Fully Guided Small Group
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Trip Length
8 Days
Trip Starts
Greoux-les-Bains
Trip Finishes
Greoux-les-Bains
Countries Explored: France
Trip Style
Walking & Trekking
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
15
Pace
Easy / Leisurely
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
TEA
Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Exodus 8 Day Highlights of Provence. A stunning part of Provence and relatively untouched by tourism, Greoux les Bains offers the perfect base for a walking holiday. We stay in the comfortable Hotel des Alpes in the heart of the town, allowing us to enjoy the variety of restaurants, cafes and shops on our doorstep. During the week we explore the region with a mixture of walks directly from the hotel or following a short private bus transfer. With the bustling market town of Forcalquier, the dramatic Verdon Gorge and depending on the season, fields of lavender...read more or poppies just a short drive away, there is much to be explored.
Itinerary
Start at the Hotel des Alpes, Greoux-les-Bains. In the evening our guide will hold a welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead, give advice on the local area and answer any questions.
Leaving on foot directly from our hotel we head to the Valensole plateau. The surrounding countryside is beautiful, especially in the spring when the almond trees are in bloom. In the summer, aromas of lavender and thyme waft through the air confirming the fact that Valensole is one of the most important producers of lavender in Provence. Valensole comes from the Latin 'vallis' and 'solis' meaning the valley of sun. We return to Greoux following a pleasant track alongside the 'Laval' stream. Ascent: 281m.
In the morning we take a private transfer to the bustling hilltop town of Forcalquier. One of the largest of its kind in France, the weekly market is bursting with both new and traditional French goods including olive oil, breads and cheeses. After time for exploring the myriad of stalls, we head on to see the Mourres Plateau. A site of geological interest the plateau is covered with strange limestone concentrations that sometimes look like faces, which is how the area earned its name, 'Mourres' meaning faces in Provencal. Ascent: 372m.
After a private transfer in the morning to the lovely village of Quison, today's walk will take us to a superb walkway along the lower Verdon Gorges. This walkway follows an old canal previously used to carry drinking water to Aix en Provence. The views of the Turquoise Verdon are truly amazing. The walk continues up to the chapel Saint Maxime, an ideal spot for lunch. Distance: 9,5 km Ascent: 400 m.
Today is free to either relax by the pool, visit the nearby shops or take a bus trip to the beautiful town of Aix en Provence.
After a private transfer in the morning to Moustiers St Marie we climb up to the craggy ridge of l'Ourbes with great views over the lake of St Croix. After crossing the summit and descending to a dry riverbed the terrain becomes more open before the final descent to Moustiers on an old Roman road. On our return journey we take a slight detour to enjoy an alternative view of the Verdon Gorge. Ascent: 505m.
Today we walk directly from the hotel following the banks of Verdon River before gently climbing a hill to follow the ridge with spectacular views of the turquoise waters of the Esparron Lake. From here we head to the pleasant village of Saint Martin de Bromes where we stop for lunch. Leaving the village we will climb up to the plateau of Pauron on a good GR track (Grande Randonnée). Ascent: 434m.
Following breakfast we say our goodbyes.
Trip Inclusions
- The beautiful Verdon Gorge
- Local markets and villages
- Relaxed daywalks
- 5 days centre-based walking; 1 free day
- 7 nights 3-star Hotel des Alpes, all rooms en suite
- All breakfasts
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
About Exodus Travels
Hit the trails with Exodus - from challenging peaks to leisurely coastal and countryside walks. Read more
Exodus Trip Leaders
Exodus chooses their Leaders carefully. Professional, dedicated and are passionate about sharing their home countries. Read more
Accommodation with Personality
Wherever possible, Exodus chooses properties that are locally owned and that reflect the area you are visiting. Read more
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Exodus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Exodus. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Exodus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Exodus. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
