Self Guided Hiking Tours in France

Heart of Provence
Classic Provence Hike

The region of Provence dates from about 120 bc, being a part of the Provincia Romana. Progressively, successively different possessions took place as several ancient Germanic peoples, the Visigoths, the Ostrogoths and the Frankish kings all took control. In 879 ad, Provence region was a kingdom, the Kingdom of Provence. In 1245 to 1482, the region came into the possession of King Louis XI of France, and finally in 1486 it was annexed to the French Kingdom.

A Classic Provence journey, this unique hiking tour takes you on a discovery of the Pont du Gard area, west of Avignon. You start at the famous Pont du Gard - Roman aqueduct built in the 1st century BC. During 4 hiking days you’ll discover the countryside around and spend 2 nights in the charming town of Uzes, a classic and typical Provencale village.

Avignon to Uzes
5 days / 4 nights
Self-guided walking

Hiking: The hiking tours that we propose are a combination of quiet country roads which allow you to appreciate the villages as well as parts of GR-trails (“Grande Randonnées”, being Long Distance Paths). The daily distance varies between 13 and 18kms (8 and 11,5miles) and the hiking is not difficult.

Itinerary

The hiking tours that we propose are a combination of quiet country roads which allow you to appreciate the villages as well as parts of GR-trails (“Grande Randonnées”, being Long Distance Paths). The daily distance varies between 13 and 18kms (8 and 11,5miles) and the hiking is not difficult.
Level: Moderate, mostly flat to slightly rolling terrain, 13-18km/day average.

Day 1 Arrival at Avignon.
We will meet and transfer you to the first lodging near the Pont du Gard. The TGV from Paris or CDG airport has many trips per day. We will give you an orientation, maps and cue sheets upon arrival. Your hotel is a charming 16th century manor surrounded by vineyards and olive orchards. Orientation at 4:30. Dinner with wine included tonight. (D)

Day 2 Hiking to Collias via Pont du Gard (18km - 4.5 hrs).
A scenic walk to the Pont du Gard, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is the most prestigeous element of the Roman aqueduct built around 50 BC to carry water from Uzes to Nimes. Around this area are vineyards and rolling landscapes. You finish the hike in Collias and have a charming hotel/inn from the 17th century with dinner included. (B, D)

Day 3 Hike to Uzes - typical Provencale town (13km - 3.5 hrs).
From Collias you pick up the trail that will take you along the Gard river to Sanilhac before arriving at Uzès at the north via a botanic trail. Two kilometers before the center of Uzès, you arrive at the Pont des Charrettes and the Museum of Haribo-sweets. Haribo is one of the most famous confectioners in France with a long history, this is a good cultural stop. Overnight in a charming 3* hotel in the historical center of Uzès. Dinner included. (B,D)
To visit in Uzes:
-Duchy of Uzes: It's one of the most well-preserved feudal complexes located in the centre of a town
-18th century church Eglise Saint Etienne
-Medieval Garden: Between the Tower of the King and that of the Bishopric
-Musee Haribo

Day 4 Hike around Uzes (13 km)
A loop tour around Uzes to discover this beautiful region. The itinerary will take you to the Gorges de l'Alzon. Along the path, you will see several« capitelles ». A Capitelle is a small shepherd shelter made of dry stone. In the Luberon area, Capitelles are called Bories. Return to Uzes for the night and dinner on your own. (B)

Day 5 Departure day after breakfast.
Transfer back to Avignon TGV station included; additional stays in Uzes or Avignon possible.


 
ZZ-FR-HikeDFP
5 days/ 4 nights $ 1,545
Single + $645
 -- based on € 994 / 410
Rates are subject to change
  • 2008 Price includes:
    4 nights charming hotels 3 star, all breakfasts, 3 dinners, all walks/walking tours (including IGN maps) and GPS navigation, bag transfers, transfers as mentioned, orientation, English speaking travel assistance during your stay. We also provide travel planning to add Paris hotels, car rentals, France hotels, trains, airport transfers, and more.
    Dates:
    This tour can depart any day, subject to hotel availability with a minimum of 2, April through October 2008. Note routes are subject to change in July/Aug based on forest fire prevention measures.
     
  • Starting point:
    Arrival city is Avignon
     
  • Number of participants:
    Two people minimum needed.
  • Level of difficulty:
    Moderate - moderate, mostly flat to slightly rolling terrain, 15-20km/day average.

    Carrying    :
    Just your belongings for the day, the rest of your luggage is transferred by vehicle.
     

provence France walking tour

Additional Night in Avignon: $TBD - please inquire. Hotels include: l'Atelier**, Auberge de Tavel***, Hotel l'Arceau**, Hotel St Pierre***, Hotel du General d'Entraigues***.