Discover Provence in comfort and style on this wonderful walking tour. We've hand-picked the finest hotels and guesthouses in the area, and linked them together with some unique, breathtaking walking routes - our speciality.
Expect to discover majestic cedar forests, sumptuous châteaux and sweeping valley views. The tour offers the chance to visit the hilltop medieval villages of Gordes, Lacoste, Bonnieux and the antiques mecca of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. At the end of each day's pottering, unwind with a glass of local wine and enjoy authentic Provençal hospitality and cuisine in exceptional local establishments. It's picture-postcard France at its best!
Holiday details
Price
- Classic
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from £1,995 – £2,590 per person
Trip available from March to early November. Not available July and August - Luxury
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from £3,620 – £4,330 per person
Trip available from 17 March to early November. Not available July and August
Based on two people sharing a room. Price range due to seasonal variations
What’s included?
Dinner on days 1, 2, 4 & 6 and three picnic lunches. See what’s included as standard
Duration
7 nights
Start & Finish
Starts daily between 17 March and early November from Avignon and finishes with a transfer from Lourmarin to either Avignon or Aix en Provence. We can organise transfers to and from Marseille airport. Not available July and August
Hotels
- Classic
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Perfect accommodation in a classic French style
- Luxury
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Luxurious accommodation of the highest standard, and of great character
Holiday type
Self-guided
This tour is priced without a guide and you are free to explore on your own. If you would like a guide for part or all of your trip, we are happy to provide a knowledgeable, local guide
Activity level
Gentle walking (2) More info...
Mileage
3 days of walking and 3 further days of optional walking 6 to 9 miles (10 - 13 km) per day
Terrain
Some hills
Options
Stay extra nights in Avignon at the start or end of your trip
Itinerary day-by-day
Classic & Luxury
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1. Day one
Avignon to L'Isle sur la Sorgue
Your walking holiday begins with a transfer from Avignon station to Isle sur la Sorgue, one of the prettiest towns in Provence, surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Sorgue river. Enjoy a stroll along the quayside and a nose around the many antique shops and cafés here.
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2. Day two
Fontaine de Vaucluse to Gordes
After breakfast we will transfer you to Fontaine de Vaucluse, the source of a fabled spring that has attracted poets, scientists, and travellers from all around the world. From here, your route climbs through brush and cedar forests to a plateau which affords panoramic views of the entire Luberon valley. Once you've taken it all in, continue on to the hilltop village of Gordes, named 'one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France'.
8 miles (13 km)
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3. Day three
Circular walk from Gordes
Start the day with a walk through lavender and thyme-laden fields to the Romanesque Sénanque Abbey, a jewel of 12th century architecture. Built in 1148, the abbey has housed an order of Cistercian monks for over 850 years. Your path then climbs out of the Sénancole valley, offering breathtaking bird's eye views of the abbey below. The descent back to Gordes is just as scenic, along a route that weaves between ancient stone walls and 'bories' – old dry stone dwellings.
Optional 6 miles (10 km)
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4. Day four
Gordes to Bonnieux
After a short taxi transfer to the stone village of Goult, you make your way along a path which rises above The Calavon river, offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. You'll soon reach Lacoste, a picturesque mountain village crowned by the ruins of a castle which once belonged to the (in)famous Marquis de Sade. Dipping back down into the valley, you reach Bonnieux, a picture-perfect Provençal village with a 12th century church surrounded by century-old cedars. Meander through its cobbled streets and relax with a glass of wine on a café terrace overlooking the mountains beyond.
6 miles (11 km)
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5. Day five
Circular walk from Bonnieux
A pleasant and gradual climb through the forest leads to the ridge of the Petit Luberon mountain. The stunning views from the top extend from the snow-capped Alps to the north, to the Mediterranean Sea to the south. Once you reach the plateau, stroll under the canopy of a majestic cedar forest, perhaps pausing for a picnic. The route then continues along a deserted path with wide-sweeping views of the Luberon before gently descending down to the plains for a leisurely return to Bonnieux.
Optional 9 miles (14 km)
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6. Day six
Bonnieux to Lourmarin
The morning begins with a climb up to the crest of the Luberon mountain, where the view extends towards its southern face and down to the tiny villages that dot the foot of the slopes. In the background you will spot the Sainte Victoire mountain, a favourite of Cézanne's. The strong scent of Mediterranean brush - aromatic herbs and pine needles roasting in the sun - accompanies you as you wind your way down to the village of Lourmarin. Listed among the 'Most Beautiful Villages in France', Lourmarin boasts a handful of narrow streets lined with elegant houses, old fountains and cafés.
7.5 miles (12 km)
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7. Day seven
Circular route from Lourmarin
The southern Luberon is known for its châteaux and vineyards, which set the scene for today's walk. After several days on your feet, enjoy a fairly gentle walk to the village of Cadenet. Unassuming and authentic, the pretty village of Cadenet is the perfect setting for your last Provençal lunch before looping back to Lourmarin.
Optional 6 miles (10 km)
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8. Day eight
Lourmarin to Avignon or Aix en Provence
We will transfer you from Lourmarin to either Avignon or Aix-en-Provence by taxi at a time that suits you. Then it's au revoir to Provence - until next time!