ majestic greystone homes rising vertiginously from the valley below.

Gordes sits balanced high above the Calavon valley, its majestic stone homes rising dramatically in concentric circles to its castle, crowning the village. If you wish, you can add an additional loop to the Senanque Abbey. The track travels over a vast plateau, crossing lavender and thyme-laden fields dotted with old stone huts, on your way to Sénanque Abbey, a jewel of 12th-century Romanesque architecture. You’ll have time to explore the abbey before returning to Gordes via an ancient cobbled path.

Walking: Moderate to Challenging / 13 – 23 km / 4.5–7.5 hrs/ a shorter option is available / +450m / -200m
Meals: Buffet breakfast
Accommodation: Mas de la Beaume in Gordes

DAY five

LACOSTE TO BUOUX AND AUBERGE DES SEGUINS

There is a short transfer to the walk this morning to the village of Lacoste that’s crowned by the ruins of the castle of the Marquis de Sade. The village offers a stunning ensemble of old village gates, town squares and cobbled streets, not to mention the haunting allure of the castle and the Marquis and its’ 12th Century church. You continue to Bonnieux, another highlight of the Luberon, immortalized in Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence.

Beyond Bonnieux, you enter in the Grand Luberon, following alongside a lavender field before reaching Buoux castle, and the village of Buoux itself. Your accommodation a restored 17th-century goat farm, the Auberge des Seguins, is like taking a step back in time. It is located in the depths of the Aiguebrun gorge, in an idyllic setting making it largely unknown and thus a perfect resting place after a great day of walking.

Walking: Moderate / 16.5 km / 5.5 hrs / +450m / -350m
Meals: Buffet breakfast and three course dinner
Accommodation: Guest house Auberge des Seguins in Boux

DAY six

BUOUX THE AUBERGE DES SEGUINS TO APT

Pick up your picnic lunch for today’s walk at reception as there are no shops along the trails. You will soon find yourself walking along the base of the Aiguebrun canyon, the only permanent river in the Luberon mountains. The canyon’s massive limestone walls and luxuriant vegetation add just one more dimension to what is already an incredibly diverse walk. On to the hidden hamlet of Sivergues with its’ stone wall terraces, the only remains of the cultivated fields, that once were spread out around the tightly-packed handful of homes. The walk continues through vast lavender fields and truffle oak plantations to Saignon, a medieval village with ruins of three castles. Today’s walk finishes in Apt with a descent into the Provencal capital of candied fruits “fruits confits”.

If you are up for a challenge then there is an additional loop walk out of Buoux that takes the high route and offers amazing views over the valley.

Walking: Moderate / 14 or 26 km / 5 to 8 hrs / +400m / -650m
Meals: Breakfast and picnic lunch
Accommodation: Le Sainte Anne in Apt

DAY seven

SAIGNON TO RUSTREL

Today’s walk crosses the Calavon valley and then onto the world’s largest ochre deposit, a rainbow feast visually of yellow, orange, and red sands. The maritime pine trees with their long and bright needles offer a beautiful contrast to the ochre soils. You’ll get to explore this area that’s called the “Colorado Provençal” an area which covers kilometres right in the heart of Provence. The ancient crimson cliffs are reminiscent of the far off Wild West, with canyon-like quarries, a succession of earth pillars and valleys with amazing contours. Short transfer to Isle sur la Sorgue also called the Provencal Venice.

Walking: Moderate / 12 or 16 km / 4 to 6 hrs / +400m / -300m
Meals: Buffet breakfast and three course dinner
Accommodation: Grand Hôtel Henri in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

DAY eight

PROVENCAL VENICE

The trip finishes after breakfast but why not spend a few more days in the region. There is also the famous Saturday morning market in Provencal Venice (L’lsle sur la Sorgue) another opportunity to soak up the Provence ambience. Enjoy.

Meals: Breakfast

WHAT’S INCLUDED

7 nights double occupancy with private facilities, in handpicked hotels or guesthouses
7 breakfasts, 1 picnic lunch and 5 dinners
All transport on and off the track incl luggage transfers
Our comprehensive set of notes, detailed walking itineraries, integrated maps and insider tips (where to get the freshest baguettes, where to taste olive oil or wine)
Hilltop villages of the Luberon, including Gordes, Bonnieux, Lacoste, Saigon, Les Baux de Provence
300 year-old Mur de la Peste, 12th century Romanesque architecture Senanque abbey
Awe-inspiring vistas atop the Alpilles mountains, vineyards and olive groves blanketing the plains

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

All the accommodations have been handpicked to reflect the character and history of the region. From elegant guesthouses, small charming hotels to 19th Century family homes you can be assured that wherever you stay you will be warmly welcomed. The accommodations are 3 star with an emphasis on location and the ambience of the region. We will endeavour to book all the accommodation listed below, but in the off chance we can’t we will substitute something of equal quality.

Night 1

Le Cloître St Louis

This magnificent building steeped history has become an emblem of French Architecture, beautifully blending charm and tradition. Originally built in 1589 by three architects: Etienne Martelange, Jean Péru and François de Royers de la Valfenière via a donation from La dame de Saint Chamond for the purpose of housing novitiates of the Jesuits of Avignon. In 1768 the Jesuits were banished from France and the building was transformed into a convent where a section was dedicated to the care of wounded soldiers. To this day you can still find the names of the armies of the first empire and revolution here. After a donation from Louis Napoleon Bonaparte the building became the property of the city of Avignon and operated as a civilian hospital for 40 years. In 1987 the building was completely renovated as a hotel and space dedicated to hosting cultural events.

The surrounding gardens are spacious with a fountain, pool and a gourmet onsite restaurant. A delicious breakfast is included in the beautiful restaurant.

Night 1

Le Cloître St Louis

The surrounding gardens are spacious with a fountain, pool and a gourmet onsite restaurant. A delicious breakfast is included in the beautiful restaurant.

Night 1

Le Cloître St Louis

The surrounding gardens are spacious with a fountain, pool and a gourmet onsite restaurant. A delicious breakfast is included in the beautiful restaurant.

Night 1

Le Cloître St Louis

The surrounding gardens are spacious with a fountain, pool and a gourmet onsite restaurant. A delicious breakfast is included in the beautiful restaurant.

Night 2

Hôtel Gounod

The Hotel Gounod is a haven of peace right in the heart of the village of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. The hotel itself is elegant and thoughtfully decorated, with a spa, swimming pool, a lounge and beautifully green gardens. Each of the rooms are decorated in a different way, all with a warm and welcoming ambience. In the evening enjoy local wines at the hotels bar. Breakfast is included in the morning.

Etienne welcomes you in his Provencal guesthouse in the centre of Gordes with a garden & pool. Each room is nicely furbished with splendid garden and mountain views. You will also enjoy a gourmet home-cooked meal in the evening.

Night 3 & 4

Mas de la Beaume

Night 3 & 4

Mas de la Beaume

Night 3 & 4

Mas de la Beaume

Night 5

Guest House Abuerge des Seguins

Hidden at the base of the Aiguebrun gorge, beside the only river in the mountain, and at the very end of the road, Les Seguins is both storybook scenic and peaceful. And with no television, Wifi, or cell phone reception, we’re taken blissfully back in time. Instead watch the swifts soar up amongst the massive limestone cliffs, or relax in a lounge chair in the open field, facing the centuries-old golden stone buildings. We’re taken back in time by the restaurant and hotel signs, written not only in French but also in Provençal: a language that your three young hosts speak fluently. Dinner is family-style, with home-cooked Provençal specialties. Breakfast is communal, eaten on large farm tables, with no bells and whistles but with the freshest breads and tasty homemade jams. We’re in an age where the hotel and restaurant business moves farther toward all that is modern and sophisto-chic, towards sterile monotony, towards overly-fancy restaurant concoctions unrecognizable by name and taste, and towards pamper-me-and-embrace-my-posterior service. The Auberge des Seguins is none of that, for better or worse. We think (we’re convinced) for the better.

Night 5

GENERAL INFO

AVAILABILITY

This walk is available from March 1st to June 30th and September 15th to November 15th. There is a risk of path restrictions from the 1st of July until the 15th of September so we are unable to sell this trip through this time.

HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY

1. Travelling to the Start of the walk
The walk starts in Avignon and ends with a stay in Isle sur la Sorgue. You will need to get yourself to and from the start and end of your walk. i.e. you will need to organise your travel to the start of the walk in Avignon. To make it easy we have collated some useful information that will assist you in making arrangements for your travel.

By plane (and rail): One of the easiest options would be to fly into Marseille and then catch the train from Marseille to Avignon. There are many airlines that fly from Paris to Marseille. Below are possible websites that provide a number of different carriers to choose from.

The train from Marseilles to Avignon will take around 40mins and will cost anywhere from around €10.00 to €30.00 or AUD $15 – $40. They depart so often that it may not be worth worrying about booking. Please find below ways to book. From the train station, you can walk to your first accommodation.

Trainline.com: https://www.thetrainline.com/en/train-times
TGV: https://en.oui.sncf/en/tgv

By rail: It’s also very easy to catch a train from anywhere in France to Avignon. The fastest service is the TGV intercity high-speed rail service. This journey takes about 3 hrs from Paris and will cost anywhere from €50 to €150 or $30 – $160 AUS depending on booking conditions and the Class of service chosen.
https://en.oui.sncf/en/tgv
You can buy a ticket when you get there, however, we recommend pre-booking your tickets online.
1. Travelling from the End of the walk
By rail: The train from Isle sur la Sorgue back to Marseilles takes around 1 hr 50 min or longer and costs around €20 or $30 AUD.
Or take the train back to Paris which takes about 5 hours.
Trainline.com: https://www.thetrainline.com/en/train-times
TGV: https://en.oui.sncf/en/tgv

By plane: (Get the train to Marseille) There are many airlines that fly from Marseilles to Paris. Below are possible websites that provide a number of different carriers to choose from.

https://www.kayak.com/flights
www.google.com/flights

WALKING

The walk is moderate with some long days if you wish. Full-day walks average about 16 km with 5 –6 hours walking each day. The walking is over mostly flat well-maintained paths through the most beautiful parts of Provence. Please assess your walking capability in context of how many kilometres each day is walked to assess whether this walk is suitable for you. Walkers have let us know that our assessment of the walk as moderate is accurate but their level of fitness may not be equivalent to your fitness level.

This is a beautiful area with many fabulous historic attractions on top of the fabulous waking routes. We highly recommend that you incorporate some extra time after the walk to rest but also to fully immerse yourself in Provence.

This is unlikely as we have avoided the risky time, but the paths through forests may still close or be partially restricted (access until 11:00am) if the risk of forest fire is high. The walks may vary due to weather conditions and dry season. It is the client’s responsibility to get this information (suppliers will help with this), that is published no later than 6pm a day ahead. You can ask reception to make a call for you, if you want to make sure you understand what is happening. Any extra cost due to those restrictions (or for any personal reason) will be at the clients’ expense. Of course if the paths happen to be restricted or closed we will do our best to provide alternative options.

For what to bring please refer to Gear Advice on our FAQ section.

WEATHER

From March the temperature begins to rise so be prepared for warmer days if you walk in June (summer). The walk is not offered in winter as the accommodations close and the conditions are not pleasant or perhaps even safe in the mountains. Shoulder season is by far the best time as the weather is perfect for walking and the added advantage of having less people around in the villages and towns (we walk away from the people on the walk so crowds are never an issue.)

See the weather information about average temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year.

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office. See the FAQ section for more information.

INFORMATION PACK

For nearly 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.

CONTACT

If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants. You can get in touch with us via our contact form or email us at info@Stroll.com

MAP

DEPARTURE DATES

DATES

AVAILABILITY

PRICE

Single Occupancy

Details
1 Mar 2024 - 15 Nov 2024

FULL

^from £ 1805

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
£ 600

Not available from 1st July to 15th September

SOLD OUT
1 Mar 2025 - 15 Nov 2025

AVAILABLE

^from £ 1915

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
£ 655

Not available from 1st July to 15th September

BOOK NOW
1 Mar 2026 - 15 Nov 2026

AVAILABLE

^from £ 1990

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
£ 680

Not available from 1st July to 15th September

BOOK NOW