Experience the radiant beauty of southern France on a small group walking tour through Provence.
Here sun-drenched landscapes, hilltop villages, lavender fields, and vineyards come together to create an unforgettable travel experience.
This is the Provence that inspired Van Gogh, Cézanne, Monet, and Matisse, a land bursting with light, fragrance, and timeless charm.
On this walking vacation in Provence, we follow scenic trails through cherry orchards, olive groves, and wildflower meadows, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Luberon Mountains and limestone gorges. We explore some of France’s most beautiful villages: Gordes, Bonnieux, Lourmarin, Ménerbes, and Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, where cobbled streets, stone houses, and panoramic views transport you into a living postcard.
As we walk, we’re immersed in the authentic sights and scents of Provence. Thyme, rosemary, lavender, and cedar scents are carried on warm breezes through the countryside. From the ruins of medieval castles to the former stronghold of the Marquis de Sade in Lacoste, each step reveals layers of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Along the way, we indulge in exceptional Provençal cuisine, from rustic farmhouse fare to elegant local dishes, and enjoy a private wine tasting of Luberon wines at a local vineyard. Provence on a plate and in a glass!
Whether you’re a lover of art, food, wine, or nature, this walking tour of Provence offers a relaxed yet immersive way to experience one of the most beautiful regions in France, all in the comfort of a congenial small group, led by an expert guide.
Meet in Avignon and transfer to our lovely hotel in one of France’s most beautiful villages. We’ll have a pre-dinner aperitif followed by a typically Provencal Welcome Dinner.
Lourmarin, Le Moulin
Walk in a landscape full of flowers, herbs and fragrances in springtime and a dazzling display of rich colours in autumn. We’ll hike to Cucuron for lunch, and continue through vineyards in the afternoon, ending the day at the 14th-century castle of Lourmarin. Try an aperitif of pastis, a well-known aniseed beverage and symbol of the South, before dining in our hotel.
Lourmarin, Le Moulin
Today’s walk follows deep gorges bounded by dramatic cliffs, the kind inhabited only by birds of prey. An old packhorse trail brings us to lunch at a traditional auberge. This afternoon, on a walk punctuated by stunning Provençal panoramas, we’ll hike to the hilltop village of Bonnieux.
Lourmarin, Le Moulin
Start the day exploring Bonnieux, then follow a winding path through woods and vineyards to the Marquis de Sade’s picturesque village of Lacoste. The heady scents of rosemary, cedar and wild thyme accompany us past craggy stone walls and almond trees to old Ménerbes, a former Calvinist stronghold in the Middle Ages. We finish our day by visiting a local wine grower to taste the Luberon wine.
Gordes, Hotel les Bories
Walk to the beautiful multi-hued village of Roussillon for a guided visit to an ocres (ochre) museum and time to browse the market and village shops before lunch. We continue across the valley to the stunningly situated, tiered village of Gordes, perched on the rocky face of the Vaucluse plateau.
Gordes, Hotel les Bories
We visit the source of the River Sorgue at Fontaine de Vaucluse and follow an ancient silk route to Cabrières d’Avignon for lunch. We return along rocky hillsides to Gordes where, in this village of centuries-old dwellings and vaulted passageways, we enjoy our Farewell Dinner.
Gordes, Hotel les Bories
After breakfast, we will take you to Avignon TGV station.
Everything was better than I expected!
We enjoyed it all. The walk leaders, Hubert and Sophie, were very knowledgeable and helpful. The hotels were very nice (especially Hotel Les Bories!) and the food was excellent! The walks were just what we wanted.