Our self guided hiking in Provence tour is designed to encapsulate all that is great about Provence and its countryside in 3 unforgettable hikes and 3 unforgettable places to stay. From picturesque villages to iconic countryside and from wine tasting to gourmet meals, the tour is a sensory and visual delight. On the first evening you’ll meet Jamie Ivey the author of 5 books on Provence, including a major guide book. Over a glass of pink wine, he’ll ensure you get the very best from your hiking in Provence tour.
Expect days filled with sunshine, as you hike past sweeping fields of lavender. Enjoy villages replete with beauty and historic buildings, bubbling fountains and cafe terraces overflowing with the joy of life in a part of the world the locals call “un coin de paradis” – a corner of paradise.
The hikes include visits to: The Southern Luberon ; Les Alpilles, and Aix and Mont Saint Victoire. There are numerous opportunities to stop for wine tastings. Click on the photos tab above to give yourself a real flavour of the places you’ll visit
At the end of every day you will return to either the village of Lourmarin, Saint Remy de Provence or Aix en Provence. These iconic Provencal places have plentiful art galleries, shops, and cafes. They are delightful places to spend time.
Find out more about tour leader Jamie Ivey here and don’t forget to check out our testimonials and other Provence Small Group Tours.
| DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION | Pick up from Marseille Airport or Aix en Provence TGV | ||||
| DEPARTURE/RETURN TIME | To be arranged with tour organiser. | ||||
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Additional information
| Physicality | 6/10 |
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| Average age | 18+ |
Arrival Day
Pick up by taxi or minibus (depending on numbers) at an agreed time from either Aix en Provence TGV or Marseille airport. You will be transferred to your accommodation in a 4 star hotel in the gorgeous Luberon village of Lourmarin. The journey is an easy hour’s drive through picturesque countryside.
Upon arrival a small hamper of luxurious Provencal goodies awaits in your bedroom. Any free time can be used to explore the village.
Welcome drink and orientation.
Southern Luberon Villages
First up is a circular hike of the southern luberon villages. The hike is approximately 20km, and includes visits to Vaugines and Cucuron. It takes 6 hours (not including the long lunch!)
Shorter 12 km hike and 8km hikes are also an option.
Vaugines is a quintissentially Provencal village which is well worth stopping at and exploring. The church sitting at the end of an avenue of plane trees, next to a trickling stream is picture postcard perfect.
The water basin at Cucuron around which the weekly market takes place on Tuesdays is one of the sights of Provence. Pause for a coffee in one of the many cafes. Explore. Consider a lazy lunch,
Les Alpilles
The Rocher des Doux Trous is an iconic walk starting from the village of Saint Remy de Provence. Tour members will be dropped at the start point 2km from Saint Remy. The hike is 7km long and takes approximately 2 hours. The highlight is the viewpoint from the Two holed Rock, which was painted by Van Gogh. At the end of the hike tour members can explore charming Saint Remy before returning to their hotel in Saint Remy (Hotel Gounod)
Aix en Provence Day
A highlight of the hiking Provence tour is the 7km, two hour hike through the Aix en Provence countryside. The artist Cezanne was famously obsessed with painting Mont Sainte Victoire, producing canvasses from every conceivable angle. The hikes tour takes a circular route around the base of the mountain offering incredible views throughout. At the end of the hike there is an opportunity to explore Aix en Provence.
Departure day
There’s a perfect opportunity to do something last minute shopping before heading home.
Night 1 Lourmarin
Our base the village of Lourmarin is nicknamed the “St Tropez of inland Provence”
All our groups are based in the village of Lourmarin at the 4-star Bastide du Lourmarin Hotel. The Hotel has a swimming pool and spa, and is conveniently located a 1 minute walk from the center of the village.
Lourmarin is classed as one of France’s most beautiful villages. It is filled with shops, cafes, restaurants and art galleries and is an enchanting place to spend time.
Night 2 - Lourmarin
A second night to soak up the unforgettable village atmosphere.
Night 3 - Saint Remy de Provence
Shops, restaurants, art galleries, narrow cobbled streets, Saint Remy is a quintissentially Provencal town. A delight to stay in. Our clients usually stay in the 3 star Hotel Gounod.
Night 4 Aix en Provence
Aix is the city to visit in Provence. The so called Paris of the south of France is renowned for the beauty of its buildings. Our clients typically stay in the 3 star Hotel Augustins.
Tour Reviews
Hello Jamie! So sorry I haven’t been in touch since we got back. I had to hit the ground running with work when I returned. (wishing I was back in the Luberon!)
We had a wonderful vacation! It was something we typically wouldn’t do, and we were so happy we did it with your company.
The accommodations, the transfers, the bikes, everything was perfect and smooth. We went online and purchased your book on Rose.
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