walking trails in Provence
 

We will be spending four days in the Luberon and one day in the Camargue (late SEP) and we like to do a 2-3 hour walking trail each day. Can anyone recommend any specific trails that can be done in that timeframe...either a loop or some easy way to get back to the car. Obviously a safe place to leave the car would also be nice. Thanks

If you go to this website, you'll get lotsa ideas.

http://www.provenceweb.fr/e/vaucluse/villages.htm

In many cases, you can park safely outside the village and take a footpath to it and then beyond the village...

Google Grandes Randonnées.

KatPen, my husband and I have hiked extensively in the Luberon. There are miles and miles of trails in the Luberon and it is very easy to do a circular walk. Late September is ideal for hiking.

Where exactly will you be based for your four days?

This information I've written for the Slow Travel website should be helpful to you. http://www.slowtrav.com/france/hiking/index.htm I've also got several hikes written up that I'd be happy to share if you want to e-mail me.

Kathy

I just bought a new book, published by Moon, Walking and Eating in Provence, by James Lasdun & Pia Davis. They include 38 walks in Provence, with detailed walking directions, and include a good location to stop for a meal on the walk. It's guite good, and I'm planning on trying several of the walks on our upcoming trip to Provence.

Areas covered are the Luberon, Gigondas, Banon and the Lure, Var and Verdon, The Narrow gauge train des Pignes and the Mercantour, plus Cassis and a Calanque just east of Marseille, from Morgiou.

Hi Images -

Thanks for the book rec. I'll put it on my amazon wish list !

KatPen -

I've hiked just about every inch of the Luberon and as Kathy says, you will be spoiled for choice. A couple of great and not overly strenuous 2 hour walks which come to mind are:
1) the Foret des Cedres above Bonnieux
2) the Colorado of Provence near Rustrel
3) the falaise de Lioux
4) in and around the Fort du Buoux (and Aigebrun valley)
5) up to the top of the Perreal hill near St. Saturnin - my personal favorite for obvious reasons !

Check in at the tourist office in Apt where they have some good free guides with plenty of ideas including some of the above.

-Kevin

Kevin,

Another hiking book I'm using, not for Provence, but for the area between Hyeres and Cannes is

26 Gorgeous Hikes on the western Cote d'Azur, by Florence Chatzigianis. It's also very good.

bookmarking for Sept trip to Provence...

thanks everyone.

g.