France Provence Walking Private Adventure

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• Day01

  Arrive in Avignon

  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
• Day02

  Walk in Van Gogh Footsteps and Hike the Alpilles

  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
• Day03

  Explore Market St Remy and Hike Les Baux To Maussane

  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
• Day04

  Experience the Heart of the Luberon

  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, Dinner
• Day05

  Explore Bonnieux

  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.

  • 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, Dinner
• Day06

  Explore Gigondas and Hike Cote Du Rhone Vineyards

  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
• Day07

  Depart Avignon

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

  • Transportation: 40-minute private transfer
  • Meals: Breakfast