France Provence Walking Private Adventure

Choose between two hikes for today. Transfer to the village of Fontaine de Vaucluse to start the first hiking option, with its magical water source: a well that descends into infinity. Climb through the pine and cedar forest on seldom-used trails, to a plateau where the panorama extends to far-reaching hilltop villages. Follow the 30-year old Plage wall, constructed when the plague hit Marseille in 1720, as a means to protect the Provence of the Popes. End at the magnificent village of Gordes, perched up on its rocky crag. Or take a loop to the magnificent 12th century Senanque Abbey to start the second hiking option, hidden in the Senancole valley - still intact and still housing a community of monks after 750 years. Walk through boxwood, evergreen oaks, aromatic herbs, and other shrub plants that adapt well in the sunny, Mediterranean climate. After, take a path that climbs to the pass, with wonderful overhead views of the abbey, then descend back to Gordes.

Transfer to Bonnieux for a pleasant and gradual climb through the forest leading to the ridge of the Petit Luberon mountain, the ideal picnic spot. Enjoy spectacular views in all directions; on a clear day, look for the snow-covered Alps to the north-east. Walk along the ridge through stately cedar trees, then choose the optional loop to continue to Lacoste to explore the ruins of the castle of the infamous Marquis de Sade, or a leisurely return to Bonnieux. Enjoy a special farm-to-table dinner tonight.

Transfer to the village of Gigondas, one of the most famous wine-making villages in Provence. Meander through its labyrinth of tiny streets leading up to the church then hike along farming tracks, through the gnarled vines of Grenache and Syrah, and to the imposing limestone cliffs. then make our way back to Gigondas where we partake in a wine tasting of some of its renowned wines.

Say farewell and transfer to the Avignon train station after breakfast.