q       Day 1:  Start your trip in the heart of Avignon. From the “Palais des Papes” to the “Pont d’Avignon,” a stroll through history. Dinner on your own. Hotel Avignon.

q       Day 2: In Avignon; morning free,  mid- afternoon transfer to Mérindol by private taxi. The city was a strategic site in the Rhone valley, owing its origin to the ‘Doms’ rock, which made a great defensive site over looking the river. With the arrival of the popes in the 14th Century, the city became a second Rome. It was enriched by art in the 17th and 18th Centuries and it remained Papal property up to the French revolution. Stroll around the shopping streets in the pedestrian area (Joseph Vernet and St Agricol streets), the district of la Balance and along the wide Avenue de Republic. You will find Provencal materials, ceramics and pottery, terra cotta figurines (santons), handicrafts, and other specialities of the region. You may want to try one of the cruises on the River Rhone, there are cruises of various lengths which can be booked. Recommended is a 1-hour cruise around Avignon to see the Bridge, the Rocher des Doms, Fort St André and Philippe Le Bel tower, in order to look at the bridge and town from the waters edge. (Cruises may not operate early or late in the season).

Transfer to Mérindol by private taxi (included). From the top of the old village, contemplate the vast plain of the Durance River below, from where an abundance of melons and vegetables are farmed for the famous Cavaillon markets.

Mérindol is a village that symbolises the repression of the Protestant Waldensians. The village was destroyed in 1547 during the Wars of Religion. Fortunately the population were forewarned and most escaped into the mountains, returning later to reoccupy the site and to re-establish an attractive town. Hotel in Mérindol.

q       Day 3: Mérindol - Gorge du Régalon - Mérindol (5 h, 14 km distance.  575 metres total ascent) Discover the Régalon gorge, which plunges to a depth of 30 metres whilst the shortest distance between the  gorge wall faces is less than 50 cm! The Gorges du Regalon are famous for their Mediterranean vegetation, that has survived thanks to a microclimate with an ideal degree of humidity. Types include: Stone Oaks, Maples, Aleppo Pines, Filarias, Winter Oaks, Alders and Wild Cherry trees. This place is very popular and can get busy at times, but if you are there out of high season / weekend and visit quite early, you maybe the only ones in the silent chasm with its dripping trees and morning fog. There are a few easy boulders to climb over during your walk through the gorges. The day will give you enough time for a picnic and to have a further look round Mérindol. Guesthouse in Mérindol.

q       Day 4: Mérindol - Recaute (7h, 18km, 1000 metres total ascent) We walk in the hills at the top of the Petit Luberon above the village of Lauris, perched in the Petit Luberon foothills, with amazing views across the Durance valley, the Alpilles range and the Luberon.

We arrive at a beautiful Cedar forest, where there is an opportunity for an additional loop. Originally from the Atlas Mountains of North Africa: The Atlas Cedar was sown on the petit Luberon around 1860 on only a few hectares and has since spread to more than 250 hectares on the plateau. The coolness of the forest explains the presence of mushroom species rare in Provence  and many birds find refuge here too!

Continue the walk on to your guesthouse, lost in the Luberon National Park. Guesthouse in Recaute.

q       Day 5: Recaute - Lourmarin - Buoux (4 h 15, 11km, total ascent 750 metres).
Morning transfer by local taxi to Lourmarin, listed as "one of the most beautiful villages in France." The town nestles in the middle of vineyards, olive groves and almond trees. A very animated village in the summer due to its numerous cafe terraces, restaurants and boutiques, it attracts many visitors. There is a 15th and 16th Century, castle that has peculiar stairs and magnificent rooms to admire (only the Renaissance part of the castle is open to the public.) In the village you will notice the typical Mediterranean architecture in its winding narrow streets, lovely old restored houses and well shaded public squares where you can immerse yourself in the gentle Provençal ambience. The inhabitants will want to remind you that Albert Camus, winner of the Nobel Literature Prize, lived and wrote here. In fact he is buried in Lourmarin cemetery. (Morning market on Friday).

The walk starts  from Lourmarin and heads towards  Buoux Fort, which served as a refuge for the population during the Wars of Religion. The small village of Buoux, (which is just off our route, but can be walked to if required) is situated among the rolling hills in the heart of the Parc Naturel Regional du Luberon. Due to its geographical situation, the village has played a naturally defensive role since prehistoric times. At the top of the rocky spur, the Buoux fort served as a refuge. In 1660, King Louis the 14th ordered the fort's destruction and from this date, the village abandoned its defensive vocation. Today, Buoux is a peaceful rural village. While walking around it you will see that most of the houses date from the middle and the end of the 17th century. These solid farmhouses, which belonged to wealthy Protestants, have been restored and maintained so well that they add unique style and character to the village. (Optional walk up to see the village)
In the grounds of the Fort you can also discover pieces of the rampart and walls of the chapel, which are all that survive of the fortress today.

The steep surrounds of Buoux provide a paradise for climbing enthusiasts from around the World. The irregular contours of the Aigue-Brun River are filled with caves, cliffs and peaks.

Hotel near Buoux (below the village).

q       Day 6: Buoux - Sivergues - Saignon (4 h, 10 km distance, 450 metres total ascent)
A shorter day to stop and enjoy the area! Following the Aiguebrun River through its gorges, you arrive at Sivergues, a hamlet whose 39 inhabitants mainly work in lavender and goat breeding. You'll feel as though you're in a village at the end of the world. You won't find café terraces or restaurants, but the peace and quiet will relax you as you enjoy strolling through the hamlet. You will come across some fine 16th and 17th century houses. Walk as far as the Fort de l'Archidiacre built in the 13th century (now a hiking gîte). It overlooks the whole of the Aiguebrun valley and you’ll now understand why Sivergues was chosen by the Protestant Waldensians as a strategic site to escape from their Catholic persecutors.

The walk rolls on to Saignon , which is  a peaceful little village that you can explore on foot, perched at the top of a hill overlooking the city of Apt. There is an easy access to the rock of Saignon, so do not hesitate to climb to the top where  there is a fabulous panoramic view. On good days you can see Mont  Ventoux, the Lure Mountains, the Alpes de haute Provence and the heights around Avignon! While walking through the narrow streets you will discover ancient fountains, picturesque shady squares and beautiful old houses with intricate doorways. Opposite the town hall you will see a very pretty 12th Century Romanesque Church.

q       Day 7:  Saignon - Colorado Provençal - Saignon (5.30 h, 12km dustance, 825 metres total ascent).

Walk from your guesthouse to Rustrel, a tiny village nestled at the foot of the Plateau d’Albion (and back to Saignon by taxi) from where you visit the Colorado Provencal ochre quarry.

The exploitation of ochre began more than a century ago and Rustrel soon became an important production centre and part of the Industrial Revolution, thanks to its ferruginous minerals. Today the exploitation is almost at an end, although the ‘Colorado Provencal’ has received a second lease of life, open to visitors who marvel at its colours and forms.

The Walk to Rustrel crosses the river Doa and you pass a number of walkways that will take you towards an incredible succession of rusty–coloured rocks, golden cliffs and red earthen chimneys which rise majestically out of the vegetation. The village of Rustrel is dominated by a beautiful 17th century chateau and it is also well known for its ‘Cotes du Ventoux’ wine! Guesthouse in Saignon.

q       Day 8: After breakfast transfer from Saignon to Apt by taxi for the local bus (included) to Avignon central bus station.