ITINERARY | HIGHLIGHTS | WEATHER | ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFO

Provence 2007

A Walk in the Foothills of the Luberon

In this part of Provence you can enjoy the atmosphere so evocatively described by the Provençal writer Marcel Pagnol, and demonstrated so movingly in films like "Manon des sources" and "Jean de Florette", which were partly filmed in the foothills of the Luberon mountains. The light here is special, brilliant with colour and as you walk through it each day, enjoying fragrant herbs crushed underfoot - thyme, rosemary and summer savoury - the sun warms you as you hike along the ridge trail or in the deep valleys above which tower golden cliffs.
In the evening, at the end of the trail, you will enjoy the warm welcome and the comfort of friendly and cosy lodgings.

PRICE

There are two options based on different accommodation (see accommodation below)
Option 1: £675.00 per person - Option 2: £755.00 per person

INCLUDED

Accommodation for 7 nights in a mixture of hotels in double rooms with bath or shower and private W.C, 4 evening meals (drinks not included) and breakfasts, transport of baggage between each overnight, taxi transfer on day 2, public bus transfer on day 7, route instructions/maps and meeting with representative on day 1 and emergency back-up.

NOT INCLUDED

Flights; drinks; lunches or any meals or transfers not mentioned in programme; gratuities; anything not specifically mentioned in programme.

Departure dates 2007: any day from 19th March to 5th November 2007 (according to accommodation availability) although July and August are not recommended due to the extreme heat. Furthermore, since 2004, several regions in Southern France have laid down prefectorial bans which can be enforced in June, July, August and September in case of strong wind and severe drought (high risk of forest fire). That means sometimes that forestes can be 'closed'. If this should happen, people may not be permitted to walk on this/those day(s). In this case, transportation will be provided or when it is possible an alternative itinerary will be suggested, sometimes following small tarred roads. You must be aware that this ban can last a whole week - therefore we recommend this holiday in March, April, May and October, when it is very pleasant to hike in Provence: nice temperature, open views, not many tourists... 

To book email: walking@star.co.uk
T: (44) (0)1242 254353

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ITINERARY

 

Day 2: Avignon to Gordes
After breakfast travel to Fontaine de Vaucluse by taxi and from here we walk across hills to Gordes where we spend the second night. Overnight Gordes in 3* hotel. Distance: 9 kms. Climb: +-370 m.

Day 3: Gordes to Roussillon
We walk from the old streets of Gordes through the Gorges de la Veroncle and its mills, past olive groves and valleys of lavender and poppies to Roussillon - famous for its nearby quarries of red ochre rock. Overnight Roussillon in 2* hotel. 16 kms (+-370 m)

Day 4: Roussillon to Bonnieux
The route today is uphill to the Clarapedes plateau to the picturesque village of Bonnieux where we stay 2 nights. This medieval hilltop village has the marvellous backdrop of Mont Vertoux. Overnight in '3 epis' chambre d'hote (guest room 'De Charme'). 12 kms (+-370 m)

Day 5: Bonnieux - circular walk from Bonnieux
Today's walk is through the Petit Luberon to the hilltop village of Lacoste, dominated by the imposing ruins of a chateau which was the home of the Marquis de Sade. Overnight Bonnieux. 14 kms. (+-400 m)

Day 6: Bonnieux to Lourmarin area
After breakfast we head for the "Fort de Buoux", a rocky spur on which stands the fort, with its Romanesque chapel, houses, and silos hewn out of the rock. From the top of the mountain one can see the little villages in the Durance river plain and the Sainte Victoire mountain. From here we walk to our hotel in the countryside close to the village of Lourmarin. Overnight 3* hotel 'De Charme' 25 kms. (+-500 m)

Day 7: Lourmarin to Avignon
A short 3 km walk to Lourmarin, a beautiful Provençal village, once home to writers Albert Camus and Henri Bosco. The castle, dating from the 15th to the 17th centuries, has guided visits, and open-air concerts on summer evenings. Little art galleries, shady cafés, beautiful façades, gurgling fountains... stroll the winding streets or enjoy a pastis at a sidewalk café . Your luggage will be taken to Avignon. Local bus to Avignon to suit your timetable. Overnight Avignon in 2* or 4* hotel.

Day 8: Depart after breakfast. 

DIFFICULTY OF WALK

Moderately difficult overall. You do not need to be ultrafit but certainly able to walk between 9 and 25 kms in a day and able to cope with a considerable number of hills. The route takes you along rocky paths and there is very little tarred road,

GROUP SIZE

For two or more people

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HIGHLIGHTS

Gorgeous Provencal colours, charming villages, wonderful views.

If you have attended this walk previously We would love to hear your personal highlights. Mail Us

WEATHER

Click here to view the weather forecast Link courtesy of uk met office

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ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ACCOMMODATION

Option 1 - 3 nights in 2* hotels, 2 nights in 3* hotel, 2 nights in 3 epis chambre d'hote. Double/twin room, bath/shower, WC. Swimming pools everywhere except Avignon.
Option 2 - 2 nights in 4* hotel in Avignon, one night in 2* hotel, 2 nights in 3* hotel, 2 nights in 3 epis chambre d'hote. Double/twin room, bath/shower, WC. Swimming pool in every hotel

GETTING THERE

There is a small airport at Avignon, with flights from Paris. Nimes is close by and is served directly from London, Stansted by Ryan Air.
Avignon has two stations. One is the TGV station and TGV trains from Paris take 4 hours 40 minutes and run regularly throughout the day.

WHAT TO TAKE:

Comfortable, well aerated clothes in keeping with the season. Always bring a pullover, good walking boots (already worn-in) and several pairs of cotton or wool socks. For your daily needs, you are advised to have a plastic bag to line your day-pack (to protect the contents from rain), rainwear, a sun-hat, sun glasses, sun block, a water bottle, plastic picnic boxes (for transporting your lunches), first-aid kit , camera and film, torch/flashlight.

WHEN TO GO

March 19th - November 5th

INSURANCE

We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for whatever reason.

To book, contact worldwalks  at:
email:walking@star.co.uk
T: (44) (0)1242 254353

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