Provence: a taste of Luberon
€920
per person
We encourage you to explore magical Provence on foot and discover charming cobblestoned villages, fairytale castle ruins, captivating vineyards and orchards. Walk alongside olive trees, fields of poppies and lavender and hills covered with a thick thyme carbet. Take the time to do some wine tasting, experience local cuisine and dive deep into the atmosphere of this unique region of France. Pamper all your senses with this one of a kind self-guided hiking tour!
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Destination
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Duration6 Days I Level: 2 (of 5)
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What is includedAccommodation in 2*/3* hotels or guesthouses (en-suite rooms; hotel upgrade is possible - contact us for details), incl. breakfast; luggage transfers; people transfers on Day 2, Day 4 and Day 6 as per itinerary; detailed route notes and maps; GPS tracks; emergency support.
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What is not includedOther meals and drinks; Additional transfers; City taxes; Entry fees;
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Best periodApril, May, June, September, October, mid-November
FROM OUR GALLERY
Self-guided and inn to inn walking tours in Provence (Luberon), France
1
Day 1: Arrival at Isle sur la Sorgue
The picturesque island village of Isle Sur la Sorgue is most famous for its Sunday market but is also a sight to behold with its serene river canals surrounded by charming cafes, restaurants, and curious antique shops. You can easily lose track of time exploring the traditional narrow streets. *Easiest arrival via Marseille Airport and Avignon city central station. Train ride (1/2 changes, often via Avignon) from Marseille to Isle takes appr. 1,30hrs. From Avignon there are frequent and direct train/bus services to Isle (taking 30-40min).
2
Day 2: From Fontaine de Vaucluse to Gordes (13km, 4,15hrs, +450m/-200m or shorter option Cabrières-Gordes: 6km, 2hrs; +145m/-145m)
Your independent walking tour begins with a short taxi transfer to the Fontaine de Vaucluse spring where you will follow the Mur de la Peste ("The Plague Wall", a 300-year old stone wall) through idyllic cedar forests. You will walk through the commune of Cabrières and its romantic castle towards the magical village of Gordes. Take the time to wander about the streets and contemplate the magnificent traditional architecture, an inspiration to many artists, and do not miss the view from the towering Renaissance castle at the very top of Gordes. An option is to be transferred directly to Cabrières for a shorter version of today’s walk.
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Day 3: Gordes - Sénanque Abbey - Gordes (10km, 3,15hrs, +250m/-250m)
Today’s picturesque circular walk will take you to the Sénancole valley, sheltering the unique Sénanque Abbey (built in 1148). The abbey is one of the best-conserved Romanesque buildings in France and one of the most iconic locations in Provence. Take the time to explore the complex and take some amazing photos of the emblematic lavender fields. You will later follow your independent hiking route back to Gordes.
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Day 4: From Goult to Bonnieux (11km, 3,30hrs, +320m/-250m or shorter option Lacoste-Bonnieux, 1,20hrs, 5km, +145m/-100m)
After a healthy breakfast, a short transfer will take you to the village of Goult which will be the starting point of today’s walk. You will follow your self-guided route across the Calavon Valley walking alongside ruins of ancient limestone farmhouses towards the charming village of Lacoste. Atop the hill where Lacoste is located are the curious ruins of the castle of the Marquis de Sade. Take the time to explore the beautiful cobbled streets and dive deep into the idyllic Provence atmosphere before you continue following the hiking trail towards the infamous Bonnieux - your next overnight place. Bonnieux is another gem of the Luberon, immortalized in Peter Mayle’s "A year in Provence". Do not miss the opportunity to explore the beautiful town squares and the old cobbled steps leading to a 12thC church.
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Day 5: Bonnieux - Cedar forest - Bonnieux (14km, 4hrs, +100m/-100m or 16,5km, 4,45hrs, +500m/-500m)
Today’s section of this self-guided walking tour will take you up the Luberon mountains and through its dark green cedar forests unveiling some fascinating viewpoints over the Alps and all the way to the Mediterranean sea along the way.
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Day 6: Departure day or extension
After you enjoy your breakfast you will be transferred back to the train station of Isle sur la Sorgue (pick up time TBA, normally 10:00am; we offer private transfers to Marseille Airport and Avignon too - contact us for details).
EXTENSION to Colorado Provencal: you can add one more walk to your holiday, visiting the famous Colorado ochre quarries (12km; 4hrs; +400m/-300m). If you wish to go for it, it should be requested already at the time of booking the tour!: Short transfer from Bonnieux will take you to Saignon, where starts the trailhead for Colorado Provencal. Crossing the Calavon Valley you will reach the world’s largest ochre deposit: a rainbow of yellow, orange, and red sands. The maritime pine trees with their long and bright needles offer a beautiful contrast to the ochre soils. The walk will end in Rustrel. From Rustrel you can choose between two options: transfer and drop off in Apt (appr. 130 EUR/car: 1-3pax) or transfer and drop off in Isle (appr. 270 EUR/car: 1-3pax).
TOUR LOCATION
Price
920 Euro per person in twin/dbl room (01-28/03; 01/10-15/11)
960 Euro per person in twin/dbl room (29/03-26/06; 27/08-30/09)
Single room & Solo Traveler supplement
Single room supplement: 440 Euro
Solo Traveler supplement (incl. also sgl. room supplement): 730 Euro
Tips
The trek is available to start every day between the beginning of April and the end of June, and then again from the end of August till mid-November. Best airport to use: Marseille airport. Other possible airports: Avignon Airport, Paris Orly and Paris Charles De Gaulle. Train to Isle Sur la Sorgue from all listed airports, Station name: “Isle Fontaine”. Traditional markets: Isle sur la Sorgue: market on Thursday & Sunday (big and famous one on Sunday); Goult: market on Thursday morning (from June to September); Bonnieux: market on Friday morning. Risk of fire: From the 1st of July until the 15th of September access to forest paths may be forbidden or partially restricted (access until 11:00am) if the risk of forest fire is high. Alternative options may be offered in this case (supplements payable locally). It is the customer's responsibility to inform themselves in advance on tel.: 0811 20 13 13 or on https://www.risque-prevention-incendie.fr/vaucluse/index.html.
Accommodation
Accommodation in 2/3* hotels or guesthouses (en-suite rooms), incl. breakfast. Hotels upgrade is possible (contact us for details). Samples of the inns we would normally book (subject to availability), or similar category: Day 1: Isle - Les Terrasses by David & Louisa: Days 2/3: Gordes - Mas des Romarins; Days 4/5: Bonnieux - Hotel Cesar;
Send an enquiry about this tour
The reservation confirmation you will get right after placing an order only confirms that your booking is received and an agent has started working on it. It doesn't mean your tour is guaranteed! Wait to hear from us with final confirmation before booking flights or making any other arrangements, related to your holiday. The dates as listed below do not correspond with real-time availability!
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