Self-Guided Provence Inn-to-Inn

• This itinerary represents one of many possibilities. There are many variations, depending on your timeframe and level of hiking ability. Please contact us if you would like a more detailed itinerary, including elevation gain, loss, distance, and additional information.

Day 1: Independent transfer from Nice by train to the small, picturesque village of Annot. This scenic train trip takes about 2 hours. Annot is a charming, well-preserved, and unpretentious village. There is a small town square and tree-lined main street with little shops. Narrow walkways wind their way past 14th-century medieval houses and under arched passages. If you arrive early in the afternoon, there is a stunning hike called the Chambre du Roi. Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 2: From Annot you will travel by van (included in the cost of the trip) to St. Andre les Alpes, from where you will begin your hike to Castellane. This isolated trail follows the ridge high above the western side of the Lac de Castillon. Part of this hike will be on jeep roads, through forests, old farmsteads and on high overlooks. This is a varied day of hiking. You will meet your van at the small hamlet of La Baume at about 3:00 in the afternoon. Transfer to Castellane.

Set alongside at the northern end of the Verdon River, the village of Castellane is known as the gateway to the Verdon Gorge region. This picturesque village is strikingly nestled beneath a high rock promontory crowned by the chapel Notre Dame du Roc, Our Lady of the Rock. The leafy town square, where locals gather to play boules, is bordered by appealing shops, hotels and cafes. Narrow lanes wind through the cozy village interior leading to fountains, tiny shops, boulangeries, and boucheries. Castellane has been inhabited since before Roman times and evidence of these early settlers is still visible. Breakfast included. Dinner on your own.

Elevation gain: 2,260’; Elevation loss: 2,811’; Distance: about 7 miles; Time: 4½ – 5 hours.

Day 3: Departing Castellane, you hike through what some guide books refer to as “the most dramatic and natural scenery in all of France.” The scenery is certainly impressive. The limestone and rock outcroppings rise up to canyonesque pinnacles as your route traverses high above the Verdon River. This is a rocky, arid landscape scented with broom, rosemary, and hints of lavender.

The trail takes you through the tiny artisan’s hamlet of Chasteuil, over a high plateau, and down to the little hamlet of Rougon, perched at the entrance to the Gorge du Verdon. Here will have your first real glimpse into the gorge. From Rougon, you continue down through a thin stand of oak to your auberge in Point Sublime. Bustling with visitors to the Gorge during the day, Point Sublime takes on an air of restful tranquility as evening approaches. This is a spot for lingering. Breakfast and dinner included.

Elevation gain: 2,179’; Elevation loss: 1,969’; Distance: 12 miles; Time: 5½ – 6 hours. 

Day 4: Today’s hike leads through the Gorge du Verdon. Known also as the Grand Canyon of Verdon, at over 15 miles long and 2,300 feet deep in places, it is stunning.

From Point Sublime, you descend under dramatic red and yellow striped limestone cliffs to the riverbed. Following the river, a newly-constructed set of cement stairs leads you to a set of tunnels originally constructed before WWII. Once through the tunnels, the route undulates pleasantly as it follows the river. You pass in and out of thin stands of forest oak with ever-changing views of the river and canyon walls. Several hours into the hike, the trail takes on a stiff climb as you approach a long set of stair-like ladders with handrails and 240 steps. Descending again from the ladders, you can stop for a riverside picnic and a chance to cool your feet before the final climb out of the gorge.

Ending your hike at La Maline, you will then have a short transfer to your hotel in Moustiers. This is a strenuous hike with varied terrain. Breakfast and dinner included.

Elevation gain: 3,097’; Elevation loss: 3,448’; Distance: 8 miles; Time: 6 – 7 hours.

Day 5: Free Day in Moustiers. This is an attractive village wedged dramatically in the cleft of a small ravine. High above the village, spanning the ravine is a chain, and dangling from it is a star. The romantic symbol of Moustiers, legend has it that during the Crusades a knight hung the star here in gratitude after his release from prison. There is time to wander through Moustiers’ narrow streets, visit shops, stop for lunch at a café, and walk up to the high chapel of Notre Dame de Beauvoir.

Day 6: A shorter hiking day will take you from Moustiers to Riez and you’ll then transfer to Céreste. This will allow time for browsing around both these interesting villages. On today’s hike the landscape changes dramatically as you descend from the mountains and begin to hike across open plains. With the mountains serving as a backdrop, the trail leads past oak forests (where farmers encourage the growth of truffles) and through lavender and poppy fields.

The Roman village of Riez is said to be the oldest town in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and is somewhat bypassed by tourism. You will rendezvous with your taxi in the middle of the afternoon and transfer to the quiet village of Céreste and your small inn. Once a fortified village, Saignon sits on the west face of the Luberon Mountain at an elevation of 1,560′. Saignon is a wonderful village in which to browse, relax, and enjoy the view. Travel time is about 1 hour. The transfer is included in the cost of the trip. Breakfast and dinner included.

Elevation gain: 1,000’; Elevation loss: 1,330’; Distance: 10 miles; Time: 4½ – 5 hours.

Day 7: Day hike in Céreste. Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 8: From Céreste, you first transfer to the trail head, by taxi (about 10 minutes) and then hike into the heart of the Luberon. Though not a high Alp, the hiking is rewarding and a bit demanding as you gain steady elevation from Céreste, cross the Grand Luberon ridgeline and finally reach the top of Mourre Negre at 3,712’. All along the ridgeline there are wide, open, 360-degree views. You then descend to Saignon where you will meet your taxi for transfer to Roussillon. This is a strenuous day. Dinner is not included in Roussillon. Breakfast is included. There are many small restaurants in Roussillon.

Elevation gain: 2,041’; Elevation loss: 2,776’; Distance: 11.5 miles; Time: 6½ hours.

Day 9: After breakfast, there is a short transfer to Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt. The market village of Saint Saturnin les Apt is filled with history dating back to Roman times. Most visible now are ramparts and walled enclosures dating from the 13^th, 14^th, and 15^th centuries. The fortress and quaint, narrow streets are enjoyable to stroll around. The short hike to the chapel is worth the effort as the views spanning the valley are wonderful. The population is about 2,800 which makes for a nice lively village complete with outdoor cafes and a variety of shops. Time, and crowds, has left this town relatively untouched, for now.

Today’s walk to Roussillon leads through vineyards, olive groves, almond trees, forests, open fields, and down grassy lanes. The view, across the Luberon valley, all the way to rounded humps of the Grand Luberon is lovely. The spectacular ochre cliffs greet you as you near Roussillon. It is a stunning hike. Breakfast included, dinner on your own.

Elevation gain: 1,138’; Elevation loss: 1,254’; Distance: 8 miles; Time: 4 – 5 hours.

Day 10: Private taxi transfer to Marseille Airport. If you plan to travel to other destinations in France, there are shuttles from the airport to the TGV Rail Station, from where you can travel to Paris.