Walkers' World 
Guided Rambling Holidays
Provence, France 
   
 May 22 - 29, 2010
 September 18 - 25, 2010

     PROVENCE ITINERARY (based in the town of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue):

We stay at our hotel in the town of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue for six nights. Our private bus takes us to the start of the walks and picks us up at the end to bring us back to the hotel. On many walks we divide into two groups - one easy and one more energetic.

Day One: Pick up at Avignon Rail Station at 4.30 pm and transfer by private coach to the town of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (about 30 minutes). This pretty town is criss-crossed by the Sorgue River which once powered mill wheels and olive presses. Today, it is an artistic and cultural centre noted for its antique markets and shops and its art galleries. After checking in at our hotel we gather for a welcome reception with a complimentary drink and a chance to sample sun-dried tomato and olive delicacies made locally.

Day Two: Sunday is market day in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and this bustling event is especially noted for its antique stalls which crowd the sidewalks along the river. Wine merchants, fruit and vegetable sellers, bakers, craftsmen and artists fill the back streets and the town square. Strolling musicians, jugglers and mimes entertain while local people meet and gossip over a coffee and a beignet. It is a cultural experience not to be missed and the perfect opportunity to shop for bargains, take photographs and sample gourmet delicacies. We spend the morning at the market and go walking in the afternoon.

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse - this afternoon we go to the sleepy, unspoiled hamlet of Sauman, nestled in the woods above Fontain-de-Vaucluse. On our 6 km walk we see landscaped terraces and cratered patches of rock where millstones were carved. Our walk ends at Fontaine de Vaucluse. The Vauclusian spring, with its mystical origins and unique geological features, attracts many visitors who come to stroll the shaded streets the enchantment of the spot which moved Petrarch to pen sonnets about his unrequited love or Laura in the 14th C. 

Day 3: Buoux and the Aiguebrun Valley - full day with options of two levels of walking. In the morning we transfer by coach to the Luberon National Park where we begin our walk pre-historic Fort of Buoux. Hear stories about the historic Fort of Buoux which centred in the bloody religious wars of Southern France at the time of the Inquisition. Many walkers describe this as a "high point" of the week. Here, layers of history, from the neolithic age through religious wars and the Inquisition, have been preserved. 

From this vantage point we see the impressive canyon carved by the Aiguebrun River. The walk begins high above the Aiguebrun Valley and gradually winds its way down rocky trails lined with wild orchids to a lovely wooded valley. On our descent we circle the valley with its prehistoric caves and troglodyte dwellings. Relax over a picnic lunch in an idyllic setting by a cool stream near the caves which once sheltered prehistoric man. Our walk continues to the tiny hamlet of Sivergues (six virgins) whose legendary six virgins were favoured by Avignon's clergy. We have earned our dinner after a spectacular hike.
Amble 10 km / Ramble 16 km

Day Four: Abbey of Senanque and Gordes -  This is a lovely walk starting at a beautiful 11th C Cistercian Abbey, the Abbey of Senanque,  set in a remote valley amid lavender and herb fields. In order to preserve both the physical structure and the spiritual life of this working monastery most of its interior is off-limits to the public. However, the stables house one of Provence's best book/gift shops and features the fruits of the monks labours - honey, liqueurs, candies and herbs as well as CD's of sacred music. With these treasure stored on our bus, we head out on for for the town of Gordes. We walk along old mule trails passing lavender fields and through wild "garrigue" stopping at the "Bories" which are stone dwellings thought to have been inhabited by prehistoric man. We continue on to the village of Gordes, one of the most spectacular of Provence's hill-top medieval villages.  We picnic near Gordes then stop for a drink at a cafe in this perched village where there is a chance to explore the narrow streets and the old cathedral. We then continue through vaulted passageways, past the Renaissance chateau along stony paths. 
Amble 6- 7 km   Ramble 12 km.

Day Five: This is a non-walking day. You may choose to explore Isle-sur-la-Sorgue with its cafes, art galleries and antique shops or you can take an optional tour (by train) to the interesting town of Arles. We arrange maps, itineraries and tourist information and one leader will accompany the group by train. In the bustling town of Arles one finds something for everyone - history buffs head for the Roman arena where Roman gladiators once fought and great spectacles took place and Republic Square with its Egyptian obelisk and the Church of St Trophime where, in the Middle Ages, crownings of emperors and royal weddings took place. Shoppers enjoy the market and boutiques.  We meet for a leisurely lunch at an outdoor cafe then make out way back to Isle-sur-la-Sorgue by train (train fare not included)

Day Six:  St Rémy and Les Baux - Full day walk - After a 30 minute transfer by coach we arrive at the Provençal town made famous by the painter Van Gogh. Just outside St Rémy is the famous Roman archaeological site of Glanum including the Triumphal Arch where victorious Roman legions once marched. Nearby is the St-Paul-de-Mausole hospice where Van Gogh was interned and where he painted many of his famous works. This former abbey, with its charming cloister, is called one of the "Jewels of Provence". Van Gogh's room has been restored and the walls lined with descriptions of his life, work and illness and the evolution of psychiatric medicine. The site is no a centre for art therapy and the participants' work on sale at the gift shop bears witness to the healing power of St-Pauls quiet beauty. This inspired,  we walk up a long slow incline amid pine and oak forest to the top of the Alpilles where the great Roman General Marius lay in wait for the Teutonic barbarians. Over the centuries the Mistral winds have carved fantastic shapes into the limestone rocks. We walk a spectacular hilltop route to the enigmatic hilltop village of Les Baux-de-Provence. Here we explore the village and castle with its dungeon and listen to legends about the "Court of Love" and of the warlords of Les Baux who forced unransomed prisoners to jump from the cliffs. We then have an optional short walk in the lower regions of Les Baux amid its famous olive groves. The Alpilles region is noted for producing some of the finest AOC olive oil in France. 
 Amble 8 km, Ramble 13 km.

Day Seven: Ménerbes to Lacoste - Our walk today includes the famous Luberon villages of Lacoste and Menerbes. The eerie village of Lacoste was once the home of the infamous Marquis de Sade. The remains of his castle still crown the top of the hill and his ghost is rumoured to haunt the ruins. Rebuilt under the late designer Pierre Cardin to house a cultural centre, it now hosts fashion shows and concerts. From Lacoste we walk to the 12thC St Hilaire Abbey. One of Provence's best kept secrets, this private sanctuary has been lovingly restored. We picnic in the lee of the abbey then stroll quiet paths through gently rolling terrain covered with vineyards to the village of Menerbes (made famous by Peter Mayle). In Menerbes there is an optional wine-tasting at the Luberon's "Maison de la Truffe et d Vin". From Menerbes we make our way by coach to Avignon. Our hotel is short walk from the famous Pont d' Avignon and the Papal Palace. After checking into our hotel we walk through the Place de l'Horloge with its antique carousel and busy cafes to our final restaurant. 

Day Eight:  Buffet breakfast (at your leisure) and then depart. If you are travelling later in the day you may leave your bags in the hotel's luggage room. There is plenty to do and see in Avignon with its gourmet food market, shops, museums, the famous bridge and the Papal Palace. 

Final selection of walks is made by the guides. The itinerary may vary due to weather, local conditions and the abilities of each group.