Testimonials

“Romain makes the trip - a great guide with so much information about the area. We really enjoyed the visit to the olive oil farm and meeting the older couple running the farm as well as others who lived there. Last day of hiking was also a highlight.” - Provence guest

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Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive Avignon | Transfer to hotel in Gordes

Perhaps you’ve enjoyed a few pre-tour days in Paris, and maybe even taken in the majesty of Avignon. From the Avignon TGV station you’ll make a smooth shuttle transfer to your hotel in Gordes where you’ll meet our guide, a local Provençal and expert in the history and culture of the region. Gordes is everything a Provençal hilltop town aspires to be. After your arrival, you’ll discover "le village des Bories", an ancient site featuring traditional dry-stone huts that offer a glimpse into the region's pastoral past. (D)

Ascent: 330 feet |  Descent: 330 feet |  Distance: 1.3 miles (may vary)

Day 2 – Gordes | Roussillon | Sentier des Ocres |Oppède-le-Vieux

In the morning we'll take a lovely walk in Roussillon to discover the natural beauty of the Ocres. Roussillon is famous for its magnificent red cliffs and ocher quarries, which color the homes and buildings in the ancient village. We'll make a short transfer to Oppède-le-Vieux to enjoy the mysterious ambiance of this Medieval hilltop village with homes hewn into the mountain rock and discover the taste of true provencal olive oil in a traditional farm. (BLD)

Ascent: 820 feet |  Descent: 820 feet |  Distance: 3.2 miles (may vary)

Day 3 – Gordes | Lavender Distillery | l'Aigues Brun Gorge | Fort de Buoux

You've no doubt been entranced by pictures of the iconic lavender fields of Provence. Today we'll discover them through a visit to an artisan lavender oil distillery. We'll hike down to the vallon de l'Aigues Brun, a forested gorge cutting through this rugged hillside and concluding with lunch at the welcoming Auberge des Seguins. In the afternoon we'll explore Fort de Buoux, a refuge and fortress dating to the Middle Ages. A walk up the rocky spur will take us back in history and provide an amazing view over the valley.  (BLD)

Ascent: 1400 feet |  Descent: 1500 feet |  Distance: 5.6 miles (may vary)

Day 4 – Gordes Market | Notre-Dame-de-Sénanque Abbey | Provençal Cooking in Gordes

In the morning, we'll embark on a hike to the Notre-Dame-de-Sénanque Abbey, a 12th-century Cistercian monument where monks still live and work in the lavender fields. After a lunch in town, we'll delve deeper into the charm of Gordes, exploring its secrets and hidden streets. Later in the afternoon, a local chef will reveal the secrets of Provençal cuisine and guide us in preparing a typical dish, likely featuring garlic, tomatoes, and mushrooms, generously bathed in olive oil. We’ll then savor the meal we’ve prepared together.(BLD)

Ascent: 820 feet |  Descent: 820 feet |  Distance: 4 miles (may vary)

Day 5 – Fontaine de Vaucluse | St Rémy

We'll leave Gordes to discover another region within Provence, stopping along the way at Fontaine de Vaucluse, famous for the natural water spring that creates the Sorgue River. We'll hike above the natural site to have a greater view of the panorame, going through the old castle from the 12th century and discovering legends about the place. We'll have a picnic or a lunch at a restaurant depending on the weather. After lunch, you’ll have some free time to explore the village before we transfer to St. Rémy de Provence where we'll have dinner. (BLD)

Ascent: 1500 feet |  Descent: 1500 feet |  Distance: 5.3 miles (may vary)

Day 6 – St Rémy | Walk to Eygalières | Free afternoon in St Rémy

After a morning transfer to Aureille, we’ll embark on a beautiful hike to the summit of Les Opies, the highest peak in the Alpilles, offering stunning views of Provence’s iconic landscapes. Regarding the weather we'll have a picnic or a lunch at a local restaurant. After a shuttle return to St Rémy you'll have a free afternoon to enjoy in this town. Dinner will be on your own in St Rémy. (BL)

Ascent: 1100 feet |  Descent: 1100 feet |  Distance: 4.5 miles (may vary)

Day 7 – St Rémy | Les Baux-de-Provence | Vineyard and wine tasting

Built in the 10th century, Les Baux-de-Provence is one of the most beautiful village of France. We'll spend the morning there to enjoy its beauty and the surrounding landscapes followed by lunch in town. Provence is famous for its wine, so there’s no better way to spend an afternoon than to visit a winery for a tasting followed by dinner at a nearby restaurant. (BLD)

Ascent: 300 feet |  Descent: 300 feet |  Distance: 2 miles (may vary)

Day 8 – St Rémy | Lake Peiroou

Starting from the Hotel we'll have a scenic hike to Lake Peiroou in les Alpilles, traversing many archeological sites en route. These landscapes were a source of inspiration for Vincent Van Gogh who spent a tumultuous but productive year here. Farewell dinner at our hotel in St Rémy. (BLD)

Ascent: 1000 feet |  Descent: 1000 feet |  Distance: 5.6 miles (may vary)

Day 9 – Depart Provence

Breakfast and morning free time in St Rémy before our shuttle return at 10:30am to Avignon for trains to Paris or onward travel. (B)

Trip Videos

Activity Level

We rate this trip as moderate. You should be capable of walking 3 to 5 hours per day on hill paths and in small villages and towns with cobblestone or uneven paved surfaces. The hill regions of Provence are limestone and trails can be rocky and uneven. 

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