Provence conjures images of dazzling azure skies, ordered olive groves bathed in sunshine and stone cottages with painted shutters. Inland, it’s a place that promises to realise dreams of a relaxed lifestyle, while the glamorous coast draws the stylish and well-heeled in their dozens. The beaches of the Côte d’Azur are nothing short of legendary, their sweeping sands sloping gently into the cool Mediterranean, where tanned figures sip Champagne on yachts.
But the coast deserves to be recognised for more than its fashionable resorts; orange roofed buildings cluster along the shoreline, rocky outcrops break up the sands and its cities hold historic appeal. Marseille is an ancient charm, founded by the Greeks and now a vibrant, cosmopolitan location, while Roman Fréjus is famous for receiving Marc Antony’s defeated fleet. Inland, it’s an entirely different story. Stone buildings crouch among lavender fields that extend to the horizon, vineyards adorn the gently rolling hills and in the northeast the land rises higher to become the domain of mouflon and chamois. There’s an altogether more leisurely pace, where the sleepy villages seem caught in time.
Walking and cycling through Provence provides a remarkable and rewarding experience thanks to the region’s varied terrain and cultural diversity.
9 Matching Holidays
Luxury Walking in the Luberon
Prestigious hotels, beautiful hilltop villages, stunning views of the Alps and Mediterranean Sea
If you need to pick one place in Provence that grouped the most stunning perched villages, landscapes and walking trails, it would be here in the Luberon. Made famous by Peter Mayle’s books ‘A Year in Provence’ and ‘A Good Year’ we have...
Mountains to Med Walk
From mountain trails, through olive groves to the warm sea of the Mediterranean
From the area known locally as the “Marvels”, this path takes you on a journey of discovery through mountain villages, fascinating in their variety, culture and richness of history. You will be passing from mountain scenery through an area with...
Provence Wine Trails - Châteauneuf du Pape
Easy walking through stunning vineyards
Châteauneuf du Pape is southern France’s most prestigious wine village: a small village of only 2000 people. Grapes have been grown here for 700 years and the best way to discover these vineyards is by foot, strolling between the gnarled vines...
Provence Prestige en Vélo
Vineyards and olive groves
Absorb the essence of Provence – sleepy villages, sun soaked vineyards, Roman ruins and the magnificent Pont du Gard. Easy cycling along quiet lanes and canal paths brings you to charming destinations where you are guaranteed a comfortable...
Provençal Cycling
Wild herbs and lavender
An easy-going tour that soaks up the Provençal atmosphere, this holiday offers plenty of time for sight-seeing. Explore historic towns and meandering canals as you admire the pretty scenery of this splendid region. This holiday is best...
Provence Prestige à Pied
Scented pines and dazzling skies
Wander through pretty village squares, past vineyards and fields of sunflowers, over remote hill sides and along canal towpaths with the smell of wild herbs in the air. Charming accommodation adds a touch of luxury to the delights of...
Golden Islands
Pristine coastline and untouched islands
The Côte d’Azur boasts some of the most untamed coastline along the Mediterranean, and the island of Port Cros is a paradise of cork oaks and walking paths. Explore some of the best kept secrets of the Riviera: spectacular...
A Week in Provence
Quiet roads and magnificent hilltop villages
This moderate cycling introduces the Provence of Peter Mayle's novels. Discover the beautiful, diverse landscape of the Luberon with the cypress dotted plains of Saint Rémy and the brightly coloured village of Roussillon.
Canal du Midi Cruise
Enjoy your own gastronomic odyssey
Embark on a journey along sections of the Canal du Midi aboard the enchanting hotel barge, Anjodi, famous for taking Rick Stein on his 400 mile French food exploration in the TV series Rick Stein's French Odyssey. As well as indulging in the fabulous...