Provence Lavender Road Provence France A Unique Trail in Provence - On the Road of Lavender A trip itinerary rich in fragrance and color, from the South Luberon to Provencal areas famous for their production of lavender: Plateau of Claparèdes, Plateau of Albion, the Country of Banon, and the foothills of the Lure Mountain. At the end of the third day, you will leave the scented lavender country to discover the historical forest surrounding Peyruis and its two chapels, “Sainte Magdeleine” and “Saint Donat”. The ride will end on the Plateau of Ganagobie and the charming village of Lurs, dominating the Country of Forcalquier and the Durance Valley, the gateway to the Plateau of Valensole, another important place for lavender, to be discovered next time!  Progressive Ride (no camping) Short Getaway Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Meeting: Mas de Recaute Airport: Marseille Transfer: Marseille Riders: Min 5 riders Max 8 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Rates Note:

For 1 pax booking as willing to share: 25% off single supplement rate will be applied if we don't have anybody to share with you
It is possible to book extra nights before or after the tour - please inquire

Transfer and Other Charges:

Arrival: Transfer from Marseille airport (5 p.m.), Aix-en-Provence TGV station (5:30 p.m.) or Aix-en-Provence central station (5:45 p.m.)

NOTE: PLEASE PLAN TO ARRIVE AT LEAST AN HOUR EARLIER TO THE TRAIN STATIONS THAN THE SET PICK UP TIMES TO ACCOUNT FOR ANY TRAIN DELAYS.

Departure: Drop off in Aix-en-Provence central station (10:00 a.m., Aix-en-Provence TGV station (10:30 a.m.) or Marseille airport (11:00 a.m.).

7-day Lavender Road and Wine Trail Route

Day 1 Sunday: Arrival
Meeting at Marseille airport or Aix-en-Provence train station, or directly at Mas de Recaute.
Welcome aperitif and presentation of the trail ride. You will be introduced to your guide and spend a first friendly dinner at he «host’s table». Overnight at Mas de Recaute.

Day 2 Monday: From Lauris to Buoux
The ride starts on the southern side of the small Luberon. A small rocky trail will take you up on the hills of the Luberon. Nice view on the Mont Ventoux (localy called "the giant of Provence") and the Lure Mountain. We will reach the Plateau of Claparèdes, famous for its lavender production. Lunch in the hills. On the afternoon, you will ride down to the Aiguebrun Gorges, the border between Small Luberon and Big Luberon. Your charming Inn is down the cliffs.

Day 3 Tuesday: Buoux to Rustrel
This morning you are riding up on the Plateau of Claparèdes, follow lavender fields, dry stone walls and " bories " (small shepherds' pen). You will ride down towards the Valley of Apt on ancient paved trails. After lunch, you will ride down to the "Colorado Provençal" old ocher mines. You will visit on horseback this exceptional site before leaving your horse and reach your hotel in the village of Rustrel.

Day 4 Wednesday: Rustrel to Saint Trinit
You quietly get into a valley shaded by oak trees, onto the Albion Plateau, high spot for lavender. Picnic near a chapel before browsing the plateau, former nuclear missiles site for the French nuclear force from 1971 to 1996. Ride among the lavender and sage fields with a break at a distillery where your guide will explain the production of basis for the perfume manufactures. Arrival at the guesthouse where you can relax and take a swim in the pool before visiting the village of Sault, lavender capital, do some shopping and visit the lavender distillery.

Day 5 Thursday: Saint Trinit to Montbrun-les-Bains
This morning, you will ride in direction of Saint-Trinit. The lunch will wait for you in the shade near Sault. In the afternoon, you will leave in the direction of Aurel, charming medieval village at the foot of the Mount Ventoux. In the afternoon, the colors of lavenders, fields of cereal and the shadows of the Mount Ventoux may tempt you to imitate the numerous painters who felt in love with this region. You will arrive the afternoon near Montbrun-les-Bains, surrounded with green hills and dominating a plain of perfumed lavenders: one of the most beautiful villages of France.

Day 6 Friday: Montbrun-les-Bains to Saint Auban sur Ouvèze (near Buis les Baronnies)
This morning, you will follow the foot of the Giant of Provence: the Mount Ventoux. You leave Montbrun riding along a pleasant refreshing stream, then we start a climb through forests and lavender fields heading to the "Arles" pass, where we enter the Provence Drôme.  You will ride down to the wonderful Mevouillon valley to reach your assistant for lunch breack.  The afternoon, you will leave the valley riding towards the Pelleret hamlet going up to the "Bouvreges" pass where you will enjoy an amazing 380° view. Last canter through the forest to Saint Auban sur Ouvèze, where the truck and the minibus are waiting for your transfer back to  Lauris, and Mas de Recaute.

Day 7 Saturday: Departure
End of the trip after breakfast. Transfers to Aix-en-Provence train stations and Marseille airport.

--Subject to changes--

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Sample Itinerary - 3-day trip (Part 1)- Subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
Pick-up from Marseille Airport (5:00 PM), Aix-en-Provence TGV Station (5:30 PM), or Center Station (5:45 PM) and drive to Mas Recaute for overnight.

Day 2: Lauris - Buoux
The ride starts on the southern side of the small Luberon. A small rocky trail will take you up on the hills of the Luberon. Nice view on the Mont Ventoux (localy called "the giant of Provence") and the Lure Mountain. We will reach the Plateau of Claparèdes, famous for its lavender production. Lunch in the hills. On the afternoon, you will ride down to the Aiguebrun Gorges, the border between Small Luberon and Big Luberon. Your charming Inn is down the cliffs.

Day 3: Buoux - Rustrel
This morning you are riding up on the Plateau of Claparèdes, follow lavender fields, dry stone walls and " bories " (small shepherds' pen). You will ride down towards the Valley of Apt on ancient paved trails. After lunch, you will ride down to the "Colorado Provençal" old ocher mines. You will visit on horseback this exceptional site before leaving your horse and reach your hotel in the village of Rustrel.

Day 4: Rustrel - Saint Trinit
You quietly get into a valley shaded by oak trees, onto the Albion Plateau, high spot for lavender. Picnic near a chapel before browsing the plateau, former nuclear missiles site for the French nuclear force from 1971 to 1996. Ride among the lavender and sage fields with a break at a distillery where your guide will explain the production of basis for the perfume manufactures. You will be able to visit the village of Sault, lavender capital, do some shopping and visit a lavender distillery before your car transfer back to Lauris. The ride ends around 6:00pm.

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Sample Itinerary - 3-day trip (Part 2)- Subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
Meeting at Cap Rando in Lauris at 5 pm. Car transfer to Saint-Trinit. Dinner and overnight in a nice accommodation with swimming pool.

Day 2: Saint-Trinit - Montbrun-les-Bains
This morning, you will ride in direction of Saint-Trinit. The lunch will wait for you in the shade near Sault. In the afternoon, you will leave in the direction of Aurel, charming medieval village at the foot of the Mount Ventoux. In the afternoon, the colors of lavenders, fields of cereal and the shadows of the Mount Ventoux may tempt you to imitate the numerous painters who felt in love with this region. You will arrive the afternoon near Montbrun-les-Bains, surrounded with green hills and dominating a plain of perfumed lavenders: one of the most beautiful villages of France.

Day 3: Montbrun les Bains - Saint Auban sur Ouvèze (near Buis les Baronnies) 
This morning, you will follow the foot of the Giant of Provence: the Mount Ventoux. You leave Montbrun riding along a pleasant refreshing stream, then we start a climb through forests and lavender fields heading to the "Arles" pass, where we enter the Provence Drôme.  You will ride down to the wonderful Mevouillon valley to reach your assistant for lunch breack.  The afternoon, you will leave the valley riding towards the Pelleret hamlet going up to the "Bouvreges" pass where you will enjoy an amazing 380° view. Last canter through the forest to Saint Auban sur Ouvèze, where the truck and the minibus are waiting for your transfer back to  Lauris, and Mas de Recaute.

Day 4: Departure
Transfer to the airport or train station.

                                                Lourmarin area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	50	52	59	64	72	80	85	83	77	68	57	51
Average Low Temperature (°F)	32	33	37	42	49	56	61	60	54	48	39	33
Average High Temperature (°C)	10	11	15	18	22	26	29	29	25	20	14	11
Average Low Temperature (°C)	0	0	3	6	10	13	16	16	12	9	4	1
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	5	4	4	5	4	2	1	2	4	5	5	4

Source: NOAA
 

Seasons
Thanks to its position in the South of France, the Provence region enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate with an average of 300 days of sunshine a year. The region benefits from warm summers and mild winters.

Summer
The hot summer days are broken up by the evening sea breezes which provide a cooling break from heat and create an ideal atmosphere to enjoy what this alluring picturesque area has to offer. Along the coast, summers are hot, with scarce rain for a 3 month period in the midst of summer. However, when it rains – it pours and often the rain is associated with thunder. Sunshine is plentiful - up to 11/12 hours a day in summer and around 5 in midwinter.

Winter
Winters in the region are generally mild and sunny but this pleasant weather is often interrupted by very unsettled cold and squally weather brought in by the famous northerly ‘mistral’ wind. The mistral blows with particular strength through around Marseille and through the Rhône Valley.

 

This list is only a guideline for you

Travel documents and Voucher

Flight tickets

Passport

Visa (check with your consulate)

RIDING GEAR

Jodhpurs or comfortable jeans (used if possible!)

Riding boots and mini chaps

Riding helmet

Riding gloves

Hat (with chin strap) for sun protection

Lightweight Waterproof

PERSONAL CLOTHING

Jacket or sweater for cool evenings

Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts

Jeans

Shorts

Underwear and socks

Pyjamas

Bag for dirty clothes

Jacket

Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING

Personal Toiletries

Insect protection

Personal medications

Sore cream (for an emergency)

Sewing kit

Handkerchiefs

Adapter for electric appliances

Camera and extra batteries

Sun glasses with strap

Sun tan lotion and lip balm

Average ratings from 4 tour feedbacks (see details below) Horses: (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Saddle/Tack: Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: other Riders: Name Date hillary brown 7/29/2017 corrine bussa 10/14/2012 jennie morel 7/18/2012 monica oliveira 7/17/2011

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so you will be staying in different locations during the trip. You will be staying in 4 different locations total.

Description
Accommodations during the trail will be in guesthouses and country inns. They are basic, but clean.  We select our accommodation according to its beautiful setting and friendly atmosphere, for riders to enjoy a pleasant stay. There are no laundry facilities while on trail. All accommodations have WIFI.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Mas de Recaute (standard option) or Les Gargoulettes (upgrade) in Lauris  
Night 2: Auberge des Seguins in Buoux   
Night 3: Auberge de Rustreou or Le Chateau in Rustrel 
Nights 4 & 5: Le Petit Labouret in Revest du Bion 
Night 6: Mas de Recaute (standard option) or Les Gargoulettes (upgrade) in Lauris  

Mas de Recaute in Lauris
Your accommodation is a simple and lovely guesthouse inn at the heart of Provence - Luberon with excellent cuisine! Set in a beautiful natural surrounding, this old farm has been restored and operates as guesthouse accommodations with the option to choose between private bedrooms (5 rooms) and beds in a dormitory. The rooms are simple but comfortable. The dormitory is quite basic and can accommodate up to 12 people. Bathrooms are private or shared depending on the room.

Les Gargoulettes in Lauris
Your host welcome you in their lovely country house. Each room has its own theme and decor with air-conditioning, a TV, free Wi-Fi access and ensuite facilities. There is an outdoor swimming pool, a Jacuzzi and a sauna that guests are welcome to use.

Auberge des Seguins in Buoux
This 16th-century stone house building offers a total of 27 rooms plus a dormitory that can host up to 20 people. The rooms are simple but comfortable and all come equipped with heating and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms can be private or shared depending on the room. There is a garden and an outdoor pool where guests can relax and enjoy the view. There is no cellphone coverage here.

Auberge de Rustreou in Rustrel
This old relay station dating back to the 18th century now offers 7 bedrooms equipped with a TV, free Wi-Fi and a private bathroom. Guests can also relax on the outdoor patio.

Gite Le Chateau in Rustrel
This beautiful 17th-century castle has recently been renovated to offer dormitory style bedrooms (2, 5 and 6 beds in each dormitory) with shared bathrooms. There is free Wi-Fi access in some parts of the Gite.

Le Petit Labouret in Revest du Bion
This guesthouse provides accommodation in private bedrooms featuring antique furniture and private bathrooms. There is a garden and an outdoor swimming pool where guest can relax and free Wi-Fi access is available anywhere on the property.

Room Occupancy
Triple occupancy is available at most accommodations. If not available, we can book one double and a single without the supplement.
If traveling as a single rider willing to share: half single supplement rate will be applied if we don't find anyone to share.


Meals
All meals are included in your package and typical Provençal meals are on the menu.

Breakfast will be provided by the accommodations we stay in.
At lunch, our assistant will prepare a substantial buffet. A “pastis”, a glass of red wine, a barbecue by a mountain stream, a refreshing salad, a nap before leaving again : many small pleasures which will add to the enjoyment of our rides.
In the evening everyone meets around the table, to discover local food - or should we say "cuisine" - don't count on losing any weight.

Wine is included with lunch and dinner for the standard accommodations.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Trail Saddles
Horses:		Arab/Spanish cross
Pace:		Moderate - with walk, trot and canters, 5 riding hours per day | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(3 to 3 out of 5)    Intermediate
Age:		Min 12	Max 80
Weight:		Max 220 lbs
Riders:		Min 5 riders	Max 8 riders

Riding Level
In order to make the most of the ride, we require riders to be at ease with walk, trot and canter, in outdoor riding.

Pace
This program includes 2/3/5 riding days depending on the option you choose. You will ride an average of 5 hours every day (about 2-3 hours in the morning and again 2-3 hours in the afternoon). The pace will vary according to the terrain.

Horses
Most of our horses are Barb and Spanish crosses. They have been trained for trail riding and are sure-footed. They live together as a herd, all year long.
During the ride, we advise you to take care of your horse, in order to get to know him better, and to create a special relationship with him.

Riding Group
Groups are made out of 5 to 8 riders. This limited amount of riders, often including several nationalities, allows each person to make the most of the trip.

Staff
Two members of staff will accompany you on your trip: 1 guide on horseback who speaks English and French and 1 person in charge of transporting luggage and setting up the lunch buffets.
Guides are certified, and friendly. They made a job out of their passion and enjoy sharing their passion with guests. Whether on the Alpes or on the beaches of Camargue, amongst odorant thym, rosmary and lavander, our guides are here to keep riders safe. All guides speak English.

Passports

Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:

(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.

Passport Note

France is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.



Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:

(a) nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period;

(b) nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	1
Visa Required?
British	No
Australian	No
Canadian	No
USA	No
Other EU	No
Return Ticket Required?
British	No
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	No

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.