Provence: Vaucluse & the Luberon – Independent
Named by the Romans, ‘the Province’ where everyone wanted to live, this was the landscape that inspired Van Gogh and Cézanne.
Its lovely scenery and picturesque villages have also provided the backdrop to numerous films. The area has therefore become renowned for its beauty, its lavender fields, vineyards and flower-filled meadows and its delightful climate with cooling aromatic breezes – not to mention its splendid Roman remains and superb cuisine.
Spring is an excellent time for flowers while in summer there are plenty of birds to look out for. From October to November the autumnal colours can be spectacular.
Duration: 5 or 7 days
Itinerary
Stay in the village of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, where the Italian poet Petrarch lived from 1337–1353, with its small Romanesque church and scenic natural spring. 3* accommodation in converted mill with pool.
This pretty village, famously the home of the 14th-century Italian poet Petrarch, is named after the spring (the fifth largest in the world) that emerges above the village. Apart from the spring itself, which is especially worth viewing after heavy rainfall, there is lots to visit including the Petrarch Library Museum, a paper mill, an interesting church dedicated to Saint Veran and the castle ruins.
Elegantly converted mill in lovely setting, with pool
Upgrade rooms are larger
Paths lead up through a dry limestone gorge, onto the plateau of the Vaucluse, through pine woods and stonewalled meadows, before descending to the 12th-century Cistercian Abbey of Sénanque, set in a quiet valley amongst lavender fields. Continue up to Gordes (10 miles, 5 hours). Option of a more direct, less demanding option for those who would prefer a gentler start (6.2 miles, 3 hours). 4* converted farmhouse with pool or 5* hotel with pools and wonderful views (upgrade).
The picturesque village of Gordes is set high above the Imergue valley, surmounted by a Renaissance castle. The traditional Provençal stone houses with pink, pan-tiled roofs are built in impressive terraces cut into the hillside. Wander the charming, cobbled alleyways and dip in and out of the local craft shops.
Converted farmhouse with terrace and pool
Wonderful views, 2 pools, excellent restaurant
Explore the picturesque village of Gordes with old houses rising in tiers from the valley, and its Renaissance château with very fine chimneypiece. Optional walk to a village of restored bories (stone huts), grouped around a communal bread oven (5.3 miles, 2.5 hours).
Converted farmhouse with terrace and pool
Wonderful views, 2 pools, excellent restaurant
Walk down through the old streets of Gordes and through olive groves to a valley with fields of wheat, lavender, and poppies, finishing in Roussillon. Time to explore this picturesque village, set high on an outcrop of ochre rock (6 – 7.3 miles, 3 - 3.5 hours). Centrally located, 3* hotel with views.
The huge quarries of red ochre nearby gave this hilltop village both its name and the rock from which its houses are made. Ochre extraction began here in Roman times. Visit the quarries – the variegated, red-coloured rock makes for beautiful photographs. From the castrum (viewing platform) at the top of the cliff there are amazing vistas of the Vaucluse plateau and the Grand Luberon mountain range.
Comfortable hotel in centre of village with excellent restaurant & views
Follow paths and farm tracks down the valley to a Roman bridge (built 3 BC), then through meadows and olive groves, up towards the col between the Grand Luberon and Petit Luberon ‘mountains’. Finish in the village of Bonnieux, its ramparts still visible, its houses rising on terraces to its 12th- century parish church surrounded by cedar trees (9.3 miles, 4.5-5 hours). Luxury 5* hotel with pool and views.
Sometimes called the ‘Mont Saint Michel of Provence’, Bonnieux is one of the most beautiful villages in the Luberon. Its upper streets are lined with 800-year-old buildings, built above ancient caves and quarries. Its castle has been destroyed and the defensive walls remain in sections but the two large churches give the village its distinctive profile. There are several excellent restaurants here.
Luxury Hotel de Charme with pool and views of the Luberon
Paths lead up to the ridge of the Grand Luberon (2,950 ft) with views across the Vaucluse to the white limestone crest of Mont Ventoux and across southern Provence to the sea. An optional route diverts to the panoramic summit of Mourre Nègre (3,685 ft), highest point of the Luberon. Both routes descend to the village of Vaugines (location for filming Jean de Florette) before following a farm track towards Lourmarin. Explore the village, dominated by its interesting château, set high on a rock bluff (12.4 miles, 7 hours - or up to 19.6 miles, 10 hours for diversion). Centrally located 4* hotel with pool.
Lourmarin is an attractive village from where there are views back to the Grand Luberon and to the Durance Valley. It is also the burial place of the celebrated writer, Albert Camus. There is a castle, a clock tower and several churches worth viewing as well as a small array of delightful restaurants (including several gourmet restaurants a short taxi ride away).
Stylish, boutique hotel in town centre, with pool
Trip Planner
Walking & Terrain
Walking: Easy to moderate. The walk lengths vary from 2.5 to 10 hours. Hours of walking, which may vary from individual to individual, means hours of actual walking and does not include stops for lunch, sightseeing or rests.
Terrain: varied and interesting, including arid hills of limestone and sandstone, and lush plains, fertile valleys and farmland. In the valleys there are quiet asphalt lanes, woodland and farmland tracks and paths across open country. The paths over the hills are stony and dry underfoot (even after rain) and require light walking boots for comfort and support - please ensure your footwear provide adequate ankle support.
All ATG trips include facilities and options so that you can arrange to walk as much or as little as you like – or not at all - and your Route Manager will be able to advise you on public transport or taxi options.
Walking & Terrain
Walking: Easy to moderate. The walk lengths vary from 2.5 to 10 hours. Hours of walking, which may vary from individual to individual, means hours of actual walking and does not include stops for lunch, sightseeing or rests.
Terrain: varied and interesting, including arid hills of limestone and sandstone, and lush plains, fertile valleys and farmland. In the valleys there are quiet asphalt lanes, woodland and farmland tracks and paths across open country. The paths over the hills are stony and dry underfoot (even after rain) and require light walking boots for comfort and support - please ensure your footwear provide adequate ankle support.
All ATG trips include facilities and options so that you can arrange to walk as much or as little as you like – or not at all - and your Route Manager will be able to advise you on public transport or taxi options.
Additional activities available locally
This is a wonderful area offering additional local experiences - some can be booked to fit in with your chosen itinerary, whilst for others you may wish to customise your trip to have an extra leisurely day or two to enjoy.
Additional activities are paid for locally and can be booked via your Route Manager who will contact you 2 weeks prior to departure.
Canoe Hire along the river from Fontaine de Vaucluse to the aqueduct, from 26€/person
Additional walking - in Fontaine de Vaucluse there is also the option of walking from the aqueduct
Visit to the Ochre quarries in Roussillon, classified as a Natural Monument of Historical Interest. Here you will discover the exceptional colours of the former ochre quarries, as well as the remains of its industrial past, such as quarry faces, settling ponds, channels, pipes, and more, from 10€/person
Your Personal ATG Route Manager
I’m from Paris but I moved to Provence in 2013 to live here with my husband. The Luberon and Provence are magnificent landscapes, with different colours in every season as well as varied landscapes including plateaux, hills and the sea. I love introducing clients to local life, such as the wonderful markets at Gordes and Lourmarin. I hope my husband and I can welcome you here and show you the very best that the area has to offer!
"Sandra (Route Manager) was so helpful and obliging. She went out of her way to ensure we arrived at each destination safely and was excellent in communicating regularly with us."
"(Route Manager) Always available, knowledge of region excellent, delightful in every way."
Route Book
The ATG Route Book is a detailed, day-to-day guide. The book anticipates your needs with easy-to-follow instructions, maps, plans and other information that will guide you to discover the best that the area has to offer and is the key to the success of an independent holiday with us.
Walking App
Your Route Manager can provide you with a link to download an app to your smartphone. This app provides the GPS track for your route on your phone. You can use this digital support to find your position and navigate the route, even without an internet connection or mobile phone reception.
Accommodation & Meals
You can expect each hotel to be one of the most characteristic, comfortable and best located for travellers on foot, with the character and sometimes the standard varying from place to place.
Star ratings indicate official classification, although many delightful places have no star rating. In more remote areas hotels may be of a generally lower standard in relation to their ‘star ratings’.
Single travellers are accommodated in double rooms for single occupancy for a supplemental charge.
On this route, upgraded accommodation is available at some overnight stops, as specified on the itinerary.
Breakfast is included and there are suggestions in the Route Book about where to buy provisions for a picnic lunch, as well as restaurant recommendations. Dining options often include a choice of restaurants that can be pre-booked for you by your Route Manager.
Food & Wine
Provençal cooking is a seasonal country cuisine built on locally grown produce, all cooked and eaten simply with local olive oil, garlic and herbs. Tapenades (olive pastes), ratatouille (reduced peppers, courgettes, onions & aubergines) and daubes (meat marinated and slow cooked with fresh vegetables) are among many local specialities. Honey, wine, nougat and marzipan are also local products. There are many excellent local wines in the Luberon and possibilities for tastings. There are a number of Michelin restaurants along the route. The Route Book contains a section on the cuisine and wines of the region, and a list of recommended restaurants en route.
History
Humans have lived in this region for over 200,000 years. Under Roman rule it grew to be a powerful province and one of their greatest colonies. After the fall of the Roman empire it was ruled by a series of peoples. It wasn’t until the 12th century that it entered another period of power, when the Pope transferred the Papal court from Rome to Avignon. During the 14th century it was the heart of Medieval Europe, geographically, politically and culturally. However, its fortunes changed and it came to be seen as a rural backwater until the 19th century, when Van Gogh and Cézanne started painting its picturesque landscapes. Artists, intellectuals and writers began to flock to the area. The same scenery attracts tourists today, the idyllic countryside and sunny coastline. The Route Book provides a detailed account of the history of Provence.
Flora & Fauna
The tracks are full of wonderful fragrances (various herbs, pine trees) and there are many different species of orchids in the spring. Lavender is in full bloom in mid-June and is harvested later in July. In early summer the fields are full of poppies – reminiscent of Monet’s paintings. The chalky ground is especially rich for growing crops and is renowned for its butterflies. In summer, bird spotters should look out for short-toed eagles, Egyptian vultures, black kites and, at dusk (if you are lucky), an eagle owl. The rare Bonelli eagle is a year-round resident. Our Route Book provides further detail while apps such as ‘LeafSnap’, ‘Flora Incognita’ and child-friendly ‘Seek by iNaturalist’ can identify the wildlife en route.
Travel arrangements
Travel arrangements, including flights, for ATG Independent Footloose trips should be made independently.
Outward travel to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse: From Marseille airport there is a regular shuttle bus to Vitrolles station, from where you can catch a train to Isle sur la Sorgue (approx. 1 hr 15mins), then it’s a short taxi ride to Fontaine. From Avignon airport we recommend taking a direct taxi (35 mins).
Outward travel to Gordes: From Marseille airport there is a regular shuttle bus to Saint-Charles train station. From here, there are regular direct trains to Cavaillon and then a taxi to Gordes. From Avignon airport we recommend taking a direct taxi (35 mins).
Return travel from Lourmarin: There is no station in Lourmarin but there are buses on weekdays towards Avignon and Marseille, or take a taxi to the nearest station in Pertuis for onward trains.
Trip Options & Prices
Overview
This 5 day independent walking tour in Provence starts in Gordes and includes 3 days of walking for those looking for a dedicated walking trip with an option to walk to the highest point of the Luberon. This short break to France combines great walking, pretty villages and some fine cuisine and very comfortable hotels.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Gordes*
Day 2: Gordes to Roussillon
Day 3: Roussillon to Bonnieux
Day 4: Bonnieux to Lourmarin
Day 5: Departure
*The upgrade price option includes an upgrade in Gordes
Prices (per person)
Overview
This 7 day independent walking tour in Provence is a more in-depth visit of the area. Starting in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, the itinerary includes a walk via the beautiful 12C Cistercian Abbey of Sénanque and a free day to enjoy the delights of Gordes before following the 5 day itinerary to Lourmarin. Enjoy the best of the area on this longer trip to France.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse*
Day 2: Fontaine-de-Vaucluse to Gordes*
Day 3: Gordes* - free day
Day 4: Gordes to Roussillon
Day 5: Roussillon to Bonnieux
Day 6: Bonnieux to Lourmarin
Day 7: Departure
*The upgrade price option includes upgrades at these locations
Prices (per person)
Frequently Asked Questions
On each route there is an ATG Route Manager, who is there to take care of all the practicalities and ensure the success of your trip. Route Managers have all been ATG-trained, speak English and the language of the country fluently, and live in the local area. Your Route Manager will make contact with you a couple of weeks prior to departure (usually by email) and will then meet you at the start of your trip and will be available during your trip to move your luggage from hotel to hotel, provide local information, make restaurant reservations and do everything possible to ensure that you derive maximum enjoyment from your holiday.
Please let us know about any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance so that our Route Manager can ensure that you are catered for during your holiday. Most dietary restrictions do not present a problem on our trips and the Route Manager can discuss your requirements in more detail with you at the start of your trip.
The walks are graded according to difficulty but you can walk as much or as little as you like.
Easy: walking along well-established paths and tracks with some short ascents/descents. These trips are suitable for most people who enjoy occasional exercise.
Easy to Moderate: walking along well-established paths and tracks. Occasional loose (gravel) surfaces. Ascents/descents up to 1 hour. These trips are suitable for most people who have a reasonable level of fitness.
Moderate: walking along a variety of paths and tracks. Occasional uneven areas. Ascents/descents 1-2 hours. These trips are suitable for those who have a reasonable to good level of fitness.
Moderate to Challenging: walking along varied paths and surfaces, occasionally challenging, with ascents/descents of 2-3 hours. These trips are suitable for more experienced walkers who have a good level of fitness.
If you are planning to take an Independent trip as a single traveller, we would ask you to consider the potential dangers of walking alone before making a booking and if necessary discuss this with our Sales team.
Single travellers will be booked into a double room which will carry a single occupancy supplement.
Flights are not included in the price of your ATG holiday and should be booked independently.
The trips in our Independent programme make ideal family holidays for those with children who are old enough (and keen enough!) to enjoy a walking holiday or young enough to be carried in a backpack.
You would need to consider costs for lunches (either a picnic style lunch or lunch in a café as you prefer) and evening meals. Where an evening meal is included at a hotel this is indicated on the trip page. For evening meals not included, the route book provides restaurant recommendations to suit a wide range of budgets. You would also need to factor in any entrance fees to museums, churches, galleries and other sightseeing costs, items of a personal nature, shopping expenditure and transport if you choose to not to walk on some days.
Tourist Tax
This tax is charged per guest per night and the rate is determined by the local council based on the star rating of the accommodation. The rate usually varies from €2 up to €5 per person per night, although the rate can be higher in major cities. This tax is not included in the price of your holiday but where applicable will be payable direct to your hotel in cash.
We are delighted to book extensions for you at either end of your trip. We only book hotels with which we have an established relationship and where we can ensure a high level of service and enjoyment. If you would like an extension hotel booking please indicate this during the booking process and we will contact you with pricing information.
ATG does not provide any form of insurance cover. However, it is a condition of booking that you have fully comprehensive insurance cover, including:
Cancellation/curtailment up to the cost of the holiday (preferably including flights)
Medical emergencies and repatriation
Travel delay / missed departure
Lost or stolen personal belongings
Personal liability
Legal expenses
Natural Disasters
Although most credit card companies offer travel insurance as something that is included when paying the balance with the card, it may be advisable to check that the cover offered is what you expect it to be. Very few companies include cancellation and curtailment or medical expenses. Whatever the insurance policy you have taken out, please read the documentation carefully. Please ensure also that you take it with you on your trip and refer to it in the case of any claim or emergency.
Yes, please click here for what to bring. A packing checklist is also included with your booking confirmation.
Sustainability
ATG was founded on principles of conservation and sustainable development. It was the first company to win the tourism industry’s two top awards: Tourism for Tomorrow (UK) and the World Legacy Award (National Geographic and Conservation International USA) and also the first to have an accredited Environmental Management System.
Everyone who walks with ATG contributes to the ATG Trust, which funds projects that benefit local communities in the regions visited. By supporting these initiatives, ATG promotes sustainable tourism. Past projects have included heritage restoration projects, environmental conservation and educational projects.
Other trips you may be interested in
