Provence Winter Sun & Walking

Arrive in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue on your own. Discover the charming village, known as the "Venice of Provence," with its picturesque canals, historic waterwheels, and renowned antique shops. If you can plan it, the vibrant and traditional Sunday morning market is not to be missed. Accommodation: Spend 2 nights at a B&B with elegant, thoughtfully styled rooms blending French character with modern comforts. Enjoy beautifully presented communal spaces, a tranquil garden, and refined interiors that reflect the property’s artistic charm and attention to detail. All rooms are ensuite.

After breakfast, a short taxi ride takes you to the village of Fontaine de Vaucluse, home to a mystical water source: a well that seems to descend endlessly. For a more relaxed start or an easier walk, you can ask the driver to take you to the village of Cabrières d’Avignon instead. However, we highly recommend doing the full walk, as the first part offers breathtaking views, especially from the Mur de la Peste – the Plague Wall. The path climbs through pine and cedar forests along quiet trails, leading to a plateau with sweeping views of hilltop villages. Following the 300-year-old Plague Wall, built to protect Provence from the plague that struck Marseille in 1720, your walk ends at the stunning village of Gordes. This majestic village, perched on a rocky outcrop, is known for its dramatic grey stone homes rising steeply from the valley. Transfer back to Isle.

A short transfer brings you to Gordes. Today's circular walk takes you through fragrant thyme-filled fields, dotted with ancient stone huts, and down into the scenic Sénancole Valley. Before long, you’ll spot Sénanque Abbey (closed in January), a breathtaking structure built in 1148 and still in use today. It’s one of France’s best-preserved Romanesque buildings and a true architectural gem. You’ll have time to explore the abbey before retracing your steps to Gordes along a charming cobbled path. At the end of your walk, transfer to Saint Remy de Provence for your overnight. Accommodation: Two nights are spent in a comfortable and elegant 3* hotel in the centre of town.

Your walking day begins in Saint Rémy de Provence, where you’ll pass Saint Paul de Mausole; the monastery where Vincent van Gogh spent his final year. From there, you head up a peaceful valley, following a botanical trail to the ridge of the Alpilles Mountains, reaching the “Rocher des Deux Trous” viewpoint with outstanding vistas. You then have two choices: a relaxed descent back down the mountain or an exhilarating path along a rocky crest, adding some adventure and a major “wow” factor to the hike (before returning via the same gentle descent). The second option is more challenging, and may not be suitable unless you’re comfortable on uneven, jagged terrain.

Today’s picturesque forestry path runs high above the valley, offering stunning panoramic views. Your hiking route descends into the charming village of Maussane, where you can visit the renowned 17th-century Cornille Mill and sample some of Provence’s finest olive oil. At the end of your walking day, a private transfer will take you to Arles. Accommodation: spend your last night at a quaint 3* hotel very near to the Arles roman arena and theatre. It is a former 17th century mansion, rooms are classic and all ensuite.

Have your breakfast at the hotel in Arles after which our arrangements end. You may wish to enjoy a fee day in the beautiful town of Arles, the Rome of Provence. Its typical market on Saturday morning is famous and there is lots of art to be discovered, incl. the Vincent van Gogh Foundation and iconic LUMA cultural centre. You may wish to request an extra night.