A Change of Pace
The relaxed pace of Provence does not befit the harried or hasty; its narrow vineyard paths, secluded olive groves and limestone ridges are proof of that. The wines are not to be rushed, either; once you’ve sampled a Côtes du Rhône or Côtes du Lubéron in its natural habitat, you’ll understand why. A skilled chef will assist, preparing meals as you listen to Vespers at the abbey in Sénanque—an unforgettable atmosphere. If patience is indeed a virtue, this is the Holy Land.
This is a signature B&R Walking trip—expertly guided, small groups, premium hotels.
Trip Details
Moderate
Avignon to Avignon
6 Days / 5 Nights
Price per person from: $4,995
Single supplement: $1,400
See departure dates for exact pricing
Choose a Date
Day by Day
Walk to the heart of the Lubéron and the village of Gordes, and make your way through vineyards to the tiny village of St- Pantaléon. Later, long time B&R friend and local character Bernard will teach how to play Pétanque (boules).
Set off through vineyards and forest groves to the hilltop villages of Bonnieux and Lacoste, once home of the Marquis de Sade. Experience a wine tasting led by Arnaud Bressy, an estate wine maker who will share his secrets about the wines of Provence.
Walk through the village of Orgon before a small climb up to the village of Eygallières. Later, wander through a couple of sleepy hamlets where time seemingly stands still before hitting St-Rémy de Provence.
Take a guided walk in van Gogh’s footsteps, visiting the historic asylum where he spent his last days. Climb a cliff inspiring Dante’s Inferno, drive through Camargue’s wetlands and explore Domaine de Malaga, famed for its breeding of taureaux (bulls).
Walk to the south part of the Alpilles via the Vallon de Courtézon for an olive oil tasting at the Moulin Casstellas. Take in some amazing vistas and delve farther into the foothills of the Alpilles on an extraordinary hike.
After a final breakfast together, we drive to the Avignon train station in time for TGV trains to Paris. Bon voyage!
Hotels
La Bastide de Marie, Menerbes
This beautifully restored, centuries-old “farmhouse” is set among 37 acres of the inn’s own vineyards in the heart of the Lubéron Valley. With two pools and terraces that run the length of the house, you will be hard pressed to get up from your lounge chair. Fortunately, the chef, Gérald Poltron, is on hand to lure you to dinner with his acclaimed Provençal cooking. View hotel website »
Hotel de l’Image, St Remy de Provence
One of Provence’s most innovative properties, and recently placed on Condé Nast Traveler’s exclusive hot list, this hotel was created around a photography theme and boasts its own projection hall and gallery. Sit by the pool or stroll the labyrinthine gardens and contemplate the refreshing contrast of the hotel’s hip urban décor with its tranquil countryside surroundings. View hotel website »
La Cabro d’Or, les Baux de Provence
Set in a magnificent five acre garden at the foot of the sculptured cliffs of Les Baux de Provence, the 4-star La Cabro d’Or was created by Geneviève and Jean-André Charial to be a haven of harmony, happiness and well-being. Relax and savour the gastronomy and informal luxury of this Provençal country house, which is perfectly placed between Arles, Avignon and St-Rémy de Provence in the heart of Les Alpilles in the land of cicadas, grapevines and olive trees. View hotel website »
Activity Level
Moderate
This trip is rated Moderate. For the most part, we walk on gently rolling terrain, although we tackle the occasional steep climb or descent. As the terrain is often rocky, footwear with good ankle support is essential. On average, we walk 12-18 km (7-11 mi.) each day. Van support is available on all days.
Gear
Walking Sticks &
Hip Holsters
Included with all walking trips are Leki telescoping walking sticks and custom-made padded hip holsters, which comfortably carry one full half-litre water bottle. And while the walking sticks get “recycled” for use by another B&R traveller, the holsters are yours to keep at trip’s end.
What's Included
- All hotel accommodation
- All breakfasts, four lunches, four dinners, including wine
- Services of B&R guide(s) and support van
- Use of two lightweight, telescoping walking sticks
- Detailed maps and route suggestions
- Waist pack with water bottle and holder
- All special events and private tours
- All baggage transportation
- All transportation from rendezvous to drop-off
- All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel service
At Your Service
We take pride in choosing guides who are not only exceptional travelling companions, but who’ll go far beyond the call of duty to ensure an unforgettable experience.
Accolades
“This was our first B&R trip and there will definitely be others. Great travelling companions, great food, great wine, great Provencal experience.”
— Robert & Maggie Munce,
Provence Walking 2011
Notes from the Road
- Experts + Insiders: Anne ZakulaSaying Trip Designer Anne Zakula knows France would be roughly akin to saying Bill Gates knows computers. Having lived in both the Provencal countryside and the 15th arrondisement of Paris, she considers herself an “almost-local” in the French capita … …
- A Chat With Chef Christophe RenaudB&R’s Provence Biking excursion provides an opportunity to encounter the authentic tastes of Provence, care of chef Christophe Renaud and his dazzling talents at La Coquillade. This Relais & Châteaux property earned Michelin starred status in 2011 th … …
- 360 West Magazine: Pedaling Through ProvencePublished in 360 West Magazine | April 2012 | By Michael Hiller We set out just after dawn to get a head start on the day’s heat, pedaling fast under a tattered blanket of fog. The night before, a strong, …
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