Walking In Provence

TRIP PREVIEW - 6 days/7 nights > Departs and returns on a Sunday
Our tour concentrates on the Lubéron - less developed and more "Provençal" than other regions. It is a joy to walk through scenery straight out of impressionist paintings, olive groves, lavender fields, cypress trees, rocky outcrops, medieval villages 'perched' on cliff-tops and great open valleys dotted with cherry trees and vineyards.

Terrain:
Farm tracks and trails. Rolling hills, some flat walks and on one day a rocky descent.

Climate:
Spring and autumn are bright and clear (20°C), the 'mistral' wind keeps it cool. Provence enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year, but brief showers are possible. Azure skies and a light that inspired Cézanne and Van Gogh.

Daily Mileage: 5 - 9 miles

Trip start and end: Avignon train station

Day 1 Avignon - Gordes

After being met at Avignon train station you are transferred in 45 minutes to Gordes, a cobbled old hilltop town with a huge Renaissance château and sweeping views out over the Vaucluse plateau. Tonight, after a refreshing aperitif, you dine in one of many excellent local restaurants.
Hôtel Les Romarins, D

Day 2 Gordes: 4 hrs - easy walk with no great ups or downs

Today you strap on your boots in earnest and set off for the Cistercian Abbey of Sénanque and visit the 12th century church, cloisters and dormitory. Later you stroll along the stunning gorge of the River Senancole to the Bronze Age 'Village des Bories'. These unusual stone buildings were used as accommodation during the Provencal 'transhumance' - sheep grazing migrations. Crossing the Devens Plateau, you return to your hotel to relax by the pool before supper in Gordes.
Hôtel Les Romarins, B, D

Day 3 Gordes - Saignon: 4.5hrs - a medium walk with 300m gain

This morning you transfer across the Vaucluse plain to Buox. This is a really delightful walk with lots of historical interest. You will visit Fort Buox, which is perched on a promontory over the Aiguebrun gorge: it was originally inhabited by Neolithic tribes before becoming an oppidum and later on a medieval fort. You will walk on the Chemin de Chantebelle, a mule trail, which dominates the Aiguebrun Valley: this was the famous salt route running from Near Marseille to Apt during the middle age. Everywhere there is evidence of former inhabitants and a wide variety of terrain with open green glades, big moss-covered rock, towering white cliffs, caves and abandoned dwellings. Arrive in 11th century Saignon and the delightful Auberge.
Auberge du Presbytère, B, D

Day 4 The Mourre Negre: 6hrs - a steep ascent and decent in parts with 530m gain

You start through ancient woodland and then climb to a plateau with Lavender fields and orchards. Arriving at Auribeau this is a good place to rest up before tackling the climb to the summit. The village was abandoned for nearly two centuries but is now an attractive huddle of houses. The views from the top of the Mourre Negre are impressive: north over the Cavalon valley with hills beyond, including the white summit of Mont Ventoux and south to the Var hills and the unmistakable silhouette of Mont Sainte Victoire above Aix-en-Provence. Picnic here before a lovely return to Saignon along high ridges and back across the Aiguebrun valley.
Auberge du Presbytère, B, D

Day 5 Saignon - St Rémy: no walking or 1-2 easy hours

This morning you transfer to St.Rémy where today is market day, one of the prettiest markets in Provence, and the air will be aroma filled with the herbs, foods, and produce from all over the region. Bring a large shopping bag! After lunch in one of the many restaurants that sit on the tree lined inner boulevard you can return to the hotel where your rooms will now be ready. In the afternoon there is a choice of staying in the immediate area of St. Rèmy or perhaps heading to Avignon to visit the imposing Palace of the Popes or the famous bridge. Around the town one can do a self-guided walk and see many of the vistas that so inspired Vincent Van Gogh.
Le Mas des Carrassins, B, D

Day 6 St Rémy - Les Alpilles: 4hrs - moderate with one steady climb

Today you walk up through the pine-covered hills that loom behind the town: Les Alpilles - the Little Alps. The route is mostly on access trails and is well graded. On the ridge you walk east and ascend to the Plateau de la Caume - an environmentally protected area - and picnic on the top. You then descend and before returning to the hotel can discover the origins of St Rémy with a visit to the Greek and Roman ruins of Glanum, and the atmospheric old quarry from where the stone was quarried. The beautiful former monastery of St. Paul de Mausolée where Van Gogh spent his last year is just across from the Triumphal Roman Arch.
Le Mas des Carrassins, B, D

Day 7 St Rémy - Les Baux: 5hrs - energetic with one steady climb

An energetic early morning walk takes us over the Alpilles - the Little Alps - to Les Baux de Provence, the most spectacular perched village of Provence. Once the home to Celts, Romans, medieval troubadours, and kings, the village is now a showcase for local artisans and artists. We'll have the morning to explore the old citadel and do some shopping. We visit the ruins of medieval castles and admire breathtaking views as well as the noble renaissance homes of the lower village. We have a late Provencal lunch at a beautiful private house, one of whose former owners received visits from none other than Pablo Picasso! Tonight you enjoy a special farewell dinner in town.
Le Mas des Carrassins, B, L, D

Day 8. St Rémy - Avignon

Today you transfer to Avignon for your journey home. If you wish to travel on independently arrangements can be made for you.