Provence is a land of timeless beauty, where history, culture, and nature blend seamlessly to create unforgettable experiences. Our recent journey through this enchanting region included hikes through ancient villages, vibrant landscapes, and unforgettable culinary delights. Here’s a closer look at the highlights of our adventure.
Our journey began in Avignon, where we explored the historic Palace of the Popes, and concluded with a rewarding hike to the summit of Mont Ventoux, offering panoramic views extending to the Alps. Along the way, every step brought sensory delights—the aroma of blooming thyme, rosemary, and wildflowers mingled with the earthy freshness of the forest after rain.
The visual beauty of Provence captivated us at every turn. From the intense greens of vineyards and trees to the vivid wildflowers and the golden light at day's end, the colors were mesmerizing. Even on cloudy days, the unique light of Provence—celebrated by so many artists—added a magical touch.
Our exploration took us through the charming villages of Les Baux de Provence, Bonnieux, Boux, Sivergues, Crestet, Seguret, and Gigondas. Each offered its own unique character, from narrow stone passageways adorned with flowerpots to breathtaking views of the countryside.
The region’s culinary treasures were a highlight of the journey. From local olive oils and goat cheeses to hearty gourmet dinners, every meal was a celebration of Provence’s flavors. Picnics featured garbanzo bean and beet salads, while mornings began with freshly baked croissants and pain au chocolat. At the family-run Auberge des Seguins, we experienced rustic charm, family-style meals, and honey from the inn’s own beehives.
Of course, no adventure would be complete without the camaraderie of fellow travelers. This journey was a testament to the joy of shared experiences, as we painted watercolors, played card games, and enjoyed lively conversations over wine.
Trip Recap
-
Sunday, 4/28: Dinner at La Cour D'Honneur in Avignon marked the start of our adventure.
-
Monday 4/29: We transferred to Van Gogh’s Asylum and embarked on a 6.2-mile loop hike, enjoying lunch at “The Rock with Two Holes.” Afterward, we checked into Hotel Gounod and had time for shopping and drinks before dining at Le Marilyn in St. Rémy.
-
Tuesday, 4/30: A 7.9-mile hike took us from Hotel Gounod to Les Baux de Provence, where we enjoyed our first gourmet picnic with wine and a view. The day included the mesmerizing light show at Carrières de Lumières and dinner at Aile ou la Cuisse in St. Rémy.
-
Wednesday, 5/1: We transferred to Bonnieux and hiked 8.2 miles through stunning landscapes to Auberge des Seguins. A family-style dinner awaited us at this charming, family-owned inn.
-
Thursday, 5/2: A rainy day didn’t dampen our spirits as we stayed at Auberge des Seguins, exploring the surrounding area with a hike to the village of Sivergues. We also embraced creativity with watercolor painting and games. Dinner featured delicious mashed potatoes and duck, served by our entertaining waiter Santé.
-
Friday, 5/3: We began our 8.2-mile hike at Col de la Chaine, enjoying a scenic lunch with views and a delightful encounter with fellow hikers in Crestet. We then continued to Hotel Beffroi in the ancient part of Vaison-la-Romaine, where we dined at the hotel’s restaurant.
-
Saturday, 5/4: After a short transfer to Seguret, we hiked 7.2 miles through the Rhône Valley, passing vineyards before arriving in Gigondas for a wine tasting. Dinner that evening at Lum in Vaison-la-Romaine was a culinary masterpiece.
-
Sunday, 5/5: Our final adventure took us to the ski resort of Mont Serein, where we hiked 3.77 miles to the summit of Mont Ventoux. A celebratory lunch at Vendran Restaurant followed before returning to Avignon for our farewell dinner at Carré du Palais.
These are just a few of the moments that made our adventure through Provence so memorable. Whether it was discovering hidden nooks in ancient villages, marveling at vibrant landscapes, or savoring local specialties, every experience brought us closer to the heart of this extraordinary region.
We hope this inspires your own journey to Provence—a land where every corner tells a story and every step is a new discovery.
