Provence

The name alone may well conjure up images of the Mediterannean, the beach and bustling chic resorts. But no....Provence is a vast region defined certainly by the coast in the south, but stretching right up to the edge of the foothills and out eastwards towards the southern French Alps. It is an area crammed with history, from ancient Greek olive groves to Roman ruins to medieval villages; renowned for its olive oil, vineyards and fields of lavender, Provence provides a visual feast for the hiker. 

 

 

Trails abound, many of them quiet year round, leading to high plateaus, along fast flowing rivers, to tiny villages clustered around ancient castles, to high summits. 

It would be fair to say that Provence is the best kept secret of French hiking. 

It's not for nothing that the artists of the 18th and 19th centuries came and never left...the Provençal light is justifiably famous, as Van Gogh and Cézanne, among many others, would attest. 

 

 

I live in Provence and this is why you should come and hike here with me:

 

• Hotel based
• Vast range of hikes of all grades
• Spring blossom, autumn colours
• Wine tasting
• Historical visits
• Fabulous French food 
• Easy access by train
• The vultures.....I love vultures! Come and see them, with me. 
• Hike up Mont Ventoux, the iconic Giant of Provence

 

 

Over the years I have developed 4 tried and tested week long itineraries, as described below - hire me for one of these trips. Or alternatively, choose a bespoke itinerary - for example we can take a few days of any trip for a shorter visit, or mix and match a couple of days here, a couple of days elsewhere. 

 

 

Classic Provence trip is a fabulous week of walks and visits in the wild and scenic northern region of Provence (Drôme / Vaucluse). Based in two hotels  - a family run hotel in an unspoilt medieval village, and a wine domaine situated right in the middle of its own vineyards. Each day is different, sometimes taking us through rocky gorges, sometimes to limestone peaks (Mont Ventoux can be on the agenda), sometimes through olive groves and lavender fields past charming villages. Vultures are often seen soaring overhead, and from late April the summer flowers are in full bloom. In May the air is often scented by the tilleul blossoms. We can visit Roman ruins, provençal markets, olive oil mills and wine tasting "caves". The hotel prides itself on its regional specialities and Provençal cuisine, accompanied by an impressive Côtes de Rhône wine list. 

Secret Provence which takes us to the Luberon and Alpilles regions, famous as the inspiration for many artists, notably Cézanne and Van Gogh. This trip will be based a one of the regions most beautiful perched villages from where we can do a wide range of hikes, visiting deep canyons, ochre hillsides, ancient forts and of course olive groves and lavender fields. We'll spend time in St Remy de Provence, and can include a visit to the breathtaking and unforgettable Carrières des Lumieres. 

 

Gorgeous Provence is based around the Verdon Gorge, known as a haven for climbers and vultures! We'll meet near Nice and explore the hills not far from the Côte d'Azur before heading inland to be awed by the majesty of the Verdon. The aromatic scents of the maquis will accompany our hikes as we visit tiny ancient villages, chapels perched above deep ravines, and enjoy long gentle walks on balcony paths that give us hours to contemplate and savour the stunning vistas of this unique region, so close to the Med yet so far from the associated crowds. 

 

Hidden Provence This trip takes us to the northern limit of Provence where the foothills of the Vercors provide an impressive backdrop, with far ranging views. We'll hike in and around the amazing Forêt de Saoû, a wooded cirque of limestone peaks and valleys, and we'll also enjoy exploring the mellow hills and rivers around the pictoresque market town of Nyons, famous for its microclimate.  Our bases are a unique hotel in the village of Soyans and a family run hotel nestled into the centre of the Baronnies Provençales. 

 

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