Medieval Hilltop Villages, hikes in Les Alpilles and the Gorge du Verdon

Toujours Provence

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"Each day was a gem, with hikes amid absolutely magnificent scenery. It’s impossible to capture in a photo or describe, but what fabulous memories I’ll have from this trip." Sally Wissel, Atlanta GA

A SIGNIFICANT DISCOUNT ON THIS TRIP IS AVAILABLE, DUE TO THE REBOUND IN THE DOLLAR. SEE DETAILS BELOW TOUR COSTS.

There are many ways to experience Provence, but our journey has them all beat! This is Provence at its most picturesque, a dreamy pastoral world of herb-scented oak forests, orderly rows of vineyards, and olive groves that produce famously fragrant oils (Provence’s “liquid gold”). Our adventure is action-packed, with fabulous hikes amid the forests and peaks of the Chaine des Alpilles to the limestone walls and pinnacles of the sublime Gorge du Verdon (Europe’s most spectacular canyon), and to lovely hilltop villages steeped in history and charm. And there’s plenty of time to absorb the finer aspects of Provence, too—the heady aroma of good red wine and the sumptuous cuisine that makes each day a treasure to remember.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

Days 1-2
Avignon / St-Rémy-de-Provence

After our rendezvous in Avignon, we transfer to St-Rémy-de-Provence, a quintessential Provencal town with cobbled alleyways and avenues shaded by plane trees. St-Rémy is nestled at the foot of the Chaine des Alpilles (“Little Alps”), whose beautiful landscapes were immortalized by Vincent Van Gogh. We hike among its peaks and forests, and visit the sanatorium where Van Gogh voluntarily retreated for a year. We also explore Les Baux-de-Provence, once a proud, ancient fiefdom perched on a rocky escarpment and now home to artisans who offer Provencal wares. Its fortified castle ruins giving a hint of its turbulent past overlook a peaceful countryside of tidy vineyards and groves of olive trees.

Days 3-4
Gordes / Provencal Villages

From St-Pantaléon we hike into the picturesque town of Gordes, whose hillside location commands panoramic views of the Lubéron valley. From here we hike along the valley floor to surrounding villages, including pretty Roussillon, noted for its old ochre quarries, the medieval hilltop village of Bonnieux, and exquisite Lourmarin, surrounded by vineyards and orchards of almonds and olives. We also visit the 12th century Abbaye de Sénanque, still in use as a monastery.

Days 5-6
Moustiers / Verdon Gorge

We explore the countryside above Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, a village of exceptional beauty close to the Gorge du Verdon, arguably the most spectacular canyon in Europe, whose 1,500-foot red limestone walls and pinnacles are a favorite destination for French rock climbers. We hike on a high plateau above the town that sports great views of Lake St. Croix and the entrance of the gorge, then the next day dip down into the canyon itself. Our hike takes us right to the canyon floor and across the Verdon River’s emerald waters via an old stone bridge, then up again through thick oak and pine forests. Overnights are in Moustiers, declared one of les plus beaux villages de France (the most beautiful villages in France).

Day 7
Moustiers / Aix-en-Provence

We transfer to the sunny artists’ town of Aix-en-Provence for departure on a high-speed train (TGV) to Paris or other destinations in France.

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Tour Costs $4395 (13-15 members) $4595 (10-12 members) $4795 (6-9 members) Single supplement: $575 Prices are for 2009 dates The US Dollar rebounded in value against the Euro, and Wilderness Travel would like to pass the savings along to you! For those willing to make their first deposit ($500 per person) non-refundable, we will purchase the necessary Euros for your trip when you sign up. This will allow us to lock in the current exchange rate, and guarantee your savings. To find out the current discount available at today’s rate call us at 1-800-368-2794 or email us. **Airfare is not included in Tour Cost unless indicated

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