When it comes to walking and hiking in France, Provence and the Dordogne encapsulate everything that makes France extraordinary. These very special regions immerse us in the deep heart of the most enchanting of French landscapes.
In Provence, we’ll wander through lavender fields, olive groves, and golden-hued villages, soaking in the scents of wild herbs and the luminous light that inspired great artists. In the Dordogne, ancient forests, rolling vineyards, and medieval towns transport us back in time, with highlights like prehistoric caves and hilltop castles.
Provence! This is a place that stirs the soul. It’s a land where every view feels like art, every bite like a celebration, and every moment like a step into paradise.
Picture yourself wandering through a kaleidoscope of colors. Vineyards stretch endlessly, olive groves shimmer in the sunlight, and almond orchards dot the landscape.
The golden light of Provence that once inspired the brushstrokes of Cézanne and Van Gogh bathes the rolling hills and lush valleys, casting a luminous glow.
The fragrances of wild lavender, rosemary, and thyme, infuse the air, blending with the earthy aroma of sun-warmed soil and fresh blooms. Here, every sense awakens, every moment must be savored.
Some of the most charming villages – Les Plus Beaux Villages de France – are scattered throughout Provence Each has its own unique character and charm and we seek out the very best of them.
Lourmarin, with its graceful Renaissance château, vibrant market, and fountain-dotted lanes, invites leisurely exploration. From the hilltop village of Bonnieux, panoramic views unfold across a valley where vineyards and orchards form a patchwork quilt. We glimpse Lacoste, a perched village steeped in history and once home to the notorious Marquis de Sade.
Lovely Ménerbes, is the village immortalized in Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence.
And Roussillon, perched dramatically atop ochre cliffs, dazzles with its vibrant palette of oranges, reds, and pinks, carved from the colorful earth itself.
Then there is Gordes, a village of unrivaled beauty, its stone houses and cobbled streets seemingly carved out of the cliffs they rest upon. We track down the source of the River Sorgue at Fontaine de Vaucluse, where the waters erupt from the cliff – the most powerful such source in France!
Provence’s cuisine is as vibrant and soulful as its landscapes. Each dish celebrates the region’s exceptional produce—sun-ripened tomatoes, garlic, fine olive oils, and fragrant herbs. Iconic dishes like ratatouille, tapenade, and the savory seafood stew bouillabaisse, burst with flavor.
For wine lovers, the vineyards here offer a treasure trove – their grapes nurtured by the generous southern sunshine to produce wines that capture the very essence of the region. Try the local rosé wines – crisp and the very palest pink!
Walking through the Dordogne feels like stepping into a vivid, living tapestry. History, culture, and natural beauty intertwine seamlessly.
Nestled in the heart of southwestern France, this enchanting region is shaped by the meandering Dordogne River. It carves its way through dramatic gorges, tranquil valleys, and towering limestone cliffs.
We’re in a food-lovers paradise. Here the soul of traditional French cuisine comes alive.
The earthy aroma of truffles to the rich flavors of duck confit and creamy cheeses, are all celebrated in bustling local markets and farm-to-table bistros.
Our journey begins in Montignac, a town steeped in history. Here echoes of Roman and medieval eras linger in its cobblestone streets. Located in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is the gateway to some of the world’s most mesmerizing prehistoric wonders.
The caves at Font-de-Gaume and Lascaux showcase Stone Age artistry that feels as vibrant today as it did millennia ago. In Lascaux’s carefully crafted recreations, we glimpse the profound connection our ancestors had with the land, their creativity etched into stone.
The Dordogne’s villages are straight out of a fairy tale. Each one more picturesque than the last. Domme, perched high above the valley, offers sweeping panoramic views that seem to stretch forever. Beynac, with its winding medieval streets, feels frozen in time. A formidable 12th-century castle that once played a pivotal role in the Hundred Years’ War stands sentinel.
At the wonderful, suspended Gardens of Marqueyssac, manicured boxwoods wind through a dreamscape of verdant beauty. The elegant Château des Milandes, once home to the iconic Josephine Baker, enchants visitors.
The vineyards of Bergerac and Monbazillac add another layer of indulgence, offering exquisite wines that reflect the terroir, or unique sense of place, that is so quintessentially French.
Our journey draws to a close with a tranquil glide along the Dordogne River. We’re aboard a traditional gabare, a flat-bottomed boat once used for trade. As we glide past rugged cliffs, ancient villages, and lush green hills, we have a moment of quiet reflection on the joys of this spellbinding region.