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Country Walks in Provence
Hiking through sun-drenched Provence - one of the best ways to take in French charm and the casual way of life that has attracted painters, poets and writers from all over the world.
From Vincent van Gogh, Ford Maddox Ford and Hemingway, writers and travellers have marvelled at the azure skies and richly coloured lavender fields, which have captured the imagination of so many artists over the centuries.
Our trips are set around the Mont Ventoux area, the heart of the Côte du Rhone vineyards, where we combine half-day walks and daily visits to the local markets of historical towns such as Vaison-la-Romaine, an ancient Roman garrison town. The walking is moderate with incredible views from the fortified towns, jagged limestone peaks and ancient fortified villages. Stroll through vineyards, meet the locals and enjoy the easy life of southern France.
But more than a walking trip, we will of course discover the culinary delights of Provence. From the aromatic olive pastes called taponade, to the sweet lavender honey, Provence will certainly awaken your tastebuds.
Most nights will be spent in the luxury of a renovated farmhouse, each uniquely decorated and owned by lovers of Provence. Their menus will use fresh, local produce and regional wines, meats and fowl from the hills around Avignon.
Our hikes have also been carefully crafted to maximize views and to allow a logical progression from one village to another, in order to keep the driving time to a minimum.
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Dates and Prices 2008
Country Walks in Provence (8 days, 6 half to full days of hiking):
1: May 18 - 25, 2008
2: May 25 - June 01, 2008
Price: CAD $3990 (US$ 3800), single supplement: CAD $300
Itinerary in Short (download full itinerary)
Day 1: Arrival day. Transfer day from Avignon TGV station to Vaison-la-Romaine, Le Beffroi. Briefing and welcome dinner.
Day 2: Dentelles de Montmirail. Our first day is the complete circumnavigation of the Dentelles Massif, a giant, limestone fin that juts above the local vineyards. The day is capped with an evening of wine tasting and a taste of fine provençale cuisine.
Day 3: Buis les Baronnies. We visit the market of Bédoin. From there, we drive to Buis, where our walk takes us through olive groves and vineyards to a little-known spring for an afternoon dip. Return to Vaison late in the afternoon for an evening of boules or free time in town.
Day 4: Mont Ventoux. After purchasing picnic supplies at the local market, we head to the top of the Ventoux, or the 'windy one', a 2,000 meter peak (6'562 ft) that dominates the landscape. We spend the day traversing the north side, admiring the views of oak forest and occasional mountain goats which saunter by.
Day 5: Gorges de la Nesques. A quick transfer to Monieux, where we begin our walk into the Nesques gorges for one of our longest days of walking. Transfer to Gordes for the night.
Day 6: Gordes. Overlooking the Vaucluse plain, Gordes dominates the landscape. Prehistoric ruins and a huge historical past make this one of the highlights of this trip.
Day 7: Les Baux de Provence. Filling our rucksacks with fresh bread, tapenade (olive paste) and goat's cheese, the van takes us to St. Remy de Provence, after some free time, we'll go for a walk in Les Baux. Drive back to St Remy and evening meal in local restaurant.
Day 8: Transfer day and travel
Details/Accommodation
Accommodation: Hotels*** and charming, authentic Provençal hotels, in double rooms.
Included in the price:
Transfer from Avignon to Vaison-la-Romaine and back to Avignon after the trip,
trekking guide fee, charming 'provençal' hotels (high standard ** or ***, half
board) throughout the trip, all lunches and picnics, all local transport, private
minibus delivering all personal luggage to the hotels throughout the trip.
Trip Leaders:
- All our guides are internationally certified, and have an in-depth knowledge of the area they are guiding in.
For more information click here.
- All of our guides are professionals, and are skilled at transmitting their tremendous
knowledge of the region/country to you.
- All our guides speak fluently English and at least another foreign language. Wherever you go with us, your guide will be able to communicate at ease, enabling him/her to take care of any problem / special wishes that might occur.
Can I do it? - Trip Difficulty, Country Walks in Provence
Level 1 (From 1=easy to 5=very strenuous)
Easy walking on well-marked trails, mostly 2-4 hours of daily walking. City-tours of up to 3 hours, two days of 5-6 hours of walking.
Hiking along beaches, sand dunes, vineyards, etc. Day-pack only.
Example: D-day beaches of Normandy, Country Walks in Provence
