Provence Active Culinary Walking & Hiking Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
Provence Active Culinary Walking & Hiking Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 1-3
Premiere Hotels
2025: May-Jun, Aug-Oct2026: Apr-Jun, Aug-Oct
Vibrant Village Markets & Classic French Fare
"Provence is made for cooking," raves writer Luke Barr in Travel + Leisure. On our walking tour, you'll hike in the very forests, fields and orchards that nurture each produit du terroir. Sample wine where the grapes are grown. Visit vibrant markets full of fresh French produce and delicious regional delights. Expand your culinary repertoire alongside our charming local friends. Provence was built for this. And so were you.
Highlights
- Learn about the secrets of classic Provençal dishes in a private cooking class with a creative local chef
- Stroll through atmospheric markets and meet merchants peddling the fresh flavors of the Alpilles
- Enjoy locally grown olives, goat cheese wrapped in oak leaves, herbes de Provence and other specialties
- Hike pristine routes through limestone hills, celebrated perched villages and picturesque vineyards
Start/End Avignon
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Day 1
Kick off your walking and cooking tour with a hike in the Alpilles, a limestone mountain range surrounded by olive trees and orchards • Have an immersive art experience at Carrières de Lumières • Wander the spellbinding streets of Les Baux-de-Provence, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France • Discover classic Provençal recipes during a picnic lunch at a traditional winery • Enjoy a glass of crisp rosé and taste local olive oil • Rose gardens, cypress trees and Relais & Châteaux luxury await.
Night 1
An enchanting hideaway in the heart of the Alpilles Mountains with magnificent gardens. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
Days 2-3
Hike a ridge trail above Les Baux through fragrant pine trees overlooking the Alpilles • Admire Le Rocher des Deux Trous, a fascinating geological feature • Join chef Yvan Cadiou for an exclusive hands-on cooking class • Alongside a local art historian, gaze at the same landscape painted by van Gogh over a century ago • Discover iconic St-Rémy-de-Provence • Do as the locals do and engage in a friendly game of pétanque • Lounge by the pool at our peaceful country retreat.
Nights 2-3
A charming 19th-century manor with a refined interior and beautiful grounds that have been lovingly cared for by the same family for over 40 years. (pool)
Days 4-6
Voyage further into the Luberon Valley—the land of honey, lavender and cherries immortalized in Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence • Hike past Provençal farms, cypress groves and vineyards • Visit idyllic perched villages like ocher-hued Roussillon and Gordes • Walk past oak groves and truffle farms • Explore lovely Bonnieux, perhaps climbing the 12th-century church tower for views of the valley below • Savor unforgettable cuisine at our final feast together • A dreamy morning in elegant Gordes ends at medieval Sénanque Abbey, a quintessential image of Provence.
Nights 4-5
This Small Luxury Hotels of the World member features an exquisite restaurant, a tranquil setting and stunning views of the Luberon. (pool, spa)
What's Included
See moreHotels
World-Class Hotels
Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Night 1
Premiere Hotel
An enchanting hideaway in the heart of the Alpilles Mountains with magnificent gardens. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
Nights 2-3
Premiere Hotel
A charming 19th-century manor with a refined interior and beautiful grounds that have been lovingly cared for by the same family for over 40 years. (pool)
Nights 4-5
Premiere Hotel
This Small Luxury Hotels of the World member features an exquisite restaurant, a tranquil setting and stunning views of the Luberon. (pool, spa)
Gallery
#MyBackroadsTrip
Review Snapshot
by PowerReviews
Reviewed by 17 customers
Province Hiking Trip of a Lifetime
We took a 6 day hiking tour around Province and the surrounding area. It was a magical experience that we would do again in a heartbeat. Our leaders Natalie, Laura & Jeanne made the trip what it was. So knowledgeable and encouraging helping us reach our hiking goals every day....even when we were questioning our abilities. The scenery, accommodations, food & fellowship from our group was amazing. We can't wait to plan another Backroads adventure! Pretty sure we can't top this past trip, but are willing to try!
Hiking, Cooking and Dining in Provence
Hiking through great off-the beaten track trails, learning the region's history, from knowledgeable, sophisticated and energetic guides, experiencing cooking (and then eating) with iconic French chefs, learning the history of artists and wines, fabulous hotels and travel companions.
Trek through the Heart of Provence: An Unforgettable Journey
This meticulously curated tour seamlessly blends physical activity with the sumptuous pleasures of Provençal cuisine, offering a deep dive into the region's vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and culinary traditions. Each day was a new adventure through the picturesque landscapes of Provence. The walking and hiking routes chosen by BackRoads are accessible yet challenging enough to be rewarding. We traversed vineyards, ancient olive groves, and the rolling hills of the Luberon, with the stunningly preserved medieval villages providing a scenic backdrop that looked like something straight out of a painting. Our group enjoyed meals prepared by local chefs who used fresh, seasonal ingredients that highlighted the region's culinary heritage. The included cooking classes were a delight, giving us hands-on experience and a deeper appreciation of the local cuisine. The wine tastings were perfectly arranged to complement the meals. The choice of accommodations reflected a thoughtful balance of comfort and authenticity. Our accommodations were full of character in beautiful settings, offering modern amenities while preserving the rustic charm of Provence. Our BackRoads guides were exceptional. They were engaging, attentive, and went out of their way to accommodate the needs of each tour member, ensuring that everyone had a memorable experience. This particular BackRoads experience educates, delights, and inspires.
Did not want to leave
What a wonderful trip! It really had everything I was looking for...Beautiful hikes, charming villages, fantastic food, luxurious hotels, incredible french markets and three of the kindest guides we have encountered on Backroads trips (this is our sixth!) Nathalie, Candace and Marc made our Provence experience exceptional and I miss them already. What an unforgettable week. Love how easy Backroads makes travel. Just show up and enjoy! Fantastic!
Sister Trip of a Lifetime
Beautiful walking paths, incredible food and caring, skillful trip leaders--Anne-Laure, Marc, and Remi-- who created a coherent, magical travel experience for 17 diverse levels of walkers with varying interests. My 2 sisters and I were each able to go at our own paces, and still enjoy a wonderful, stress-free, time together.
Fantastic trip hiking and eating our way through Provence
Super fun trip with great leaders. Hiked in some amazing places!
Delicious and memorable hiking adventure!
The Provence culinary trip provides the best of this area including delicious food, charming French villages and hiking to elegant accommodations at the end of each day. Highlights of this adventure include a vibrant French market at Saint Remy de Provence and a cooking class with the charismatic chef, Yvan Cadiou, with all of us enjoying the prepared meal in his garden.
"After a days walk, everything has twice its usual value"
I've never been happier, more fulfilled, better fed and exhausted after each and every day.
Fantastic in Every Way
The combination of hiking and culinary made this the perfect trip for me. There was just the right balance of exercise, culture, history, and food. Our guides provided us with options for each day and were incredibly knowledgeable about the area. Everyone on our trip was friendly, interesting and ready for an adventure. We laughed, celebrated and encouraged each other every step of the way. I would do it again tomorrow!
Awesome Provence culinary hiking experience.
Beautiful hikes across Provence with phenomenal meals, excellent culinary cooking experiences, amazing views, historic locations, and breath-taking accomodations, all lead by experienced and enthusiastic specialists who helped make a wonderful experience exceptional.
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
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