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
Your walking tour begins in l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, where you 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 : Mysterious springs and dry stone walls
Isle>Fontaine>Gordes
- walking time about 4 hours, 15 minutes - 13km - +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 walk along paths carved into the brush and cedar forests to Gordes. Dinner on your own. Night in Gordes.

Day 3 : Lavender fields and l'Abbaye de Sénanque
Gordes>Senanque>Gordes
- walking time about 3 hours, 15 minutes - 10km - +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 : Quiet lanes and tiny hamlets
Gordes>Goult>Bonnieux
- walking time about 3 hours, 45 minutes - 12km - +100m/-250m
Your Provence walking tour continues with a short morning transfer to Goult, a timeless village of medieval homes and untouched by modern tourism. You walk among the ruins old stone farmhouses and to the village of Lacoste, crowned by the imposing ruins of the castle of the Marquis de Sade. Your walk continues to Bonnieux, another gem of the Luberon, one of the centre-stage villages in Peter Mayle's A Year in Provence . Visit its beautiful town squares and the old cobbled steps leading to its 12th century church. Dinner and night in Bonnieux....

Day 5 : The cedar forest
Bonnieux>Cedar Forest>Bonnieux
- walking time about 3 hours, 30mn - 12km - +400m/-400m
A pleasant and gradual climb through the forest leads to the ridge of the Petit Luberon mountain. By the time you reach the top the views extend from the snow covered Alps to the north to the Mediterranean Sea to the South. You continue through the peaceful and shaded cedar forest before dropping down to the plains and a leisurly return to Bonnieux. Dinner on your own. Night in Bonnieux.

Day 6 : To the depths of the Aiguebrun Gorge
Bonnieux>Buoux
- walking time about 4 hours - 12km - +250m/-150m
From Bonnieux you walk 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 Aiguebrun river
Buoux>Saignon
- walking time about 4 hours - 11km - +400m/-300m
You walk along 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 : Au revoir!
Saignon>Apt
Transfer from Saignon to Apt by taxi. End of your Provence walking holiday.

EXTRA WALKS: stay an extra night in the otherworldly Auberge des Seguins and challenge yourself to a 500m climb up to the very crest of the Luberon, from where the views are unbeatable. Descend back to the Auberge via the 3000 year-old Fort de Buoux.
AND/OR: at the end of your holiday tack on an extra day to walk across the Calavon Valley and into the ochre sands of the "Colorado Provençal", and stay in Saignon an extra night.
Contact us for details...

- 7 nights double occupancy with private facilities
- 7 breakfasts, 3 dinners
- Day 2: transfer by taxi to the beginning of your walk
- Day 4: Short morning transfer to Goult, to the start of your walk to Bonnieux
- 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

PLEASE NOTE : Alternative accommodation
If the above accommodation in Bonnieux is not available, it can be 2 nights in Goult instead, in a lovely guesthouse; Dominique will welcome you in her majestic old stone house; large pool among olive trees. Walk from Gordes to Goult, along seldom-used paths and old stone walls, high above the Calavon valley, instead of the Cedar Forest loop. Same price.

Important: from July 1st to September 15th access may be restricted in the Luberon mountains if the risk of forest fire is high. There is a risk that the paths may be closed as of noon on any given day or in exceptional circumstances the paths may be closed altogether. Information is available at 6:00pm for the following day from the local prefecture by telephone (automated message).

Some dates become very busy, book early if you want to be sure to get space for your next holiday! All Provence, May, long weekends - Avignon, July 5 to 30, Theater Festival - Isle sur Sorgue, April 7 to 9, Easter Antique Market-

Feel free to book extra nights before or after your tour to discover a town, to relax or to enjoy a little more Provence. Online, at your booking or afterwards, through your "My account" space.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

WALK INN SARL - 30 Bd PAUL FLORET - 84000 AVIGNON - PROVENCE - FRANCE
Provence Hiking and Biking Tour Operator - N° licence : IM084100007 - A.P.S Member- info@walkinnprovence.com