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walking |
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self guided |
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| Ventoux: on the roof of Provence |
The whole chain of the Alps spread out before you.
At 1912m in altitude, Mont Ventoux is Provence’s highest peak, and the highest point in the interior of France outside the Alps and the Pyrenees. Though “only” 1912m, it stands out from an otherwise flat Mediterranean, and the views from and near the summit are jaw-dropping. From Malaucène at 350m, and towards the summit, you’ll move from Mediterranean vegetation to arctic flowers in just two days of walking, and along every level of vegetation in between: from thyme to arctic poppies, from vines to mountain pine, from wall lizard to chamois (wild mountain goats). You’ll be along seldom used paths, and have an authentic chalet experience in Provence, cool mountain air and extraordinary scenery. Options for level 2 or 3 walks available.
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| Day 1 : Avignon
Your Provence walking tour begins in Avignon , city of the popes. Avignon boasts the largest gothic palace in Europe, built in the 14th century during the reign of the papacy. You’ll be awestruck by the old city walls, still intact after 700 years, forming a complete circle around the centre of town. And of course the 12th century pont d’Avignon, the bridge that today only spans partway over the Rhône river. Night in the heart of Avignon.
Day 2 : From Mediterannean to Mountain
Malaucène > Mont Serein
5 hours, 15 km, +1100m /-100m OR
2 hours, 30 mins., 7km, +460m/-60m
In the morning a transfer takes you to the foot of Mont Ventoux to the quaint town of Malaucène, with its main street lined with cafés and centuries-old plane trees. If you choose the easier of the day’s walks your transfer takes you halfway up the mountain. Your walk takes you into the heart of Mont Ventoux, through its densely forested northern slopes, far from the beaten tourist paths. Along a forestry road 700m above the village, your views extend far into the Barronies mountains to the north, and to the dozens of villages that dot the countryside. And here you can catch your breath before a steep climb to Ventoux’s ski resort, Mont Serein, at 1400m in altitude. Settle into your authentic chalet for two nights. Dinner and night in a chalet in Mont Serein.
Day 3 : Pine forests of the north face
Mont Serein > Mont Serein
5 hours, 18 km, +620m/-620m,
There are two options today to explore the northern slopes around Mont Serein. The views of the Alps are already present here at 1400m, the mountain air refreshing, and more often than not you’ll catch a glimpse of a chamois scurrying through the woods. The forests are thick with fir, beech, and pine, and laced with a veritable spider web of walking paths; it is not uncommon to spend the whole day walking without crossing a soul. Enjoy your picnic lunch in the secluded woods before a gradual climb back to the ski resort. And in the evening, after a sauna, you can take a stroll out to the vast slopes of scree, and with your binoculars and a thermos of hot tea, sit and enjoy the sight of dozens of chamois, peacefully grazing the sparse vegetation. Dinner and night in a chalet in Mont Serein.
Day 4 : The summit
Mont Serein > Mont Serein
7 hours, 22km, +600m/-600m, OR
5 hours and 30min., 15km, +650m/-650m
Leisurely zigzags lead you above the ski resort; you trade fir and beech for larch, and then a little higher only sparse mountain pine remains, and finally nothing at all: the echo of your feet walking on the scree towards the summit. A final push takes you to the 1912m summit, the highest point in Provence. Once at the top you have a 360° view, Alps to the north and the plains of the Rhône to the south, the Rhône River snaking its way down to the Mediterranean Sea. Once you’ve soaked in the ambiance of the summit, of its gift shop, its café, its endless stream of cyclists exhausted but having reached their goal, you head eastward along the barren ridge. The upper ridge is carpeted with sparse bunches of arctic flowers (including the arctic poppy, which grows only on the Spitzberg islands just shy of the North Pole, and on Mont Ventoux). After about an hour on the ridge you have one of two options, but both return to Mont Serein via the vast slopes of scree that seem to descend towards infinity. Taxi transfer to Avignon in the afternoon and end of trip.
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| Included |
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- 3 nights double occupancy with private facilities
- 3 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 dinners
- Day 2: transfer by taxi from Avignon to Malaucène (start of the walk)
- Day 4: transfer by taxi from Mont Serein / Avignon
- Luggage transfers days 2 & 4
- Our Road Book with detailed walking itineraries and a map.
Not included
Entrance fees into museums, insurance, drinks, items of personal nature
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
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.
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| Highlights |
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> An authentic mountain experience in the heart of Provence
> Some of the most awe-dropping panoramas you'll see anywhere on Earth
> a great diversity in flora, scenery, and paths
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| Hotels |
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| Hôtel d'Angleterre |
Located within Avignon’s 14th century ramparts, the hotel is within a short walk from the Pope’s palace, the Pont d’Avignon, and the other town attractions. The hotel is simple yet very comfortable, with great service and an especially warm welcome for walkers and cyclists, who often use this hotel as a base for their travels. |
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| Chalet Liotard |
Sitting atop the ski resort of Mont Serein, the Chalet Liotard is friendly and unpretentuous, with a veritable chalet ambiance. The views overlooking the entire chain of the Alps are spectacular. After your walk to the summit of Mont Ventoux you can hop in their jacuzzi and sauna to unwind... |
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