Southern France & Spain Walk (Provence to Costa Brava & Barcelona) 6D5N, Fully Guided

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 6 km (4 miles), 2-3 hours walking, Elevation gain: 61 m (200 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), 3-5 hours walking, Elevation gain: 91 m (300 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 13 km (8 miles), 4-6 hours walking, Elevation gain: 152 m (500 ft)

Meet with your tour leaders today at 11.30 am at the Avignon TGV train station (Gare Avignon TGV) in Avignon, France. Please arrive dressed in your hiking clothes. 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).

After convening we travel to Lacoste, where the infamous 18th-century author the Marquis de Sade once lived, then we sit down for lunch at a local café. After lunch, we enjoy a walk through the town stopping at the Marquis’ former castle (now owned by fashion designer Pierre Cardin). Wallow in the iconic and sweeping scenery of the Vaucluse ridge and spectacular Mont Ventoux.

Set out into the beautiful Luberon Valley, a land of honey and cherries, a region immortalized in Peter Mayle’s a Year in Provence. Get lost in the breathtaking landscape as we continue to the village of Ménerbes, strategically perched on a hilltop surrounded by the Luberon. A region well known for its deep connection to the art world and also for being the home of one of Picasso’s famous models, Dora Maar.

Come to the end of today’s adventure as we settle into our home for the next two nights, Le Roy Soleil. A quiet stone villa hidden amid the pine and hundred-year-old olive trees, with Luberon's magical landscape all around. Take a dip in the resort pool before gathering for a welcome reception followed by a delightful dinner at the hotel.

FOUR HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 3 km (2 miles), 1-2 hours walking, Elevation gain: 122 m (400 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 6 km (4 miles), 2-3 hours walking, Elevation gain: 213 m (700 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 8 km (5 miles), 3-5 hours walking, Elevation gain: 244 m (800 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), 4-6 hours walking, Elevation gain: 183 m (600 ft)

Done with a hearty breakfast this morning, we begin today's activities with a shuttle to Bonnieux, a lovely perched village. Explore this picturesque hilltop village with a local guide while relishing the spectacular views, walk through its enchanting narrow streets and archways before climbing 86 worn stone steps to the town-crowning 12th-century church overlooking the valley below.

Hike into the rolling hills and craggy cliffs of the Grand Luberon, an area renowned for the decadent truffle. Come across Château de Buoux, an environmental education centre for kids housed in a former castle.

Pass by the 13th-century Chapelle Ste-Marie and the tiny preserved village of Buoux. Relish the sensational hilltop views as you continue your hike, thereafter we settle for lunch at Auberge des Seguins, a historic farm tucked beneath the cliffs.

Done with lunch, you’ve got the option of heading back to Ménerbes, or go on to the fascinating ruins of the 12th-century Fort de Buoux, perched above the verdant Aiguebrun Valley. Back at the hotel, we have the opportunity of bonding over a friendly game of pétanque with a glass of pastis in hand. Tonight, we will be heading to a nearby family-run restaurant for a special dinner experience.

FOURHIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 6 km (4 miles), 1-2 hours walking, Elevation gain: 183 m (600 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 8 km (5 miles), 2-3 hours walking, Elevation gain: 183 m (600 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 11 km (7 miles), 3-5 hours walking, Elevation gain: 183 m (600 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 16 km (10 miles), 4-6 hours walking, Elevation gain: 335 m (1100 ft)

After breakfast at the hotel, we take a quick shuttle to Pont Julien, a Roman bridge across the Calavon River dating back to 3 BC and the start of our hike. Today’s adventure brings us to the spectacular Luberon Valley, taking us past Provençal farms and orchards, cypress groves, olive trees, and vineyards of the Côtes du Luberon.

Climb up to the fascinating village of Roussillon, which rests on of the world’s largest ocher deposits, and adored by artists for centuries. Witness Roussillon's breathtaking natural surroundings, especially the Chaussée des Géants, a canyon radiant with 16 shades of ocher, and relish its beautiful golden-hued buildings and views over the Luberon Valley. Wander through the town’s magnificent streets, and shops thereafter treat yourself to lunch at any café of your choice.

Refueled and energized, hike down into the valley on the Grande Randonnée trail past vineyards, wheat fields, beautiful country homes, and a truffle farm. Enjoy a taste of ôtes du Ventoux wine at the 25-acre Domaine de Tara vineyard. Embark on a hearty climb to the striking perched village of Gordes, a picture-perfect village clinging to the craggy southern face of the high Vaucluse Plateau.

After exploring, we shuttle west to the thriving Gallo-Roman village of St-Remy. Arrive at the charming Gounod Hotel, our home for the night. Located in the heart of Saint- Rémy-de-Provence, the Gounod Hotel offers you a charming place full of history and inspiration. It was in this hotel that the composer Charles Gounod wrote his opera Mireille in 1863. Unwind at the hotel’s outdoor pool, enjoy a peaceful walk through its garden with a beautiful terrace, and indulge in a therapeutic massage at the spa.

Tonight, you are left to enjoy dinner at your leisure at of the many local restaurants in this bustling town.

Level 1, Approx. 3 km (2 miles), 1-2 hours walking, Elevation gain: 61 m (200 ft)

Begin today’s adventure with a walk to the nearby St Rémy market, one of the most celebrated outdoor markets in Provence. Get to interact with locals and purchase traditional Provençal crafts, as well as treats for an afternoon goûter (snack). St-Rémy is also known as a haven for artists and intellectuals and has hosted its share of famous names over the centuries: Nostradamus was a native of St-Rémois; Albert Schweitzer recuperated here in 1917; Gertrude Stein made this her home for several years.

Done exploring the market, get ready for the second part of our adventure as we board a private coach bound for Spain! Behold the spellbound scenery as we travel southwest, crossing the edge of the Pyrenees and hugging the Mediterranean coast. We arrive late in the afternoon at the picturesque fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell. Uncover Spain’s dazzling Costa Brava, the Baix Empordà, known as the region of coves.

Retire to Hotel Sant Roc, our home for the next two nights. A grand resort set on a hill overlooking Calella de Palafrugell Bay and the town of the same name. Take pleasure in the endless sea views from the hotel, take a walk into town along the beautiful bay of Calella de Palafrugell, thereafter we settle for dinner. Treat your taste buds to exciting flavours of Spanish cuisine as well as international dishes at one of our favourite restaurants in town.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 6 km (4 miles), 2-3 hours walking, Elevation gain: 152 m (500 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), 3-5 hours walking, Elevation gain: 305 m (1000 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 14 km (9 miles), 4-6 hours walking, Elevation gain: 335 m (1100 ft)

After a delightful breakfast this morning, we shuttle to the beginning of our hike along the coast, which follows the Camí de Ronda, ancient seaside walking paths that connect Costa Brava's pristine secluded coves. Behold plunging cliffs and pass through tunnels opening up to incredible Mediterranean vistas as we travel to the Sant Sebastià lighthouse. Bask in the glorious views of this 167 metre (550 feet) above the sea lighthouse, thereafter we settle for a sumptuous lunch.

After filling your stomachs, continue to one of Costa Brava’s sheltered beaches, Tamariu Beach, where you are free to sit back and explore.

Head back to the hotel for a relaxing afternoon with incredible views for you to delight in. We gather tonight for a farewell toast before dinner at El Balco de Calella, a gourmet restaurant featuring traditional Mediterranean cuisine. The spectacular setting overlooking the bay is the perfect location for our last night together.

Level 1, Approx. 5 km (3 miles), 1-2 hours walking, Elevation gain: 91 m (300 ft)

Cap off the amazing trip with a final walk along the stunning Costa Brava. Head out from the hotel through a narrow trail to a hidden white-sand beach. Admire the paradisiacal cove before continuing to Cap Roig Botanical Garden, created in 1924, and home to different tree species.

Head back to the hotel for one last brunch, freshen up and bid your leaders farewell as you board a private coach bound for vibrant Barcelona, Catalonia’s capital and its largest city.

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