Country Walks In Provence

The joys of Provence are many—and best discovered on foot. Our hill walks and country rambles showcase the dazzling light of this corner of France as it illuminates the intoxicating landscape of the Luberon Mountains. This is Provence at its most picturesque, a dreamy pastoral world of herb-scented oak forests, sweet-smelling fields cultivated in lavender, and olive orchards that produce famously fragrant oils (Provence’s “liquid gold”). Painters from Cezanne to Picasso have reveled in the light of Provence and, indeed, we walk one of Cezanne’s favorite paths, a trail below Montagne Sainte-Victoire, a peak the artist captured on canvas many times. We stay in classic villages including cliff-perched Gordes and romantic Bonnieux as we savor the wonder of this totally irresistible part of France. Our journey ends in stunningly beautiful Aix-en Provence, with its outdoor markets, bubbling fountains, 18th century mansions, and shady plane trees lining the Cours Mirabeau.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Day 1-2
Avignon, France / Gordes

Arriving in Avignon, we head through vineyards and orchards to Gordes, a spectacular Provencal village built into a steep hillside. We walk Gordes’ steep, cobbled streets for panoramic views of the Luberon Valley and the next day hike from Borries to the lovely 12th century Abbaye de Senanque, one of the most picturesque abbeys in Europe, standing alone in a hollow of hills amidst oak trees and fields of lavender. Overnights in Gordes.

Days 3-4
Bonnieux / Menerbes

A day hike brings us to magnificent Roussillon, a village perched on a ridge above dazzling ocher quarries, and the next day our hike begins at Pont Julien, a spectacular Roman bridge on the Coulon River. We visit medieval Lacoste for wine tasting, then explore hilltop Menerbes, former hometown of Peter Mayle, author of A Year in Provence. Overnights in beautiful Bonnieux.

Days 5-6
Lourmarin / Sivergues / Cucuron

One of our hikes brings along the Aiguebrun River to Fort de Buoux and onward to the pretty hamlet of Sivergues, the highest village in the Luberon. Another hike explores villages beneath the highest peak in the Luberon. One of our stops is picturesque Cucuron, whose main square is a huge fish pond shaded by 200-year-old plane trees. Overnights in Lourmarin, with its winding alleyways and sidewalk cafes. Albert Camus lived and wrote in this town.

Days 7-9
Montagne Sainte-Victoire

We hike in the environs around Montagne Sainte-Victoire, a striking limestone massif that was a source of inspiration for Cezanne for many years, and explore the vibrant outdoor markets that elegant Aix-en Provence is so famous for. Depart Day 9.

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What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 3+, Moderate. We enjoy day walks and hikes averaging from four to five miles per day over variable terrain, including rolling countryside, riverside trails, clifftop paths, and village to village country roads. The trails are generally shaded by trees, and there are some stony sections, but no dangerous conditions or scrambling. The hikes are van accessible should you need to shorten your hike. We will carry just a daypack. Sturdy, well broken-in hiking boots are recommended for this area, though sturdy trail walking shoes with very good traction may be suitable for some days. The meals included in the itinerary will be taken at the hotels where we are staying or at restaurants in town, with some picnic lunches. In an effort to capture the spirit of old Europe, the hotels that we use are often family-run converted chateaux or inns, full of ambiance and colorful local history. Although the rooms are not always of uniform or international size, our leaders try their best to assign rooms in a fair way so that all participants experience an equal advantage throughout the trip as a whole.

Explanation of Trip Levels