Walk & Discover: Provence

Aix-en-Provence • The Camargue • Luberon Mountains • Aix • Les Baux • The Alpilles • Avignon

Walk & Discover: Majestic Provence

Ramble through wildly beautiful Provençal landscapes that inspired countless artists, plus explore historic towns, the endless Camargue wetlands and the forested Luberon Mountains.

Sénanque Abbey

Your itinerary

DAY 1 – Arrival in Aix-en-Provence

Arrive at the airport for your flight to Nice, Marseille or Montpellier, or at the station for your Eurostar and TGV journey to Aix-en-Provence.

DAY 2 – Walk: Aix-en-Provence

Beautiful Aix combines Parisian-style chic with village-like gentility. Founded as a spa town by the Romans, it became the capital of Provence during the Middle Ages and evolved into a major educational and artistic hub. During our guided tour this morning, you’ll see what inspired the city’s favourite son, Paul Cézanne, to produce his numerous paintings. (B) This afternoon we have our first country walk with a specialist guide. Easy walk – Duration: 1.5 hours (3.6 miles) / Altitude gain: 613 feet / Terrain: mainly forest trails and graded tracks We begin in the picturesque village of Le Tholonet, home to a grand château and the remains of an ancient Roman aqueduct. Take a moment to soak up the breathtaking views over the vineyards and wildflower-filled fields. Passing Cézanne’s Mill, we follow a tree-lined path with superb views of Mont Sainte-Victoire. We continue to the Zola Dam, a lovely place to wander and admire the scenery before we return to Le Tholonet.

As this is a single-centre tour, we stay at the same hand-picked hotel in Aix-enProvence for seven nights, with breakfast and four dinners.

MGallery Roi René HHHH Superior (2023 only) Aquabella Hotel HHHH (2022 only)

Moderate walk – Duration: 2.5 hours (5.1 miles) / Altitude gain: 818 feet / Terrain: mainly forest trails and graded tracks Our moderate walk loops past olive orchards and offers different views of Mont Sainte-Victoire. Cézanne is said to have painted this majestic mountain more than 70 times. We follow the same path over the Zola Dam and return to Le Tholonet. (B) + Included Experiences – Guided tour of Aix-en-Provence and guided country walk

DAY 3 – The Camargue

We head to the Camargue, the delta of the great Rhône River and a saltwater marshland teeming with around 400 species of birds, including pink flamingos. This designated national park is also home to the iconic black bulls and an ancient breed of white horse. We take a guided boat trip to explore this wetland environment – bring your binoculars! We then visit Arles, a prosperous Roman regional capital from the 1st century AD. Marvel at the impressive UNESCO-listed monuments on a walking tour, including the Roman amphitheatre and the Place du Forum, now a square with vibrant cafés and restaurants. There’s free time, perhaps to seek out locations associated with Vincent Van Gogh, who spent 14 fruitful months here. (B) + Included Experiences – Boat Trip with commentary through the Camargue and guided walking tour of Arles

DAY 4 – Walk: Luberon Mountains

This morning we head inland, to the Luberon Mountains, which inspired Peter Mayle’s book ‘A Year in Provence’. Once a haunt of highwaymen it is now a nature reserve. Starting in the medieval village of Cucuron, we walk through our picturesque surroundings passing through the tranquil village of Vaugines. Easy walk – Duration: 2 hours (2.8 miles) / Altitude gain: 340 feet / Terrain: mainly forest trails and graded tracks The moderate option is via a longer route. Moderate walk – Duration: 3 hours (5 miles) / Altitude gain: 470 feet / Terrain: mainly forest trails and graded tracks In the afternoon we will visit the village of Lourmarin, known to be one of the most beautiful villages in France. (B)

Please note: Lavender season varies according to weather and climate conditions, but is usually late June to August. + Included Experiences – Guided walk in the Luberon Mountains; visit to Lourmarin

DAY 5 – Free day

Wander along Cours Mirabeau, Aix’s elegant main street, and perhaps peel off into the maze of lanes discovering tiny squares and myriad fountains. Alternatively visit the superb Musée Granet which houses works by famous artists such as Cézanne, Degas, Picasso and Monet to name a few. (B)

DAY 6 – Walk: Les Baux & the Alpilles

We spend the morning at leisure in Les Baux, a hilltop town built into an ancient limestone outcrop. From the battlements of its crumbling castle, you can admire superb views across the Camargue and as far as the Mediterranean. This afternoon we explore the Alpilles with a local walking guide. Easy walk – Duration: 2.5 hours (4.3 miles) / Altitude gain: 492 feet / Terrain: mainly forest trails and graded tracks We leave the town and ascend briefly to a ridge, where there are excellent views of the Alpilles. Looping around, we stop to admire panoramic views over Les Baux and the curiously named Valley of Hell, renowned for its limestone features, eroded over time into fantastical shapes and grottos. We return to Les Baux and take a walk around the town walls with spectacular views. Moderate walk – Duration: 3 hours (5 miles) / Altitude gain: 591 feet / Terrain: mainly forest trails and graded tracks From Les Baux to Saint-Paul de Mausole via a slightly longer and more undulating route, we’ll see the Rock with Two Holes, through which you can enjoy views over the Alpilles. We’ll pass the archaeological site of Glanum, where excavated baths, temples and more offer a glimpse into everyday life in Gaul. (B) + Included Experience – Guided walk of Alpilles

DAY 7 – Discover: Avignon

Today we visit Avignon, whose destiny changed in the 14th century when the Pope’s court was relocated here. There’s time to explore the incredible Palais des Papes which resembles a citadel rising from living rock, flanked by towering turrets. You could visit the Petit Palais Museum, or walk on Avignon’s celebrated 12th-century bridge before

2022

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

2023

Your tour includes

• Return flights from a selection of regional airports, plus hotel transfers • Seven nights in four-star accommodation, inclusive of all local taxes • The services of our experienced and insightful Tour Manager throughout

(B) Daily Breakfast, (D) 4 Dinners Prices are per person. For departure dates, prices and flights, please call or visit our website. 2 dinners to be taken at local restaurants.

YOUR EXPERIENCES • 3 guided walks including the

Alpilles, the Luberon Mountains and an Aix-en-Provence country walk • 2 guided tours including Arles and

Aix-en-Provence • 4 visits including Avignon, the

Camargue wetland, Lourmarin and hilltop Les Baux

Avignon

we return to Aix via the Pont du Gard; stand back to absorb the beauty of this 1st-century AD aqueduct, an engineering masterpiece. (B) + Included Experience – Visit to Avignon

DAY 8 – Return home

Transfer to the airport for your return journey. (B)

Based on 12 reviews