Though “hidden”, “lost” and “off the beaten-track” are tired clichés of travel writing, we can safely use all three to describe this Provençal hiking adventure. Far from the museum-villages of Provence, far from tour-bus stops, you’ll be immersed in the heart of a Provençal countryside known only by locals. You’ll pass villages so small and sleepy (HOW small and sleepy?) not a single commerce is left.
You’ll begin in the perched medieval village of Vénasque, one of our favourite Provençal villages, scenic and authentic, nestled on the northern slopes of the Monts du Vaucluse range. Its Romanesque church harbors a 6th century baptismal pool, while the village’s cobbled streets will send you back centuries in time. Leaving the village by foot, you’ll enter cherry orchards, endless oak forests, and take paths lined by ancient stone walls.
You’ll hike clear over the mountain range with extensive views, before descending upon Fontaine de Vaucluse, your second base. Your hotel is set just a short walk from the mysterious spring from where the emerald waters of the Sorgue River are borne, under towering cliffs.
From Fontaine de Vaucluse you’ll hike through ancient terrace walls, dry-stone huts, and farmhouses constructed within caves. The scent of rosemary, thyme and winter savoury accompany you – the Herbes de Provence that sprinkle the hillsides. Reward yourself with a tasty bistro lunch in the village of Saumane before returning to Fontaine de Vaucluse. And why not a lazy kayak ride down the cool waters of the Sorgue, under the shade of fig and willow trees…
Day 1: Welcome to Venasque
Arrive in the village of Vénasque, where you’ll find your hotel just outside the medieval centre. Listed among the most beautiful villages in France, Vénasque is composed of just a handful of tightly knit streets, perched above the cherry orchards, and hidden in the hills. Meander through the cobbled streets, admire the towering ramparts, and spend time at one of the cafés in the tiny village square, centered around a stone fountain.
Day 2: 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 3: From Venasque to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
Distance: 12km
Climbing: +475m/-675m
Leave Vénasque by foot, climbing southbound through the truffle oaks and towards the crest of the Monts du Vaucluse hills. Continue to climb above a secluded church in Saint Gens, and up a scenic path with imposing canyon walls. You’ll be rewarded by a viewpoint atop the crest that reaches far into the horizon. A long and steady descent begins on the south face, winding down towards the village of Fontaine de Vaucluse, nestled below towering cliffs, and home to its mysterious spring. Settle into your hotel in the village center for two nights.
Day 4: Loop to discover Saumane
Distance: 11km
Climbing: +/- 500m
Climb above the village of Fontaine de Vaucluse, passing huts made from dry stone, and through the remains of stone walls that bore witness to centuries of farming, now abandoned. The thyme-laden trails pass two abandoned farms, one built into a stone cave. The trails give way to a cobbled street that enters the medieval village of Saumane de Vaucluse, perched high above the Rhône Valley. Stroll around the cobbled streets, visit the castle once occupied by the infamous Marquis de Sade, and enjoy a beautiful café lunch overlooking the valley: the village’s only commerce. Loop back to Fontaine de Vaucluse via an ancient stone path.
Day 5: Goodbye Provence
End of holiday after breakfast. Let us know if you need help with your ongoing travels.
Cozy category
- Days 1 & 2: Hôtel La Garrigue, Venasque
- Days 3 & 4: Hôtel du Poète, Fontaine de Vaucluse
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.)..
