Hiking & Hilltop Villages in Provence - 7 Days

Highlights

• Take a guided hike through the breathtaking Gorges de la Nesque
• Enjoy multiple relaxing excursions to the region's best spas
• In the hilltop village of Brantes, take a wild plants culinary workshop
• Swim in the Toulourenc River under the warm Provençal sun

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Provence

After flying into Marseilles, Lyon, or Nice, you'll arrive at the end of the afternoon in beautiful Malaucène, a village at the foot of Mont Ventoux. You'll be welcomed by your hosts, followed by rest and relaxation at the wellness facilities on site. Enjoy a leisurely dinner at your hotel, before resting up for your days of adventure and exploration ahead. 

Day 2: Spa Day & Sunset Over Mont Ventoux

Spend your morning luxuriating at the Ventoux Provence Spa to recharge your batteries after traveling. Try a hot stone massage, use the world-class steam room and sauna, or chill out by the outdoor pool. In the late afternoon, you’ll join your guide for an easy hike on Mont Ventoux - known as the "Giant of Provence" - and reach the summit in time to admire the sunset. After an al fresco dinner in a sheltered spot below the summit, you’ll descend through the peaceful forest with your guide using headlamps. 

Day 3: Gigondas Wine Region

After a hearty breakfast, you'll take a day trip to the beautiful Rhône Valley wine region of Gigondas, known for its excellent Grenache-based red and rosé wines. Pay a visit to a wine cellar and enjoy a tasting at the bottom of the Dentelles mountain ridge. Once you're done, return to Malaucène and continue the afternoon by the pool or with a jacuzzi session. Enjoy your last evening before moving on to Sault tomorrow.

Day 4:  Gorges de la Nesque & Sault

This morning, the magnificent Gorges de la Nesque awaits you. Take a guided hike to some of this impressive canyon's most scenic spots, all while exploring caves and other features that make this place special. Spend your afternoon discovering Sault, a colorful village overlooking endless fields of lavender below. Take a walk on the Lavender Road, a three-mile loop through a fragrant and vibrantly beautiful lavender farm, before treating yourself to a macaron at the Boyer Nougat Factory. You can also take a distillery tour, buy some handmade soap, or visit some of the historically significant landmarks. 

Day 5: Culinary Adventure in Brantes

From Sault, you'll continue to one of the most picturesque places in France: Montbrun les Bains, a hilltop village known for its therapeutic natural hot springs. On your way, you'll make an afternoon stop at Brantes, another charming mountain town where you'll enjoy drinks on a terrace with a breathtaking view of Mont Ventoux. Here, you'll have a creative culinary workshop with the Aventuriers du Goût, an ethnobotanist and a chef who will help you gather wild ingredients, cook with them, and share the delicious results together. 

Day 6: Montbrun les Bains & Toulourenc Valley

Take a short, early morning hike along the scenic Toulourenc River, and don't forget your swimsuit - you'll have the chance to enjoy the sunshine while taking a dip in the area's naturally formed pools. After lunch, you'll have one last wellness excursion at Montbrun Spa, where you'll visit the spa, sauna, or the outdoor hot tub with panoramic views of the surrounding area. Celebrate your last evening in Provence with dinner in one of the region's excellent restaurants. 

Day 7: Departure

After a leisurely morning taking in your last few hours in the Montbrun les Bains region, you'll say au revoir to Provence and head to the airport.