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Provence Inn-to-Inn 2008

Gorges of Verdon and Luberon
Inn-to-Inn

The Trip

While hiking Provence at 3 miles an hour, we will become part of the rich and varied scenery that is Provence: eucalyptus trees, cypress, deciduous and pine forests, lavender fields, rocky limestone cliffs, Roman roads, vineyards, ancient cliffside villages. Starting in the high Alps of Provence, we will follow the GR 4 (Grande Randonnee 4) from Castellane through the Grand Canyon du Verdon across the Durance River and into the Regional Parc of the Luberon. North of the Luberon, we will continue our hike on the GR 6 and GR 97 punctuated with charming villages perchés (perched villages) and end our journey in 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.

If you have hiked in the high Alps and like the thought of hiking Inn-to-Inn in Provence, we think you will really enjoy this hike. The small hotels, great food, remarkable hiking and scenery combine to make this hike “a must do.” We have endeavored to select a route that has the best of both classic Provence as well as the smaller, less well-known villages. This is a great and varied trip. We hope you can join us!

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Itinerary

Day 1: Rendez-vous at the airport in Nice at 2:00 pm. Group transfer to Castellane about 2 hours away.

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, is situated right on the edge of the Gorges of Verdon.

Day 3: Today’s hike takes us down into the spectacular Gorges du Verdon, through tunnels, up ladders and along the river. 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’sAnes (donkey pass) and to the high point of the day Signal de l’sOurbes. Our final descent leads us off the high rocky plateau of the Gorges du Verdon and to the village of Moustiers St. Marie.

Day 5: Free day. Today is market day in Moustiers St. Marie. In the morning you will be able to enjoy browsing through this wonderful open air market.

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.

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, hilltowns 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 perché village of Saignon.

Day 9: After breakfast we will transfer to Gordes and enjoy the market and the historic village before we hike to Roussillon.

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.

Day 10: Depart by van to Marseilles Airport arriving about 10:00 am.

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Additional Information

Included:

All accommodations, all breakfasts, all dinners, luggage transfer for 1 medium size bag, all group transfers as per the itinerary, group transfer from the Nice Airport on day 1 and to the Marseilles Airport on day 10, guides, great hiking and 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.
It is possible to skip a day of hiking and take a taxi to the next hotel. This extra taxi cost is not included in the price of the trip.

Accommodations:

The hotels on this route are very comfortable though not fancy. Most are pleasant 2-star hotels. The hotel in Saignon is a 3-star hotel. All have private bathrooms. Two overnight stops have swimming pools. Breakfast and dinners are served at the hotel. Lunches will be picnic style along the trail.

Travel:

It is easiest to fly into Nice and from Marseilles.

Meeting Point:

Nice Airport at 2:00 pm with a transfer to Castellane.

Ending Point:

Marseilles Airport arriving about 10:00 am.

For a more detailed itinerary or to register please call.