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Walks in Provence

Inn-to-Inn

The Trip

Nudging up against the foothills of the Alps and the Grand Canyon du Verdon, Provence is a loosely defined region in the southeastern corner of France. This diverse landscape of rocky limestone plateaus, lavender fields, ancient hilltop villages, oak forests, open air markets and rolling hills has long been made famous by its rich history as well as an impressive array of distinguished writers and painters who have made Provence their home.

During our week long stay in Provence we will base ourselves in the picturesque villages of Castellane in Haute Provence, Riez and then Saignon in the Luberon. Our walks will take us to the ochre mines in Rustrel Colorado, by mysterious “bories”, over Roman roads and through the ancient villages Moustiers-Ste-Marie, Riez and Cereste. From Saignon we will explore “classic Provence” with visits to the villages perchés including Roussillon and Gordes. What better way to spend time in Provence than strolling through its byways and back lanes?

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Itinerary

Day 1: Rendez vous at the Nice Airport at 2:00 pm for group transfer to Castellane about two hours away.

Day 2: Departing Castellane we hike through what some guide books refer to as “the most dramatic and natural scenery in all of France.”The limestone and rock outcroppings rise up in pinnacles while the Verdon River flows below. This pleasant trail takes us by picturesque gardens, abandoned farms high plateaus and offers wonderful mountain scenery.

Day 3: From our hotel in Castellane we will transfer by van to the village of Moustiers St. Marie. After allowing some time to browse we will hike to the Riez and on to our inn for the night.

On today’s hike, the landscape changes dramatically as we descend from the mountains and hike across open plains. With the mountains serving as a backdrop our trail leads us by oak forests encouraging the growth of truffles, by lavender and poppy fields.

Day 4: After breakfast we will transfer by private van across the Durance River to the small town of Montfuron. We then continue on foot into the Luberon Park and to the Roman village of Cereste. The route today leads us through vineyards, hill towns and hardwood forests. This is a pretty hike offering an expansive view of the Vaucluse and the Luberon.

Day 5: After breakfast we will transfer to Roussillon and then hike to Gordes. 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 Gordes the narrow alleys, vaulted arcades and town squares have been restored beautifully. There will be time to browse in both towns.

Day 6: Departing Saignon we will hike to Seguins. This area was once home to religious sects escaping persecution. This pleasant hike leads us though small neighborhoods, farmhouses and eventually to the steep red cliffs of Seguins.

Day 7: Depart by van to Marseilles Airport arriving about 10:00 am

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Additional Information

Included:

All accommodations, all breakfasts, all dinners, all group transfers as per the itinerary, group transfer from the Nice Airport on day one and to the Marseilles Airport on the morning of the last day, 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.

Accommodations:

The accommodations, all with private bathrooms, are comfortable though not fancy. The three hotels we have chosen are all different in character. Breakfasts will be served each morning and dinners will be taken at the hotel.

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.