THE MANY FACES OF PROVENCE  

FRANCE

GUIDED WALKING HOLIDAYS IN THE FRENCH RIVIERA, PROVENCE, LUBERON VALLEY

Our adventure begins at the Cote d’Azur, known for its dramatic mountains, sparkling blue Mediterranean waters and a craggy coastline. The first two nights we stay in Villefranche, a pretty village, dating back to the 13th century.

The port, the citadelle, the old town and the gentle curve of the coast all contribute to the beauty of the village. On a coastal walking track we discover the famed St-Jean Cap Ferrat peninsular with luxurious villas, including the spectacular Villa Ephrussi. We explore the hilltop villages of Vence and St Agnès and stroll the streets of beautiful Menton.

After this first contact with Provence on the seaside, we drive to the Verdon Gorge, highlighted by a lunch in Alain Ducasse’s noble Auberge in Moustier Ste Marie. There is nowhere else quite like Provence - it is a region to feed the senses - the strong colours, the smell of lavender, pine and wild herbs, shopping in colourful markets, street cafes and local wines.

In the late afternoon we arrive in Forcalquier, our base for the next 4 nights. This sun baked corner of Provence is a sweet land, scented with lavender, dotted with olive trees, Roman remains and hillside villages with fountain-filled squares.

Our splendid walks will lead you through hills, covered in wild rosemary, sage and lavender and the perfume promises some outstanding cuisine for which south of France is so famous - Aioli (a garlic sauce dish), Daube, young rabbit baked in a honey and lavender crust, tasty goat cheeses, olive oil and the famous, locally grown melons.

Together we visit an ancient olive mill and France’s number one pastis distillery, ancient abbeys, the Luberon and the Lure Mountain ranges - “the setting for many of Jean Giono’s novels”.

At the end of the day our idyllic country retreat is ideal to relax by the pool side while sipping local Pastis (kind of Pernod) or homemade orange wine. We take our dinners in a selection of local restaurants in or around Forcalquier.

We drive to Cassis and stay for the last 2 nights at this picturesque village on the Mediterranean coast. We explore thie famous calanque on foot and by boat, not leaving this region without a winetasting in a well-known Bandol vineyard. Before we end our tour in Marseille, we spend the day exploring Chateau d’If and the tiny Ile de Frioul.

OUR HOTELS & CUISINE

The first 2 nights are spent in Villefranche sur Mer at the Cote d’Azur near Nice. Our hotel is close to the fortress and is facing the Mediterranean with wonderful views across the bay.

In Forcalquier we stay for 4 nights in one of our favourite hotels. Located in a picturesque Provincial setting in Haute Provence, it has two swimming-pools and tennis courts.. Here we have selected a number of individual restaurants, which offer truly gastronomic delights of the so famous "Cuisine Provencale".

The final 2 nights are spent in Cassis, a beautiful seaside port on the Mediterranean. Our hotel is only minutes away from the harbour in a very quiet location with a lovely garden setting, complete with a pool and spa. We dine out in the old town and experience fresh Mediterranean seafood both nights!

 Discover other Walking and Gourmet Tours in France