Provence Walking
Experience the charms of this distinctive region warmed by the Mediterranean sun. Journey through a landscape captured on canvas by Cézanne, Picasso and van Gogh, where the promise of leisurely strolls through timeless villages and rugged countryside awaits. From the herb-scented trails of the Alpilles to the hilltop towns of the Lubéron, savor dramatic vistas and enjoy intimate glimpses into the daily lives of the welcoming Provençal people.
Day 1 Les Baux-de-Provence
Meet in Avignon 
Explore the Alpilles Mountains and discover a windswept world of limestone crags dotted with oak, pine and cypress trees Arrive in Les Baux, a medieval village perched high on a rocky plateau above the mysterious Val d’Enfer Sip on potent pastis and engage in a round of pétanque, a traditional Provençal game.
Days 2-3 St-Remy-de-Provence
Wander Les Baux’s narrow cobblestone footpaths and investigate the castle ruins before enjoying a tour and tasting at Moulin du Calanquet, a family-run olive oil mill Take an afternoon stroll to the artisan village of St-Rémy Experience St-Rémy at your leisure, exploring the vibrant outdoor marché Join Marie-Charlotte Bouton - local historian, van Gogh scholar and author - on an exploration of van Gogh’s Provence Hike along the base of the Alpilles, past vineyards and olive orchards, to Château Romanin After a private tour and wine tasting, return to St-Rémy.
Days 4-6 Saignon
Shuttle to the village perché of Gordes Walk to the village of Roussillon, adored by artists for centuries because of its striking natural surroundings Roam the ancient streets of Saignon, said to be one of the ten oldest villages in France Explore the Grand Lubéron and its fragrant foothills, wild limestone cliffs, rural valleys and medieval villages carved out of the topography.
THE SWEET LIFE: Casual Inns
Auberge de la Benvengudo (1 night): Nestled in a tranquil garden, this hotel offers a swimming pool, a tennis court and comfortable rooms furnished with antiques.
Hotel Gounod (2 nights): Situated in St-Rémy’s center, this quiet hotel offers a garden, swimming pool and individually decorated guest rooms, each with a king-size bed, a terrace and luxurious Provençal amenities.
Auberge du Presbytere (2 nights): Located in the heart of historic Saignon, this inn has guest rooms adorned in Provençal style and a restaurant featuring regional cuisine made from the freshest local ingredients.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- 2.8, 4.7 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 6.5, 10 miles
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 4.3, 5.5, 9.4 miles
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
- Walking Tour
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 5.7, 6.8, 10.6 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 6, 9.3 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Walking Tour 1.5 hours
Level 5 option available upon request. Please ask your Trip Leader for details.
Trips 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 | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking | ||
| 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 |
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
It's the attention to details and careful trip management that makes Backroads trips so fantastic. On this trip, French tongue twisters, awesome picnics, exposure to local people and customs, and the leaders' love of the area made it a delight. This trip was consistently fun and had a great combination of planned activities and free time.- San Jose, CA
The walking trip was fabulous and exceeded all of our expectations! The accommodations and food were exceptional. The trip leaders' knowledge of the region and responsiveness to all of our needs made the trip fun and enjoyable.- Fernandina Beach, FL