2
introductory to moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in hotels and guesthouses
Meals
  • 1 Dinner
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£1270GBP

Overview

Trip Code: JPP

Walking in the Luberon Trip highlights


  • The famous Auberge des Seguins in Buoux
  • Picturesque village of Isle sur la Sorgue and its Sunday morning market
  • Natural spring Fontaine de Vaucluse
  • Gordes & the Senanque Abbaye surrounded by lavender fields
  • Bonnieux with its two churches
  • Chateau de Buoux and 12th century Chapelle de Ste. Marie
  • Saignon: the Luberon village perched high above the world

The sublime light and scent of Provence has attracted artists for many years. With each turn, the Luberon Mountains offer a new discovery; 1000 year old perched villages rising spectacularly from the valleys below, many of which are considered the most beautiful in France. Open fields laden with poppies and wildflowers; centuries old stone huts that offer intimate picnic spots and beautiful trails far from the beaten track. From the town of Isle sur la Sorgue, with its antiques and Venice-like canals, your journey will take you through the mysterious springs of Fontaine de Vaucluse, famed villages such as Gordes and Bonnieux, Saignon with its castles and onto Apt for their famous Saturday morning market.

Countries:

France

Starting Point:

Isle sur la Sorgue

Finishing Point:

Isle sur la Sorgue


Arrive in the town of Isle sur la Sorgue which is surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Sorgue River. The town's Sunday market is among the most colourful in Provence with a mixture of antiques, crafts, ceramics and food. Stroll the canals which are boarded by quaint cafes, restaurants and antique shops. Lose yourself among a labyrinth of narrow streets and in the town's warm, Provencal charm. Accommodation: 2* hotel in a balcony room set on the banks of the Sorgue River. The hotel has a swimming pool and car parking facilities. Upgrade to 4 star hotel available.

Meals:  Nil

A short transfer by taxi will take you to Fontaine de Vaucluse, the mysterious spring that heads the Sorgue River. Through cedar forests you follow a 300 year old mur de la peste: a stone wall built to protect Provence from the 1720 plague. After walking through Cabrieres and its castle, the path leads to Gordes, a town built of majestic grey limestone, rising dramatically out of the valley and crowned by its Renaissance castle. Accommodation: 3* 19th century charming hotel with heated swimming pool, garden and restaurant.

Meals:  B

Small market on Tuesday June - September | Today's circular walk takes you through thyme-laden fields dotted with old stone huts and down into the Senancole valley. Soon Senanque Abbey will appear: built in 1148, and still in use, the abbey is one of the best conserved Romanesque buildings in France and certainly one of its most magnificent. You will have time to explore the abbey before returning to Gordes via a cobbled path.

Meals:  B

Market on Thursday morning June to September | Short morning transfer to the village of Goult. Crossing the Calavon Valley you pass the ruins of ancient stone farmhouses before reaching the town of Lacoste. Crowned by the ruins of the castle of the Marquis de Sade, Lacoste offers a stunning ensemble of old village gates and cobbled streets, not to mention the haunting allure of the castle. A great place to have a picnic or lunch in one of the restaurants. You continue to Bonnieux which is another gem of the Luberon, immortalised in Peter Mayle's "A Year in Provence". Visit its beautiful town square and the old cobbled steps leading to its 12th century church. Accommodation: Two nights in a 2* family run hotel located right in the heart of Bonnieux. Upgrade to a 3* family run B&B located in the centre with swimming pool.

Meals:  B

Market on Friday mornings | Climbing to the highest reaches of the Luberon Mountains you reach its cedar forests. Its dark, green canopy providing the perfect shade and shelter for a picnic lunch, and awe-inspiring views extending from the Alps all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. Approximately half of the day's walking is up and the other half is down. Return to Bonnieux.

Meals:  B

The first half of the walk is leisurely along back country roads. Be sure to look back to admire Bonnieux as you leave. On the plateaus you walk through truffle oak plantations and by exquisite stone villas. After the Col du Pointu Pass, you have reached the Grand Luberon. A quaint path through the oak forests leads to the Chateau de Buoux then up to the 12th century Chapelle de Ste. Marie. You walk alongside imposing cliffs before taking a cobbled mule track descending in hairpin turns to the base of the Aiguebrun Valley where you will find your overnight accommodation. Accommodation: The 2* Auberge des Seguins at the base of the Aiguebrun Gorge is a breathtaking 17th century goat farm restored and converted into a hotel in harmony with the original buildings. Rooms are basic while the location is stunning. The property boasts no television, wifi or cell phone reception - a lovely escape from modern life where you can enjoy your surroundings.

Meals:  B,D

Walk at the base of the Aiguebrun Gorge, the only permanent river of the Luberon mountains, its massive limestone walls and luxuriant vegetation. You climb out of the canyon to reach the lost hamlet of Sivergues before crossing the Aiguebrun and climbing up to the Claparèdes plateau, with its lavender fields and truffle oak plantations. Soon after you reach the medieval village of Saignon, a truly hidden gem of the Luberon and the ruins of its three castles. Stop off at one of the shady cafe terraces to enjoy a refreshing drink before continuing onwards down to Apt. Accommodation: 2* family-run hotel located in the pedestrian area of Apt. Upgrade option to an elegant 3* hotel in a 19th century house in the old town of Apt.

Meals:  B

Short morning transfer to Saignon (10min). Crossing the Calavon Valley, you reach the world’s largest ochre deposit: a stunning palette of yellow, orange, and red sands. The maritime pine trees with their long and bright needles offer a beautiful contrast to the ochre soils. Before arriving in Rustrel, consider taking a short detour to discover the historic ochre quarries in an area known as the “Colorado Provençal.” Here, you can choose between two loop routes to explore the heart of this unique and colourful landscape. From Rustrel, transfer to Isle sur la Sorgue where arrangements end.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 7 breakfasts & 1 dinner
  • 7 nights in hotels and guesthouses on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Luggage transfer
  • Taxi transfers days 2, 4 & 8
  • Information pack including route notes, maps
  • Emergency hotline
  • GPX files

  • Lunches, dinners & beverages
  • Entrance fees
  • Travel Insurance
  • Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
  • Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
  • Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
  • Upgrade to charming hotels or guesthouses
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Guide - this is a self guided holiday
  • Excess Luggage

Suitability

introductory to moderate

2

The walking on this tour is varied: Introductory - Moderate. (Grade 2). Although due to the length of walks and terrain we would classify the tour as more moderate. Note that some trails are quite rough and stony. A reasonable level of fitness and ability on rocky paths is required. You need good boots throughout the tour: The trails are generally good, but on occasion there are steep or winding sections of loose limestone shingle. Carry plenty of drinking water and adequate protection against the sun, including a sun hat.


Departure dates

Daily from 31 Mar to 25 Jun & 29 Aug to 15 Nov

Notes

H
High Season
Note:
High season is from 31 Mar to 14 Oct. A supplement applies for high season departures.
NB:
Upgrade to charming 3-4* hotels possible (except Buoux). See below for pp prices based on twin sharing. Ask our team for single room upgrade prices or prices for a solo traveller.

Priceper person from

£1270GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • 2024 Upgraded Hotels SupplementGBP£180
  • Upgraded Hotels SupplementGBP£180
  • 2024 Single Room SupplementGBP£440
  • Single Room SupplementGBP£440
  • 2024 High Season Single SupplementGBP£490
  • High Season Single SupplementGBP£500
  • 2024 Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£800
  • Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£810
  • 2024 High Season Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£850
  • High Season Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£860
*Prices listed are per person

Walking in the Luberon Trip reviews


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