Best of Provence

Introduction
Provence France
Explore Provence and combine both the Alpilles and the Luberon mountain ranges, passing sceneries painted by Van Gogh as well as golden hilltop villages.

You follow Van Gogh’s steps into the Alpilles landscapes of olive groves to the spectacular village of Les Baux. You then will explore the Luberon Mountains: its tight gorges and forest paths leading you from one magnificent perched medieval village to the next. The hills are dotted with old stone farmhouses and centuries-old stone huts, the fields blanketed in wildflowers and aromatic herbs, orchards and vines. Your journeys will take you through the famed villages of Fontaine de Vaucluse, Gordes, Goult, Bonnieux and Saignon. You will end your trip in the town of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, with its antiques, Venice-like canals, and its famous Sunday morning market!

HIGHLIGHTS
- Awe-inspiring vistas atop the Alpilles and the Luberon mountains
- The perched medieval village of Les Baux de Provence
- The lavender fields in front of Sénanque Abbey
- The charming small towns of Saint Rémy and Isle sur la Sorgue

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 Boquier in Avignon
Night 2: Hotel Chalet Fleuri in St Rémy de Provence
Night 3 & 4: Le Mas de la Beaume in Gordes
Night 5: Le César in Bonnieux
Night 6: Terrasses by David et Louisa in Isle sur Sorgue

Hotel Boquier in Avignon
In a quiet pedestrian street, in the heart of Avignon, stands the Boquier hotel (2 stars). This atypical and cozy building from the 18th century will warmly welcome you. Each of the 13 comfortable room comes equipped with air conditioning, a flat screen television, a private shower room and Wi-Fi access.

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.

Le Mas de la Beaume in Gordes
This charming guesthouse offers 5 bedrooms, each with its unique décor. All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, a coffee/tea machine and private facilities.
Guests are encouraged to explore the Provencal garden and take a dip in the pool, with great views over the Alpilles mountains.

Hotel Le César in Bonnieux
This family run hotel offers panoramic views over Bonnieux. Each guestroom is equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV and private bathroom.

Terrasses by David et Louisa in Isle sur Sorgue
This small hotel has only 8 bedrooms, located on 3 different levels. All the rooms have recently been renovated and they all come with Wi-Fi access, air conditioning and a private bathroom.


Meals
All breakfasts are included in your package.

Breakfast will be provided by the accommodations.

Riding

Trip Difficulty: Moderate
You enjoy regular exercise (whether walking, cycling, aerobics, etc.). You’re in good shape, used to regular and sustained exercise. You are keen to set off on all-day walks, and can handle walking uphill (slowly) for up to 2 hours at a time. Walks are generally under 5 hours, on various types of terrain -- though nothing technically difficult -- with up to 600m/2000ft of climbing per day

Itinerary

Sample itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
Your trip begins in the heart of Avignon, a medieval town on the banks of the mighty Rhône River. Avignon hides many treasures: the Pope’s palace, the 12th century bridge, the 14th century ramparts, and many museums and churches. Meander through a labyrinth of cobbled streets and discover cafés in open squares, shaded by plane trees.
Meals included: none
Overnight in Avignon

Day 2: St Paul de Mausole & Alpilles Crest
This morning, transfer to St Remy. You start your walk from the picturesque town and head into the Alpilles hills. Along the way, take the time to visit the Saint-Paul de Mausole monastery, where Van Gogh spent about a year, creating over 150 paintings, and some of his best work.
Hiking about 10 km (3h30) + 300m / - 300m // Longer walk option: 18km (6h) +550m/-550m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Saint Rémy

Day 3: Saint-Rémy to Oppidum
Today’s scenic forestry path hovers high above the valley, giving you spectacular views of the hills to the north and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. Your walking path descends through the sculpted limestone “valley of hell” towards the perched village of Les Baux de Provence: its homes packed tightly and defiantly on top of the cragged rock, earning its listing as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Transfer to Gordes at the end of your walk.
Hiking about 12 km (4h) + 270m / - 100m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Gordes

Day 4: Walk to Sénanque |Abbey
Gordes is perched high above the Calavon valley, its majestic stone homes rising dramatically in concentric circles to its castle, crowning the village. Atop a vast plateau, you cross through lavender and thyme-laden fields dotted with old stone huts, on your way to Sénanque Abbey - a jewel of 12th century Romanesque architecture. You will have time to explore the abbey before returning to Gordes via a cobbled path.
Hiking about 11 km (3h30) + 320m / - 250m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Gordes

Day 5: Goult to Buoux
Short morning transfer to Goult, a timeless village of medieval homes and untouched by modern tourism. You walk among the ruins old stone farmhouses and to the village of Lacoste, crowned by the imposing ruins of the castle of the Marquis de Sade. Then you continue to Bonnieux, another gem of the Luberon and one of the centre-stage villages in Peter Mayle's A Year in Provence. Beyond Bonnieux, you enter in the Grand Luberon, walking alongside lavender fields before reaching Buoux castle, and the village of Buoux itself. Spectacular arrival at the Auberge des Seguins, in the depths of the Aiguebrun gorge.
Transfer at the end of the day to Bonnieux.
Hiking about 16.5 km (5h30) + 450m / - 350m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Bonnieux

Day 6: Buoux to Apt
Transfer from Bonnieux to Buoux, the start of your walk.
You walk along the base of the Aiguebrun canyon to the hidden hamlet of Sivergues. Its stone wall terraces are the only remains of the cultivated fields that once sprawled around the tightly-packed handful of homes. Continue through the vast lavender fields and truffle oak plantations to Saignon.
Transfer at the end of the day from Apt to Isle sur la Sorgue.
Hiking about 11 km (5h) + 400m / - 300m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Isle sur la Sorgue

Day 7: Departure
Your tour ends in l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue after breakfast. Your accommodation is in the heart of the town, surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Sorgue river. The town’s Sunday market is among the most colourful in Provence. Lose yourself among a labyrinth of narrow streets and in the town’s warm, Provençal charm.

WARNING – Path restrictions
From July 1st until September 15th access to forest paths may be forbidden or partially restricted (access until 11:00am) if the risk of forest fire is high. Walks may vary due to weather conditions and dry season (lack of rain = forest fires). It is the client responsibility to get this information, that is featured no later than 6pm a day ahead. Clients can ask the reception to call for them, if they want to make sure they understand the instructions correctly. Any extra cost due to those restrictions (or to any other reason) will be at the clients’ charge (extra transfers). If the paths happen to be restricted - forbidden, we will do our best to offer alternative options.

Rates and Dates for Best of Provence

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Avignon
Airport: Marseille
Transfer:

Climate:
                                    Saint Rémy de Provence area