At a Glance
An adventure like no other awaits on a magical 6-day walking exploit across Southern France to Spain. From Provence to Costa Brava and Barcelona; immerse in the sublime sceneries of these two sun-soaked lands and stumble upon jaw-dropping hilltop villages, secluded coves, plunging cliffs, and alluring seas.
Your adventure begins as you arrive at Avignon, France. Travel to Lacoste, where the infamous author, Marquis de Sade once lived, and venture into the wild Luberon Valley, a region famous for its numerous perched villages. Hike into the rolling hills and craggy cliffs of the Grand Luberon. Traverse the fascinating ruins of the 12th-century Fort de Buoux perched above the verdant Aiguebrun Valley. Climb across the Calavon River on a Roman bridge. Discover the Chaussée des Géants, a canyon radiant with 16 shades ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- All meals as specified in itinerary
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- All luggage and shuttle transfers as specified
- 5 nights’ accommodation in hotels on a twin share basis
- Professional guiding: two support vans, 6:1 guest to leader ratio on average
- Hiking, activities and sightseeing as stated in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Itinerary
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HIKING OPTIONS: Meet with your tour leaders today at 11.30 am at the Avignon TGV train station (Gare Avignon TGV) in Avignon, France. Please arrive dressed in your hiking clothes. Bring your luggage and a daypack with your rain gear, and anything else you may want for today's hike (your luggage will be transported to our first night's accommodations). After convening we travel to Lacoste, where the infamous 18th-century author the Marquis de Sade once lived, then we sit down for lunch at a local café. After lunch, we enjoy a walk through the town stopping at the Marquis’ former castle (now owned by fashion designer Pierre Cardin). Wallow in the iconic and sweeping scenery of the Vaucluse ridge and spectacular Mont Ventoux. Set out into the beautiful Luberon Valley, a land of honey and cherries, a region immortalized in Peter Mayle’s a Year in Provence. Get lost in the breathtaking landscape as we continue to the village of Ménerbes, strategically perched on a hilltop surrounded by the Luberon. A region well known for its deep connection to the art world and also for being the home of one of Picasso’s famous models, Dora Maar. |
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Come to the end of today’s adventure as we settle into our home for the next two nights, Le Roy Soleil. A quiet stone villa hidden amid the pine and hundred-year-old olive trees, with Luberon's magical landscape all around. Take a dip in the resort pool before gathering for a welcome reception followed by a delightful dinner at the hotel. |
Le Roy Soleil, Menerbes
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
HIKING OPTIONS: Done with a hearty breakfast this morning, we begin today's activities with a shuttle to Bonnieux, a lovely perched village. Explore this picturesque hilltop village with a local guide while relishing the spectacular views, walk through its enchanting narrow streets and archways before climbing 86 worn stone steps to the town-crowning 12th-century church overlooking the valley below. Hike into the rolling hills and craggy cliffs of the Grand Luberon, an area renowned for the decadent truffle. Come across Château de Buoux, an environmental education centre for kids housed in a former castle. Pass by the 13th-century Chapelle Ste-Marie and the tiny preserved village of Buoux. Relish the sensational hilltop views as you continue your hike, thereafter we settle for lunch at Auberge des Seguins, a historic farm tucked beneath the cliffs. Done with lunch, you’ve got the option of heading back to Ménerbes, or go on to the fascinating ruins of the 12th-century Fort de Buoux, perched above the verdant Aiguebrun Valley. Back at the hotel, we have the opportunity of bonding over a friendly game of pétanque with a glass of pastis in hand. Tonight, we will be heading to a nearby family-run restaurant for a special dinner experience. |
Le Roy Soleil, MenerbesBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
HIKING OPTIONS: After breakfast at the hotel, we take a quick shuttle to Pont Julien, a Roman bridge across the Calavon River dating back to 3 BC and the start of our hike. Today’s adventure brings us to the spectacular Luberon Valley, taking us past Provençal farms and orchards, cypress groves, olive trees, and vineyards of the Côtes du Luberon. Climb up to the fascinating village of Roussillon, which rests on of the world’s largest ocher deposits, and adored by artists for centuries. Witness Roussillon's breathtaking natural surroundings, especially the Chaussée des Géants, a canyon radiant with 16 shades of ocher, and relish its beautiful golden-hued buildings and views over the Luberon Valley. Wander through the town’s magnificent streets, and shops thereafter treat yourself to lunch at any café of your choice. Refueled and energized, hike down into the valley on the Grande Randonnée trail past vineyards, wheat fields, beautiful country homes, and a truffle farm. Enjoy a taste of ôtes du Ventoux wine at the 25-acre Domaine de Tara vineyard. Embark on a hearty climb to the striking perched village of Gordes, a picture-perfect village clinging to the craggy southern face of the high Vaucluse Plateau. |
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After exploring, we shuttle west to the thriving Gallo-Roman village of St-Remy. Arrive at the charming Gounod Hotel, our home for the night. Located in the heart of Saint- Rémy-de-Provence, the Gounod Hotel offers you a charming place full of history and inspiration. It was in this hotel that the composer Charles Gounod wrote his opera Mireille in 1863. Unwind at the hotel’s outdoor pool, enjoy a peaceful walk through its garden with a beautiful terrace, and indulge in a therapeutic massage at the spa. Tonight, you are left to enjoy dinner at your leisure at of the many local restaurants in this bustling town. |
Hotel Gounod, Saint-Rémy-de-ProvenceBreakfast, Lunch |
Level 1, Approx. 3 km (2 miles), Elevation gain: 61 m (200 ft) Begin today’s adventure with a walk to the nearby St Rémy market, one of the most celebrated outdoor markets in Provence. Get to interact with locals and purchase traditional Provençal crafts, as well as treats for an afternoon goûter (snack). St-Rémy is also known as a haven for artists and intellectuals and has hosted its share of famous names over the centuries: Nostradamus was a native of St-Rémois; Albert Schweitzer recuperated here in 1917; Gertrude Stein made this her home for several years. Done exploring the market, get ready for the second part of our adventure as we board a private coach bound for Spain! Behold the spellbound scenery as we travel southwest, crossing the edge of the Pyrenees and hugging the Mediterranean coast. We arrive late in the afternoon at the picturesque fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell. Uncover Spain’s dazzling Costa Brava, the Baix Empordà, known as the region of coves. |
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Retire to Hotel Sant Roc, our home for the next two nights. A grand resort set on a hill overlooking Calella de Palafrugell Bay and the town of the same name. Take pleasure in the endless sea views from the hotel, take a walk into town along the beautiful bay of Calella de Palafrugell, thereafter we settle for dinner. Treat your taste buds to exciting flavours of Spanish cuisine as well as international dishes at one of our favourite restaurants in town. |
Hotel Sant Roc, Calella de PalafrugellBreakfast, Dinner |
HIKING OPTIONS: After a delightful breakfast this morning, we shuttle to the beginning of our hike along the coast, which follows the Camí de Ronda, ancient seaside walking paths that connect Costa Brava's pristine secluded coves. Behold plunging cliffs and pass through tunnels opening up to incredible Mediterranean vistas as we travel to the Sant Sebastià lighthouse. Bask in the glorious views of this 167 metre (550 feet) above the sea lighthouse, thereafter we settle for a sumptuous lunch. After filling your stomachs, continue to one of Costa Brava’s sheltered beaches, Tamariu Beach, where you are free to sit back and explore. Head back to the hotel for a relaxing afternoon with incredible views for you to delight in. We gather tonight for a farewell toast before dinner at El Balco de Calella, a gourmet restaurant featuring traditional Mediterranean cuisine. The spectacular setting overlooking the bay is the perfect location for our last night together. |
Hotel Sant Roc, Calella de PalafrugellBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Level 1, Approx. 5 km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 91 m (300 ft) Cap off the amazing trip with a final walk along the stunning Costa Brava. Head out from the hotel through a narrow trail to a hidden white-sand beach. Admire the paradisiacal cove before continuing to Cap Roig Botanical Garden, created in 1924, and home to different tree species. Head back to the hotel for one last brunch, freshen up and bid your leaders farewell as you board a private coach bound for vibrant Barcelona, Catalonia’s capital and its largest city. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfast, LunchDates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure point is Avignon, France
- The finish point is Barcelona, Spain
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Avignon. The nearest major airport is Avignon Caumont Airport with domestic flights and is 10 km from the center of Avignon. Another major airport is Nîmes-Alès-Camargue-Cévennes Airport which has international flights from Nimes, France and is 56 km from Avignon.
Provence is known for its sunny and relatively mild climate; though unseasonably high temperatures are increasingly common. July and August are usually quite hot, and humidity is often high in June and September. The Mistral, Provence's famously strong wind, can whip up at any moment, so come prepared with a windbreaker and warm layers.
Catalonia is famous for its warm days and cool nights (which produce healthy wine grapes). You can expect hot sunny days in the summer and mild temperatures in spring and fall. Breezes off the Mediterranean help keep evenings comfortable. Rain is possible year-round, so it's essential that you bring waterproof and breathable rain gear with you on the trip. On most days you'll be comfortable walking in a short sleeved shirt, though when you head out in the morning, you might want to wear a lightweight jacket or vest.
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 2-4.
Level 1, 2-5 hours, 3-8km (2-5 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 244m (800 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 6-11km (4-7 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 396m (1300 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 8-14km (5-9 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 610m (2000 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 10-18km (6-11 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 914m (3000 ft)
Level 5, 5-7 hours, 11-21+ km (7-13+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1219m (4000+ ft)
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
