pastoral walks on hidden paths
Discover hidden corners of Provence in the Uzege and the Drome Provencale.
Explore perfectly preserved, medieval/renaissance Uzes, First Duchy of France, ruled by the Crussol family for the last 800 years, and home to one of the most alluring markets in Provence. Walk in the surrounding farm country among vineyards, olive groves, orchards of cherries, apricots, and almonds, and utterly unspoilt villages and provincial castles straight from the time of the troubadours.
Walk the trails of the rugged Drome Provencale, a hidden land of truffle oaks, lavender fields, and ancient roses. Discover the perched village of Poet Laval, stronghold of the 12th century crusading Knights Hospitaliers of St John of Jerusalem, and grand Chateau Grignan, an unlikely hotbed of Parisian gossip in the time of the Sun King Louis XIV.
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 the Uzege | |
 |
Arrive at an impeccably restored 300 year old stone farmhouse B&B in the Uzege, the countryside around Uzes, First Duchy of France, home for the next two nights. Enjoy the lovely vineyard views with a glass of local vin de pays as you unwind poolside and review the walks ahead. A short local stroll is an option. |
| Day 2 Montaren St Mediers Circular Walk Distance: 9 miles Difficulty: Easy |
|
 |
Walk along olive groves, vineyards and cherry orchards through sleepy stone villages barely touched by time and tourists. Enjoy fine views of the rolling countryside through the garrigue, the herb-scented Provencal bush. Hunt for wild rosemary, thyme, sage, and mint. After your walk discover Uzes, visit an olive mill, and go wine tasting. |
| Day 3 Gardon River Gorge Walk Distance: 9 miles Difficulty: Easy to Moderate |
|
 |
Start at the Uzes market in the medieval Place aux Herbes, the most attractive open market in le tout Provence. Pack a picnic at the olive oil stands, cheese mongers, butchers, bakers, and produce sellers. Then head out on a wilderness walk along the high rim of the Gardon River gorge. Following the walk discover the Pont du Gard and the villages nearby. |
| Day 4 Poet Laval Circular Walk Distance: 6 miles Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging |
|
 |
Transfer to Poet Laval, a fairytale fortress village of the crusading Knights Hospitaliers in the Drome Provencale, the heart of lavender and truffle country. Walk through centuries old terraced fields among chestnuts, oak, and sylvester pines where Provence begins to give way to the the Alps. Return to explore Poet Laval and visit lavender and goat cheese farms. |
| Day 5 Chateau Grignan Circular Walk Distance: 8 miles Difficulty: Easy to Moderate |
|
 |
From massive Chateau Grignan walk into a private forest of carefully cultivated truffle oaks and lavender fields. Admire extravagant splashes of lavender in season. Then return to the castle and delve into the juicy letters the Countess of Grignan got from her Parisian mother, Madame de Sevigne, about daily life at the court of the Sun King Louis XIV. |
| Day 6 Departure from Provence | |
 |
Last morning call for les vrais croissants and pains au chocolat before you stow the walking poles and head for home. |
6 days, 5 nights
Uzege, Drome Provencale
best time April to October
Walks
four walks, easy and
moderate to challenging,
up to 9 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 $1,170
Superior: from $1,432
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