Alpilles Mountains

Introduction
Provence France
Beginning in St Rémy, a Gallo-Roman town with a marvellous old quarter nestled in the foothills of the Alpilles Mountains, you will follow Van Gogh’s steps into the landscapes of olive groves to the spectacular village of Les Baux. Walk through countryside dotted with thick-walled Provençal farmhouses, medieval villages and marvel at the dramatic vistas and the very landscapes that inspired Van Gogh’s brush strokes. Spend a day in Arles the ancient Roman city and visit the Roman amphitheater or the Van Gogh museum.

Then leave the Alpilles, and head to the Luberon with its tight gorges and forest paths that lead you from one magnificent hilltop village to the next. Indulge in Provencal fine cuisine & wine. Provence is a mecca for foodies, with its renowned wines, olive oils, cheeses and sundrenched produce. Stroll on the locak markets and get a glimpse into everyday life in Provence.

HIGHLIGHTS
- Discover Provence’s most important mountain ranges: the foothills of the Alpilles & hilltop villages of the Luberon
- Admire windswept views over Les Baux valley and its famous olive groves & vineyards just as painted by Van Gogh
- Explore the extraordinarily beautiful-hilltop villages of Les Baux-de-Provence, Lacoste, Saignon & Bonnieux

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a progressive trip, so you will be staying in different establishments along the way. 

Description
We favour small local establishments, often family-run hotels or B&Bs, that employ local people. Selected by our track finders, our accommodations are chosen based on the friendliness of the owners, the quality of the service, the charm of the establishment and, quite often, the quirkyness (of both accommodation and owners!) that makes where you sleep an integral part of your adventure. 

Your package includes standard accommodation (with all basic comfort and services) but it is possible to upgrade to more comfortable accommodations for an extra fee.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hotel Chalet Fleuri in St Remy
Night 2: Les Magnanarelles in Maussane
Night 3: Brit Hotel Acacias in Arles
Night 4: Hotel Cantosorgue in Isle sur Sorgue
Night 5: Auberge des Seguins in Buoux
Night 6: Hotel Le Palais in Apt

Hotel Chalet Fleuri in St Remy
This charming 3-star hotel is located in a historic property dating from 1870, surrounded by centenary trees. Each room offers a view on the park and comes with air conditioning, satellite TV, free Wi-Fi access and private facilities.  
There is a small outdoor pool to cool off in the evening.

Les Magnanarelles in Maussane
Housed in a former silk factory, this relaxed hotel offers simply decorated rooms that feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and ensuite bathrooms.
In the evening, guests can relax by the pool, under the olive trees.

Brit Hotel Acacias in Arles
This small offers 33 modern bedrooms. Each room features an ensuite bathroom with hair-dryer, a TV, air conditioning, a safe and free internet connection.  

Hotel Cantosorgue in Isle sur la Sorgue
This recently renovated hotel is ideally located close to the historic city center. It offers 35 comfortable rooms housed in 3 different buildings surrounding the hotel swimming pool. Each room has air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, an ensuite bathroom with shower and free Wi-Fi internet.

Auberge des Seguins in Buoux
Hidden at the base of the Aiguebrun gorge, beside the river, this auberge is both scenic and peaceful. With no television, nor Wifi, or cell phone reception, this is the perfect place to unplug. The rooms are simple but comfortable and all come equipped with heating and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms can be private or shared depending on the room. There is a garden and an outdoor pool where guests can relax and enjoy the view.
If clients do not want to stay at the Auberge we can book a taxi to drive them to Bonnieux where 3* hotels and guesthouses are available. This requires another transfer next day to the start of the walk (extra fees apply - upon request only).

Hotel Le Palais in Apt
This family hotel has basic but comfortable bedrooms that feature private facilities, flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi. Guests are welcome to use the fridge, located in the common space.
Please, note that the hotel has 3 floors and no lift.



Meals
All breakfasts are included as well as 1 dinner (on Day 5).

Breakfast will be provided by the accommodations.

Dinner at Auberge des Seguins features home-cooked Provençal specialties – like lamb shoulder braised with olive purée – served in a large casserole for the whole table, near the huge roaring fireplace. 

Sometimes, possibility of basket-lunch at your hotel (8 to 15 €) to order, the day before the hike, when you check-in.

Riding

Trip Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Easy walks with moderate options ranging from 10 to 18km daily (3 to 5.5 hours).
Walks are on marked trails and forest paths with possible altitude difference up to +550m/-550m

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Saint-Rémy & Alpilles Mountains
Arrival in Saint Remy on your own. Today you will follow the Van Gogh trail, passing through the very scenes that inspired the artist. You can admire replicas of his paintings before exploring the ancient Romain ruins of Glanum with its imposing triumphal arch and a mausoleum. Then, you follow a botanical path up to the crest of the Alpilles Mountains lined with aromatic herbs and wildflowers. On top you’ll be rewarded with with jaw-dropping views far into the horizon, a perfect setting for a picnic lunch.
Hiking about 10km (3h30) +300m / -300m Or longer hike option 18km (6h) +550m/-550m
Meals included: none
Overnight in Saint Rémy

Day 2: Saint-Rémy to Maussane
You hike on a panoramic forest path which crosses the Alpilles, offering you spectacular views. Your hiking trail then descends to the pretty village of Maussane. Visit the famous Cornille mill of the seventeenth century where you can taste one of the best olive oils in Provence!
Hiking about 13km (4h) +270 m / -270 m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Maussane

Day 3: Les Baux
You hike in a loop towards the Val d'Enfer and the perched village of Les Baux de Provence: its houses tightly packed against each other and posed with challenge on a steep rock have earned it to be ranked among the most beautiful villages in France. You then continue through olive groves back to the village of Maussane. Transfer to Arles at the end of the hike.
Hiking about 12km (4h30) +250m / -250m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Arles

Day 4: Free day in Arles
You have the day to discover Arles and its ancient treasures: the arenes, the amphitheater, the medieval streets, its market... 
In the afternoon, take the train from Arles to Isle sur la Sorgue (ticket not included) with your luggage. Stroll in the "Venice of Provence", have a drink by the river and if you are happen to be there on a Sunday enjoy the colourful food market with the antique shops.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

Day 5: Lacoste to Buoux
After breakfast, transfer to Lacoste. Crowned by the imposing ruins of the castle of Marquis de Sade, this is where you begin today’s walk to Buoux.
The medieval streets of Lacoste are worth a look before your start your walk to Bonnieux, another gem of the Luberon. You make your way into the plains, through vineyards, cherry orchards and truffle oak plantations to reach the village of Bonnieux. Beyond Bonnieux you walk on country lanes and paths, passing several bories before you reach the hollow that separates the Luberon into 2 distinct mountain ranges. In the Grand Luberon, you walk alongside a lavender field before reaching Buoux castle, and the village of Buoux itself. Then, you enjoy a spectacular descent to the Auberge des Seguins, an otherworldly place tucked in the depths of the Aiguebrun gorge.
Hiking about 17km (5h15) +450m / -350m
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight in Buoux

Day 6: Buoux to Apt
Walk at the base of the Aiguebrun Gorge, the only permanent river of the Luberon mountains. You climb out of the canyon to reach the lost hamlet of Sivergues before crossing the Aiguebrun and climbing up to the Claparèdes plateau, with its lavender fields and truffle oak plantations. Soon after you reach the medieval village of Saignon and the ruins of its three castles.
Hiking about 14km (4h45) +400m / -600m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Apt

Day 7: End of trip
Enjoy the large Saturday morning market before leaving Apt.

IMPORTANT NOTE: From July 1st to September 15th access to the Luberon/Dentelles massifs may be restricted if the risk of forest fire is high. Paths may be prohibited starting from noon or all day. The information is available at 6pm a day in advance, via the prefecture by phone (automatic message) or by internet.
It is the customer's responsibility to inquire every day for the next day.

There are 3 stages of closure:
•ORANGE: no closure
•RED: access allowed in the massifs from 6am to 11am only
•BLACK: access strictly prohibited during the whole day

At registration, it is imperative that the customer confirms that he is informed of this risk (the hike can be canceled the day before). Any additional costs (extra transfer...) will be at the client's expense
We will try our best to offer alternative routes.

Rates and Dates for Alpilles Mountains

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Saint Rémy de Provence
Airport: Marseille
Transfer:

Climate:
                                            Arles area