It’s a weeklong adventure reserved for seasoned hikers, off the beaten-track, heading through the remote and authentic villages of the Monts du Vaucluse range, before hiking to (and up?) the imposing Mont Ventoux.
Begin in the small village of Fontaine de Vaucluse, set below towering cliffs, and at the source of the Sorgue River. You’ll be based in a charming hotel, hidden in the village center, while the emerald waters of the Sogue pass through the hotel gardens. With Fontaine de Vaucluse as a base you’ll explore ancient paths lined with stone walls, centuries-old stone huts, and to remote villages. As a refreshing bonus you can choose to kayak down the Sorgue River, and cool off in the chilly waters.
You leave Fontaine de Vaucluse and clear over the Monts du Vaucluse range, reaching viewpoints with jaw-dropping panoramas. You’ll descend upon the hilltop village of Vénasque, off the tourist-path but still rated as one of the country’s most beautiful villages. From Vénasque, your second base, you’ll hike to hamlets and villages so small not a single shop is left. They’re lost in time.
Your last stop is the southern foot of Mont Ventoux, surrounded by cherry orchards and truffle oaks. From here you can choose to hike midway up the mountain, to isolated shepherds’ huts, or even to the barren summit, where one of the world’s best panoramas awaits.
Day 1: Welcome to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
Arrive in the village of Fontaine de Vaucluse, where the magical springs of the Sorgue River are borne. Settle into your hotel for a two-night stay, hidden in the center of the village, just steps from the village’s cafés and restaurants. Take the time to walk up to the mysterious spring: the rushing waters come from at least 300m below ground, though the system of underground caves and tunnels have yet to be fully mapped out. Visit the village’s former watermills, and walk along the banks of the river.
Day 2: Loop to discover Saumane
Distance: 12km
Climbing: +/- 500m
Fontaine de Vaucluse lies in a steeply encased valley, and you climb directly by foot from your hotel. The last of the villas give way to scenic paths, climbing between former terrace walls, where the villagers used to grow their crops. Centuries-old dry-stone huts and ancient farms line the paths. You reach the medieval village of Saumane de Vaucluse, with its cobbled streets, stone houses, and perfectly placed bistro for a timely lunch, with views overlooking the Rhône Valley. Follow an ancient cobbled track back to Fontaine de Vaucluse, where you spend your 2nd night.
Day 3: From Fontaine-de-Vaucluse to Venasque
Distance: 12km
Climbing: +675m/-475m
Say farewell to Fontaine de Vaucluse as you climb through the oak forests, following ancient paths. A long climb takes you to the very crest of the Monts du Vaucluse, where you leave the Luberon Park behind. The views of Mont Ventoux and its foothills are wide-sweeping. Descend upon a remote church set below a tiny spring, before reaching the Village of Vénasque, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in France. Check into your accommodation for a two-night stay.
Day 4: Monts du Vaucluse loop
Distance: 12km
Climbing: +/- 370m
From Vénasque, hike through the garrigue vegetation of aromatic herbs and sparse trees. You’ll reach the tiny medieval village of Le Beaucet, crowned by its castle ruins, from where the views are far-reaching. The tiny village streets, arched stone gates and centuries-old buildings feel lost in time, and almost haunting. Continue to the pleasant town of Saint Didier, its main street shaded by magnificent plane trees, where you can choose to enjoy a leisurely café lunch. Loop back to the village of Vénasque for a 2nd night.
Day 5: From Venasque to Bédoin
Distance: from 12 to 26km
Climbing: from +300/-150m to +750m/-600m
The “Arc of Ventoux” is a semi circle between Vénasque and your next base, where the cultivated plains of vines, olive trees, cherry orchards, and truffle oak plantations meet the wild slopes of Ventoux. While the full distance has you leaving from Vénasque, a short morning transfer will get you closer to your goal. Hike through the authentic Provençal villages of Méthamis, Villes sur Auzon and Flassan as you tight-rope between plains and wilderness. Reach the tiny hamlet of Saint Colombe and your next accommodation, where Ventoux’s imposing summit couldn’t look any closer.
Day 6: Loop on the slopes of Mont Ventoux
Distance: 9-20km
Climbing: up to +1000m
Several options are available for today’s loop walk from your hotel. The easiest remains in the foothills, in between paths and farming tracks, through the vineyards, cherry orchards, and truffle oak plantations. You can also choose to climb into the heart of Ventoux’s forests, and up to remote shepherds’ huts set high up on the slopes, with far-reaching views of the Rhône Valley. Or tackle the very summit of Mont Ventoux, its famed moonscape carpeted with Alpine and even arctic flowers, with views extending across the chain of the Alps to the north-east… and to the Mediterranean in the south. Explore the most remote parts of the mountain, with a good chance to see wild goats, mouflon sheep, or even the elusive (but ever-present) wild boar.
Cozy category
- Days 1 & 2: Hôtel du Poète, Fontaine de Vaucluse 3*
- Days 3 & 4: Hôtel La Garrigue, Vénasque 2*
- Days 5 & 6: Hôtel la Garance 2*
What is included in the price of your stay
- Nights and breakfasts in your hotel(s) for the duration of your stay.
- Transfer of your luggage between hotels.
- Welcome and end-of-stay briefing.
- Concierge service for advice and reservations for restaurants or activities.
- Your routes loaded onto a GPS application.
- Assistance in case of problems 24/7.
What is not included in the price of your stay
- Transfer to reach the starting point of your stay.
- Transfer at the end of your stay.
- Lunches and dinners.
- Activities during your stay (wine tasting, visit to a wine estate, etc.)..
