Landscapes of the Luberon Walk
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating 9-day journey through the heart of Provence, France. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the medieval town of Pernes-les-Fontaines to the vibrant ochre cliffs of Roussillon, each day brings a new adventure. Wander through vineyards, olive groves, and lavender fields, explore charming villages, and marvel at panoramic views of the Luberon valley. Enjoy the comfort of handpicked hotels, and savor the flavors of Provencal cuisine. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or a foodie, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.
Included
All continental breakfasts and 4 evening meals Whilst not the most sophisticated of the French cuisines, most dishes use the excellent tasting local fresh produce. Cooking à la Provençale uses local olive oil, garlic, peppers, tomatoes, courgettes, aubergines and wild herbs, all ripened by the sun to give an intensity of flavour. You can browse among the colours and smells, and make picnic purchases at the lively local markets.The proximity of the sea makes fish and seafood an important element of the local cuisine. Regional dishes include the famous bouillabaisse, a rich fish stew served with aioli and rouille; the bourride – a lighter version of the bouillabaisse; pistou soupe (summer vegetable soup with a blend of garlic, basil and olive oil); authentic ratatouille, large colourful salads an delicious courgette flower fritters. Tapenade and anchoïade are savoury dips made with local olives and anchovies; pissaladière is an onion tart with olives and anchovies and is very likely to have come from the Romans. Making wine, particularly rosé, has been Provence’s specialty for a long time. The grapes and soil throughout the region vary a lot, but the hot, sunny and dry climate is ideal for the local wines. The local red grape varieties are used because they cope well with strong sun exposure and poor soils: Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Tibouren and Calitor. The rosés are made out of the same varieties but the musts only macerate for a few hours so the fruits’ skin don’t darken the juice or release too many tannins.
Standard transfers
For flight inclusive bookings transfers are included from Avignon TGV train station at 14:33, and back to Avignon TGV train station at 12:45. For land only bookings transfers are available for a supplement.
Alternative transfers
If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).
We've hand-picked high quality hotels for you to stay in, all of which boast swimming pools in their extensive grounds. Your accommodation includes a 19th century stately manor house with its own orangery and swimming pool; a charming hotel with heated outdoor pool and spa facilities including a sauna, hot tub and massage room; and a converted water mill whose millstreams are now a tranquil water garden. We've included four evening meals, so you're free to choose from some great nearby restaurants on your remaining nights.
Headwater wine service
Route notes and maps
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Calvet Museum
Musée Granet
Musée Lapidaire
Fontaine de la Rotonde
Le Sentier des OcresDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Pernes-les-Fontaines
Day 1: Arrival in Pernes-les-Fontaines
Welcome to Pernes-les-Fontaines! Upon arrival, settle into your hotel, Hotel l'Hermitage (or similar), located just north of the town. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the charming surroundings.
Day 2 – Day 2: St-Saturnin to Roussillon
- Roussillon
- More
- Mines Bruoux
- Parc de la Colline Saint-Eutrope
- More
Begin your day with a visit to the medieval village of St-Saturnin. Wander through its narrow streets and explore the sprawling chateau ruins that offer panoramic views of the Luberon valley. Continue south through the classic Provencal countryside, passing vineyards, cherry orchards, and olive groves. Visit the village of Gargas, home to the vast Ochre Mines of Bruoux. End your day in Roussillon, where you'll stay at Les Sables d'Ocre (or similar).
Day 3 – Day 3: Exploring Roussillon
- Roussillon
- More
- Musée Granet
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Spend the day exploring Roussillon, famous for its vibrant ochre cliffs and considered one of the most beautiful villages in France. Start your day with a walk along the Ochre Trail, then visit the perched village of Bonnieux, filled with art galleries, cafes, and restaurants. Return to your hotel, Les Sable d'Ocres (or similar), for a restful night.
Day 4 – Day 4: Roussillon to Les Imberts
- Roussillon
- More
- Fort de Buoux
- Fontaine de la Rotonde
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Set off through vineyards, passing the Domaine de Tara wine estate. Follow footpaths and quiet country lanes, enjoying fabulous views of the Luberon valley and the perched village of Gordes. After a short climb along pine-scented footpaths, descend into Les Imberts. Your hotel, Mas de la Senancole (or similar), awaits with a swimming pool and spa.
Day 5 – Day 5: Exploring Gordes
Day 5: Exploring Gordes
- Remparts d'Avignon
- Fort de Buoux
- More
Just a few kilometres away is the picturesque hilltop village of Gordes, one of the region's most famous and another of France's Most Beautiful Villages. Explore its streets, filled with cafes, restaurants, and shops, and visit the Renaissance chateau that dominates the village. Return to your hotel, Mas de la Senancole (or similar), for a restful night.
Day 6 – Day 6: Les Imberts to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
Day 6: Les Imberts to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
- Calvet Museum
- Remparts d'Avignon
- More
Begin your day following quiet lanes past olive groves and vineyards to the medieval village of Cabrieres-d'Avignon. Continue through the hills under the shade of pine forests, past a section of the Mur de la Peste, a wall built in 1720 to stop the spread of the Plague. Descend into Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, where you'll stay at Hotel du Poete (or similar).
Day 7 – Day 7: Exploring Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
Day 7: Exploring Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
- Moulin de Jérusalem
- Le Sentier des Ocres
- More
Spend the day exploring Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, home to the biggest spring in France. Visit the ruins of the castle of the Bishop of Cavaillon, a museum about the Resistance, and enjoy the local cafes and restaurants. Consider a visit to the 'island city' of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, surrounded by the clear waters of the Sorgue River. Return to your hotel, Hotel du Poete (or similar), for a restful night.
Day 8 – Day 8: Fontaine-de-Vaucluse to Pernes-les-Fontaines
Day 8: Fontaine-de-Vaucluse to Pernes-les-Fontaines
- Musée Lapidaire
- More
Ascend through pine and oak forest, then out across the Plateau de Vaucluse for stunning views. Head down through cherry orchards to St-Didier, a popular village where you can enjoy a drink before your transfer to Pernes-les-Fontaines. Check into your hotel, Hotel l'Hermitage (or similar), for a restful night.
Day 9 – Day 9: Departure from Pernes-les-Fontaines
Day 9: Departure from Pernes-les-Fontaines
Your memorable journey through Provence comes to an end. After breakfast, check out from your hotel and depart at your leisure. Safe travels!
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