the best walks on traditional trails
This inn to inn walk takes you on a week-long circuit of the Luberon valley, considered by many to be the most evocative of la vie en Provence. All along the network of trails, farm tracks, and country lanes you pass through vineyards, forests, fruit orchards, olive groves, lavender fields, and herb scented wilderness. Enjoy lovely views as you walk between perched limestone villages straight out of medieval-renaissance times.
Start from Fontaine de Vaucluse and follow the northern side of the Luberon valley to the east. Your first walk's destination is Gordes, Provence's visually most stunning perched village. A circular walk through lavender scented wilderness leads to the 12th century Abbey de Senanque, still an active monastery today - give your feet a rest as you listen to the monks' medieval chants during their daily services. The ochre colored village of Roussillon is another destination like no other, a center of the ochre mines that give Provence one of its trademark colors. Circle back along the southern side of the valley, toward Bonnieux and end your walk in Menerbes, of "A Year in Provence" fame.
The Gordes and Bonnieux weekly markets beckon on this walk and artisanal boutiques and galleries are always an opportunity for a pleasant pause on the trails.
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 in Fontaine de Vaucluse | |
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You will be met at your point of arrival and transferred by car to your hotel. Fontaine de Vaucluse is best known since Roman times as a water source, and was a favorite town of the medieval poet, Petrarch. The rest of the day is free to explore this lush source of the Sorgue River. |
| Day 2 Fontaine de Vaucluse - Gordes Distance: 11 miles Difficulty: Moderate |
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Walk to the perched village of Gordes to the east, one of the most imposing of all the picturesque villages of Provence. Pass through the sleepy, unspoilt village of Lagnes. Walk through the garrigue, the Provencal bush, where rosemary, thyme and mint grow wild. Follow a section of a 30 mile long medieval wall built to keep out the plague. |
| Day 3 Gordes - Abbey de Senanque Circular Distance: 7 miles Difficulty: Easy to Moderate |
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Today is market day in Gordes. Pick up a picnic as you explore this enticing open air market before you depart on your walk north into the garrigue and total wilderness. The path leads to a lovely area of hidden lavender fields. Descend to the Abbey de Senanque, the most picturesque of the "big three" monasteries of Provence. Choose between a short and long route back to Gordes. |
| Day 4 Gordes - Roussillon Distance: 12 miles Difficulty: Moderate |
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Depart Gordes for Roussillon via the friendly little village of Goult, a perfect stop for a leisurely lunch al fresco. The afternoon trail into Roussillon is amidst vineyards, with tasting opportunities at wine estates along the way. Roussillon is the ochre village, built from local ochre-tinted clay that is the source for one of the trademark colors of Provence. |
| Day 5 Sivergues - Bonnieux Distance: 12 miles Difficulty: Moderate |
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Transfer by car to the tiny, ancient, hidden hamlet of Sivergues and walk past a goat farm up the Grand Luberon range. Head for the sophisticated little perched village of Bonnieux past a classic country auberge and romantic ruins of a medieval fort. Arrive in time to explore Bonnieux and enjoy the fabulous views. |
| Day 6 Bonnieux - Lacoste - Menerbes Distance: 10 miles Difficulty: Moderate |
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Wind through the vineyards and orchards surrounding Bonnieux, up to the perched village of Lacoste and the infamous Marquis de Sade's ruined chateau - today a favorite summer performing arts center. Walk along the Petit Luberon through the heart of Peter Mayle country to Menerbes. Unwind in this pleasant village at one of the best bistros in Provence. |
| Day 7 Departure from Provence | |
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After breakfast it's a bientot and time to head for home. |
7 days, 6 nights
Luberon
best time April to October
Walks
five walks, mostly moderate, some easy and challenging segments, up to 12 miles per day,shorter and longer options;
comprehensive self-guidance
package; in-person briefing
Where You'll Stay
Classic: charming B&Bs
and small family run hotels
Superior: high end B&Bs
and superior hotels
Deluxe: top country house hotels
Mix 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)
Classic: from $1,590
Superior: from $1,905
Deluxe: inquire
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