Luxury Provence Active Culinary Walk (Vibrant Markets & Beautiful Villages) 6D5N, Fully Guided

Level 2, Approx. 8km (5 miles), Elevation gain: 152m (500ft)

Meet your trip leaders at the Avignon TGV train station in Avignon, France next to the bus parking area. If you arrive at Avignon Centre, you'll need to take a 10- minute train or a 15-minute taxi ride to the Avignon TGV station. Arrive dressed in your hiking clothes and bring your luggage and a daypack with your rain gear and anything else you may want for today's hike (your luggage will be transported to our first night's accommodations).

Following the meeting, we will take a shuttle to a historic farm and organic winery just outside of Les Baux-de-Provence in the Alpilles, where we will enjoy a delightful picnic lunch. Your first hike see’s you on a journey through verdant vineyards and silvery-green olive groves in the direction of the hilltop ruins of a castle that dates back to the 10th century. Marvel at the sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Explore the towers and chapels of this medieval fortress and gain insight into the violent and chaotic history of the Lords of Les Baux and their epoch-defining stronghold.

The route continues into Les Baux-de-Provence. With narrow lanes, old houses and castle ruins, this Plus Beaux (Most Beautiful) Villages of France member is a fascinating place to explore. In the Middle Ages it was home to the self-proclaimed descendants of Magus Balthazar, one of the Three Wise Men, who built fortifications and went on to wage constant warfare against adjacent clans. These people are known as the Seigneurs des Baux. From here, we travel to the breathtaking Carrières de Lumières that are located nearby. This grandiose multimedia display space is located inside of a massive stone quarry and celebrates the finest artists from around the world.

Then, we make our way to Baumanière, an excellent hotel situated beneath Les Baux and surrounded by rose and herb gardens, cypress groves, and olive trees. Baumanière unfolds in a natural and tranquil terrain, flanked by the mineral and wild nature of the Alpilles Regional Park. Relax in your ensuite rooms, unwind in the garden, or pamper yourself at the spa (at own expense). After getting further acquainted over aperitifs, we dine at the hotel's exquisite La Cabro d'Or restaurant boasting fresh regional flavours.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 6.4km (4 miles), Elevation gain: 244m (800ft)
Level 3, Approx. 8km (7 miles), Elevation gain: 305m (1000ft)
Level 4, Approx. 9.7km (10 miles), Elevation gain: 335m (1100ft)

Our journey for the day takes us up and over the ridge of Les Baux, where we pass through aromatic pine trees and get a view of the Alpilles Mountains. Our hike begins in the frightening area known as the Val d'Enfer (which literally translates to "Valley of Hell"), which is riddled with caves and is rumored to be inhabited by ghosts, witches, and goblins. It is said that Dante drew his ideas for hell and the Divine Comedy from his experiences in this Val d'Enfer.

Take the shuttle to a local farm for a regional cooking demonstration or for those in pursue of more walking adventure can hike into The Alpilles Regional Nature Reserve arriving at Le Rocher des Deux Trous (The Rock with Two Holes), a fascinating geological feature. After meeting up for lunch, opt for a lift in the shuttle or follow a trail alongside a Roman canal toward St-Rémy. Along the way you may spot wild herbes de Provence. These herbs, which include rosemary, savory, thyme and sage, give the local goat cheese, chèvre, its unique flavor.

You'll stay at Le Chateau des Alpilles, which features 100-year-old plane trees and a 7-hectare area covered with rare and luxuriant flora. Once a popular destination for Romantics, spend some time lounging by the pool, unwind at the garden lounges or join your leaders for a friendly game of pétanque before we gather for a lovely Provencal dining affair at the hotel's restaurant.

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 6.4km (4 miles), Elevation gain: 122m (400ft).
Level 4, Approx. 9.7km (6 miles), Elevation gain: 396m (1300ft).

This morning join Yvan Cadiou, a well-known chef in the area, will teach us how to cook. Yvan brings us inside his home kitchen, where he imparts his knowledge while also providing us with a good laugh and some amusement. After learning the recipes for some of the region's most beloved foods, we make those dishes ourselves for lunch. Aspiring artists have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Post-most Impressionism's prominent artist, Vincent van Gogh, at the santé Saint-Paul de Mausole.

After that, we will stroll down a tranquil canal and take in the view of the Alpilles reflected in the water of the lake at Peirou as we make our way on foot to St. Paul-de-Mausole. Marie-Charlotte Bouton, our amiable and knowledgeable local guide, is waiting for us here. She narrates the story of Vincent van Gogh, the asylum's most famous patient, who came to live there in 1890 after cutting his ear in Arles and decided to quarantine himself for a year. Even though it was most likely the most trying time in the artist's life, it was also one of the most productive. Motivated by the scenery of the Alpilles, he created more than one hundred drawings and one hundred and forty paintings, some of which are titled Irises and Wheat Fields with Cypresses.

Afterward, you can walk into town, follow a peaceful trail back to our hotel or take our shuttle. This evening, dinner in St. Remy is at your leisure boasting an array of exquisite dining affairs showcasing the region’s delights where your trip leaders are happy to share recommendations.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 6.4km (4miles), Elevation gain: 31m (100ft)
Level 2, Approx. 8km (7 miles), Elevation gain: 183m (600ft)
Level 3, Approx. 8km (7 miles), Elevation gain: 274m (900ft)

Take a quick ride to St. Remy, an excellent spot to immerse oneself in the region's culture because it is home to a strong community of artists and boasts one of Provence's most recognized open-air markets. Shop for handicrafts made in the area and items such as bread, fruit, and cheese to prepare a picnic or an afternoon goûter (snack) where lunch will be at your own leisure. After taking in the town's beauties, we set our sights on the Luberon Valley, which was made famous by Peter Mayle in his book A Year in Provence made famous. The town of Roussillon, which is located on one of the largest ocher deposits in the world, will be our first stop. The village is recognized for its remarkable natural settings, particularly the Chaussée des Géants, a canyon dazzling with 16 different ocher colors. Artists have admired the village for ages due to its striking natural surroundings.

After exiting the canyon, make your way into town to take in the Luberon's stunning golden-hued architecture and panoramic vistas. Visit the stores, which sell anything from low-cost trinkets to high-quality works of art, and take a stroll down the charming side streets while you're there. Find a shady area to eat your market picnic when you become hungry, and either take up a chair at a café. During the afternoon, take a relaxing stroll along a road that runs between the Vaucluse Plateau and the Luberon Mountains. Along the way, you'll see quaint country residences surrounded by vineyards and olive groves separated by wheat fields and cypress trees.

The day will conclude in Gordes, a little perché that clings to the steep southern edge of the high Vaucluse Plateau. The magnificent Hôtel Les Bories, where we will be staying for the next two nights, features 34 rooms and suites with sophisticated and stylish décor. Gordes, in Luberon, in the heart of Provence, is rated as one of the most beautiful villages in France and is situated in a protected and natural setting. The five-star Les Bories & Spa hotel welcomes you to its 8-hectare estate of olive trees, cypresses, holm oaks, lavender, and aromatic gardens on this former shepherds' property. Unwind at the picturesque pool before this evening’s dinner including an aperitif in the kitchen with Michelin-starred chef Xavier Mathieu. The evening promises to be spectacular.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 6.4km (5 miles), Elevation gain:153m (800ft).
Level 3, Approx. 9.65km (7 miles), Elevation gain: 304m (1000ft).
Level 4, Approx. 14.48km (8 miles), Elevation gain: 335m (1300ft).

After breakfast, we shuttle to the hillside town of Bonnieux, set atop a ridge rising from the flat plain. Explore its narrow winding side streets or find a scenic spot to enjoy views of the Luberon Valley before heading out on a hike into the hills. As you trek through the valley that separates Bonnieux and Buoux, you'll be surrounded by the Grand Luberon's cliffs and deep woods before joining a sunnier trail that leads past lavender fields and provides views of the remains of Fort de Buoux across the ravine. The sweet fragrance of lavender accompanies your walks, while the bees delight the flowers to produce lavender honey that has medicinal properties from calmative, antiseptic to bactericide. Don't leave Bonnieux without visiting the Boulangerie Museum, where you will see a collection of bread and learn plenty about its history and manufacture.

We choose a peaceful spot in the valley of Aiguebrun to have lunch before a shuttle back to Gordes. Alternatively, venture on foot into a gorge popular among rock climbers in the area. The path will eventually take you all the way up to Fort de Buoux at the top of the mountain. Both the valley floor and the top of the cliff provide excellent vantage points from which to take in the remains of the once-mighty fortification.

Relax with a glass of wine this evening on the hotel patio and watch the sun go down over Luberon—a perfect end to the day We gather for a farewell dinner at one of the region's best Michelin-starred restaurants and toast to an inspiring Provençal journey.

Level 1, Approx. 3km (2 miles), Elevation gain: 122m (400ft).

We get up early and stroll over to the Abbaye de Sénanque, a Cistercian abbey established in 1148. Among oak trees and a sea of fragrant lavender, this antique structure is well worth a minute of your time. After freshening up at the hotel, we'll go out on a guided walking tour of Gordes with a local expert who will show us the city's lesser-known gems and tell us stories about its rich cultural and architectural heritage.

Enjoy a final lunch together before a private coach to the Avignon TGV railway station.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.