A seven-day guided hiking journey through the heart of Provence, from the walled papal city of Avignon through the dramatic rocky ridges of the Alpilles—taking in Van Gogh's Saint-Rémy and the clifftop village of Les Baux-de-Provence—before heading east into the Lubéron, where lavender fields, ochre-painted villages, and centuries-old farmhouses set the scene. We finish in Roussillon, perched atop one of the world's largest ochre deposits. A perfect blend of hiking, culture, and Provençal charm, with comfortable 3 and 4-star accommodation throughout.
We meet at 6 pm at our hotel in the heart of Avignon—a papal city and UNESCO World Heritage Site enclosed by its 14th-century ramparts. After a welcome meeting with a glass of local wine, we meander through the labyrinth of cobbled streets in the old center, working up an appetite before sitting down for a great dinner in town.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Horloge, Avignon (4-star)
A short 30-minute transfer brings us to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, an artsy town whose landscapes were immortalized by Van Gogh—we pass St. Paul de Mausole, the monastery where he spent the last year of his life. From there, a botanical path leads us up a quiet valley to the ridge of the Alpilles and the striking rock formation Rocher des Deux Trous, with outstanding views. Those up for more adventure can tackle a breathtaking detour along the rocky crest—some light scrambling involved, and well worth it.
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch
Hiking: 10 km (6.2 mi) | optional detour: 18 km (11.2 mi)
Elevation: +/- 300 m (+/- 985 ft) | optional detour: +/- 500 m (+/- 1,640 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel Le Gounod, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (3-star)
We start the morning browsing the vibrant market stalls of Saint-Rémy, picking up local produce for a picnic lunch. The walk follows the mountain ridge through fragrant thyme and cistus, with open views in every direction, until the medieval village of Les Baux-de-Provence dramatically appears—perched on a rocky spur with the ruins of its 1,000-year-old castle. After exploring the village, we visit the Carrières de Lumières, a former limestone quarry transformed into a breathtaking immersive art space, before transferring back to St-Rémy.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 12 km (7.5 mi)
Elevation: +485 m / -360 m (+1,590 ft / -1,180 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel Le Gounod, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (3-star)
After a one-hour transfer, we arrive in Bonnieux—a pretty Lubéron village immortalized in Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence—and explore its cobbled steps and 12th-century church before setting off on the trail. We walk under the magnificent cedar forest canopy along the crest of the Lubéron, past a lavender field, and on to Buoux castle and the village of Buoux itself. The day ends with a spectacular arrival at the Auberge des Seguins, a restored 17th-century goat farm tucked deep in the Aiguebrun gorge.
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Hiking: 12 km (7.5 mi)
Elevation: +250 m / -150 m (+820 ft / -490 ft)
Accommodation: Auberge des Seguins, Buoux
We follow the Aiguebrun river upstream past cliffs and ancient dry-stone terraces, then continue across the Claparèdes plateau through lavender fields and truffle oak plantations toward Saignon—one of the most beautiful villages in France, built on a terraced hillside with narrow streets and a picturesque central fountain. A 25-minute transfer then brings us to Roussillon, our base for the final two nights: a village perched atop one of the world’s largest ochre deposits, its houses ablaze in shades of yellow, pink, orange, and deep red.
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch
Hiking: 11 km (6.8 mi)
Elevation: +400 m / -300 m (+1,310 ft / -985 ft)
Accommodation: Les Sables d’Ocre, Roussillon (3-star)
After breakfast, we transfer to Apt to wander through one of the region’s largest Saturday markets, stocking up on picnic supplies before hitting the trail. The path rolls through olive groves, fruit trees, and ochre-stained countryside shaped by centuries of agriculture and mining—passing through the villages of Villars and Gargas, with old quarries, panoramic viewpoints, and fascinating geology along the way. Back in Roussillon, we gather for a final group dinner with our guide.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Hiking: 10 km (6.2 mi)
Elevation: +300 m / -300 m (+985 ft / -985 ft)
Accommodation: Les Sables d’Ocre, Roussillon (3-star)
After breakfast, a transfer at 10 am takes us from Roussillon to Avignon train station—the end of the adventure.
Meals: Breakfast
Included:
Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):
Not included:
These walking holidays in Provence are ideal for people who enjoy regular exercise, are in good shape, and used to regular and sustained physical activity. Hikers joining this tour should be able to handle walking uphill at a slow and steady pace for up to 2 hours at a time.
Daily walks are generally under 5 hours per day, on various types of terrain—though nothing too difficult and technical—with up to 600 m (2,000 ft) of climbing per day.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
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Group sizes and prices:
Walking holidays in Provence can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The price for this Provence walking tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.
To get to Avignon, the starting point of your walking holidays in Provence, most people fly into Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) or Paris, which has two airports: Aeroport Paris-Beauvais (BVA) or Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). From there, there are fantastic fast train options—it will take you two to three hours to reach Avignon, depending on your departure point.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.