Arrival in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

You are met in Avignon and transferred about 25 minutes to the classic southern French town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where you may relax with an apéritif of chilled pastis (the local anise liquor) in the shade of the fig trees your hotel is named after. After settling in to your room, a short walk takes you to a nearby restaurant for dinner.

Van Gogh loop; 7km/4.4mi/2.5hr, 660-ft elevation gain and loss or 18km/11.2mi/6hr, 1,800-ft elevation gain and loss

Today you follow the Van Gogh trail, lined with reproductions of his paintings facing the very scenes that inspired them. From there you follow a winding botanical path up a gradual trail and to the crest of the Alpilles mountains. Aromatic herbs and wildflowers carpet the hills as the views extend far into the horizon—a perfect setting for a picnic lunch. Upon your return to Saint-Rémy, the rest of the day is at your leisure, and you may explore the Roman ruins of Glanum or the former monastery where Van Gogh spent the last year of his life.

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence to Les Baux-de-Provence; 9km/5.6mi/3.5hr, 700-ft elevation gain and 330-ft elevation loss

Today, once again, you leave Saint-Rémy on foot, but this time taking a different path than yesterday’s walk, to the top of the windswept Alpilles. A rolling trail following the ridge is complete with awe-inspiring 360-degree views, which continue as the path gently undulates towards the medieval village of Les Baux-de-Provence, set atop its rocky perch. In addition to eating lunch (before 2 pm if you opt for a sit-down restaurant), there is time to visit the village, including the Carrière de Lumières, famed for its unique audio-visual shows, before an afternoon transfer of 1 hour to the Lubéron mountains and the village of Gordes, your home for the next two nights, and classified as one of the “most beautiful villages of France.” After settling in to your hotel, you step out for a dinner of Provencal specialties.

Abbey de Sénanque loop; 10km/6.2mi/3.5hr, 820-ft elevation gain and loss

The paths around Gordes are lined with old stone walls, lone farmhouses, and bories—centuries-old round shepherd’s huts constructed from dry stone. You follow the paths into the valley and soon the vision of the 12th-century Sénanque Abbey appears, situated among some of the very few lavender fields in the area (which are in bloom from late June through July). After a picnic lunch overlooking the magnificent 850-year-old Cistercian abbey, a somewhat steep climb brings you back to your hotel, where the late afternoon relaxation may include a refreshing swim before a drink and dinner.

Lacoste to Bonnieux; 10km/6.2mi/3hr, 900-ft elevation gain and loss

A short taxi transfer of about 15 minutes takes you towards the Calavon valley and the village of Lacoste, home of the infamous Marquis de Sade and the remains of his castle. Heading back into the valley, and through cherry orchards, vineyards, and truffle oak plantations, you reach the village of Bonnieux, crowned by its 12th-century church huddled under the canopy of massive cedar trees. There are many dining options to choose from for lunch in Bonnieux, before you continue on your way through old country lanes, lined with magnificent stone homes. A centuries-old mule track leads you down to your hotel for the next two nights, nestled by the river in the Aiguebrun valley.

Aiguebrun Valley loop, 9.5km/6mi/3.5hr, 800-ft elevation gain and loss

Leaving the hotel by foot, a country road in a shaded valley leads to the unfinished medieval castle of Buoux. Beyond the castle, a short climb leads to the timeless village of Buoux, a handful of tightly knit stone homes gathered around a few cobbled streets. Your path leads to the edge (but not too close!) of an impressive limestone cliff, at the bottom of which is a 17th-century goat farm, and where your lunch is waiting. Farther along the ledge you will find a beautiful cobbled track that zigzags slowly down to the base of the canyon, and right into your restaurant, set in the Aiguebrun Valley. After lunch you follow a seldom-used and lush path along the Aiguebrun River, letting the waters guide you back to your hotel.

Departure

You bid farewell to Provence and transfer back (approximately 55 minutes) to Avignon after breakfast.