- A self-guided, light hiking tour
- An all-inclusive transport tour, starting in Avignon and finishing in Orange
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Four nights/three days of urban hiking/rambling, with arrivals any day, all year round.
[8 nights].
a) Theme
Provence Rambling combines exciting urban hiking in France with scenic hillwalking in the surrounding Provencal hinterlands. However, our hiking tours in Provence are also designed to enlighten. 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.
Relevant themes are:
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.
b) Further Information
c) Model Programme: Provence Rambling
Day 1. Avignon.
Arrival in Avignon. Hotel check-in.
Night in Avignon.
Day 2. The historic centre
Urban walk 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. Villeneuve Les Avignon. 5 miles-8 kms, with options
Transfer to Villeneuve first thing and embark on a walk around the hinterland, which afford a truly breathtaking vantage point over Villeneuve and Avignon. Then you explore Villeneuve’s rich cache of architecture, including the Carthusian monastry, Forte St Andre, St Andre Abbey, and the XIVth century Collégiale Notre Dame church.
Night near Villeneuve.
Day 4. 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 5. End of your hiking tour in France.
Leave for airport or walk to train station after breakfast.
Optional extras: paid entry to sites and museums
d) Access
Easy and convenient access to this hiking tour, Provence Rambling, is from either Avignon airport or TGV railway station, with Nimes being the nearest alternative.
Note:
- All passengers requiring transfers on a Sunday pay a taxi supplement of £30.00/€45.00/$60.00
e) Accommodation
You stay:
- two nights in Avignon
- one night near Villeneuve
- one night in Orange.
Your accommodation is:
• One 3-star hotel
• Two 2-star hotels, one with outdoor swimming pool.
• All are family-run, centrally-situated, and with
• En-suite facilities.
We have included only bed and breakfast in the Provence Rambling programme in order to maximize your freedom whilst providing the level of service you would expect.