Vaison-la-Romaine, Gigondas, Le Barroux & Malaucène
Discover the perfection of hiking in Provence. This tour provides a microcosm of all the famous characteristics of Provence: Roman ruins, perched or hanging villages painted pastel hues, artists’ colonies in the scenery which inspired them, and a vibrant culture best expressed in the colourful and busy markets.
Vaison-la-Romaine, France
Day 1+7+8
Gigondas, France
Day 2+3
Le Barroux, France
Day 4
Malaucène, France
Day 5+6
| Any start date between April 1 to October 31 |
|---|
Custom trips also available and can start any day. Call or email for details.
Total Days
Arrive/Depart
Activity Level15 km daily average (10 miles). Opportunities to shorten the walking distance through alternate routes or taxi transfers.
TerrainSome days may be longer and require walking on hilly and rocky paths. Sure-footedness is important.
CostCasual/B&B Accommodation: US $2,275
Single Supplement: US $575
Classic Accommodation: US $2,575
Single Supplement: US $650
Luxe Accommodation: US $2,950
Single Supplement: US $750
| Destination | France |
|---|---|
| Level | Moderate |
Getting There
You start in Vaison-la-Romaine, a delightful town snuggled in green hills in the heart of Provence. Vaison lies about 650 km southeast of Paris, due east of Orange. Access is via either Avignon or Orange.Both can be reached via the TGV (high-speed rail network of France), and are only a three- to four-hour journey from Paris. These towns can also be reached by air or from other gateway cities such as Marseille, Lyon or Nice. Transfer to Vaison is via public or private transportation.
Vaison-la-Romaine
Arrive in Vaison-la-Romaine. Stroll along streets lined with plane trees, taking a coffee in one of the many squares. Visit the famous Roman ruins, then explore the medieval quarter perched high on the opposite bank. At the top of the hill dominated by a ruined castle, admire the Roman bridge far below.
Gigondas
Today begins the circumnavigation of the Dentelles following the Randonnées du Pays: Tour des Dentelles de Montmirail. Your destination for the next two nights is the famous wine village of Gigondas, on the western side of the hills. The route takes you through Séguret, known as an artists’ colony, including makers of santons, delicate and detailed figurines in regional costumes.
Hiking Distance: 22 km.*
Gigondas
There are several choices for a day walk. We suggest exploring Les Dentelles des Sarrasins, the spiky line of limestone that forms the heart of the Dentelles. We have both an easy and a more challenging but spectacular option.
Hiking Distance: 8 km.*
Le Barroux
From Gigondas head to Le Barroux, via Beaumes-de-Venise a delightful town famous for its sweet, white dessert wine. Le Barroux is dominated by a huge feudal castle, restored first in the Renaissance, then again in the 1900’s only to be destroyed in World War II.
Hiking Distance: 20 km.*
Malaucène
Wind your way through vineyards and apricot orchards, heading for Malaucène. Stop to visit a recently constructed Benedictine monastery, where the monks tend lavender fields and bake olive bread. Malaucène is in the shadow of Mont Ventoux, with long winding streets lined with mottle-barked plane trees.
Hiking Distance: 12 km.*
Malaucène
Relax in Malaucène for the day, exploring the narrow winding streets of the village, or enjoy a day walk along the edge of Mont Ventoux. Look for linden trees, cultivated for their fragrant blossoms.
Hiking Distance: 6 km.*
Vaison-la-Romaine
Today enjoy a remote walk among craggy limestone rocks and wild mountain streams. Visit the village of Crestet, with a 14th-century church, Renaissance homes and a 12th-century château offering superb views of Mont Ventoux, the Ouvèze valley, and the mountains of the Barronies. Return to Vaison-la-Romaine.
Hiking Distance: 17 km.*
Vaison-la-Romaine
Linger as long as you want in Vaison before heading home or to other destinations.
*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.
This hotel overlooks a pretty square right in the heart of Vaison. The hotel has been recently renovated, and often hosts art exhibits in the hotel’s lounges. The 38 rooms are all different and have either been redesigned with the collaboration of architect Jean-Luc Bras, restyled with the help of local artists, or stopped in time to capture their rustic Provençal character.
With a superb location at the foothills of the majestic Dentelles de Montmirail guests enjoy views of the jagged peaks from a huge, sweeping, arbor-shaded terrace. This hotel has been owned and operated by the same family for three generations and its restaurant serves up regional specialties accompanied by Gigondas wines.
This comfortable inn has a lovely shady garden, refreshing outdoor pool and a view of Mont Ventoux from the lovely grounds. The colourful rooms are named after the typical flowers of Provence.
At the base of the Mont Ventoux, in the historical village of Malaucène, you will find our enchanting B&B, le Pont de l’Orme – the ideal location for anyone who enjoys the good life. Here you will experience la douce France at its very best in surroundings that will please all your senses.
Located in the Medieval village, this glorious château built in 1554 is in one of the most beautiful mansions in the Old City of Vaison It features unique architecture within its walls, a swimming pool and incredible panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
*Luxe Accommodation
With a superb location at the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail, guests enjoy superb views from the shaded terrace. This hotel has been owned and operated by the same family for three generations and pride themselves in providing a welcome and relaxing atmosphere.
This comfortable inn has a lovely shady garden, refreshing outdoor pool and a view of Mont Ventoux from the lovely grounds. The colourful rooms are named after the typical flowers of Provence.
At the foot of Mont Ventoux, in the heart of Malaucène, a typically Provençal village, the delightful hotel the Domaine des Tilleuls, set in a refurbished 18th century magnanery (silk farm), welcomes you to the Vaucluse.
Located in the Medieval village, this glorious château built in 1554 is in one of the most beautiful mansions in the Old City of Vaison It features unique architecture within its walls, a swimming pool and incredible panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
With a superb location at the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail, guests enjoy superb views from the shaded terrace. This hotel has been owned and operated by the same family for three generations and pride themselves in providing a welcome and relaxing atmosphere.
This comfortable inn has a lovely shady garden, refreshing outdoor pool and a view of Mont Ventoux from the lovely grounds. The colourful rooms are named after the typical flowers of Provence.
At the foot of Mont Ventoux, in the heart of Malaucène, a typically Provençal village, the delightful hotel the Domaine des Tilleuls, set in a refurbished 18th century magnanery (silk farm), welcomes you to the Vaucluse.
Tour Reviews
“We… wanted to thank you personally for an absolutely perfect tour of Provence. We were able to absorb so much of the sights and sounds of this beautiful area and enjoy a completely relaxing vacation thanks to the efforts of you and your staff who arranged all the details so capably and thoroughly. We were delighted that most of our walking was on trails and dirt paths, and we found the routes to be accurately described and well marked. All of our accommodations were excellent, each with its unique charm and features and all with a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. The variety of towns and villages which we stayed in and walked through gave us a good overview of Provence, even though we covered a relatively small area.”
“Isabelle was excellent-Sylvie in Maulacene and the people at Vaison-la-Romaine were great, service by the Randonnee office was responsive to our needs and wonderful-soo good!!”
“Enjoyed very much the location of the accommodation either right in the village or, like Le Floret, in a pretty country location. We particularly loved La Demeure de Manon in Malaucene and Sylvie, the owner, is a gem! The scenery and the villages we visited were beautiful. We loved getting way from bigger towns and walking along quite deserted trails. Thank you for a wonderful experience! We had a great week and loved doing a self guided walk. I have done a guided walk before through Sicily which was also fantastic but sometimes it’s nice to go at your own pace, stop when you want and enjoy the company of one other. Our area manager was a lovely friendly and helpful person.”
“I was exceedingly happy and satisfied with the experience. It was balanced in points of interest and the required level of exertion.”
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