Europe self-guided walk operator, On Foot Holidays, has relaunched a new and enhanced version of one of its most popular walking holidays – a week-long hike through the romantic vineyards, olive groves and hilltop villages of Northern Provence in France.
The new-look, six-night journey now features new, character-filled hotels and a refreshed and updated walking route. Created for independent travellers, the hike sees walkers stay at a series of small, provincial B&Bs along the route, with luggage transferred between the inns so walkers can enjoy the dreamy landscapes pack-free. And because this is gastronomic France, the local food and wine are as appealing as the postcard scenery.
Just east of Avignon, the journey begins at Venasque, a pretty hilltop village in Northern Provence surrounded by ruined ramparts, before walkers embark on a circular route through forest and hills, with fine views of Mont Ventoux on the return journey.
The next day’s walk will be a gentler one, to Malemort du Comtat with its 12th century church, and the fortified village of Mazan. Walkers will then pass olive and cherry tree groves enroute to the hilltop village of Crillon le Brave and stop for a picnic lunch, before journeying past a number of vineyards and finishing the day in Le Barroux’s narrow streets below its 12th century castle. The fifth day will see hikers climbing to the highest point of their walk to arrive near the Dentelles de Montmirail, a small but spectacular chain of mountains, whose
jagged rocks travellers will explore the following the day. The final day gives the chance to walk in amongst hidden valleys, shimmying around rocks and admiring spectacular views, passing through the pretty village of Gigondas before returning to the end of the walk in Vacqueyras.
Graded medium-hard in difficulty, with four to six hours of walking per day, the six-night Northern Provence walking tour package includes six nights’ accommodation, all breakfasts, three evening meals, four picnic lunches and all luggage transfers – meaning travellers only carry a day pack.
The Northern Provence walk costs £1160 per person, twin-share (British pounds – approx A$2309 per person depending on exchange rates). Walkers can select their own departure dates in spring from April to June and during autumn in September and October.
Direct link to walk – www.onfootholidays.co.uk/
Rated one of Europe’s leading, self-guided, walking tour operators, UK-based On Foot Holidays offers 36 self-guided walking tours in 11 countries across Europe. Accommodation and information packs are provided for all the routes and optional guides are available on select itineraries. All routes are designed by locals and tested by staff from On Foot Holidays.
Visit www.onfootholidays.co.uk
