Your holiday begins in the heart of Avignon where you can check into your accommodation for the evening. Standing high above the immense plains of the Rhone River it is easy to see why Avignon was chosen as the site for a fort. This strategic town is full of charm and tells its story through its architecture. Depending on your time of arrival, you will have the chance to wander through the labyrinth of ancient streets, relax with a coffee in the courtyards or visit the spectacular Popes Palace and famous Pont d'Avignon.

Today begins with a short transfer to St Remy de Provence. This pretty village is the epitome of Provencal France; its century-old plane tree lined streets leading you to welcoming squares and water fountains surrounded by boutiques and cafes. You will have time to enjoy a coffee, pick up a picnic lunch and soak in the atmosphere before heading off on your walk.

Your route will take you up in to the Alpilles Region Natural Park along a spectacular ridge-line for breath-taking views over the lavender fields and honey-coloured stone villages. Along the way you will reach Saint-Paul de Mausole Monastery where Van Gogh painted during his year of confinement. Today the Monastery remains a psychiatric health institution that encourages its residents to express themselves through art which is exhibited to visitors. It is said that Van Gogh created over 150 paintings during his time here along with some of his best work. Returning to St Remy you can appreciate how an artist could draw so much artistic inspiration from the region as you experience the village by evening light.

If you are feeling energetic today there is an option to add an extension to your walk to enjoy a longer and more challenging route home.
18km / 550m ascent / 550m descent/ 6 hours walking

Today you will cross the craggy limestone range of the Alpilles mountains to reach the village of Maussane. Heading south out of St Remy, your route will take you to Peirou Lake, dammed in Roman times to manage the flow of water into the ancient town of Glanum. From here, you will pick up the GR6 trail and follow the waymarks to reach a panoramic forest path. Tracking through shrubby landscape, you may catch the scent of thyme and cistus flowers, and enjoy far-reaching views of the mountains to the north and the flatlands to the south.

Dropping down on the other side of the ridge, the trail winds gently toward the base of the Alpilles, taking you through olive groves and vineyards before arriving to the village of Mausanne. As you wander through its narrow streets, you can find old olive presses, producing high quality oil from the olive groves that you will have walked through earlier. Be sure to enjoy a tasting of this famous local product, protected under the label of Huile d'Olive des Baux de Provence. Tonight you will stay in this charming town nestled at the foot of the Alpilles.

Your route today will take you to discover Les Baux-de-Provence, perched high on a rocky spur from which it takes its name (in Provençal, a bauç is a rocky spur). Setting off on your loop walk this morning from Maussane, you will walk through bucolic fields to reach the foot of the imposing outcrop on which the village, also called Baux, is positioned. Taking a hidden path, you will ascend the steep-sided flanks, gaining views of the Alpilles as you climb. Reaching the medieval village of Les Baux-de-Provence, you can wander through its pretty streets and chateau ruins and understand why the village has been accredited as 'one of the most beautiful villages in France'. Ironically, the village is technically owned by Monaco's Royal family, the Grimaldis, having been gifted in 1642 but is administrated by France. You will have time to explore this popular spot before walking through vast olive groves to return to Maussane. At the end of your walk, you will be transferred to your accommodation in the heart of Arles.

Positioned on the banks of the Rhône River, the city of Arles has been recognised on UNESCO's World Heritage List and boasts of numerous impressive Roman remains. You have a free day today to soak up the atmosphere of this fascinating city, stroll the narrow streets and discover little cafes in which you can watch the world go by.

Heading out from your hotel on foot, you are within easy reach of the major Roman ruins in the compact old centre, such as the magnificent Arenes d'Arles and the Theatre Antique. The Vincent Van Gogh Foundation can also be found in Arles, paying homage to his works as well as a broader exploration of his influence upon contemporary artists. A fitting tribute to his finest masterpieces inspired by his time in Arles.

In the afternoon, make your way by rail to Isle sur la Sorgue with your luggage. Encircled by clear waters of the Sorgue River and crossed with emerald-green canals, it is little surprise that this pretty island city came to be known as the 'Provencal Venice'. Originally a fishing village, the ability to harness the power of water enabled industries to thrive; the remnants of the textile and paper-making industries are evidenced by the water wheels that still turn in the canals around the town. Once you are settled in to your hotel, head into the old town and enjoy an al fresco dinner at one of the many restaurants available, basking in the lively atmosphere.

After breakfast you will take a transfer to the medieval village of Lacoste, a little gem which remains untouched by modern tourism. Your route will take you past old stone farmhouses and into Lacoste where the imposing ruins of castle of Marquis de Sade sit at the heart of the village. Here you can stroll through the cobbled streets and soak up its charm before continuing on to the town of Bonnieux, famed for its setting for Peter Mayle's novel 'A year in Provence' and a good spot to stop for lunch. Leaving Bonnieux you enter into the Grand Luberon accompanied by lavender fields before reaching the village of Buoux. Your accommodation for the evening is just beyond the village nestled within the peace and tranquillity of the Aiguebrun Gorge. Here you will be welcomed by the Pessemesse family who restored the 17th century goat farm into a peaceful guesthouse providing a detox from the modern technologies of wifi, mobile phones and television allowing you to truly relax into the Provencal way of life.

Your final walk of the week takes you through the Aiguebrun canyon, passing stone wall terraces and farmlands to reach the lost hamlet of Sivergues. Your route continues through the town and surrounding lavender fields before reaching the truffle plantations of Saignon. It is beneath the shaded oak trees which line the plantations where the 'black diamonds' grow, waiting for the locals to harvest them in the new year. Saignon itself is a beautiful town with its shuttered buildings lining the village square and fountain. Life moves at a slow pace here in the village; making for an idyllic spot to take your lunch and enjoy a coffee while you watch the world go by. The rest of the way is a leisurely descent to your final stop, Apt, where you can tuck in to a celebratory meal to round off a wonderful week of walking in beautiful Provence.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your accommodation before making your onward journey. If you are lucky enough to have the time we recommend exploring this beautiful town further and indulging yourself in some of the delicious fare that is abundant here - hence its classification as a "site remaquable du gout", or a place of wonderful tastes. On Saturday mornings, Apt hosts the biggest market in the Luberon which draws many locals from all around. The town also hosts a farmer's market with local produce every Tuesday morning. If you would like to extend your stay here, please speak with one of our friendly sales team for more details.