Provence (Luberon) & Colorado Provencal
€1230
per person
Experience beautiful Provence in a week-long self-guided walking holiday starting and finishing in the delightful town of Isle Sur la Sorgue. The Luberon mountains shelter charming rustic villages such as Gordes, Bonnieux, and Lacoste, considered to be among the most beautiful in all of France. You will walk across fields of lavender, wildflowers, and poppies as you discover lovely private picnic spots, vineyards, orchards, canyons, and the infamous range-colored ochre fields in Rustrel. Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the typical traditional stone houses, cobbled streets, and local markets in this unforgettable independent walking adventure.
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Destination
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Duration8 Days I Level: 2 (of 5)
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What is includedAccommodation in 2/3* hotels or guesthouses, incl. breakfast, 1x picnic lunch (Day 5) and 2x dinners (Day 4 and Day 5); luggage transfers; people transfers on Day 2, Day 3, Day 7, and Day 8 as per itinerary; detailed route notes and maps (incl. GPS tracks); emergency support.
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What is not includedOther meals and drinks; Additional transfers City tax; 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
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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).
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Day 2: Fontaine de Vaucluse to Gordes (13km, 4,15hrs, +450m/-200m or shorter option Cabrières - Gordes: 6km, 2hrs, +/-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. Overnight in Gordes.
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Day 3: 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 4: Bonnieux to Buoux (14km, 4hrs, +250m/-150m or 16,5km, 4,45hrs, +350m/-250m)
Today’s self-guided hiking route begins with a leisurely walk along back country roads. You will follow the track through curious truffle oak plantations and past beautiful stone villas. After crossing the Col du Pointu pass you will arrive at the Grand Luberon following a serpentine path through the old oak forests towards the enchanting Château de Buoux proceeding to the beautiful 12th century Chapelle de Ste. Marie. You can extend your walk around the tiny village of Buoux following an unbelievably charming cobbled mule track alongside monumental cliffs descending to the Aiguebrun Valley. Overnight in Buoux.
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Day 5: Buoux - Sivergues - Buoux Fort - Buoux (12km; 4,30hrs, +500m/-500m)
Today you will follow the independent walking route ascending above the Aiguebrun valley towards the secluded village of Sivergues and through Mediterranean brush consisting of winter savory and wild lavender before you reach a thyme-covered summit and enjoy some breathtaking panoramas all the way to the Alps and to the Mediterranean Sea. You can opt to visit the 3000-year-old Buoux Fort (whose ruins include
a mish-mash Celto-Ligurian, Roman, and Medieval architecture) as you descend back into the Aiguebrun Valley and the charming village of Buoux. Overnight in Buoux.
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Day 6: Buoux to Saignon (10km, 4hrs, +400m/-300m)
Today you will be hiking at the base of the Aiguebrun Gorge contemplating the limestone cliffs and lush vegetation of the Luberon. You will follow the walking route up the Claparèdes plateau and enjoy the view of vast lavender fields and truffle oak plantations. Soon you will arrive at the charming medieval village of Saignon fascinating its visitors with the enchanting ruins of its three castles. Saignon is a hidden gem with a discreet elegance. It has a beautiful labyrinth of steep cobbled streets, derelict old stone farms and beautifully renovated summer houses. Overnight in Saignon.
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Day 7: Saignon - Rustrel ochre quarries (Colorado Provencal) - Apt (12km, 4hrs, +400m/-300m)
Today you will enjoy one of the highlights of this incredible self-guided hiking tour. As you cross the Calavon valley, you will reach the area called Colorado Provencal. It is a mesmerizing combination of yellow, orange, and red sands and the world's biggest ochre deposit. The maritime pine trees with their long and bright needles offer a beautiful contrast to the ochre soils. A short transfer will take you to Apt where your last overnight will be.
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Day 8: Departure
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).
TOUR LOCATION
Price
1230 Euro per person in twin/dbl room (01-28/03; 01/10-15/11)
1290 Euro per person in twin/dbl room (29/03-26/06; 26/08-30/09)
Single room & Solo Traveler supplement
Single room supplement: 500 Euro
Solo Traveler supplement (incl. also sgl. room supplement): 780 Euro
Tips
The trek is available to start every day between the beginning of April and the end of June, and 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; exception may occur in Buoux - see below), incl. breakfast, 1x picnic lunch (Day 5), and 2x dinners (Day 4 and Day 5). In Buoux (days 4 and 5) you stay, subject to availability, at the base of the Aiguebrun Gorge, which is truly lost in the countryside. This is a breathtaking 17th century goat farm, restored and converted into a hotel, in harmony with the original buildings. Authentic and delicious Provençal recipes can be tested here, at the crossroads of the most beautiful walking paths in the Luberon. There is no television, wifi, or even cell phone reception. You’re taken back in time, blissfully. All that’s left is watch the swifts dance atop the soaring limestone cliffs, or relax in a lounge chair in the open field, facing the centuries-old golden stone buildings. Shower/WC there may be shared if your booking comes too late and/or there is limited availability for en-suite rooms (no discount). Samples of the inns we would normally book (subject to availability), or similar category: Day 1: Isle - Cantosorgue; Day 2: Gordes - Mas des Romarins; Day 3: Bonnieux - Hotel Cesar; Days 4/5: Buoux - Auberge des Seguins; Day 6: Saignon - Auberge du Presbytere; Day 7: Apt - Hotel St Anne;
Send an enquiry about this tour
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