Landscapes of the Luberon Walk

Experience Overview

This 8-night walking holiday is based in the glorious Luberon National Park, taking in the lush Provencal countryside and its world-famous hilltop villages, with stunning views across mountains, valleys and plains. This is a land whose natural light and lavender-scented summers have inspired generations of poets, painters and writers from Petrarch in the 14th century right up to modern-day, bestselling author Peter Mayle. Your itinerary is a real treat for the senses, starting in the striking hilltop village of St-Saturnin, nestled on the edge of the Plateau de Vaucluse. Heading south you'll pass cherry orchards (with white cherry blossom in spring) and take in wonderful aromas of pine forests, lavender and wild herbs, before arriving in Roussillon with its 17 colours of once-quarried ochre. Vineyards and olive groves dot your route as you head towards Les Imberts and the charming village of Gordes whose architectural delights and tiny streets full of shops and cafes are just perfect for exploring. With the Luberon hills providing an enviable backdrop, you'll make your way to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, with the option to visit the pretty riverside town of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, before heading north across the Vaucluse plateau for your final day and stunning views of Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail.
Profile
— 8 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of 3-star hotels — Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent — Headwater navigation app — Route notes and maps provided
At a Glance
— 8 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of 3-star hotels — Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent — Headwater navigation app — Route notes and maps provided
Trip For You
Classification: Self-Guided Average daily distance on move on days: 14.25km (9 miles). No. of days walking: 4 Terrain: Varied walking, mostly along marked paths (with some rocky sections) and quiet country lanes. There are a few ascents and some short sections where the surface may be loose so walking boots are highly recommended. From early July until end September, the local fire authorities restrict access to forested areas. Temperature can be up to 40 degrees. We recommend to choose a departure before or after this period. Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to walk independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can walk at your own pace. It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked. As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies. Your itinerary is a real treat for the senses, starting in the striking perched village of St-Saturnin, nestled on the edge of the Plateau de Vaucluse. Heading south you'll pass cherry orchards (with white cherry blossom in spring) and take in wonderful aromas of pine forests, lavender and wild herbs, before arriving in Roussillon with its 17 colours of once-quarried ochre. Vineyards and olive groves dot your route as you head towards Les Imberts and the charming village of Gordes whose architectural delights and tiny streets full of shops and cafes are just perfect for exploring. With the Luberon hills providing an enviable backdrop, you'll make your way to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, with the option to visit the pretty riverside town of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, before heading north across the Vaucluse plateau for your final day and stunning views of Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail.
Group Description
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. Please note: the walking and luggage transfers included in this tour are subject to a minimum of 2 people (in total) booked on the departure. A supplement (payable in advance) to cover these transfers and sole occupancy of a room will apply if only 1 person travelling on a departure date.
Eating Drinking
All continental breakfasts and 4 evening meals Whilst not the most sophisticated of the French cuisines, most dishes use the excellent tasting local fresh produce. Cooking à la Provençale uses local olive oil, garlic, peppers, tomatoes, courgettes, aubergines and wild herbs, all ripened by the sun to give an intensity of flavour. You can browse among the colours and smells, and make picnic purchases at the lively local markets.The proximity of the sea makes fish and seafood an important element of the local cuisine. Regional dishes include the famous bouillabaisse, a rich fish stew served with aioli and rouille; the bourride – a lighter version of the bouillabaisse; pistou soupe (summer vegetable soup with a blend of garlic, basil and olive oil); authentic ratatouille, large colourful salads an delicious courgette flower fritters. Tapenade and anchoïade are savoury dips made with local olives and anchovies; pissaladière is an onion tart with olives and anchovies and is very likely to have come from the Romans. Making wine, particularly rosé, has been Provence’s specialty for a long time. The grapes and soil throughout the region vary a lot, but the hot, sunny and dry climate is ideal for the local wines. The local red grape varieties are used because they cope well with strong sun exposure and poor soils: Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Tibouren and Calitor. The rosés are made out of the same varieties but the musts only macerate for a few hours so the fruits’ skin don’t darken the juice or release too many tannins.
Joining Instructions
The tour only prices for this holiday include our standard transfers. If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge). Transfers included from Avignon TGV train station at 14:33, and back to Avignon TGV train station at 12:46. Alternative flights, onward rail to your holiday area, and connecting private transfers can be arranged from most UK airports.
Transfer Details
Standard transfers For flight inclusive bookings transfers are included from Avignon TGV train station at 14:33, and back to Avignon TGV train station at 12:45. For land only bookings transfers are available for a supplement. Alternative transfers If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).
When to Go
From early July until end September, the local fire authorities restrict access to forested areas after 12 noon so early starts (8am) are advised. Should customers wish to walk through the woods/forests on the main hunting days it's advisable to wear a hi-visibility jacket. Please ensure you bring your own. Otherwise alternative road routes will be offered.  
Weather Information
Temperatures tend to average around 30°C during the summer months and fall to an average of 15°C during winter. The infamous Mistral wind can have a great effect on the temperatures, particularly in the western part of Provence. July and August are very warm with little to no rainfall. Temperatures tend to climb up to 30°C during the day. At night it cools off considerably, especially on the coast, near a lake or in the mountains. In general, the farther away from the coast the more oppressive the heat becomes during the day. The months around the high season are the most pleasant (May, June, September, October) with average temperatures between 22°C and 27°C . October is the most uncertain month of the four, but of course it can also be a splendid month with warm, sunny days and practically no rain.
Spending Money
You will need spending money for meals not included in the itinerary and all drinks. We suggest €25 per day to cover a few drinks if not then €10 per day. On the days where lunch or dinner is not included expect to spend €10-€15 for lunch and €15-€35 for dinner.

Highlights