Adventure and luxury are not mutually exclusive. Enjoy a holiday of hiking in the heart of the mountains, based for two nights in the 5* Les Bories Hotel, perched high above the Luberon valley. The hotel boasts a luxurious indoor and outdoor pool, impeccable service, sumptuous meals, and is nestled in possibly the best vantage point of the Luberon mountains. And you’ll be just a short walk from the village of Gordes, recently crowned by Travel and Leisure as the world’s most beautiful village. A hard label to live up to? Certainly. But when you come here, you’ll see why.
An expert guide will lead you on two hikes: along thyme-laden paths, passing ancient stone ruins. The trails lead to 12th century Sénanque Abbey, hidden at the base of an isolated valley, surrounded by lavender fields, and still hosting monks after 850 years.
For your second hike, several options are available depending on your interests and fitness level.
Day 1: Arrival in Gordes
Distance: 7km
Climbing: +/- 200m
Your guide will meet you at Les Bories, and the picturesque trails head straight from the hotel complex. Ancient dry-stone walls frame centuries-old paths, and head through a garrigue vegetation of aromatic herbs, wildflowers, and truffle oaks. The paths lead straight to Sénanque Abbey, a jewel of Romanesque architecture, still standing after 875 years: its massive stones still carry the signatures of the masons that built the abbey 9 centuries ago, quite literally. The half-day hike loops straight back to your hotel.
Day 2: Loop hike in the Luberon Mountains
Distance: from 8 to 15km
Climbing: +/- 200m to +/-600m
Within a short distance from Gordes are endless possibilities for hiking. Depending on your interests and fitness level, your guide will help you choose an itinerary, and take you on a short drive to the trailhead. Above the village of Bonnieux, atop the crest of the Luberon Mountain, a magnificent cedar forest offers easy hiking, far-reaching views, and serene landscapes. Hidden deep in the Luberon, you can follow its only river through a lush canyon, and up to the lost village of Sivergues. Or within minutes from Gordes, you can embark on a challenging hike through a gorge, passing the ruins of former watermills.
Day 3: Goodbye Provence
Your holidays ends after breakfast at your hotel.
Luxury category
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.)..
