Impressionists Trails

Introduction
Provence France
This itinerary is great for art-enthusiasts as you will be able to retrace the footsteps of some of the most famous impressionist painters including Cezanne and Van Gogh!

After visiting the Popes City of Avignon, make your way to St Remy, where Van Gogh spent some time, before heading to the Alpilles mountains: a true source of inspiration for local painters. Then, you will discover the picturesque villages of Maussane and Les Baux, on your way to the beautiful Roman City of Arles.

HIGHLIGHTS
- Awe inspiring vistas atop the Alpilles mountains
- Perched medieval villages of Les Baux de Provence and Maussane
- Roman Arles

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 & 3: Hotel Chalet Fleuri in St Remy
Night 4 & 5: Les Magnanarelles in Maussane
Night 6: Hotel Regence in Arles

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.

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.

Hotel Régence in Arles
This small 2* hotel, in the heart of Arles, offers 16 bedrooms. The rooms are bright, sound proof, air conditioned, and they all have a private bathroom. direct telephone line, satellite TV, safe and Wi-Fi internet.
Please, note that all rooms are located on the upper levels and there are no lift in the building.


Meals
All breakfasts are included in your package.

Breakfast will be provided by the accommodations.

Riding

Trip Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Walking from 3 to 5.5 hours daily.

Itinerary

Sample itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
Make your own way to Avignon. Arrival any time during the day. Discover the beauty of one of Provence’s greatest cities.
Meals included: none
Overnight in Avignon

Day 2: Saint Rémy de Provence
Free morning in Avignon. We suggest you visit the morning market (held every morning except on Mondays). Transfer after lunch to St Remy de Provence. Free afternoon in St Remy, with the option to follow the “Van Gogh’s” walking tour in and around town
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in St Remy de Provence

Day 3: Alpilles Mountains
From St. Rémy you pass St. Paul de Mausole, the former monastery where Van Gogh spent the last year of his life. From there, you head up a quiet valley, following a botanical path to the ridge of the Alpilles mountains, and to the “Rocher des deux trous”, from where the views are outstanding...
You then have two options: either a leisurely stroll back down the mountain or a breathtaking path on a rocky crest, adding a bit of adventure and a lot of “wow” to the day’s walk (followed by the same leisurely stroll back down the mountain…). Note that the second option is a more challenging walk in an otherwise easy walking holiday, and you may not feel comfortable completing it unless you have some walking experience on jagged and uneven paths
Walking about 10km (3 h) +250m / 250m OR 18km (6 h) +550m / 550m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in St Remy de Provence

Day 4: St Rémy de Provence to Maussane
Back to the ridge of the mountain, you follow a track through the bush among thyme and cistus flowers with open views of the mountains to the north and the flatlands to the south. You then descend a winding track through a forestry path and reach the village of Maussane through olive groves.
Walking about 4 hours, +270m / 290 m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Maussane

Day 5: Les Baux
From Maussane, you stroll through the golf course and then via a hidden path, you climb up to the Medieval village of Les Baux de Provence. Exiting the village from its medieval gate you descend back into the plains, and via canals and olive groves you return to Maussane.
Walking about 4 ½ hours, + 250m / 250m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Maussane

Day 6: Les Baux de Provence to St. Gabriel chapel
Morning transfer to Les Baux de Provence to start your walk. After climbing to the rounded summit above the village, it’s an undulating stroll along the ridge. You walk along the entire western side of the mountain, as it descends into the plains, to the Romanesque St. Gabriel chapel.
Transfer to Arles after your walk.
Walking about 5 ½ hours, +100m / 350m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Arles

Day 7: Departure
End of the trip in Arles after breakfast.

WARNING - Path restrictions in the Alpilles
From the June 1st until September 30th, 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 propose alternative options.

Rates and Dates for Impressionists Trails

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Avignon
Airport: Marseille
Transfer:

Climate:
                                    Saint Rémy de Provence area