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). We offer also private transfers from Avignon and Marseille Airport - contact us for details.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).