When going on one of our Self-Guided Walking trips in Provence, France, you will discover the Charm of the South of France, at the perfect, slower, independent pace, to soak up everything this beautiful region has to offer.
Experience the timeless beauty of stunning Provence with a self-guided walking holiday designed for travelers who love freedom, flexibility, and authentic French countryside charm. Wander through lavender fields, vineyards, and hilltop villages, savoring the region’s warm sunshine, Mediterranean scents and flavours, and relaxed pace of life.
Our Provence walking holidays are centred in the Luberon and southern Rhone regions which offer a fantastic variety of landscapes ideal for hikers. Each route combines scenic trails, medieval villages like Gordes, Roussillon, and Menerbes, and opportunities to sample local wine, olive oil, and Provençal cuisine along the way.
All of our tours start and end in Avignon; if you have time on your walking holiday, we recommend adding a night or two in this historic city for explorations there as well. Don’t hesitate to ask if you’d like us to help organize a walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage centre, or a cooking class, to enhance your stay. Located on the banks of the Rhône River, Avignon is one of the most captivating cities in Provence. The city’s most iconic landmark, the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), stands as a stunning reminder of Avignon’s medieval past, when it was the seat of the papacy in the 14th century. Nearby, the legendary Pont d’Avignon (Pont Saint-Bénézet) — immortalized in the famous French song — stretches partway across the Rhône, offering panoramic views of the old town and surrounding countryside. Take time to wander through the Old Town and its charming Provençal markets and of course enjoy local Côtes du Rhône wines and Provençal cuisine at outdoor cafés
The Luberon Valley, written about with humour and warlth in Peter Mayle’s book, a Year in Provence, is a fantastic starting point for a Provencal Walking Holiday. Each of the famous “hilltop villages” has its unique charmes, and you’ll get to enjoy and compare during your self-guided tour.
Roussillon has remarkable ochre quarries that you can ramble through, Bonnieux, like a long ship atop a hill, invites explorations of all its nooks, Lacoste, with the crumbling ruins of the Marqui de la Sade’s castle and artist communities, Gordes, one of France’s official Prettiest Villages, is worth meandering off the beaten track…
Northwards from the Luberon, you approach the mighty Mont Ventoux – which you’ll appreciate not having to climb up, but just admire from afar! The southern Cote de Rhone wine villages make for ideal hikes – scented
southern pine, lush vineyards, interspersed with beautiful authentic Provencal villages. Stop for a tasting of the hearty red wines of Gigondas, a bistro lunch in Vacqueyras, or explore Seguret – yup – another “Prettiest Village”.
Take the time to taste the intense olive oils at the Olive mill in Beaumes de Venise (as well as the towns delicious sweet dessert wines. These walks skirt along the very pretty Dentelles de Montmirail hill chain, with its dainty, lacy silhouette against the intense blue skies.
Our Provence Walking Tours also take you to the Roman town of Beaumes de Venise, with its Roman Bridge, built in the 1st century BC! The town, with its Roman Theatre is intermingled with charming specialty boutiques of Provencal pottery, fabrics, and wonderful restaurants.
If you decide on a Provence Walking Tour in June and July, you’ll love seeing the lavender in bloom – but it is beautiful and aromatic throughout the season. And of course, a highlight of the region is the cuisine, with the fresh Mediterranean ingredients, tomatoes, peppers, garlic, fruits from the numerous orchards, olives (!!) and fish and seafood from the nearby seas.
Wines are prevalent on every bistro menu, with the rich Cotes de Rhone, hearty Chateauneuf du Papes, sweet Beaumes de Venise, and of course crisp and delicious rosé wines!
In taking one of our self-guided walking tours, you can explore at your own pace, with carefully planned routes, detailed maps, and local accommodation in hand-picked hotels. Enjoy the best of both worlds: independence and support. You’ll walk from village to village with luggage transfers to each hotel, insider tips, and GPS navigation for stress-free walking. We provide dense regional information for every day, and are always an easy call away if you have any questions during your Walking Vacation.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a leisurely walker, our Provence self-guided walks offer trips to suit all levels. Choose a longer or shorter tour, and of you want more time to relax or explore, consider the Nice ‘N Easy itinerary, with shorter daily distances. The gentle rhythm of walking allows you to truly connect with the landscape, culture, and people that make this region so enchanting.
From April to October, the weather is warm and the countryside bursts with color. Spring brings wildflowers and fresh air poppies and cherries, while summer showcases lavender at its peak, as well as the region’s succulent apricots, and peaches, and incredibly sweet Cavaillon melons. Autumn offers quiet trails and the golden hues of the grape harvest.
