France Provence Village to Village Hiking Tour
Lavender Trails, Hilltop Villages & World-Class Wineries
- Available: April, May, June, September, October
- Activity: Level 3
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels
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Group Size:
5-16 Guests
Highlights
- Hike the postcard-perfect medieval villages of Bonnieux, Gordes, and Les Baux de Provence
- Walk vineyard trails, enjoy gourmet picnics with fresh Provencal fare, and stroll through bountiful markets
- Marvel at Van Gogh's St. Remy landscapes, just as he painted them
Itinerary
Welcome to Avignon
Day 1
An MT Sobek representative will meet you at Avignon TGV station at 2:30pm today and transfer you to your hotel. After a welcome group meeting, complete with local wine, it's time to explore the wonders of this ancient city. Meander through a labyrinth of cobbled streets, discover 14th-century ramparts, and the Papal Palace (entrance to the Pope's Palace not included) - all within its historic UNESCO-listed town center.
Accommodation: Avignon Grand Hotel
Accommodation: Hotel de l’HorlogeMeals: Dinner
Hike from Saint Rémy to the Alpilles
Day 2
After breakfast, take a 30-minute transfer to Saint Rémy de Provence, nestled at the foot of the Alpilles Mountains. Follow Van Gogh's footsteps through an aromatic landscape of wild herbs and sun-baked pine trees up towards the jagged ridge of the windswept Alpilles. Enjoy panoramic views from the summit and a gourmet Provencal picnic before completing the loop back to Saint Rémy. After completing the hike, visit with a local producer of goat's cheese to tour the farm and have a taste of fresh cheese. Tonight you can choose from one of the many restaurants in town.
Accommodation: Le Gounod-Saint Remy, France
Activity: 3.5 hours/6 miles hiking with 600' elevation gain & loss
Transportation: 30-minute private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hike to Les Baux de Provence
Day 3
Start the day at Saint Rémy's morning market with its bounty of fresh regional produce - perfect for today's picnic. From there, follow a path up a shaded valley laden with cedar and pines, back up to the crest of the Alpilles. From here, take an easy trail along the ridge, enjoying wide-sweeping views. Perched atop the ridge is the 1,000-year-old village of Les Baux de Provence - a few dozen stone homes huddled together high above the valley. Meander through its narrow, cobbled streets, then stop at a working olive mill for a visit and a tasting. In the evening, savor a group dinner in Saint Rémy.
Accommodation: Le Gounod-Saint Remy, France
Activity: 3.5 hours/6 miles hiking with 600' elevation gain & loss
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey from Gordes to the Senanque Abbey
Day 4
After breakfast, transfer from the Alpilles to the Luberon mountains, dotted with lofty medieval villages such as Gordes, its golden-stone homes rising in vertiginous circles above the Calavon valley. Explore its steep labyrinth of cobblestoned streets, while the guide picks up picnic fare, before heading out along thyme-laden hills toward Senaque Abbey, a collection of 850-year-old Romanesque structures hidden among lavender fields. Enjoy a private guided tour, then hike up for aerial views before returning to Gordes for dinner together at the hotel.
Accommodation: Le Mas des Romarins-Gordes, France
Activity: 3.5 hours/6 miles hiking with 900' elevation gain & loss
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walk in the Landscape of Cezanne & Roussillon
Day 5
Today begins with a transfer to nearby Bonnieux, a village nestled between the two Luberon Mountains that took center-stage in Peter Mayle's best-selling memoir A Year in Provence. Head out for a long gradual climb up the northern slope of the Luberon, through a forest of white oak and shrub. At the ridge, take in magnificent views across the valley, and have a Provençal picnic. Walk to the medieval village of Lacoste, crowned by the ruins of the Marquis de Sade's castle. Visit a family farm to sample traditional Provençal fare. (weather permitting). On our way back we stop in Roussillon, the village is built at the top of an ochre cliff face and offers a perfect blend of colors with its stones, roofs and facades mirroring the red tones of the neighboring landscape.
Accommodation: Le Mas des Romarins-Gordes, France
Activity: 3 hours/7 miles hiking with 1,500' elevation gain & loss
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike the Vineyards Above Gigondas
Day 6
Today set out for the tiny medieval village of Gigondas, nestled under the imposing limestone cliffs of the Dentelles de Montmirail, and renowned for its rich red wines. Walk between the gnarled vines, and above them into the heart of the Dentelles de Montmirail. Trails crisscross the dramatic rock formations and lead to the top of a ridgeline that soars above the village. After the hike, enjoy wine tasting at one of the local estates. Return to Vaison for dinner at the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Le Beffroi
Activity: 3 hours/7 miles hiking with 1,200' elevation gain & loss
Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart from Avignon
Day 7
After breakfast, take a morning shuttle to the Avignon TGV train station for your onward journey.
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
- 2023
- 2024
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2023
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
2024
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Looking for a private family adventure?
This trip can accommodate guests with a minimum age of 16.
Private Trip Pricing:
2023 Pricing
3 guests from $6,095 per person double occupancy
4 guests from $5,495 per person double occupancy
5 guests from $5,095 per person double occupancy
6 to 8 guests from $4,795 per person double occupancy
2024 Pricing
2 guests from $7,995 per person double occupancy
3 guests from $6,695 per person double occupancy
4 guests from $5,995 per person double occupancy
5 guests from $5,595 per person double occupancy
6 guests from $5,295 per person double occupancy
7 guests from $5,195 per person double occupancy
8 to 9 guests from $4,995 per person double occupancy
*Seasonal rates may apply.
Additional Costs:
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
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April, May, June, September, October
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Ariane C.
Raised in Provence, Ariane has studied English and Chinese languages, and went to live in China in the Yunnan Province, where she worked as a tour guide on trekking and classical tours from tropical forests to yack meadows. After 12 years, she came back to France and passed the french state diploma to become a professional mountain leader. Today she passionately guides hikes in Provence, the Alps and Corsica. She likes to share what nature offers, specially plants and their many uses, as well as the testimony of human history in the mountain scenery.
Ludovic R.
After experiencing long hiking trails and sacred paths such as St James Way, Celtic and Neolithic routes, Ludovic decided to create his own activity to share his experience. He started walking in the Channel Islands when he was young, following the French poet, Victor Hugo. He fell in love with the whole experience of hiking and continued to follow this passion throughout France and Spain. He has been living for more than 20 years in the heart of Provence, the artsy town of Saint Rémy de Provence. He’s also teaching conscious walking to help people to get a deeper connection with nature. Warm at heart and attentive to his guests, Ludovic is a wonderful travel companion.
Arnaud P.
Arnaud’s first trips were through the writings of Jack London, Jules Vernes, Herman Hesse or the explorations of Nansen & Shackleton before starting his real guiding career in the Himalaya, the Sahara and the Middle East. He spent 15 years guiding in the Artic territories, before deciding a few years ago to move back to France and to make Provence his new home, he lives in the small village of Banon (well known here for its goats cheese too). He enjoys sharing his knowledge of stories written by Provençal authors, local food & wine, admiring wildlife, and simply uncovering Provence’s secrets!
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. This is a moderately challenging hike with hiking distances of 6-9 miles per day. You should be comfortable hiking 4-7 hours per day. Elevation gain and loss is moderate, usually 500-1,000 feet.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
3.5 hours/6 miles hiking with 600' elevation gain & loss
Day 3
3.5 hours/6 miles hiking with 600' elevation gain & loss
Day 4
3.5 hours/6 miles hiking with 900' elevation gain & loss
Day 5
3 hours/7 miles hiking with 1,500' elevation gain & loss
Day 6
3 hours/7 miles hiking with 1,200' elevation gain & loss
Accommodations
Boutique hotels with classic French flair, historic hideaways, and artsy retreats, all with stellar locations and amenities.
Le Gounod-Saint Remy, France
Centrally located in Alpilles, in the heart of Saint Remy de Provence, this eclectic boutique hotel boasts a classic French flair. Set in a 16th-century inn but newly renovated, Le Gounod is perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration, with a private terrace, beautiful stone pool, hot tub, and a spa offering a variety of soothing treatments.
Le Mas des Romarins-Gordes, France
Housed in an atmospheric 19th-century building, Le Mas des Romarins is a spectacular property in the quaint hilltop village of Gordes. Each comfortable room has its own unique theme and stunning views. The three-star hotel's cafe offers delectable snacks and light refreshments.
Avignon Grand Hotel
Experience true Provencal charm with historic cobblestone streets, just blocks away. The Avignon Grand Hotel is ideally located in the heart of Avignon city. It's the perfect mix of modern and traditional, with 124 spacious, quiet rooms adapted for relaxation. After exploring the bustling town just around the corner, guests can enjoy the hotel's extensive amenities, friendly common area, outdoor pool, and garden.
Hotel Le Beffroi
Composed from 16th century estates, the Hotel Le Beffroi is a short cobblestone stroll away from the historic sites in Vaison-la-Romaine. Each room is individually decorated and modernly equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, cable TV, mini-bar and a hair dryer. Guests can relax at the outdoor pool and terraced gardens with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Hotel de l’Horloge
The charming Hotel de l'Horloge is set in a stunning 19th-century stone building, ideally located in Avignon's historic city center. It 66 chic rooms are decorated in warm wood tones and exude contemporary Provencal elegance. Enjoy breakfast on the veranda, then step out into the medieval streets and explore the Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Benezet (Avignon Bridge), and many ancient buildings and beautiful town houses.
Weather
May is usually dry with moderate sun. June is hot and rain is rare. September is warm but flash storms can occur.
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
Please arrive at the Avignon TGV train station by 2pm on Day 1. An MTS representative will meet the group and transfer you to our hotel in Avignon, at 2:30pm.
How can I get from Paris to Avignon?
Take the high speed TGV train from either Charles De Gaulle airport or from the Gare de Lyon train station in downtown Paris.
Which Avignon train station should I arrive at: Avignon TGV or Centre?
You can arrive at either train station. The TGV station is a 10-minute taxi ride from the hotel. The Avignon Centre station is a 4-minute walk to the hotel.
Do the hotels on this trip have swimming pools?
Yes, all of the hotels have swimming pools.
Where can I purchase train tickets?
Purchase your train tickets online at either Trainline or Rail Europe.
Can you recommend a hotel in Avignon if I want to arrive early?
Yes. Try the Avignon Grand Hotel. This is the hotel where we meet on Day 1 of the tour.
