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Walking in Provence

France - Trip code WPV Walking and Trekking
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Provence is wonderful region to explore on foot. On this journey, mornings are spent on the trail, tracking the shifting landscapes from the rugged, jagged crests of the Dentelles de Montmirail to the pine forests of the Alpilles. Our walks take us past ancient olive orchards that produce the region's protected oils, across vineyard tracks leading to local cellars, and follow paths carved directly into limestone gorges. Along the way, the local culture is introduced through the people who shape it-including a private tasting of local cuvées at a wine cooperative and a guided visit to a regional distillery.We based ourselves in three of the region's most iconic and characterful settings, the charming village of Seguret, the elegant town of Saint-Remy-de-Provence, and the historic walled city of Avignon getting right to the heart of Provence's best-known, definitive landscapes.

Why we love this trip
  • Dentelles Trails and Wine Tasting - Hike beneath striking limestone ridges from Gigondas to Beaumes-de-Venise, concluding with an expert-led, four-cuvée tasting at a traditional Rhone Valley winery.
  • Alpilles Ridgelines and Saint Remy - Walk the wild pine forests that inspired Van Gogh before tracking a dramatic crest path for bird's-eye views over the fortress of Les Baux.
  • The Val d'Enfer and Avignon - Explore the wind-carved gorges and the UNESCO listed Gothic Palais des Papes in Avignon

  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 7

    Lunch: 1

    Dinner: 1

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Driver(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

    Cable Car

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    Accommodation

    7 nights comfortable hotel

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    Walking grade:

    Leisurely and Moderate

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    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 15
    Explore average 11

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join trip at our hotel in Seguret

Our Provence walking tour starts today in Seguret, a charming village at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail.

Our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for welcome meeting. There are no other activities planned today, so you have time to explore the village at your own pace.

If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Marseilles airport (MRS), which is about a one-hour drive from our hotel.

Accommodation:

Domaine de Cabasse (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Visit Vaison la Romaine; walk from Sainte Madeleine du Barroux Abbey to Chateau du Barroux

We begin with a short drive to medieval Vaison-la-Romaine, where history spans from antiquity to the Middle Ages. After wandering the old town and Roman ruins, we transfer to Sainte-Madeleine du Barroux Abbey, the starting point of our short hike along vineyard tracks and rural lanes to the Chateau du Barroux. During the hike we'll have a picnic lunch prepared by our guide.

As we approach the end of the walk, we're rewarded with a panoramic view of Mont Ventoux - one of the most iconic peaks in the Tour de France. There'll then be time for a self-guided tour of the chateau and a guided tour of the distillery.

Today's 6 kilometre/3.7 mile walk has a total ascent of 150 metres/492 feet and descent of 180 metres/590 feet. We expect it to take around two hours.

Accommodation:

Domaine de Cabasse (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Discover Les Dentelles de Montmirail on foot; tasting at a local winery

Today we hike from Gigondas to Beaumes-de-Venise, winding through vineyards and the aromatic landscape. The trail offers spectacular views of the jagged Dentelles ridges before descending into a village surrounded by orchards. We'll finish up with a visit to Cave de Beaumes de Venise Rhonea, a local winery, for a tasting. Along with a visit to the cellars and introduction to the wine production, we'll have the opportunity to taste four of Rhonea's must-try cuvees.

Today's 11 kilometre/6.8 mile walk has a total ascent of 250 metres/820 feet and descent of 400 metres/1312 feet. We expect it to take around four and a half hours.

Accommodation:

Hôtel Le Nesk (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 4 - Transfer to Monieux, walk the Gorges de la Nesque in Mont Ventoux Regional Natural Park

We drive to Monieux to explore the Gorges de la Nesque, a spectacular canyon in the heart of the Mont Ventoux Regional Natural Park. Our route takes us deep into the gorge where we can see the clear waters framed by towering cliffs. The landscape here is wild, connecting the peaceful Lac du Bourget with the winding course of the Nesque River. We'll also come across the Saint-Michel Chapel, a remarkable 12th century Romanesque building that is partially built directly into a vast rocky overhang and is only accessible on foot.

At the end of our walk, we drive back to our hotel.

Our 10 kilometre/ 6.2 mile walk is expected to take four hours, with an elevation gain and loss of around 400 metres/1312 feet

Accommodation:

Hôtel Le Nesk (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 5 - Drive to Gordes Village for a circular walk, including Senanque Abbey.

This morning we'll drive to the dramatic village of Gordes our next base. With winding cobbled lanes and tall stone houses clinging to the cliffs of the Vaucluse Plateau , all the while dominated by its chateau, Gordes is one of the most beautiful villages in France. Our walk today showcases some of the Luberon's most memorable sites such as the Village des Bories, an open-air museum made up of dry-stone huts, called 'bories', built without mortar. and the Senanque Abbey. This Cistercian monastery is nestled in a secluded valley and has been home to a community of monks for nearly 900 years. We'll return to Gordes on foot and check in to our hotel.

Our 10 kilometre/ 6.2 mile walk is expected to take four hours, with an elevation gain of around 400 metres/1,312 feet, and a loss of around 375 metres/1230 feet.

Accommodation:

Le Mas de la Senancole (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 6 - Transfer to St Remy and walk the ridgeline to Baux de Provence

After breakfast, we drive to the elegant town of Saint-Remy-de-Provence, a place synonymous with both Roman history and artistic legacy. Vincent van Gogh spent a prolific year here, inspired by the unique Provencal light to paint masterpieces such as The Starry Night.

We begin a progressive ascent on rocky trails through pine forests and the limestone crags of the Alpilles. As we cross the Vallon de la Fontaine and the Plateau des Antiques, the landscape opens up into far-reaching views over the vast Crau plain. The trail then follows a dramatic ridgeline, providing 360-degree panoramas of the rugged massif. The day's highlight is our approach to Les Baux-de-Provence; arriving from above, we enjoy a near bird's eye perspective of this medieval eagle's nest perched on a rocky spur.

The village has been officially recognized as one of the most beautiful in France, and on arrival we have time to explore its cobbled lanes and visit the majestic Chateau des Baux. This sprawling fortress offers a fascinating glimpse into the turbulent history of the lords of Baux before we transfer back to Saint-Remy for the evening.

Our 10 kilometre/ 6.2 mile walk is expected to take four hours, with an elevation gain of around 385 metres/1263 feet, and a loss of around 230 metres/754 feet.

Accommodation:

Hôtel Amandière (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 7 - Transfer to Les Baux de Provence for a walk in the Baux valley, transfer to Avignon for a guided tour.

We begin our final walking day with a short but atmospheric loop hike in the Baux valley. Setting out from the foot of the limestone cliffs, our path leads us through the ancient olive orchards that are the source of the region's famous AOC olive oil before entering the Val d\ Enfer (Valley of Hell). This narrow gorge is a landscape of limestone formations carved into bizarre shapes by centuries of erosion that is said to have inspired Dante's Divine Comedy.

In the afternoon we transfer to Avignon, the UNESCO World Heritage city on the banks of the Rhone. We head out on a guided tour of the 'City of the Popes', wandering through its medieval streets and grand squares. One of the highlights of our visit is a tour of the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes). As the largest Gothic palace in the world, this fortress-like residence was the seat of Western Christianity during the 14th century. We'll explore its vaulted ceremonial halls, cloisters, and private chapels adorned with priceless frescoes, gaining a true sense of the power and opulence of the medieval papacy.

Our final walk covers 7 kilometres /4.3 miles and is expected to take two hours and 30 minutes, with an ascent and descent of 200 metres/ 656 feet.

Accommodation:

Hôtel Le Colbert (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 8 - The trip ends in Avignon

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Avignon.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Marseilles Provence airport (MRS), which is approximately a one-hour drive from our hotel.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

France

Climate

Across France, from April - August, weather conditions are generally warm and pleasant with moderate rainfall; Autumn temperatures are a bit lower and the winter months (though colder) remain mild. Winds can be strong all year around. The summer months on the Mediterranean Coast in the south tend to be warmer than the rest of France and have less rainfall, and also more mild winters; freezing conditions are nearly unheard of. The mountainous areas of the Alps, Juras and Pyrenees can be quite different. During summer the morning and evening temperatures are considerably cooler and it becomes much colder in winter with heavy snowfall. Western France, along the English Channel, there can be very strong winds and frequent rain during the winter months Nov - Apr. Wine harvesting takes place in late August/early September.

Time difference to GMT

+1

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Catholic

Language

French

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.




Clothing

Pack for warm, dry days with the option of cooler mornings and evenings. Lightweight, breathable clothing works best for walking, with layers that can be added or removed as temperatures shift.
For the trails, comfortable walking trousers or shorts and moisture-wicking tops are ideal. A light long-sleeved layer can help with sun protection, while a warmer layer - such as a fleece or light jumper - is useful for early starts or breezy ridgelines.
We also recommend bringing a lightweight waterproof or windproof jacket, as weather can change quickly, particularly with the Mistral wind.
For time off the trails, casual, comfortable clothing is suitable for exploring villages and evenings out. A hat, sunglasses and sun protection are essential

Footwear

We recommend sturdy walking shoes or lightweight walking boots with good grip, as much of the terrain is uneven, from rocky limestone paths to loose gravel and short stretches of exposed ridge.
It's important that your footwear is well worn-in before the trip to avoid discomfort on consecutive walking days. For time off the trails, bring a more relaxed pair of shoes or sandals for evenings and exploring villages.
Good socks can make a difference too - breathable pairs will help keep your feet comfortable in the warmer Provençal climate.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

One main piece of baggage and a waterproof daysack (25-30 litres is recommended as sufficient to carry clothing, picnic, water etc).

Equipment

Reusable water bottle
Trekking poles can be useful if you are used to using them but are not essential
High factor sun cream



Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may however, want to recognise a leader that has done a great job or made a positive contribution to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It is a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we would recommend £35 to £50 per person per week as a guideline.
Local crew
Service is included in French restaurants, although it is polite to tip 10% if the service has been very good. Bar staff and café waiters expect a small tip or loose change.

France

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£17
Dinner price
£20.00 - 25.00
Beer price
£4
Water price
£1.3
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Euro
Recommended Currency For Exchange
Pounds Sterling and US Dollars can only be changed in larger airports with a Bureau de Change. Please change currency into Euros prior to arriving in France.
Where To Exchange
Bureau de Change can only be found in major cities and large airports. Many French banks no longer exchange Foreign currency.
ATM Availability
In cities and most major towns
Credit Card Acceptance
In major restaurants (make sure you have informed your credit card company that you are travelling abroad as some companies will reject payments)
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus, Cable Car

Accommodation notes

We stay in comfortable three-star hotels, chosen for their local character and location within the region's most distinctive settings.
Across the trip, accommodation is spread between Seguret, Saint-Remy-de-Provence and Avignon - each offering a different perspective on the region.
Facilities are simple but well suited to the trip, with en suite rooms and spaces to relax at the end of the day.

Food and drink

Food and drink here reflect the landscape as much as the walks do. Olive oil, wine and seasonal produce sit at the centre of the Provencal table, and the itinerary weaves in opportunities to experience them up close.
Expect simple, regional cooking shaped by what grows here. Menus often feature dishes like ratatouille, slow-cooked daubes, grilled meats with herbs, and fresh salads built around tomatoes, olives and seasonal vegetables. You'll also come across Provençal staples such as tapenade, locally produced olive oil and slices of pissaladière.
Wine is an easy constant - think light rosés from nearby vineyards, alongside reds from the Rhone Valley. Aperitifs tend towards pastis or a chilled glass of rosé, while meals are often rounded off with a local digestif or a small coffee.

France

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. Our price guarantee does not apply to Polar Voyages. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information

France: Visas are not required by UK, E.U Nationals, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.


For customers visiting the EU, or transiting via EU countries, please be aware that the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is being rolled out, with full operation from 10 April 2026. This means that when you travel into, or depart from, the Schengen area for short stays, you will need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration. On your first entry or exit into a Schengen country, you will be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk.

At some ports and international stations allow for extra time as there may be increased wait times while EES registration is completed before passengers leave the UK and transit through a EU country. Once initial registration has been completed future entering or exiting of an EU Schengen country should be simplified as only a single fingerprint scan or facial recognition scan will be required.

If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

France

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory. Tetanus recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

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Airport Transfers
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