Provence Hiking Tour : Les Baux de Provence and Gordes

Arrival in Avignon and we will transfer you to Les Baux de Provence. Installation in your charming hotel. Les Baux is just above Saint Remy de Provence where you go next. The castle, towering over the village is one of the most visited places of interest in France. Castle and village offer fabulous panoramas, village monuments, museums, art galleries and workshops.

A small route that is part of the GR 6 will take you along from the Citadel of Les Baux de Provence. We propose you to walk to the Val d'Enfer and its rock formations. You can enjoy a «son et lumiere» (sound and light) show in the old stone quarries of the Cathedral of Images. On your way back to Saint-Remy, there is a viewpoint indicator where you can overlook the area. A scenic downhill and the old Chemin d'Arles will guide you back to Saint Remy. Originally a Greco-Roman town is now about 10000 population but a very famous place. 16th and 17th century architecture, museums, and great cuisine mark it as a must see. The monastery of St Paul de Mausole (Van Gogh was held here) and the cathedral deserve a visit. Wednesday morning is a market day, one of the biggest in Provence, so plan accordingly if you want to see it.

Distance : 10 Km (6 mi).

Elevation : 204 m.

Note : In July, August & September due to fire risks, the forestry service still has the right to close the trails as needed due to the reason above. (Contact Tourist Office in Baux +334 90 54 34 39).

The countryside east of Saint-Remy is dominated by the Alpilles (small Alps), a scenic small mountain range with a maximum altitude of 350m (1100 ft). At the monastery of Saint-Paul de Mausole you hit the trail who will lead you on the crest of the Alpilles to Eygalieres where you will stay the night. You follow the GR6 on a narrow path which is impressive but no so complicated. Wonderful 360° view. Eygalieres is a pretty village between the mountain and the plain. A "one horse town" with some cosy outdoor cafes, typical Provençal shops and high quality restaurants. A short walk uphill (along the church) will bring you to a chapel ruin with bell tower from where you have a great panorama. If time, visit the remarkable Chapel of Sainte Sixte and its cypress trees.

A short and easy option take you on a path along the vineyards.

Distance : 13 (8mi) or 15 Km (9 mi).

Elevation : 165m or 380 m.

Transfer by taxi to Isle Sur La Sorgue, this old fishing town located at the parting of the Sorgue river. Antique lovers come to this town, especially for the Sunday market. See also the 12th century church and then hike on to Fontaine de Vaucluse also famous for a romanesque church and of course its «fontaine» or spring. Transfer is fixed for 9:30 Am.

Distance : 11 Km (7 mi).

Elevation : 270 m.

About 1km south of the village you pick up the trail that will take you to Gordes, awarded the Most Beautiful Villages of France. The homes, built of drystone architecture, are built on the rocky outcrop which overlooks the valley of the Coulon River and the Luberon Parc. On your itinerary you will have the possibility to visit the superb 12th century Romanesque Senanque Abbey still lived in by monks and open to the public but closed on Sunday mornings; surrounded by lavender fields.

Distance : 16 Km (10 mi).

Elevation : 680 m.

A walk along quiet roads and dirt path of the GR6 GR 97 will lead you to Roussillon, also ranked among "The Most Beautiful Villages of France" and famous for its red and gold ochre cliffs. On the way back you walk close to typical "mas" (old farmhouse) of the Luberon valley.

Distance : Max. 22 Km (14 mi).

Elevation : 370 m.

Today is departure day, you can take your time getting started in the morning, have breakfast and depart at your leisure. Transfer to Avignon (included) where you can add extra nights or catch a train to Paris. Transfer is scheduled for 09:30 am to the Avignon TGV station. Allow 1 hour travel time before a train departure. If you need this transfer for another time, please let us know.