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Wander through vineyards and olive groves to perched medieval villages and stay in delightful hotels
Arrive at your hotel, located just north of the town of Pernes-les-Fontaines.* (Staying at Hotel l'Hermitage)*
Today we'll take you to medieval St-Saturnin on the edge of the Plateau de Vaucluse. Start the day with a stroll through its narrow streets up to the sprawling chateau ruins which overlook the village and offer your first superb views over the entire Luberon valley. Then head south through classic Provencal countryside - vineyards, cherry orchards, fig trees, olive groves and fragrant lavender - enjoying a magnificent panorama across the Apt plain. Pass the village of Gargas, home to the vast Ochre Mines of Bruoux and continue through pine forest along ochre-red tracks, before descending into Roussillon.* (Staying at Les Sables d'Ocre)*
Distance in Km: 16
Distance in Miles: 10
Activity Hours: 5
Roussillon is famous for its streaked ochre cliffs and is the starting point of the Ochre Trail. It's also considered one of the Plus Beaux Villages of France, with the winding streets full of brightly coloured houses in wonderful shades of red, pink, orange and yellow. You could, perhaps, visit the perched village of Bonnieux, full of art galleries, pavement cafes and little restaurants just perfect for lunch.* (Staying at Les Sable d'Ocres)*
You set off today through vineyards, passing the Domaine de Tara wine estate before following footpaths and quiet country lanes with fabulous views south across the Luberon valley and north to the perched village of Gordes. After a short climb along pine-scented footpaths, you'll descend into Les Imberts where your hotel awaits with a swimming pool and spa.* (Staying at Mas de la Senancole)*
Distance in Km: 16
Distance in Miles: 10
Activity Hours: 5
Just a few kilometres away is the picturesque hilltop village of Gordes, one of the region's most famous and another of France's Most Beautiful Villages. Made up of wonderfully photogenic houses, terraces and gardens, Gordes is dominated by its Renaissance chateau, which also houses a museum. Explore its streets, crammed with cafes, restaurants and shops.* (Staying at Mas de la Senancole)*
You begin today following quiet lanes past olive groves and vineyards before arriving at the medieval village of Cabrieres-d'Avignon with its golden stone houses and old castle (now a private residence). You'll then head up into the hills under the shade of beautifully scented pine forests, past a section of the 27km-long Mur de la Peste, a wall built by locals in 1720 in a vain attempt to stop the spread of the Plague. Continue over the north edge of the valley for spectacular views of the whole Luberon. Descending, the views switch to look north across the Vaucluse, as you head into Fontaine-de-Vaucluse.* (Staying at Hotel du Poete)*
Distance in Km: 11
Distance in Miles: 7
Activity Hours: 4
Today you can explore the village, home to the Fountain of the Vaucluse (the biggest spring in France and the fifth largest in the world). You'll also find the crumbling ruins of the castle of the Bishop of Cavaillon, a museum about the Resistance and a number of lovely cafes and restaurants. Or why not visit the 'island city' of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, surrounded by the clear waters of the Sorgue River? With its many riverside shops and cafes it makes a good choice for lunch.* (Staying at Hotel du Poete)*
Ascend through pine and oak forest, then out across the Plateau de Vaucluse for stunning views of Mont Ventoux and the jagged peaks of the Dentelles de Montmirail. Head down through cherry orchards to popular St-Didier; perhaps enjoy a drink before your transfer to Pernes-les-Fontaines. *(Staying at Hotel l'Hermitage)*
Distance in Km: 14
Distance in Miles: 9
Activity Hours: 5
* 8 Nights, hotel-to-hotel
* Route notes and maps provided
* Luggage transfers between hotels
* Walking transfers
All continental breakfasts and 4 evening meals
Whilst not the most sophisticated of the French cuisines, most dishes
use the excellent tasting local fresh produce. Cooking à la Provençale
uses local olive oil, garlic, peppers, tomatoes, courgettes, aubergines and
wild herbs, all ripened by the sun to give an intensity of flavour. You
can browse among the colours and smells, and make picnic purchases at the
lively local markets.The proximity of the sea makes fish and seafood an
important element of the local cuisine. Regional dishes include the famous
bouillabaisse, a rich fish stew served with aioli and rouille; the bourride
– a lighter version of the bouillabaisse; pistou soupe (summer vegetable
soup with a blend of garlic, basil and olive oil); authentic ratatouille,
large colourful salads an delicious courgette flower fritters. Tapenade and
anchoïade are savoury dips made with local olives and anchovies;
pissaladière is an onion tart with olives and anchovies and is very likely
to have come from the Romans.
Making wine, particularly rosé, has been Provence’s specialty for a
long time. The grapes and soil throughout the region vary a lot, but the
hot, sunny and dry climate is ideal for the local wines. The local red
grape varieties are used because they cope well with strong sun exposure
and poor soils: Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Tibouren
and Calitor. The rosés are made out of the same varieties but the musts
only macerate for a few hours so the fruits’ skin don’t darken the juice
or release too many tannins.
* 8 Nights, hotel-to-hotel
* Route notes and maps provided
* Luggage transfers between hotels
* Walking transfers
Classification: Self-Guided
Average daily distance on move on days: 14.25km (9 miles).
No. of days walking: 4
Terrain: Varied walking, mostly along marked paths (with some rocky
sections) and quiet country lanes. There are a few ascents and some short
sections where the surface may be loose so walking boots are highly
recommended. From early July until end September, the local fire authorities
restrict access to forested areas after 12 noon so early starts (8am) are
advised.
Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to walk
independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the
logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a
map and route notes so that you can walk at your own pace.
It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we
make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may
be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised
together. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone
number should you need it and in emergencies.
Your itinerary is a real treat for the senses, starting in the striking
perched village of St-Saturnin, nestled on the edge of the Plateau de
Vaucluse. Heading south you'll pass cherry orchards (with white cherry
blossom in spring) and take in wonderful aromas of pine forests, lavender and
wild herbs, before arriving in Roussillon with its 17 colours of
once-quarried ochre. Vineyards and olive groves dot your route as you head
towards Les Imberts and the charming village of Gordes whose architectural
delights and tiny streets full of shops and cafes are just perfect for
exploring. With the Luberon hills providing an enviable backdrop, you'll make
your way to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, with the option to visit the pretty
riverside town of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, before heading north across the
Vaucluse plateau for your final day and stunning views of Mont Ventoux and
the Dentelles de Montmirail.
Hotels
We've hand-picked high quality hotels for you to stay in, all of which boast
swimming pools in their extensive grounds. Your accommodation includes a 19th
century stately manor house with its own orangery and swimming pool; a
charming hotel with heated outdoor pool and spa facilities including a sauna,
hot tub and massage room; and a converted water mill whose millstreams are
now a tranquil water garden. We've included four evening meals, so you're
free to choose from some great nearby restaurants on your remaining nights.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. Your
luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. Please note:
the walking and luggage transfers included in this tour are subject to a
minimum of 2 people (in total) booked on the departure. A supplement (payable
in advance) to cover these transfers and sole occupancy of a room will apply
if only 1 person travelling on a departure date.
All continental breakfasts and 4 evening meals
Whilst not the most sophisticated of the French cuisines, most dishes
use the excellent tasting local fresh produce. Cooking à la Provençale
uses local olive oil, garlic, peppers, tomatoes, courgettes, aubergines and
wild herbs, all ripened by the sun to give an intensity of flavour. You
can browse among the colours and smells, and make picnic purchases at the
lively local markets.The proximity of the sea makes fish and seafood an
important element of the local cuisine. Regional dishes include the famous
bouillabaisse, a rich fish stew served with aioli and rouille; the bourride
– a lighter version of the bouillabaisse; pistou soupe (summer vegetable
soup with a blend of garlic, basil and olive oil); authentic ratatouille,
large colourful salads an delicious courgette flower fritters. Tapenade and
anchoïade are savoury dips made with local olives and anchovies;
pissaladière is an onion tart with olives and anchovies and is very likely
to have come from the Romans.
Making wine, particularly rosé, has been Provence’s specialty for a
long time. The grapes and soil throughout the region vary a lot, but the
hot, sunny and dry climate is ideal for the local wines. The local red
grape varieties are used because they cope well with strong sun exposure
and poor soils: Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Tibouren
and Calitor. The rosés are made out of the same varieties but the musts
only macerate for a few hours so the fruits’ skin don’t darken the juice
or release too many tannins.
Prices include our standard flights/transfers
British Airways Heathrow to Marseille 07:20/10:15 then rail Marseille to
Avignon TGV 12:39/13:19 and transfer to hotel 40 minutes. Return: Transfer to
station 40 minutes then rail Avignon TGV to Marseille 12:43/13:25 then
British Airways Marseille to Heathrow 16:50/17:50. Business/club/first class
seats are available on request.
Alternative transfers
If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a
different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these
for you (there may be an additional charge).
Standard transfers
Transfers included from Avignon TGV train station at 13:19, and back to
Avignon TGV train station at 11:50.
From early July until end September, the local fire authorities restrict
access to forested areas after 12 noon so early starts (8am) are advised.
Should customers wish to walk through the woods/forests on the main hunting
days it's advisable to wear a hi-visibility jacket. Please ensure you bring
your own. Otherwise alternative road routes will be offered.
* *
Temperatures tend to average around 30°C during the summer months and fall
to an average of 15°C during winter. The infamous Mistral wind can have a
great effect on the temperatures, particularly in the western part of
Provence.
July and August are very warm with little to no rainfall. Temperatures
tend to climb up to 30°C during the day. At night it cools off considerably,
especially on the coast, near a lake or in the mountains. In general, the
farther away from the coast the more oppressive the heat becomes during the
day.
The months around the high season are the most pleasant (May, June,
September, October) with average temperatures between 22°C and 27°C .
October is the most uncertain month of the four, but of course it can also be
a splendid month with warm, sunny days and practically no rain.
* Waterproofs
* Warm jumper/fleece
* Suncream
* Water bottle (1 litre) you will be able to refill each day at the
accommodation
* Walking boots
* Swimming Costume
You will need spending money for meals not included in the itinerary and all
drinks. We suggest €25 per day to cover a few drinks if not then €10 per
day. On the days where lunch or dinner is not included expect to spend
€10-€15 for lunch and €15-€35 for dinner.
* Travel insurance
* Single supplements
* Any Solo traveller supplements (where only one person is travelling on a
departure date)
* Visas and vaccinations
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.
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