As seen on
The vineyards and lavender fields of Provence, France
France
From
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Esential info
- Packing list
Grade:
Entry Level
Type:
Cultural
Duration:
8 Nights
6 - 12
Group size
Leaders
Highlights
- Wine tasting in vinyards
- Explore tucked away Roman & medieval villages
- Picnic lunch atop stunning Mont Ventoux
- The Lavender fields of 'Haute Provence'
- Enjoy peerless French cuisine
- Stroll through Marseille & Aix-en-Provence
Provence is quite simply too good to be true (except it is): A region of sensory delights from the sparkling Mediterranean waters of Marseille’s Old Port to the historic, fountain-lined avenues of Aix-en-Provence, estate-bottled wines in Gigondas, cold-pressed olive oils crafted from centuries-old groves and lavender fields stretching as far as the eye can see on the Valensole Plateau - this sunny corner of France inspires at every turn.
Experience bustling morning markets in Forcalquier, the seemingly endless rolling vineyards of the Cote du Rhone dotted with charming medieval hamlets that look like impressionist paintings (many of them are), fresh croissants from charming patisseries with aromatic cheeses that burn your nose hair.
This meticulously crafted nine-day journey offers an intimate exploration of the heart of Provence. Enjoy a perfectly balanced pace that combines expert-guided tours of Marseille, Aix, Forcalquier, Lurs, Sisteron, Les Mées, Valensole, Ganagobieand, Bonnieux, Sablet and Vaison-la-Romaine with peaceful nature walks on Mont Ventoux and through vineyard trails, as well as plenty of free time to dine at leisure and soak up your surroundings.
Day 1: Marseille
Transfer
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
Arrival in Marseille and check-in at the hotel. Rooms are available from 3:00 PM, with luggage storage available at the hotel beforehand. Take some time to settle in and enjoy your first moments in the city before meeting your Tour Leader in the evening for a welcome briefing and an introduction to the journey ahead.
In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, offering a first taste of the flavours and convivial atmosphere of Provence. Dinner included at Restaurant Chez Zé or similar.
Overnight Marseille: Hotel Amista, Hotel Mongrand, Hotel Bellevue, Hotel 96 or similar
Day 2 : Marseille – Aix en Provence (45mins)
Transfer
Breakfast
Boutique Hotel
This morning, discover the many faces of Marseille during a 2-hour guided walking tour. Begin around the Old Port, the historic heart of the city, before continuing towards Malmousque and the small fishing ports along the Corniche, where Marseille’s Mediterranean character comes to life.
Continue through Le Panier, the city’s oldest and one of its most emblematic neighbourhoods, known for its narrow streets, colourful façades and authentic atmosphere. The walk also includes the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, one of Marseille’s most recognisable landmarks. Lunch at leisure.
In the afternoon, discover La Cité Radieuse, Le Corbusier’s iconic architectural complex. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this remarkable building offers a fascinating insight into the architect’s vision of modern urban living and represents an important chapter in Marseille’s architectural heritage. Continue to Aix-en-Provence, where you will settle into your hotel for the evening.
Overnight in Aix en Provence: Hotel Escaletto, Hotel Les Augustins or similar
Day 3 : Aix en Provence - Forcalquier (1h15 Mins)
Transfer
Breakfast
Boutique Hotel
This morning, discover Aix-en-Provence on a 2-hour guided walking tour through its historic centre. Stroll along the elegant Cours Mirabeau and through the charming streets of the old town, discovering its fountains, historic squares and beautifully preserved private mansions. Continue to Place de l’Hôtel de Ville and uncover the character and heritage of this elegant Provençal city. Lunch at leisure.
Enjoy a free afternoon in Aix-en-Provence, with plenty of opportunities to explore the city at your own pace. Art enthusiasts may choose to discover the studio of painter Paul Cézanne or visit the Musée Granet, while others can simply enjoy the cafés, boutiques and lively atmosphere of the historic centre. Later in the afternoon, depart for Forcalquier, travelling deeper into the dreamy landscapes. Dinner at leisure.
Overnight Forcalquier: Hotel Charembeau
Day 4: Forcalquier, Lurs & Les mées
Transfer
Breakfast
Packed Lunch
Boutique Hotel
Begin the morning with a visit to Forcalquier, followed by free time to explore its famous market. One of the largest markets in Haute-Provence, the Forcalquier market is a true local institution and is considered one of the most beautiful markets in the region. Stroll through its many stalls, with more than 200 vendors during July and August, and discover the colours, flavours and local produce.
Continue towards the village of Lurs, with a visit to a local olive oil production workshop along the way. Discover the traditional know-how behind one of Provence’s emblematic products before taking a short walk through the village. Perched on a balcony overlooking the Durance Valley, Lurs offers beautiful panoramic views across olive groves and the surrounding countryside, with the Alps of Haute-Provence providing a spectacular backdrop. Picnic lunch included in Lurs.
Continue towards Les Mées, where the spectacular Pénitents des Mées rise dramatically above the surrounding landscape. These impressive, narrow rock formations reach more than 100 metres in height and are part of the nationally classified sites of France. For those wishing to explore the landscape on foot, enjoy a circular walking route of approximately 2 hours, offering beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Return to Forcalquier at the end of the day.
Overnight Forcalquier: Hotel Charembeau
Day 5 : Forcalquier , Valensole , Sisteron & Ganagobie
Transfer
Breakfast
Boutique Hotel
Depart from Forcalquier in the morning and head towards Valensole, known as the “granary of the region” and home to one of the largest plateaux in France. At an altitude of around 590 metres, the Valensole Plateau is particularly renowned for its lavender and almond trees, which bring colour and fragrance to the Provençal landscape between mid-June and mid-July.
Continue towards Sisteron, a historic town located along the Napoleon Route and known as the “Pearl of Haute-Provence”. Take time to stroll through the town and admire its spectacular setting, dominated by the impressive Baume rock. Lunch at leisure in Sisteron.
In the afternoon, continue towards Ganagobie, set high above the Durance Valley. Enjoy a scenic walking route of approximately 1½ hours, offering beautiful views across the surrounding Provençal landscapes. Return to Forcalquier at the end of the day. Dinner at leisure.
Overnight Forcalquier: Hotel Charembeau
Day 6: Rustrel, Bonnieux & Gigondas
Transfer
Breakfast
Boutique Hotel
Depart from Forcalquier in the morning towards Rustrel, home to the spectacular Provençal Colorado, a former open-air ochre mining site. Discover this remarkable geological landscape, shaped by centuries of ochre extraction, with its striking colours, unusual rock formations and beautiful walking trails.
Continue towards Bonnieux, a charming medieval village perched above the Luberon. Stroll through its narrow, paved streets and discover the authentic character and beautiful views that make this one of the region’s most picturesque villages. Lunch at leisure in Bonnieux.
In the afternoon, continue towards Gigondas, a charming Provençal village renowned for its vineyards and exceptional wines. Take some time to explore the village and enjoy its authentic Provençal atmosphere before settling into your accommodation for the evening. Dinner at leisure.
Accommodations in Seguret: Hostellerie Domaine de Cabasse, Gigondas: Hotel les Florets, Vaison la Romaine: Hotel la bastide de Vaison
Day 7: Sablet & Banon
Transfer
Breakfast
Boutique Hotel
Travel through the beautiful Provençal countryside towards Sablet, following scenic small roads and enjoying the landscapes along the way. Stop in Banon, a charming Provençal village, and enjoy a tasting of the famous AOP Banon cheese, a local speciality traditionally wrapped in chestnut leaves.
Continue towards the vineyards and enjoy an optional 2-hour walk through the vineyards, followed by a wine tasting. Return to Gigondas at the end of the day. Dinner at leisure.
Accommodations in Seguret: Hostellerie Domaine de Cabasse, Gigondas: Hotel les Florets, Vaison la Romaine: Hotel la bastide de Vaison
Day 8 : Mont Ventoux
Transfer
Breakfast
Packed Lunch
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
This morning, enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of Vaison-la-Romaine, discovering the town’s rich heritage and distinctive Provençal character.
Then continue towards Mont Ventoux, Provence’s iconic peak, rising to an altitude of 1,910 metres. Enjoy the spectacular mountain landscapes and panoramic views from this legendary Provençal landmark. Picnic lunch included at Mont Ventoux. Return to Gigondas. Dinner included.
Accommodations in Seguret: Hostellerie Domaine de Cabasse, Gigondas: Hotel les Florets, Vaison la Romaine: Hotel la bastide de Vaison
Day 9 : Marseille
Transfer
Breakfast
Transfer back to Marseille in the morning (2 hours) after breakfast to conclude your Provencal adventure.
Adventure Optional Extras
Plant an additional 15 trees for your adventure
Carbon Compensation is not the perfect solution, and it is important to first reduce our carbon emissions as much as we can, yet trees remain an excellent natural technology to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to slow global warming.
For every client and guide who attends a YellowWood Adventure, we donate £30 to our partner charity WeForest to plant 15 trees to (over) compensate for the carbon footprint of the tour.
We also invite our clients to match this with an optional additional £30 for another 15 trees to be planted to help compensate for the carbon footprint of their international flights.
WeForest run many tree planting and tree maintenance projects such as this seedling nursery in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil and many other projects in other countries including Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania & India.
Click Here to find out more about their amazing projects around the world.
Contents
Accommodation
We fully believe in, and practice Responsible Tourism, using hotels and guest houses run by locals. We put time and effort into building our relationship with them to ensure you have a great trip. We choose accommodation based on cleanliness, comfort, safety, proximity to our route (to avoid unnecessary extra travel), and a warm client welcome, as well as reliability in their service to us.
Some hotels will be in historic town centres or rural villages. Wherever we can, we select smaller, more characterful, individual boutique hotels or family-run properties that reflect the regional Charm of Provence. An aspect of our adventures is to escape the 'trappings' of standard tourist travel and experience authentic regional culture, which is both exciting and memorable.
This trip involves boutique hotels, local guest houses, and countryside inns throughout Provence. Where featured hotels are fully booked or unavailable, we will use an alternative of a similar standard and equally well situated. We will provide you with an accurate list of accommodation, with contact information to leave with relatives, prior to departure on your adventure.
Facilities
Unless you have booked a single room (where available) and paid the single room supplement, you will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender).
Guiding & Your Group
You will be accompanied by an experienced, English-speaking local expert guide throughout the adventure, alongside specialist local hosts during private vineyard tastings, lavender distillery visits, and historic town walking tours.
Your group will be any number from our minimum group size of 4, up to a maximum of 12 clients. This number works really well with the ratio of guides, and ensures an optimal level of service to you during your adventure. We get clients booking alone, as couples, and in small groups of friends.
Am I fit enough?
This trip is graded as Grade 1–3: Entry Level.
You need to be in good physical health to enjoy your active holiday, but you do not need to be an experienced hiker. This itinerary offers a mix of cultural sightseeing, market visits, wine tastings, and easy-to-moderate walks through lavender fields, vineyards, and coastal paths (such as the Calanques or Luberon countryside) for around 2 to 4 hours a day.
Walks will be on defined pathways, village cobblestones, and well-marked trails. You will not be required to carry more than a light day pack with water, sun protection, and personal essentials. Ensure you have comfortable, well-worn-in walking shoes or light hiking boots suitable for uneven terrain.
Travel & Arrival
Your YellowWood adventure starts in Provence, France.
Finding Flights
Flights are not included in the cost of your holiday, and whilst we are happy to help advise you, responsibility for booking the correct flights rests with you. We recommend using a comparison tool such as Momondo or Skyscanner when searching for flights. Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) or regional high-speed rail hubs (such as Aix-en-Provence TGV) are typically the designated arrival points. We will send you a Flight Information Sheet with further pointers on recommended arrival windows.
Foreign Travel Advice
For the latest travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), including security, local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also monitor updates directly to stay fully informed of status changes in our destination countries.
Airport & Arrival Info
Included in the cost of your adventure is a group transfer to and from the designated arrival hub on the official start and end dates of the trip. Group transfers are only available on these official dates. Arriving or departing on any other days means group transfers will not be included.
Once you have booked, you will be prompted to complete a travel information form where you can provide your exact flight or train details so private or group transfers can be coordinated accordingly.
Hotel Arrival / Welcome
Once the group has arrived at the joining hotel, you will meet your guide and fellow travelers for a welcome briefing outlining the upcoming itinerary, safety guidelines, and schedule, followed by your first regional dinner together.
Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory for all clients joining a YellowWood Adventures trip. Your policy must cover full medical expenses, emergency evacuation, repatriation, and personal liability. It should also cover trip cancellation and curtailment. Please ensure your policy explicitly covers gentle hiking and walking activities in Europe up to the elevations listed in the trip details.
General Information
Currency: Euro (€)
Language: French
Climate: Provence enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny summers and mild shoulder seasons. Summer temperatures (especially June–August during lavender bloom) can be hot, so sun protection and hydration are key.
Plug Adapters: Type C and Type E (Standard European two-round-pin plugs, 230V, 50Hz).
Single Supplement: Available for travelers requesting private single-room accommodation where available across all nights.
Coming soon!
Compulsory
Need a little help?
All adventures can be tailored as private bespoke trips.
Please contact us for more information:
+44 207 846 0197
Related Adventures
Booking Process
Select dates: Choose the dates for your adventure and consider adding any extra adventures or add-ons to enhance your experience.
Check the box to agree to our Terms & Conditions.
Make Booking: Click on "Make Booking." If you're booking more than 56 days before your adventure, you'll be redirected to secure WorldPay to make your deposit. If it's 56 days or less before your adventure, you'll need to make full payment. Rest assured, your money is held securely by the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust.
Your booking will show as 'pending' in your YellowWood online account.
Confirmation: We'll be in touch as soon as possible to confirm your booking or discuss any availability limitations. Please refrain from booking transport or flights until we've emailed you to confirm your booking. (Note: Receipt of your booking form is not confirmation.)
Making payment: Once your booking is confirmed, we'll change the status of your final invoice from 'Pending Approval' to 'Outstanding,' indicating that it's ready for payment online.
You will receive a reminder email for your final payment 56 days before the departure date.
Feel free to contact us with any questions about your adventure or booking, we're here to help!
Grading
To help you choose the right adventure for you, we have given each itinerary a grading that relates to the level of Walking / Trekking you will experience during the trip. This grading can be found on the Yellow map on the adventure page of the website.
All of our trips involve a level of general activity so are designed for people who are in good health, enjoy the outdoors, and have a taste for adventure and some level of fitness. As will be clear from our destinations, the climate (and altitude) may be different to that which you are used to, so please take this into consideration when choosing the most suitable holiday.
Please read our Adventure Itinerary & Essential Information for more information and don't hesitate to contact us if you would like to chat through whether you have found a suitable adventure for you.
Grade 1-3: Entry Level
You need to be in good physical health to enjoy your active holiday, but you don’t need to be an experienced hiker. These itineraries offer a mix of sightseeing and easier walking for around 2-4hrs a day, with the emphasis on sights and cultural experiences.
Walks will be well marked or on defined pathways, and often around sites of interest. The expected amount of descent/ascent will depend on the landscapes of the destination, but will not exceed 400m/day, and will often be much less. Walks are at low altitude (below 3000m).
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack with water and essentials. Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have a pair of comfortable and worn in walking shoes/boots.
Grades 4-6: Intermediate
You need to have a good level of fitness and be a regular walker for these adventures, with ideally some trekking experience. You can expect to be walking for 3-6 hours per day, not including rest stops, normally on good trail paths but with some uneven surfaces at times.
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack. You may be walking in more challenging temperatures. You will generally be walking at low altitude (below 3000m) but may walk at altitudes up to 4000m. The amount of ascent could be up to 800m in a day but will frequently be less. You may walk on consecutive days.
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable clothing for this adventure.
Grades 7-9: Challenging
You need to have a good level of fitness with previous experience of trekking. Extra training before your trip will ensure that you get the most out of your adventure. Areas will be remote and terrain uneven.
Expect to walk for 5 – 8 hours a day, not including breaks, with some very steep ascents and descents. You will be walking at altitude (over 3000m but not higher than 5000m).
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable equipment/clothing for this adventure (see the packing list for your adventure).
Please check individual itineraries for details of what you will need to be carrying with you.
Get in touch
CLICK HERE to schedule a call online with YellowWood Founder Sam McManus.
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