7-day La Provence Walking Holiday

Arrival at your first accommodation, in the center of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, an emblematic village of the Luberon. It is here that the famous source of the Sorgue springs. Fontaine de Vaucluse gave its name to the department. If you arrive early, you will have the option of doing a short circular walk on the heights of the village. Round trips to the famous "Gouffre de Fontaine-de-Vaucluse" and the ruins of the castle are also possible. With an average total flow of 630 million m³ per year, this source is the largest in France and one of the largest in the world, by volume of water flowing. Cool and peaceful in summer, bubbling and impetuous in spring and autumn, the source, a true whim of nature, has never ceased to intrigue curious people and researchers since Antiquity.

If you arrive early, you will have the option of doing a short optional circular walk to warm up and get a first glimpse of the surroundings of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. This loop can also be done on the last day of your trip when you return to Fontaine.  

Challenge: 7 km / 4 mi, 250m ascent / descent

This first stage on the GR91 begins with a strong positive elevation gain for the first few kilometers through a beautiful forest. The first Provencal smells will amaze your nose: pine, thyme, rosemary, ...After a long descent you will discover the beautiful village of Le Beaucet, set against a steep rock face, before passing a deep gorge and strolling through tranquil landscapes with the odd house and vineyard, enjoy the aromas of Provence on your way to before arriving in the charming village of Venasque (classified as one of France's most beautiful villages), peaceful environment! 

Challenge: 14 km / 8,5 mi, 610m ascent, 400m descent

Discover the surroundings of Venasque, a magnificent hilltop village in the Vaucluse mountains. The village of Venasque is considered to be one of the most authentic villages in the Comtat Venaissin area, and is the source of the area’s name. Venasque has been sheltered since time immemorial by its shielded location atop a rocky outcrop. To the east of the village, the hamlets known as Pérégrine and Le Petit Défend retain their wilderness character which has led them to being ranked as Environmentally-Sensitive Areas. The village of Venasque built atop a rock, one of the most beautiful villages in France. Stroll the narrow streets that climb up to the heart of the village, see the beautiful doors and building façades, the old ramparts... Don’t miss the 6th-century Baptistry near the church, at the end of the village. The Baptistry was built atop the ruins of a Roman temple and is the centre of a remarkable ensemble of religious buildings.

Challenge: 12 km / 7,5 mi, 460m ascent / descent

Today you leave the region of Venasque for the beautiful village of Gordes (another labeled one of the most beautiful villages in France). You follow stony footpaths through low vegetation to reach the limestone cliffs at Rochers Rouges (elevation 662m), 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, which has been classified as one the 'plus beaux villages de France'. Be ready for a magnificent view of the village from your hotel. 

Challenge: 15 km / 9 mi, 575m ascent / 520m descent

A wonderful walking route for today, from Gordes through the spectacular Gorges de la Veroncle with its steep, jagged cliffs. It is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Luberon. You walk all the way down to the bottom of the spectacular gorge then up again, passing several old mills along the way. It is a sporty hike with some difficult sections including some ladders and cables. An alternative to bypass the gorges is possible, downhill on a marked trail.

Following quiet footpaths and country roads just below Gordes. Finally, after a steep uphill section, you arrive back at the familiar Chateau de Gordes.

Challenge: 12 km / 7 mi, 385m ascent / descent

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 morning, you will visit a real “Village des Bories”, a unique site that invites you to travel through time. 4 kilometres from Gordes, on the slopes of the Vaucluse Mountains, facing the Luberon, the village of Bories (curious constructions made from dry stones), built at the beginning of the 17th century is evidence of the exceptional quality of the ancestral art of building and know-how in the stacking of stones, that has since disappeared.

Before returning back to Fontaine de Vaucluse, continue downhill on a beautiful steep path through the forest.

Challenge: 12,5 km / 7,5 mi, 200m ascent, 465m descent

Your walking trip comes to an end today after breakfast (if you have time and you arrived late on the first day, the short optional circular walk around Fontaine-de-Vaucluse can be done this day).