Provence Walking
Journey with Backroads through a landscape captured on canvas by Cézanne, Picasso and van Gogh, where leisurely strolls through timeless villages and rugged countryside await. Walk along the herb-scented trails of the Alpilles to the hilltop towns of the Lubéron, relishing dramatic vistas and enjoying intimate glimpses into the daily lives of the Provençal people. Savor Michelin-starred cuisine, and learn the ins and outs of French cooking during a class with a local chef! And all the while, you're treated to gracious hospitality in exquisite accommodations - the perfect way to experience the charms of this distinctive region warmed by the Mediterranean sun.
Day 1 Les Baux-de-Provence
Meet in Avignon 
Walk amid the Alpilles, a world of windswept crags dotted with oak, pine and cypress trees Enjoy views of medieval Les Baux, perched high on a rocky plateau above the Val d'Enfer, an eerie landscape pockmarked with caves and wildly eroded limestone Savor a Michelin-starred dinner.
Days 2-3 St-Remy-de-Provence
Hike along limestone hills to Moulin du Calanquet, a family-run olive oil mill, and stop for a tour and tasting Expand your culinary skills during a private cooking lesson-using fresh local ingredients, learn special culinary tricks of French cuisine and appreciate the intricacies of Provençal flavors Discover the vibrant village of St-Rémy, filled with fountains, gardens, cheery cafés and tree-lined boulevards Join our local guide and scholar for a visit to St-Paul-de-Mausole, the asylum where Vincent van Gogh secluded himself and produced a few of his most significant works Enjoy a private tour and tasting at an organic winery.
Days 4-6 Gordes
Head into the Grand Lubéron Stroll through the charming village of Roussillon, adored by artists for centuries for its striking natural surroundings, namely the Chaussée des Géants, a canyon radiant with 16 shades of ochre Visit the Bonnieux market in search of the perfect Provençal handicraft Explore the fragrant foothills of the Grand Lubéron and the limestone cliffs beyond Buoux Accompanied by our local guide, dive into the history of Gordes on a walking tour of this picture-perfect hilltop town.
PROVENCAL INDULGENCE: Premiere Inns
La Cabro d'Or (1 night): An enchanting Relais & Châteaux member with a Michelin-starred restaurant and ivy-covered buildings surrounded by fountains, gardens and a pool.
Le Chateau des Alpilles (2 nights): An elegant 19th-century manor house, nestled within 17 acres of peaceful parkland, and offering an inviting outdoor pool and spacious rooms appointed with period décor.
La Bastide de Gordes & Spa (2 nights): A 12th-century fortress with splendid hilltop views, a swimming pool cradled by stone ramparts and a decadent Daniel Jouvance spa.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- 2.8, 4.3 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 6, 8.6, 12 miles
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 4.5, 5.6, 10.9 miles
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 3 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 7.4, 10 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 4.8, 7.6 miles
- 1000 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Guided Walking Tour 1 hour
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2010 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 5/10-15Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1090 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/21-26Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1090 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/13-18Price: $4498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1090 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/27-10/2Price: $4498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1090 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/11-16Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1090 for sgl. occ.)
The trip you have selected is different from the one displayed. Here's how:
Late-fall savings of $600 per person; mention code PC02 when booking. - 10/25-30Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1090 for sgl. occ.)
The trip you have selected is different from the one displayed. Here's how:
Late-fall savings of $600 per person; mention code PC02 when booking.
Guest Trip Reviews
Best trip of my life.Thank you soooooooooooo much! We also lucked out with great weather and the accommodations were outstanding. We felt like every day was the best and then the next day was even better!- Charlotte, NC
What an unbelievable trip! I couldn't think of a better way to experience Provence. The accommodations were so authentic to the area and the meals did more than just satisfy hunger - they allowed us to totally immerse ourselves in the aura of the region. Backroads somehow must have chosen THE best hotels and restaurants available! Nothing was overlooked.- Stillwater, MN
This trip exceeded all expectations! I never felt rushed, yet never was at loose ends. The pace and variety was somehow perfect everyday. The ability to walk ahead or behind, choose longer or shorter hikes, or even skip a segment, made the trip perfect for everyone. The guides were helpful, gracious and loads of fun! Our group bonded instantly and I know some lifetime friendships were formed. I was at ease walking or eating with anyone. The special presentations by local guides in Gordes and St. Remy (on Van Gogh) were indeed special - it's clear these ladies loved their subjects. A surprise evening option of a vespers service in an ancient abbey was a definite treat.- Redwood City, CA
I had a wonderful time in Provence! All the hikes were beautiful, meals were delicious and I learned a lot in the companty of interesting people.- Washington, DC
We have taken 9 trips with another company in the last 6-7 years. They were all an enjoyable. But, we found our Backroads trip to be far, far superior.- Fox Point, WI