Walking Holidays in Provence
Wander through the rustic hilltop village of Bonnieux
Experience the vibrant ochre cliffs of Roussillon
Explore Gordes, a stunning village crowned with a majestic fortress
Walk past the iconic Abbey de Sénanque, especially beautiful during the lavender season
Enjoy the tranquillity of the countryside on a circular walk around Gordes
End your journey exploring Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, home to the world’s fifth-largest underground spring
Itinerary
Welcome to the charming city of Apt, your starting point for this unforgettable journey. Apt, nestled in the heart of Provence, is a treasure trove of history and culture. As you explore the city, you’ll be captivated by its vibrant markets, rich history, and the serene beauty of the surrounding Luberon landscapes. It’s the perfect introduction to the enchanting world of Provence.
Today’s journey takes you from Apt to the rustic hilltop village of Bonnieux. As you traverse through rolling vineyards, quaint stone farmhouses, lush orchards, and picturesque woods, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a painting. The destination, Bonnieux, offers panoramic views of the countryside, a perfect reward for a day’s walk.
12 km; 320 m of elevation gain and 200 m of elevation loss
The Petit Luberon walk is a highlight of this journey. This circular path takes you to the Foret des Cedres, a haven of tranquillity above Bonnieux. As you walk, you’ll be surrounded by the sights, sounds, and scents of nature, creating an unforgettable sensory experience.
12 km; 510 m of elevation gain/loss
Today, you’ll journey across the captivating land of Luberon from Bonnieux to Roussillon. The walk is a feast for the senses, with the beauty of the Luberon landscapes unfolding around you. Upon reaching Roussillon, you’ll be greeted by stunning ochre cliffs and vibrant, red-hued buildings, a sight that will stay with you long after your journey ends.
12 km; 200 m of elevation gain and 250 m of elevation loss
Start your day with peaceful trails leading to the charming village of Joucas. After a restful lunch amidst picturesque narrow streets, continue your journey to Gordes. This stunning village, perched on a hill and crowned with a majestic fortress, is a labyrinth of winding lanes filled with shops and cafes. It’s a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
11 km; 230 m of elevation gain and 200 m of elevation loss
Today, you’ll explore the countryside of Gordes with a circular walk. As you traverse through woods, cross the small Sénancole River, and follow quiet trails, you’ll enjoy views over local limestone cliffs. It’s a day to connect with nature, enjoy tranquillity, and reflect on the journey so far.
8 km; 200 m of elevation gain/loss
Your walk today takes you past the iconic Abbey de Sénanque, a sight to behold during the lavender season. Continue your journey past the historic “Mur de la Peste” to reach Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, home to the world’s fifth-largest underground spring. It’s a day filled with history, beauty, and the unique charm of Provence.
16 km; 550 m of elevation gain and 800 m of elevation loss
Spend your final day exploring Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. Take in the charm of this town, explore its unique features, and reflect on your journey. When it’s time to leave, we can organise a transfer to the airport, ensuring a hassle-free end to your memorable walking holiday in Provence.
Pricing
Included in price
Tour design and organisation
24/7 service and support during your holidays
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app
7x accommodation with breakfast in 3/4* hotels
Luggage transfer
Description
Immerse yourself in the timeless allure of Provence with our France inn-to-inn hiking adventure. This 8-day journey weaves through the heart of Provence and Luberon, offering a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes, charming hilltop villages, and the rich cultural heritage of Southern France.
Provence, a region known for its vibrant lavender fields, sun-drenched vineyards, and olive groves, is a feast for the senses. The Luberon, a mountainous massif in the heart of Provence, is home to some of the region’s most picturesque towns.
From the rustic charm of Bonnieux to the ochre cliffs of Roussillon and the fortress-crowned Gordes, each settlement in the itinerary is a gem waiting to be discovered.
The hikes on this tour are a journey in themselves. Following undulating paths across hilly terrain, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Provencal countryside. The ambience of old stone villages, vineyards, and ever-changing landscapes makes every step of the journey a delight.
At Walking Holidays France, we take care of the details so you can focus on the experience. We oversee and book all accommodations, provide a detailed handout with a day-by-day itinerary, and equip you with a user-friendly app for GPS navigation. Our handpicked local recommendations ensure you get the most out of each location, and we’re always on hand to solve any logistical issues.
Don’t just dream about the sun-kissed vineyards and the scent of lavender in the air — come and experience it for yourself! After all, life’s too short for ‘what ifs’, and there’s a glass of Provencal rosé with your name on it waiting at the end of a picturesque trail.
Location
Things to know
Our walking holidays are designed to cater to a range of fitness levels. We offer everything from leisurely strolls through vineyards and coastal paths to more challenging mountain hikes. However, it’s always a good idea to have a basic level of fitness to fully enjoy the experience.
Yes, our walking holidays can be enjoyed by the whole family. However, the suitability of certain tours for children may depend on the specific itinerary and the child’s age and fitness level. We recommend contacting us directly to discuss the best options for your family.
We recommend sturdy, comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots. The terrain can vary from smooth paths to rocky trails, so footwear should have good grip and ankle support. Waterproof shoes are also a good idea in case of wet weather.
Yes, we recommend booking your walking holiday in advance. This allows us to secure the best accommodations and ensures that you have ample time to prepare for your adventure.
We carefully select our accommodations to enhance your walking holiday experience. Depending on the tour, this could range from charming local inns and bed and breakfasts to more luxurious hotels. All accommodations are chosen for their comfort, hospitality, and proximity to our walking routes.
Our tours are primarily self-guided, allowing you the freedom to explore at your own pace. However, we provide detailed itineraries, route notes, and a user-friendly GPS navigation app. For those who prefer a guided experience, please contact us to discuss the options.
France is a year-round destination, but the best time for a walking holiday depends on the region. Spring and autumn are generally ideal, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds. However, some regions, like the French Alps, are best enjoyed in the summer, while others, like the French Riviera, offer pleasant walking conditions even in winter.
Safety is our top priority. In case of bad weather, we have contingency plans in place. This could involve suggesting an alternative route or activity for the day. We also provide support and advice on how to handle different weather conditions.