Secret Trails of Provence (self-guided)

Day 1: L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

Your trip starts with your arrival in the town of L'lsle-sur-la-Sorgue, a veritable island of a village surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Sorgue River. Whilst at your discretion, we recommend arriving and departing by train where possible within Europe due to this method of transport's minimal carbon emissions. L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is located 25 kilometres from Avignon and is easily accessible from Avignon by bus, train or taxi. Getting to Avignon is easy with regular TGV (fast trains) and regional train services from Paris (Gare de Lyon) and other cities in France. On arrival your detailed route notes, outlining everything you need to know for the week ahead, will be waiting for you at the hotel reception. If arriving on a Sunday, the Sunday Market is one of the most colourful in Provence and definitely worth a visit. The town's canals are lined by quaint cafés, restaurants and antique shops, so why not lose yourself in the labyrinth of narrow streets and absorb the town’s warm, Provençale charm?

Day 2: Fontaine de Vaucluse – Gordes

A short transfer by taxi this morning takes you to Fontaine de Vaucluse, the mysterious spring at the head of the Sorgue River. Through cedar forests you follow a 300-year old ‘mur-de-la-peste’, a stone wall built to protect Provence during the plague of 1720. After walking through Cabrières with its castle, we follow the path that leads to Gordes - a town built of majestic grey limestone that rises dramatically out of the valley and is crowned by its own Renaissance castle. (Walking time: 4-4½ hours, +450m/-200m) Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 3: Sénanque Abbey - Gordes

Today’s circular walk takes you through thyme-laden fields dotted with old stone huts and then down into the Sénancole Valley. You soon arrive at Sénanque Abbey. Built in 1148 and still in use, the abbey is one of the best-preserved Romanesque buildings in France and certainly one of its most magnificent. You have time to explore the abbey before returning to Gordes by walking on a cobblestone path. (Walking time: 3-3½ hours, +250m/-250m) Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 4: Goult

Enjoying superb views of the Calavon Valley your path takes you via the quaint town of St Pantaléon to the little-known village of Goult. Goult, a timeless village carved out of the limestone boulders, offers an authentic medieval feel and its narrow streets are largely untouched by modern tourism. A handful of cafés and restaurants reward tired walkers with great Provençale meal. (Walking time: 4-4½ hours, +20m/-300m) Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 5: Bonnieux

Crossing the Calavon Valley you pass the ruins of ancient stone farmhouses before reaching the town of Lacoste. Crowned by the ruins of the castle of the Marquis de Sade, Lacoste offers a stunning ensemble of old village gates and cobbled streets, not to mention the haunting allure of the castle and the marquis. You continue to Bonnieux, another gem of the Luberon that was immortalised in Peter Mayle’s book, 'A Year in Provence'. You can explore its beautiful town squares and follow the old cobbled steps that lead up to its 12th century church. (Walking time: 3-3½ hours, +320m/-250m) Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 6: The Cedar Forest - Bonnieux

Above Bonnieux you climb steadily up the slopes of the Luberon Massif on a seldom-used trail that takes you through the oak forests. Before long you reach the rounded plateau of the mountain with wide-sweeping views extending across the plains to the hilltop villages that dot the landscapes. On a clear day, the snow-peaked Alps complete the backdrop. Atop the Luberon you stroll under a majestic canopy of cedar trees with the option of an extra loop that takes you through the cedar forest before following a trail back to Bonnieux. (Walking time: 4 hours, +/- 400m). Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 7: L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

This morning you are transferred by taxi back to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue where your trip comes to an end. Regular trains and buses leave from L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue for Avignon; alternatively you may wish to book a private transfer - contact Peregrine or your travel agent for details. Additional nights' accommodation can also be booked in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue or in Avignon should you wish to extend your stay in Provence - enquire at time of booking. Meals included: 1 breakfast