Your JourneyDay 1: l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue: Arrive l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, a veritable island of a village, surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Sorgue river, its canals bordered by quaint cafés, restaurants, and antique shops. Day 2: Fontaine de Vaucluse > Gordes (4h30 – 13 km) From Fontaine de Vaucluse follow a 300 year-old wall built to ward off the plague in 1720, then along paths carved into the bush and cedar forests to the picturesque perched village of Gordes. Day 3: Gordes > Senanque > Gordes (3h20 -10 km) Gordes is perched high above the Calavon valley, its majestic stone homes rising dramatically in concentric circles to its castle, crowning the village. Atop a vast plateau, you cross through lavender and thyme-laden fields dotted with old stone huts, on your way to Abbey Senanque - a jewel of 12th century Romanesque architecture. Day 4: Gordes > Lacoste > Bonnieux (3h45 -11 km) Today walk through the thyme and rosemary scented hills, passing isolated farms, to the villages of Lacoste. You then continue to Bonnieux, anther gem of the Luberon, one of the centre-stage villages in Peter Mayle's 'A Year in Provence'. Visit its beautiful town squares and the old cobbled steps leading to its 12th century church. Day 5: Bonnieux (12 km, ascent +400m / descent -400m) Climb through the forest to the ridge of Petit Luberon mountain for outstanding views from the Alps to the Mediterranean Sea. Day 6: Bonnieux – Isle sur la Sorgue After breakfast transfer to Isle sur la Sorgue where arrangements end. Days 6 - 7: Extend your stay: Chateauneuf du Pape wine experience
Note: not available on Sundays TerrainModerate walking with some hills on stony footpaths and trails. You need to be used to walking and take regular exercise to enjoy this holiday. MealsBreakfast daily PricePlease note that pricing is per person in Euros 2023: Simple Style: €860. Single room supp: €389 High season surcharge €190 Comfort Style: €973. Single room supp: €515 High season surcharge €150 Charming Style: €1560. Single room supp: €966 Luxury Style: On application High Season surcharge: 1-25 June, 27 August - 30 September (not operating 26 June - 26 August) Chateauneuf du Pape wine excursion: Day tour and one nights accommodation in Avignon, share twin/double from €299, single supplement on request. Schedule2023: Start any day 01 March to 25 June, 27 August to 30 November. Not available 26 June-26 August due heat/fire risk. BookThe above is a short synopsis of this tour. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for a more detailed itinerary and trip notes. |
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Heart of Provence
Self Guided - 6 Days/5 Nights
Provence is rich in colour and contrasts with vivid sprays of scented lavender, bright green vines, ochre-coloured villages and white limestone hills. The area has attracted artists and writers for centuries. There are dozens of enchanting villages to explore, ancient forts, spectacular abbeys and countless other fascinating geographical and historic sites.
The paths of the Luberon reveal untamed hills and hidden canyons, hilltop villages, cultivated fields of olive groves, cherry orchards and vineyards, as well as colourful Provençal markets.
The Luberon harbours prestigious villages, among the most beautiful in France: Isle sur la Sorgue, Gordes, Bonnieux… all with their typical Provençal charm and flair.
This trip combines the best of what Provence has to offer: scenery worthy of endless postcards, a rich history and culture, great Mediterranean food, stunning walking paths.
Highlights:
- The lavender fields in front of Sénanque Abbey
- Walking along dry stone walls and the "Plague wall"
- The hilltop villages of the Luberon, including Gordes, Goult, Lacoste and Bonnieux
- Old stone farmhouses, walls, and huts along centuries-old paths
