deluxe nights and delightful walks, the best of walkers' Provence
This is our most extravagant walking experience. Get in a good, long walk each day, and at trail's end capture a chateau of your choice for the night from among a handful of superbly deluxe Provencal country house hotels. Unwind with a glass of local viognier in your hot tub and a floor to ceiling view of Mt Ventoux. Indulge in a Parisian spa - or do nothing at all. Enjoy impeccable, relaxed gourmet dinners in-house and the best home cooking in our favorite local restaurants. Sleep till 11 and forget the day's walk - settle into a deck chair with that biography you've eyed all year.
We can also arrange a wide variety of off-trail activities, such as private wine estate visits, an evening of French chansons, truffle hunts in season, walks with a donkey (a favorite French pastime), flying a glider or a balloon, a chauffeur driven car for the duration, and special treats for special occasions.
Use this itinerary, custom designed for a client, to inspire yours. Start on any day. Walk for as many days as you like. On your own time, at your own pace.
| Day 1 Arrival and Transfer to Les Baux | |
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Arrive in Les Baux de Provence at the elegant, understated Hotel Oustau de Baumaniere. This 16th century farmhouse and starred restaurant pioneered the art of the deluxe Provençal country house stay, back in the 1950's as a favorite stopover for the privileged few on their way between Paris and the Cote d'Azur. Unwind. Enjoy dinner. |
| Day 2 Les Baux Circular Walk Distance: 9 miles Difficulty: Easy |
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Walk out the gate and up into perched, medieval Les Baux, once one of the most powerful feudal lordships in Provence. A short climb puts you astride the Les Alpilles range. Descend into the rural valley below and circle back to Les Baux through olive orchards and vineyards. Taste at a domaine painted by Van Gogh. See the chateau's trebuchet, visit olive oil mills and St Remy. Dinner tonight is at one of Provence's best bistros. |
| Day 3 Beaumes de Venise Walk, Crillon le Brave Distance: 9 miles Difficulty: Moderate |
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Transfer to the Hotel Crillon le Brave in the Vaucluse at the foot of Mt. Ventoux. It is perhaps the most seductive deluxe hotel in all of Provence, absorbing half the ancient village. Your walk today is from Beaumes de Venise, circling into the vineyards and wilderness of the Dentelles de Montmirail, with plenty of time left for luxuriating in Crillon le Brave. |
| Day 4 Gigondas Circular Walk Distance: 12 miles Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging |
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From the leafy square of the wine village of Gigondas depart for one of your trip's most rewarding walks, a circular trail deep into the Dentelles, a national park of vineyard covered valleys, soaring limestone ridges, and superb views. Wine tasting is possible along the way, and some of the most highly rated domains of the Cotes du Rhone region await at walk's end. |
| Day 5 Departure from Provence |
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There is time for a last leisurely, sumptuous breakfast with a splendid view of Mt Ventoux before your onward journey from Provence. |
5 days, 4 nights
Les Alpilles, Northern Vaucluse
best time April to October
Walks
three walks, easy and
moderate to challenging,
up to 12 miles per day,
shorter and longer options;
comprehensive self-guidance
package; in-person briefing
Where You'll Stay
Deluxe: top country house hotels
You may mix country house hotel stays with other accommodation choices, if you prefer
Field Support
In-person briefing on arrival; English speaking background support throughout the trip; optional GPS support
Pricing
(per person double occupancy)
From $3,220
indicative prices - actual quotes
may vary; mixing accom. choices also varies price
single supplement - inquire
Included
• all accommodation
• all baggage transfers
• all breakfasts
• briefing on arrival
• comprehensive Trip Kit including all official IGN maps, Trail Guides, and other guidance material
• any transportation except
for transfers if indicated
• meals/picnics other than breakfasts
• any form of insurance