Provence Inn-to-Inn Hike
Hiking Trip Details
- Location: Verdon Gorge and Luberon Regions of France
- Length: 10 days
- Grade: Moderate with some strenuous
- Accommodations: Hotels
- Group size: 5 – 12
- Dates: May 10 – 19; September 13 – 22, 2010
- Land Cost (US$): $3,195
Hiking Trip Summary
Starting in the high Alps of Provence, we follow the GR 4 (Grande Randonnee 4) from Castellane through the Gorge du Verdon across the Durance River and into the Regional Parc of the Luberon. North of the Luberon, our hike now along the GR 6 and GR 97 is punctuated with charming villages perchés (perched villages) including Roussillon and Gordes.
In 10 days, we will have the opportunity to experience the diversity of Provence. In the Verdon Region, the scenery is that of 1,500′ limestone cliffs, high jagged mountains and the deep Verdon River gorge. From Moustiers to Cereste, we will hike out of the Alps and cross the open plateau of the Valensole with its lavender fields, cherry orchards, vineyards and poppy fields. Hiking up along the high ridge of the Grand Luberon, offering great views of the entire area, we will descend down into the once fortified village of Saignon, where we will spend two days. From Saignon we will explore “classic Provence” with hikes to the “villages perches” of Roussillon and Gordes.
The small hotels, regional cuisine, remarkable hiking and compelling scenery combine to make this hike “a must do.”
Itinerary
Day 1: Rendezvous at the airport in Nice at 3:00 pm. Group transfer to Castellane about 2 hours away. Welcome dinner. The village of Castellane is characterized by a huge, hovering rock outcropping that looks as though it’s guarding the village. Castellane has been inhabited since before Roman times. Evidence of these early settlers is still visible. The pleasant village square and old town are fun to explore.
Day 2: Departing Castellane, we hike through what some guidebooks refer to as “the most dramatic and natural scenery in all of France.” The scenery is impressive. The limestone and rock outcroppings rise up in pinnacles while the Verdon River flows below. We end our day with a descent to the town of Rougon, with its red-roofed houses perched along the hillsides. The town is situated right on the edge of the Gorges of Verdon.
Day 3: Today’s hike takes us down into the Gorges du Verdon, through tunnels, up ladders and along the river. This hike is more strenuous than the other days, as it involves steep ascents and descents, hiking though tunnels (some of which are dark, so bring your flashlights) and a long set of ladders with 240 steps to ascend. These ladders have handrails on either side and are more like steep stairs. Ending our hike at La Maline, we will then have a short transfer to our hotel in La Palud. This is a dramatic, stunning hike.
Day 4: The hike from La Palud to Moustiers St. Marie takes us through the Forest of Gorges du Verdon and the Forest of Montdenier with the trail frequently opening up to afford great views of the huge dammed lake of Lac de Sainte Croix. The GR 4 takes us up to the Col de l’Anes (donkey pass) and to the high point of the day, Signal de l’Ourbes. Our final descent (steep and rocky) leads us off the high rocky plateau of the Gorges du Verdon and to the village of Moustiers St. Marie.
Day 5: Free day in Moustiers St. Marie. Today is market day in Moustiers.
Known as the village of “Faience” (pottery), Moustiers was an important center of pottery during the 17th and 18th centuries until the demand for English china and porcelain decreased so much that the “pottery fires eventually died out.” Thanks to the influence of Marcel Provence in the late 1900’s, the fires have been rekindled, and today there are numerous pottery workshops in Moustiers. Be sure to save some room in your pack for a few items!
Day 6: A shorter hiking day will take us from Moustiers to Riez. This will allow time for browsing around both these interesting villages. On today’s hike, the landscape changes dramatically as we descend from the mountains and begin to hike across open plains. With the mountains serving as a backdrop, our trail leads us by oak forests, encouraging the growth of truffles, as well as through lavender and poppy fields. The Roman village of Riez is said to be the oldest town in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and is somewhat bypassed by tourism. We will spend the night in a charming chateau about 2 miles from Riez.
Day 7: From our hotel, we will transfer by private van across the Durance River to the small town of Montfuron. We continue on foot into the Luberon Park and to the Roman village of Cereste, where we will spend the night. The route today leads us through vineyards, hill towns and hardwood forests.
Day 8: From Cereste, we head into the heart of the Luberon. Though not a high Alp, the hiking is rewarding and a bit demanding as we gain steady elevation from Cereste, cross the Grand Luberon ridgeline and finally reach the top of Mourre Negre at 3,712’. All along the ridgeline, we have 360-degree views. We then descend to the quiet village perché of Saignon, where we will spend two nights. Once a fortified village, Saignon sits on the west face of the Luberon Mountain at an elevation of 1,560’. Saignon is a wonderful village to browse around, while relaxing and enjoying the view.
Day 9: After breakfast, we will transfer to Gordes and enjoy the morning market before we hike to Roussillon. The walk will take us from Gordes across the countryside by cherry orchards, horse farms and vineyards. The views include the Luberon to the south and the Plateau de Vaucluse to the north. The ancient Provencal language, Langue d’Oc, is still spoken some in the area. We will return to Saignon for the night.
In Gordes, the narrow alleys, vaulted arcades and town squares have been restored beautifully. Roussillon is a perfectly picturesque village, with its buildings and houses painted in nearly all the different hues of the ochre that was once mined in the area, pale yellows, oranges to deep reds and everything in between. In the afternoon, we will transfer from Roussillon back to Saignon.
Day 10: Depart by van to Marseilles Airport arriving about 10:00 am.
Additional Information
Included
All accommodations, all breakfasts, all dinners, luggage transfer for 1 medium size bag, all group transfers as per the itinerary, transfer from the Nice Airport on day 1 and to the Marseilles Airport on day 10, guides, great hiking and great memories!
Not Included
Airfare, lunches, optional/individual transfers or excursions, items not on set dinner menu, beverages, insurance, tips to guides/leaders, items of personal nature.
Luggage
This hike includes luggage transfer each day. You will need to carry a small day pack with only the clothing and extra items you will need for the day.
While this trip includes luggage transfer, it is not vehicle supported. Participants should be in physical condition appropriate to the strenuousness of this hike. It is, however, possible to skip a day of hiking and take a taxi to the next hotel. This extra cost is not included in the price of the trip.
Accommodations and Facilities
Hotels: The hotels on this route are very comfortable though not fancy. They vary from pleasant 2- 3 star hotels to simple family run “Logis-de-France”. All reflect the local character and offer a warm Provencal welcome. All have private bathrooms. Two overnight stops in Moustiers and Pontfrac have swimming pools.
Meals: Breakfasts and dinners are served at the hotels and lunches are picnic style along the trail.
Travel
It is easiest to fly into Nice and from Marseilles.
Who would like this trip?
This hike is a great combination of Mediterranean climate, mountain views, varied hiking terrain, picturesque villages, remote hiking and overnight stays in comfortable, relaxing inns. We grade this trip moderate with some strenuous. Though not as difficult or as challenging as our Alps hikes, participants should be prepared for a few long days on rugged terrain. You will be completely enchanted and impressed with the beauty and the fantastic hiking this area has to offer.
Meeting point
We will meet as a group at the Nice Cote D’Azur Airport at 3:00 on Day 1 and transfer to Castellane.
Ending Point
The trip will end with a morning transfer from Saignon to Marseilles Airport arriving at about 10:00; please make travel plans accordingly.
For a more detailed itinerary that includes elevation gains, loss and distance, or to register please call.
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I liked your relationship with the people at the inns we visited – it was as though we were returning friends instead of American tourists. You were sensitive to them as well as to us.
Louise VanWinkle, ME
