Provence is celebrated for its clear light and cobblestoned villages, historic palaces and abbeys set amid lavender fields. Yet the Provence you discover when exploring on foot is even more magical. Starting in Avignon, head to the Alpilles with its jagged peaks and sunbaked pines. Set off through olive groves, fields of poppies, and hillsides fragrant with wild thyme in the Luberon, where age-old villages dazzle against blue skies. Go truffle hunting, meet a cheesemaker, and taste local wines along the way. End with a spectacular hike amidst the limestone cliffs of the Les Dentelles de Montmirail. Delight in a true hiker's Provence!
Provence is celebrated for its clear light and cobblestoned villages, historic palaces and abbeys set amid lavender fields. Yet the Provence you discover when exploring on foot is even more magical. Starting in Avignon, head to the Alpilles with its jagged peaks and sunbaked pines. Set off through olive groves, fields of poppies, and hillsides fragrant with wild thyme in the Luberon, where age-old villages dazzle against blue skies. Go truffle hunting, meet a cheesemaker, and taste local wines along the way. End with a spectacular hike amidst the limestone cliffs of the Les Dentelles de Montmirail. Delight in a true hiker's Provence!
An MT Sobek representative will meet you at Avignon TGV station this afternoon and transfer you to your hotel. After a welcome group meeting, complete with wine, it's time to head to dinner at a local restaurant. Meander through a labyrinth of cobbled streets, passing 14th-century ramparts, and the Papal Palace — all within Avignon's historic UNESCO-listed town center.
Accommodation: Cloitre Saint Louis
Meals: Dinner
Hike from Saint Remy to the Alpilles
Day 2
After breakfast, take a 30-minute transfer to Saint Remy 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 Remy. After completing the hike, visit with a local producer of goat's cheese to tour the farm and have a taste of fresh cheese.
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, Dinner
Hike to Les Baux de Provence
Day 3
Start the day at Saint Remy'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 Remy.
Accommodation: Le Gounod-Saint Remy, France
Activity: 3.5 hours/6 miles hiking with 600' elevation gain & loss
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Walk in the Luberon
Day 4
After breakfast, transfer from Saint Remy to 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 Provencal 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 Provencal fare (weather permitting). Continue to the lofty medieval village of Gordes, its golden-stone homes rising in vertiginous circles above the Calavon valley. Here you will spend the next two nights.
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
Journey from Roussillon to Senanque Abbey
Day 5
Today begins with a transfer to 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. Head out along thyme-laden hills toward Senanque 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. Tonight, you can choose from one of the many restaurants in town.
Accommodation: Le Mas des Romarins-Gordes, France
Activity: 3.5 hours/6 miles hiking with 820' elevation gain & loss
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
MT Sobek has been leading adventures in France for over 50 years and this trip pairs incredible hikes in majestic landscapes with Provencal picnics and guided tours of quaint medieval towns.
In 8 well-paced days, you'll experience Provence's stunning village-to-village trails and explore the landscapes of the Les Alpilles, the Luberon, and the Dentelles de Montmirail.
Enjoy the company of expert Provencal guides, who will give you that je ne sais quoi perspective you can get only from a local.
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.
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.
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!
Anne-Charlotte L.
“Life is too short to be bored” could be Anne-Charlotte’s mantra. Her travels have taken her around the world, and she’s worked several trades, from denturist to lumberjack! But the one constant has always been her love of nature. As a guide, Anne-Charlotte began along the rough trails of Corsica and the rolling hills of Provence. Soft-spoken, attentive, and with a heart of gold, Anne-Charlotte will ensure your experience will be a memorable one. And don’t try to stump her on anything botany-related: it won’t work.
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Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. This is a moderately challenging hike with hiking distances of 6-7 miles per day. You should be comfortable hiking 3-4 hours per day. Elevation gain and loss is moderate, usually 600-1,500 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 hours/7 miles hiking with 1,500' elevation gain & loss
Day 5
3.5 hours/6 miles hiking with 820' elevation gain & loss
Day 6
3 hours/7 miles hiking with 1,200' elevation gain & loss
*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.
Accommodations
Boutique hotels with classic French flair, historic hideaways, and artsy retreats, all with stellar locations and amenities.
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.
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.
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.
A 16th-century building reinvented as a modern hotel, the Cloitre Saint Louis is in the heart of Avignon. Remnants of its history include a cloistered courtyard and a chapel with frescoed dome. Modern amenities include a rooftop pool with panoramic views of the city and sustainably sourced, authentic French fare. Stay in simple modern rooms with L'Occitane en Provence toiletries, coffee and tea making tray, and free Wi-Fi, surrounded by historic charm.
Weather
May is usually dry with moderate sun. June is hot and rain is rare. September is warm but flash storms can occur.
Apr
May
Jun
Sep
Oct
Avignon
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Avignon
68
45
74
51
84
58
79
55
70
49
Gordes
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Gordes
65
42
73
49
81
56
77
53
67
46
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.
The standard minimum age for this trip is 18, but check out our private trip options for families and groups with younger guests.
What is the best time to hike in Provence?
The best time to hike in Provence is during the spring (April to June) or fall (September to October) when the weather is pleasant, and the landscapes are adorned with blooming flowers or autumnal colors. Mountain Travel Sobek's Provence trips run in May, June, September, and October.
What should you wear for hiking in Provence?
When hiking in Provence, it's recommended to wear comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection, and to carry layers for potential changes in weather. A light windbreaker is a great addition to your pack as it can provide sun protection on warm days and cut the wind when powerful.
How scenic are the hikes in Provence?
Hikes in Provence offer incredibly scenic experiences, with trails winding through picturesque vineyards, lavender fields, olive groves, and rolling hills. The region's diverse landscapes, including Les Alpilles and the Luberon provide a rich tapestry of natural beauty for hikers to enjoy.
Is wine included on this trip?
On most adventures, we toast on the first and last days—but this trip is different! Journeying through a world-renowned wine region, we're elevating the experience by including a glass of wine or beer with dinner each evening. It's a daily celebration of local flavors and culture, turning every meal into an unforgettable part of your adventure.
"Provence is a beautiful area in France and hiking through parts of it was amazing. We learned so much about the area because we absorbed it slowly through the hikes. We sampled life in the villages with a visit to a goat farm, an abbey, an olive oil farm, and a poet's retreat to name a few."
Cindy P. MT Sobek Guest, France Provence Village to Village Hiking
"I've taken six MTS trips and they have all exceeded my expectations. The staff, the food, the logistics and the communications have always been exceptional. Thank you for being my "go to" adventure travel company!"