France: Slow Road Through Provence
History’s renowned painters knew that Provence is meant to be savored. Brightly hued sunflowers and lavender drape wide-open fields. Ancient stone-carved villages—called France’s most beautiful—perch atop promontories. Roman-era vineyards produce stellar vintages. Market squares offer the region’s rich bounty. VBT’s walking trails help you absorb it all slowly, from the sweeping brushstrokes of Alpilles foothills to the subtle flavors of freshly pressed olive oil, lingering over the warmth of gracious hosts and home-prepared meals along the way. Join us on one of the most pleasant walks you may ever take.
Cultural Highlights
- Visit two of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France,” Seguret and Les Baux
- Enjoy a private wine tasting at Domaine de Mourchon
- Picnic in the garden of a Provençal potter
- Shop at the sprawling outdoor market of Vaison la Romaine
- See Avignon’s massive Palais des Papes, a UNESCO site
- Explore clifftop Les Baux, a restored medieval village
- Dine in the home of a fine pastry chef in Saint Rémy
- Retrace the steps of van Gogh, strolling through the sites he painted
- Enjoy a tour and tasting at a family run olive grove and mill
What To Expect
This tour features a combination of easy terrain and paved roads mixed with moderate hills, open countryside, and uneven footpaths over limestone pebbles and cobbled streets. Ideal for enthusiastic beginners and experienced walkers. Our VBT support vehicle is available at specific meeting points for those who need a lift. Both morning and afternoon walking options are available most days. Several of the walks require a transfer from our hotel to the start of the walk. Our Trip Leaders often use this time in the van for our morning route review, so we can enjoy a more leisurely morning at breakfast.
Average Daily Mileage: 2 – 6 miles
Average Walking Time: 2 – 5 hours
Climate Information
Average High/Low Temperature (°F) – Avignon
May 65º/46º Jun 72º/52º Sep 82º/61º Oct 76º/57º
Average Precipitation (in.) – Avignon
May 2 Jun 1 Sep 3 Oct 4
What’s Included:
Walking Vacation Only
- 6 nights in historic 3- and 4-star French hotels and châteaux
- 11 meals – 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
Walking Vacation Plus International Airfare Package
- 6 nights in historic 3- and 4-star French hotels and chateaux
PLUS: 2 extra nights in Aix-en-Provence in 3- star hotels
- 13 meals—8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
- ALL overseas transfers
- And the option to add our Low-Cost Trip Extensions:
Pre-trip: Aix-en-Provence – 2 nights for only $295
Post-trip: Paris – 3 nights for only $745
Both Vacation Options Include
- Service of two bilingual VBT Trip Leaders
- On-tour vehicle support
- FREE use of our custom VBT walking poles
- Daily route directions and maps
- Welcome reception
- Sightseeing and cultural activities
- 5% Frequent Traveler Credit to use on your next VBT vacation. See details.