France | Provence: Hill Towns of the Luberon
Stroll through the château country of southern France.
Trip Highlights:
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Smell the bouquet de France as you wander through vineyards, orchards and lavender fields.
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Watch the late afternoon sun play upon the stone walls of the region's numerous chateaus.
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Dine on delicious Provençale food and wine.
Experience souleu e terraire, ‘the soul of the terrain’, as you walk amongst vineyards, historic villages and the famous lavender fields that characterize the Vaucluse region of Provence, France.
Enjoy a great combination of countryside walking through farms, vineyards, and orchards, while rambling along herb-scented hillsides toward golden-hued villages. Provence’s landscape and light will enthrall you just as it did Van Gogh and Cézanne. Relax in quintessential châteaux and country inns while indulging on artisanal, Provençale food and wine.
Our eight-day hiking tour through Provence begins in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, famous for being the birthplace of the Sorgue River.
You then make your way to Gordes, with its 2000 year-old history, Gordes is known for the primitive limestone dwellings called bories, a 16th century chateau, as well as being one of the most picturesque villages of the Luberon. Spend a night in Gordes then hike to the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque, a picture-perfect Cistercian abbey surrounded by lavender fields in the Senancole Valley.
By single track and country roads, you hike to the village of Bonnieux. This region was brought to life by Peter Mayle in his book, A Year in Provence. Indulge in wine tasting at the Château La Canurgue, or take a cooking class in the village of Bonnieux. Spend your last two nights in Lourmarin, a quintessential Provençale town with great shopping and restaurants.
Trip Itinerary
Choose from our standard itinerary or customize the trek by adding or subtracting days.
Travel independently to Avignon. Ryder-Walker provides a taxi transfer from the Avignon train station to your hotel in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, about an hour drive away. Overnight in the heart of this charming village at an inviting hotel with the intimate and warm character of a home. Dinner is included here tonight.
From Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, start your lovely hike to Gordes. Hike on single track and farm roads taking you to the first picturesque hill town of Gordes, perched on the edge of the Vaucluse Plateau. Overnight at a 900-year-old restored Borie House, named after the stone shepherds’ huts. Dine out tonight.
Distance: 9 miles. Elevation gain: 1050 ft.
Start from your hotel for your loop hike that takes you to the enchanting Sénanque Abbey, a 12th century Romanesque edifice. Return to your hotel to relax poolside. Dinner is on your own tonight.
Distance: up to 8 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 930 ft.
A short taxi transfer takes you to your trailhead, where you hike to the famous hill town of Lacoste for lunch and then on to Bonnieux. Your quaint hotel is located amongst the vineyards, a five minute walk from town center. Dine out tonight.
Distance: 5.5 miles. Elevation gain: 550 ft.
We suggest taking a cooking class and visiting a winery. Dinner is on your own.
A short taxi transfer to your trailhead near Bonnieux’s cedar forest offers you a boost in elevation. At the trailhead, traverse across the Combe de Lourmarin. From the top, enjoy some of the most spectacular views of the Grand Luberon. Descend into the lovely town of Lourmarin. Enjoy the first of two nights in a nice hotel in town center, with a world-renowned restaurant.
Distance: 4.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1085/935 ft.
Your final hike begins right from your hotel and loops back to Lourmarin. Ascend via farm roads passing by olive groves and vineyards to the feudal chateau in Cadenet. Enjoy strolling amidst the plentiful shops, and dine out for your last night on the trek.
Distance: 7.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 500 ft.
Ryder-Walker will provide a taxi from Lourmarin to the Avignon train station.
Trip Rating
COMFORT
EFFORT
TERRAIN
Self-Guided Tour
April-June, September-October
2024 Pricing
$3,250 per person double
Single (+$770)
Trip Map
Trip Profile
Duration
7 nights/8 days
Hiking up to 6.5 miles
Ascents up to 1500 ft
Tour Package Includes
Custom route descriptions
Four-color topo maps
Travel instructions
Luggage transfers
Cultural information and more
Accommodations
7 nights charming country inns and hotels
Breakfast + Dinner
Breakfast included daily
Dinner included only in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse on Day 1
Luggage Transfer
All nights
Transportation
Taxi transfers from the Avignon train station to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse upon arrival and from Lourmarin to the Avignon train station upon departure are included.
Gateways
Paris, France
Marseille, France
Avignon, France
Nice, France
