- A self-guided, light hiking break
- An all-inclusive transport tour, starting in Avignon and finishing in Orange
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Seven night stay, with seven days of urban hiking/rambling, and arrivals any day, all year round.
a) Theme
This is an exciting combination of cultural, urbanesque hikes with bucolic trails and scenic hillwalking in the surrounding Provençal hinterlands. You learn about the history and architecture of this great region, and get to appreciate it from close and afar. Some stunning views are in store.
Walking holidays in France are never short of potential themes, but this one boasts an embarrasement of choice:
I. The long and glorious history of this part of Provence and the role played by each town – The Rocher des Doms in Avignon was the site of a neolithic habitation, as too was St Eutrope Hill overlooking Orange.
II. Buildings and architecture over two millennia – Orange boasts Roman ruins; The Cathédrale Notre-Dame-des-Doms I Avignon dates back to the twelfth century; and Villeneuve’s Chartreuse Monastery, the largest and richest in Europe, was founded in 1353.
III. Art and culture – there is a feast of museums in Avignon and the Angladon boasts some wonderful paintings. You also follow the trail of some famous painters on one of our short walking tours of Provence. Derain, Chabaud, Klingst and Masereel are just a few of those featured, covering mainly landscape painting, but also wood engraving and cubism.
b) Further Information
Rambling in Languedoc
Walking Provence-West -
c) Model Programme: Rambling in Provence
Day 1. Avignon.
Arrival in Avignon. Hotel check-in.
Night in Avignon.
Day 2. The historic centre.
Urban hike around the main landmarks of Avignon: the Place du Palais, the “Acropolis of Avignon”, and the facades of the Palais des Papes, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-des-Doms and the Pont St Benezet.
Second night in Avignon.
Day 3. The West End.
This walk follows a path linking most of the City’s museums and art galleries. It is also a master class in celebrated architecture, from the majestic Place de l’Horloge, with its roots in the Middle Ages to the composite City Hall, started in the 13 century.
Third night in Avignon.
Day 4. Villeneuve Les Avignon. 5 miles-8 kms, with options.
Transfer to Villeneuve first thing and embark on a hike around the hinterland, which affords a truly breathtaking vantage point over Villeneuve and Avignon. Then you explore Villeneuve’s rich cache of architecture, including the monastry, Forte St Andre and the XIVth century Notre Dame church.
Night near Villeneuve.
Day 5. The Royal Stronghold overlooking the Papal Palace. A choice for three options measuring 8, 12 or 20 kms.
Today you explore one of Villeneuve’s bucolic paths and take in some fine views of the river, the tower and the surrounding landmarks of both Avignon and Villeneuve. The longest involves a walk around the Island of Barthelasse, the largest river island in France.
Second night near Villeneuve.
Day 6. Provençal art trail. 6 miles-9 kms.
A hike to a fascinating hilltop village with a glorious painting heritage. You will follow in the footsteps of the internationally-renowned and see the fruits of their work resplendent in the context that bore them. You’ll walk along the path that pilgrims have trodden en route to Santiago de Compostella and have the chance to discover some of the region's rich flora along a fascinating bucolic trail.
Third night near Villeneuve.
Day 7. Orange. Urban walk of the historic Roman centre.
Transfer to Orange followed by urban hiking: Walk to a City vantage point, followed by the historic Roman centre, including the triumphal arch, the magnificent Théatre Antique and the Temple and Hemicycle. After lunch, you tour the main parts of the City linked to the Dutch House of Nassau and other prominent buildings.
Night in Orange.
Day 8. End of your hiking tour in France.
Taxi transfer to airport or walk to train station after breakfast.
* Notes:
1. As part of our policy of continual review and improvement, we reserve the right to make alterations to our walking holidays in France.
2. Out-door swimming pools are normally available at hotels from mid-May to mid-September