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walking |
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self guided |
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| Luberon : medieval villages and hidden trails |
Explore the secrets of the Luberon Mountains: its tight gorges and forest paths that lead you from one magnificent perched medieval village to the next. The hills are dotted with old stone farmhouses and centuries-old stone huts, the fields blanketed in wildflowers and aromatic herbs, orchards and vines. Beginning in the town of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, with its antiques and Venice-like canals, your journeys will take you through the mysterious springs of Fontaine de Vaucluse, famed villages such as Gordes and Bonnieux, where you will take the time to meander through the labyrinth of their narrow cobblestone streets, or sit in a quiet café by the shade of a plane tree. |
| Day 1 : By the clear waters of the Sorgue
L’Isle sur la Sorgue
Make your own way to l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and stay in the heart of the town, a veritable island of a village, surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Sorgue river.The town’s Sunday market is among the most colourful in Provence, while its canals are bordered by quaint cafés, restaurants, and antique shops. Lose yourself among a labyrinth of narrow streets and in the town’s warm, Provençal charm. Dinner on your own. Night in l’Isle sur la sorgue.
Day 2 : Through cedar forests and old stone walls
Isle>Fontaine>Gordes
- walking time about 4 hours, 30 minutes - +450m/-200m
A short transfer will take to Fontaine de Vaucluse and its mysterious spring; no one or machine has been able to gauge its depths. Following a 300 year-old wall built to ward off the plague – which entered Marseille in 1720 – you head through paths carved into the brush and cedar forests to Gordes. Dinner on your own. Night in Gordes.
Day 3 : From a stunning village to an ancient abbey
Gordes>Senanque>Gordes
- walking time about 4 hours, 30 minutes - +250m/-250m
Gordes is perched high above the Calavon valley, its majestic stone homes rising dramatically in concentric circles to its castle, crowning the village. Atop a vast plateau you cross through lavender fields and thyme-laden fields dotted with old stone huts, on your way to Sénanque Abbey, a jewel of 12th century Romanesque architecture. You will have time to explore the abbey before returning to Gordes via a cobbled path. Dinner on your own. Night in Gordes.
Day 4 : The forgotten and timeless village of Goult
Gordes>Goult
- walking time about 4 hours, 30 minutes - +100m/-250m
From Gordes, with superb views on the Cavalon valley, you walk along seldom-used trails to Goult, a timeless village of medieval homes built around its imposing castle and with its narrow streets untouched by modern tourism. Dinner and night in Goult.
Day 5 : The scenes of A Year in Provence
Goult>Bonnieux
- walking time about 5 hours - +315m/-250m
From Goult you cross the Calavon valley, once used by the Romans as the Via Domitia, and climb into the heart of the Luberon. You follow a shelf path to Lacoste, a village topped by the ruins of the castle of the Marquis de Sade, infamous for the writings that would cause a stir even by today’s standards. Your journey continues to Bonnieux, another gem of the Luberon, one of the centre-stage villages in the tales of Peter Mayle, in his Year in Provence. Visit its beautiful town squares and the old cobbled steps leading to its 12th century church. Dinner on your own. Night in Bonnieux.
Day 6 : Hidden truffles in the heart of the Luberon
Bonnieux>Buoux
- walking time about 4 hours - +250m/-150m
From Bonnieux you stroll along plateaus laden with lavender fields and truffle oak plantations, crossing the gap between the two Luberon mounds. On top of a canyon rim you’ll see your hotel far below, nestled by the river, a restored 17th century goat farm, unknown gem in an idyllic setting. No ropes needed: a secret cobbled path zigzags its way to the canyon floor. Dinner and night in Buoux.
Day 7 : The lost hamlet of Sivergues to the ruins of three castles
Buoux>Saignon
- walking time about 4 hours, 30 minutes - +400m/-300m
You follow the base of the Aiguebrun canyon to the hidden hamlet of Sivergues, its stone wall terraces the only remains of the cultivated fields that once sprawled around the tightly-packed handful of homes. Continue through the vast lavender fields and truffle oak plantations to Saignon. Dinner and night in Saignon.
Day 8 : To the city of the Popes
Saignon>Apt
Transfer from Saignon to Apt by taxi. End of the trip.
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| Included |
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- 7 nights double occupancy with private facilities
- 7 breakfasts, 3 dinners
- Day 2: transfer on by taxi to the beginning of your walk
- Day 8: transfer on by taxi from Saignon to Apt
- Luggage transfers days 2 to 8
- Our Road Book with detailed walking itineraries and a map.
Not included
All lunches & dinners not noted on itinerary, entrance fees into museums, insurance, drinks, items of personal nature
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| Hotels |
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| Les Terrasses du Bassin |
In town, set on the banks of the Sorgue River. 8 lovely rooms, some of which overlook the clear green waters, the hotel boasts a simple yet refined setting. On the terrace, at the water’s edge, you can savour traditional Provençal cuisine. |
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| La Borie |
Set just 800m from the heart of the village of Gordes, and including a 500 year old dry-stone hut – or “borie” – which now houses the kitchen. The 3 quaint rooms are set in a modern addition to the hotel. Swimming pool and beautiful views of the Luberon mountains. |
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| La Borie |
Just steps from the timeless medieval village of Goult, perched high above the Calavon valley. You will be welcomed by Dominique in her majestic, old stone home, in a relaxing atmosphere under the old wooden beams. Large swimming pool among olive trees, the perfume of lavender and rosemary that will have you bathing in the purest of Provençal ambiance. |
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| Le Clos du Buis |
Le Clos du Buis is set in the heart of the village of Bonnieux in the famed Luberon mountains. This lovely guesthouse will welcome you with its 8 comfortable rooms. The veranda where breakfast is served has a jaw-dropping, panoramic view of the valley below, Mont Ventoux, and the many medieval villages that paint the countryside. |
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| Auberge des Seguins |
Here, in the heart of the Luberon mountains, at the base of the Aiguebrun gorge, you’re truly lost in the countryside. A breathtaking 17th century goat farm, restored and converted into a hotel, in harmony with the original buildings. Authentic and delicious Provençal recipes, and at the crossroads of the most beautiful walking paths in the Luberon. |
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| La Pyramide |
Family-run B&B set in the perched village of Saignon, hovering high above the Calavon valley. 6 comfortable and charming rooms with an idyllic garden including a swimming pool, and with great views of the village and the Luberon mountains. Relaxing atmosphere and Christine's warm welcome! |
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