France Provence Walking Private Adventure Tour
Van Gogh Landscapes from Avignon to Gigondas
- Available: March-November
- Activity: Level 3
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels
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Group Size:
4-8 Guests
Min Age: 14
Highlights
- Follow the 300 year-old plage wall & discover the Colorado Provencal in Roussillon
- Savor picnics atop the Alpilles and the Luberon mountains
- Add a cooking class, kayak descent to Pont du Gard, an ebike ride or wine tour
Itinerary
Arrive in Avignon
Day 1
Arrive in Avignon and transfer to St. Remy, a picturesque Gallo-Roman town with a marvelous old quarter, encircled by the remnants of its 14th century wall and protective buildings, and the region that inspired some of Van Gogh's greatest work. Take a short walk to the hotel, followed by a welcome dinner in town.
Accommodation: La Villa Glanum + Spa
Transportation: 30-minutes private transfer
Meals: Dinner
Walk in Van Gogh Footsteps and Hike the Alpilles
Day 2
Start from picturesque St. Remy into the Alpilles hills, then along the fabulously panoramic ridge-line. Along the way, take the time to visit the Saint-Paul de Maussole monastery, where Van Gogh spent over a year, creating over 150 paintings - some of his best work. Enjoy a picnic and admire the windswept views over the valley. Continue on to the Crest of Alpilles for an optional hike or return to St. Remy.
Accommodation: La Villa Glanum + Spa
Activity: 3 hours/6 miles hiking with 1,000' elevation gain and loss; optional 3 hours/5 miles hiking with 800' elevation gain and loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Explore Market St Remy and Hike Les Baux To Maussane
Day 3
Take in spectacular views of the hills to the north and the Mediterranean Sea to the south from today's scenic forestry path high above the valley. Descend through the sculpted limestone "valley of hell" toward the perched village of Les Baux de Provence, one of the most beautiful villages in France. Return to Saint Remy or continue on for an optional hike to dip down into the plains, where the prestigious olive groves carpet the landscape. Visit the famed 17th century Cornille mill to taste one of Provence's best olive oil.
Accommodation: La Villa Glanum + Spa
Activity: 4 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 900' eleveation gain and 328' elevation loss; 2.5 hours/4 miles optional add on hike with 160' elevation gain and 800' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast
Experience the Heart of the Luberon
Day 4
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.
Accommodation: La Bastide de Voulonne
Activity: 4.5 hours/8 miles hiking with 1,500' elevation gain and 650' elevation loss or 3 hours/6 miles hiking with 800' elevation gain and loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Explore Bonnieux, Cedar Forest, Lacoste & Roussillon the Colorado Provencal
Day 5
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. After our hike we travel to Roussillon for lunch. Its houses are painted with ochre sands in a palette ranging from pale yellow to crimson, we take a stroll through the brilliant sands of an abandoned ochre quarry and admire the radiant ochre cliffs before returning to our hotel.
Accommodation: La Bastide de Voulonne
Activity: 3.5 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 1,300' elevation gain and loss or 5 hours/10 miles hiking with 1,600' elevation gain and loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Explore Gigondas and Hike Cote Du Rhone Vineyards
Day 6
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.
Accommodation: La Bastide de Voulonne
Activity: 2 hours/3 miles hiking with 650' elevation gain and loss or 3.5 hours/7 miles with little elevation gain and loss or 4 hours/7.5 miles with 1,500' elevation gain and loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart Avignon
Day 7
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer by scheduled private taxi to Avignon center or the TGV train station.
Transportation: 40-minute private transfer
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Choose from the selection of dates below for your group or if your preferred date is not available, we'll create a departure just for you.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Private Trip Pricing:
2022 Pricing
4 to 5 guests from $3,695 per person double occupancy
6 to 7 guests from $3,295 per person double occupancy
8 guests from $2,995 per person double occupancy
2023 Pricing
4 guests from $3,895 per person double occupancy
5 guests from $3,595 per person double occupancy
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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March, April, May, June, September, October, November
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.
Anne-Charlotte Luneau
"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 before favoring the rolling hills of Provence. Soft-spoken, attentive, and with a heart of gold, Anne-Charlotte will ensure your Provence experience will be a memorable one. And don't try to stump her on anything botany-related: it won't work.
Ariane Cruells
Raised in Provence, Ariane studied English and Mandarin growing up, before moving to China's Yunnan Province to work as a guide. After 12 years, she returned to her French roots and brought her skills as a guide with her to lead hikes throughout the Alps, Corsica, and Provence. As a professional mountain guide and expert on the region, Ariane is eager to share her knowledge of local flora and fauna, and ancient history.
Olivier Leonard
Olivier is trained as both a geographer and cartographer, and teaches those subjects to adults and high school students. He has hiked all over the Alps and also abroad, including South America and Asia. More recently, he's combined his passions for hiking and his expertise in geography and cartography to become a professional mountain guide. He's passionate about old stones and rural construction, and will better acquaint you with the ancient villages and hamlets of Provence. A teacher by trade but nature-lover by heart, Olivier enjoys sharing his experiences out in nature with his guests, who he always makes feel at home.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. The hiking on this tour is moderate, ranging between 6 and 8 miles each day on well-worn paths, on village roads, and through vineyards. This trip is perfect for daily walkers who are comfortable with 4-5 hours of activity each day.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
3 hours/6 miles hiking with 1,000' elevation gain and loss; optional 3 hours/5 miles hiking with 800' elevation gain and loss
Day 3
4 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 900' eleveation gain and 328' elevation loss; 2.5 hours/4 miles optional add on hike with 160' elevation gain and 800' elevation loss
Day 4
4.5 hours/8 miles hiking with 1,500' elevation gain and 650' elevation loss or 3 hours/6 miles hiking with 800' elevation gain and loss
Day 5
3.5 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 1,300' elevation gain and loss or 5 hours/10 miles hiking with 1,600' elevation gain and loss
Day 6
2 hours/3 miles hiking with 650' elevation gain and loss or 3.5 hours/7 miles with little elevation gain and loss or 4 hours/7.5 miles with 1,500' elevation gain and loss
Accommodations
Villas and boutique hotels that offer upscale amenities and services in culturally, historically and naturally rich surroundings.
La Villa Glanum + Spa
Situated a short walk from important cultural sites in Saint Remy de Provence, this hotel features gardens, an outdoor pool, and spa. Recently renovated in 2019, the elegantly appointed rooms have air conditioning, free wifi, safe, minibar, hair dryer, and en suite bathrooms. Celebrate a successful hike while relaxing on the terrace with an aperatif.
La Bastide de Voulonne
This charming family-run 18th century farmhouse inn features a swimming pool and classic Provençal plane trees, with stunning views of lavender fields and orchards in the Luberon hills. Rooms have en suite bathrooms, air conditioning, flat screen TV, and complimentary wifi.
Weather
The Mediterranean climate of Provence is warm and dry. Mornings may be cool, but it will warm up to hot during the day.
FAQs
What is the best type of footwear for this trip?
Either light-weight hiking boots or walking shoes with ankle support.
I am on a gluten-free diet. Will I be able to do this trip?
Absolutely. There are plenty of varied and delicious choices for the gluten-free eater on this trip.
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.
Where can I purchase train tickets?
Purchase your train tickets online at either https://www.trainline.eu/ or http://www.raileurope.com/
When is the lavender in bloom?
While lavender can be seen in mid-June to mid-August, the bloom is at it\'s peak in June. Fields of bright red poppies can be seen in April and May, and yellow sunflowers bloom all summer.
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Guest Reviews
"Great experience every time with some of the most knowledgeable guides in their fields. We always come home with wonderful memories of the people we meet and things we see."
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MT Sobek Guest
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