wilderness walks on ancient shepherds' trails
Toward the eastern Luberon visitors are fewer, the mountains wilder, history tells of rougher times, and the tough old shepherds' tracks are all yours in splendid isolation. Hiking here is wilderness walking between the tiny perched villages au bout du monde, at the end of the world, with only occasional glimpses of the softer, more genteel side of Provence at walk's end.
Set out on the trail from tiny, medieval Simiane la Rotonde and its ancient, impenetrable defensive donjon. Hike amidst wild lavender to the Oppedette Gorge, a deep, narrow scenic canyon and biodiversity site carved by the Cavalon River. Celto-Ligurian oppidums dating back to 2000 BC are the oldest trace of humans here. Continue south and work your way across to the Grand Luberon range via medieval Viens and St Martin de Castillon. Hear the songs of myriad songbirds and watch the majestic raptors of Provence silently riding the thermals. Stay on a goat farm. Enjoy rustic Provencal cuisine in traditional country auberges along the way. Return to civilization in chic, low key Bonnieux at walk's end.
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 Eastern Luberon | |
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Transfer on arrival to the perched village of Simiane la Rotonde, deep in the mountains among lavender fields beyond the market town of Apt. The village's 12th century donjon is testimonial to its medieval past. Its perfectly intact main hall is an acoustic marvel, host to summer concerts away from it all. It is also home to a lavender lab open to visitors. |
| Day 2 Simiane La Rotonde - Oppedette Distance: 10 miles Difficulty: Moderate |
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Your first walk takes you across the garrigue, the Provencal bush country on the Grande Randonnee 4 (GR4) route of the French national footpath system. This is serious sheep cheese country, anchored around nearby Banon, and an encounter with a timeless berger and his flock is always a possibility on the high plateau. Listen for the soft tinkle of the ram's bell. |
| Day 3 Oppedette - St Martin de Castillon Distance: 13 miles Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging |
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Start your walk along the rim of the Oppedette Gorge, a fine example of Provence's limestone bedrock molded into fantastic craggy shapes by nature over the millennia. The wild garrigue leads to charming, ancient Viens by noon. Then it gives way to farmland and carries on to little-known St Martin de Castillon for the night, a perfectly preserved medieval stone village perched on an outcropping of rock, facing the Grand Luberon. |
| Day 4 St Martin de Castillon - Sivergues Distance: 12 miles Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging |
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Today you ascend the Grand Luberon for a sweeping view along its crest. Then hike to the tiny, hidden hamlet of Sivergues and an idyllic temple of goat cheese, one of the great goat farms in Provence, your home for the night. Enjoy a hearty Provencal meal, good country wine and extreme goat cheese before you turn in. |
| Day 5 Sivergues - Bonnieux Distance: 11 miles Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging |
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This morning it's back to civilization. Leave Sivergues along ancient trails blazed by refugees during the medieval wars of religion. Explore the ruined fort at Buoux and stop for an old fashioned Provencal country lunch at the local auberge. Then head for Bonnieux, one of the most genteel perched villages of the Luberon. Admire nearby Lacoste and the castle of the Marquis de Sade, across the valley. |
| Day 6 Departure from Provence |
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After breakfast it's a bientot and time to head for home. |
6 days, 5 nights
Eastern Luberon
best time April to October
Walks
four walks, moderate to challenging, up to 13 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 $1,398
Superior: from $1,660
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