Walking in Provence

Arrival at your first accommodation, just a few km from Lagnes – the capital of Provence. If you arrive early, you will have the option of doing a short circular walk to the village of Les Cabrières d'Avignon. To reach this tiny hamlet, you follow footpaths through a landscape carpeted with maquis shrubs, then pass Mur de la Peste on the way back to Lagnes. Enjoy dinner at the hotel. 

Challenge: 2.5 hrs; 7.5 km / 4,5 mi; 210m ascent and descent 

Villages along the way: Lagnes, Les Cabriéres d’Avignon 

Today you begin your circuit in the Vaucluse with a 5-hour walk to the renowned Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. While this is a busy spot for tourists, it is truly an extraordinary sight to see the river gushing out of the ground. Then it’s on to your accommodation, with its quiet location where you will enjoy dinner on a peaceful evening in Provence. 

Challenge: 5 hrs; 11.5 km / 7 mi; 550m ascent, 325m descent

Villages along the way: Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, La Roque sur Pernes

On today's walk, you will pass through the impressive village of Venasque. You will then continue on to the village of Le Beaucet, set against a steep rock face, before passing a deep gorge and strolling through tranquil landscapes. Passing by the odd house and vineyard, enjoy the aromas of Provence on your way back to your guesthouse. In the evening enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Challenge: 5.5 hours; 14 km / 8,5 mi; 400m ascent and descent

Villages along the way: Le Beaucet, Venasque, La Roque sur Pernes

Today you traverse quiet surroundings on your way up to Rochers Rouges. At the top, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the Dentelles de Montmirail, Mont Ventoux and the Rhone Valley. Then, through holm oak woods dotted with rocky outcroppings, you make your way down to the beautifully situated village of Senanque and its 11th century Abbey. After a visit to the Cistercian monks, and sampling their homemade products, you continue onward to the famous town of Gordes. Be ready for a magnificent view of the village from your hotel.

Challenge: 5 hours; 11.5km / 7 mi; 400m ascent and descent

Villages along the way: Les Rochers Rouges, Senanque Abbey, Gordes

A wonderful walking route for today, from Gordes through the spectacular Gorges de la Veroncle with its steep, jagged cliffs. You walk all the way down to the bottom of the spectacular gorge then up again, passing several old mills along the way. Following quiet footpaths and country roads, you’ll pass the Bois d'Audibert set just below Gordes. Finally, after a steep uphill section, you arrive back at the familiar Chateau de Gordes.

Challenge: 4.5 hours; 11.5km / 7 mi; 350m ascent and descent

Villages along the way: Garganta de Veroncle, Bois d’Audibert, Gordes

From the lively town of Gordes, you continue walking across the silent Plateau de Vaucluse with its many “bories”, enjoying the mysterious ambience created by these curious round structures. Later in the day, you will visit a real “Village des Bories”. Only the eternal singing of “cigales” will accompany you through the beautiful Gorges de la Senancole on your way to Mur de la Peste,with its long 18th-century wall built to protect the area from ships arriving in Marseille from the Middle East. Via Tête du Soldat, you descend to the village square with its church, sycamore trees and Bar Lagnes.

Challenge: 4.5 hours; 11km / 7 mi; 210m ascent and descent

Villages along the way: Gorges de la Senancole, Le Mur de la Peste, Tête du Soldat, Lagnes

Your walking trip comes to an end today after breakfast. Departure from the Vaucluse.