walking holidays description

The Alpilles of Provence
Code : BD02
The Alpilles Mountains are an extension of the Luberon Mountains which rise in
the heart of Provence, between Arles and Avignon. The barrier and white-colored
ridges stand out against the blue sky to resemble high summits.They were the
training field of the famous Tartarin de Tarascon, writer Alphonse Daudet’s hero.
The lower part of the slopes are covered with olives and almonds and are
terraced where they are steeper, whereas the hills are covered instead with kermes oaks and Scots
pines, and interspersed with sheep pastures. You will find lovely and picturesque villages and
small Provencal towns in these hills : St Rémy de Provence, Fontvieille, Maussane, Les Baux,
Eygalières. You will discover them while strolling in the labyrinth of lanes through the old
quarters. You will be charmed by their homes and mansions, several hundred years old, their tiny
public squares with fountains and their welcoming terraces shaded by respectable trees. You won’t
be able to resist sitting down to relax with a pastis and olives, a tapenade or an anchovy tartine. In
Provence, you will indulge in the carefree repose of country living.
Tour description
D1 : Arrival at Arles. A taxi will escort you from the TGV Avignon rail station
to the hotel located in the heart of Arles.
Lodging and breakfast in a 3-star hotel.(rec. GM. GR)*
D2 : Visit of Arles in discovery of its 2000 years of history. Arles was a
Celtic city colonized by the Greeks. It later became Roman after Julius Cesar
distributed the land among his veteran legionnaires in 46BC. Later still,
during the Early Christian period, Arles became a major Christian center as
can be seen through the Arena, the Alyscamps, the burial grounds, the
amphitheater and the Roman baths of Constantin. After suffering destruction
during the invasions of the early Middle Ages, the city was rebuilt in the 12th
century. The splendor of its medieval monuments is proof of the wealth and dynamism of the city
at this time (Cloister St Trophime, town hall). During the 17th and 18th centuries, many aristocratic
private mansions were built. They form today the core of the charming historical center. In 1981,
the Roman and Romanesque buildings of Arles were listed as UNESCO world heritage monuments.
Lodging and breakfast in the same 3-star hotel.
D3 : A taxi will bring you to the Montmajour Abbey. This
fortified abbey was founded in the 10th century and was at the
time located on a hill and surrounded by swamps. After a few
centuries of strict monkastic life, decadence took hold of the
abbey. The never-completed nave of this enormous 12th
century church is considered one of the masterpieces of
Romanesque Art. The cloister is decorated by fanciful sculptural
decoration. Don’t miss the keep, the Chapel of Saint Pierre and
the back of the church, which holds a number of tombs cut out
of rock that might indeed predate the abbey itself. A few
hundred meters in the middle of a farm stands the abbey’s funeral chapel, Sainte Croix. The taxi
will pick you up an hour later to take you to Fontvieille for lunch (not included) and pleasant
afternoon in this picturesque village with ancient stone homes. The stone used in this construction
was extracted from local quarries founded in the 15th century. We suggest two different walks
Sentiers de France
(4 or 10 km – 2.5 or 6 miles) to visit the hilltop Daudet windmill (an easy to climb) from where
you have a superb view of the Alpilles. You can carry on this walk through the Alpilles hills to the
Roman flourmill and aqueduct at Barbegal. This site is unique and is the sole water-powered
factory known in the Roman world! A taxi will take you from the Fontvieille village to Maussane
les Alpilles in late afternoon. Maussane is a very pleasant village in the Vallée des Baux
surrounded by vast olive plantations and fantastic landscapes.
Dinner, lodging and breakfast in a 3-star hotel, with swimming pool. (rec. GM. GR)*
D4 : Visit of BAUX DE PROVENCE in the morning with an open afternoon. A taxi will escort you
to the famous village of Baux de Provence in the morning.
The citadel was built on a steep rocky plateau in the middle of
the Val d’Enfer Valley, which provided a perfect setting for this
fortress, making it easy to defend. Its history is fascinating
and stems back to the Middle Ages when Les Baux fell into the
hands of powerful feudal lords.
They claimed to be
descendents of Balthazar and thus never recognised the
authority of the French King. Les Baux’s reign ended in 1632
under Louis XIII who ordered its destruction. The village can
only be visited by foot and you will admire the ancient houses
that have been carefully restored, beautiful Renaissance
facades and several magnificent private mansions which today
serve as museums or art galleries. At the summit of the
village lies the ruins of the Chateau des Baux, which stands in
witness to a turbulent military past, punctuated by repeated
assaults. Within the walls are the last remains of the old city
of Les Baux : houses, dovecote, chapels and caves. You will
visit the keep, and the Saracen Towers, and admire the view
of Provence, which stretches as far as Aix-en-Provence, the
Sainte Victoire Mountain, Arles and the Camargue! A taxi will
bring you back to Maussane in the middle of afternoon for a
quiet tour of the village.
Lodging and breakfast in the same 3-star hotel.
D5 : Tour of SAINT REMY DE PROVENCE. Taxi escort from Maussane to
Provence. Situated in the heart of the Alpilles, Saint Rémy was
built in the 5th century near one of the oldest archaeological sites
in Europe : Glanum. The beautifully restored old houses, the
ancient streets, and the numerous artists, writers and painters
charmed by the beauty of the countryside and the quality of the
light have all contribute to the renown of this city. Strolling in
these narrow paved lanes, you will discover beautiful ancient
fountains, intimate shady squares, pleasant restaurants and café
terraces and magnificent private mansions housing museums and
art galleries (Hotel Estrime, Hotel de Sade, Nostradamus Native
House), as well as elegant boutiques. You will be charmed by the
city and will appreciate this unhurried pace of life!
Lodging and breakfast in a 3-star hotel near the city centre. (rec. GM. GR)*
St Rémy de
D6 : This morning, a taxi escort will bring you to the Sainte Sixte Chapel by
Eygalières. This lovely Romanesque chapel, surrounded by cypress trees,
stands at the top of a hill from which you have a magnificent view of the
Alpilles Mountains. You will walk the 2 kilometers to the lovely village of
Eygalières, perched on the top of a small hill with the Alpilles as a
sprawling backdrop, for a tour. You will walk up the main street lined with
houses clinging closely together, to the chateau ruins and the esplanade of
the old keep. You will lunch in one of the village restaurants or bistros. A
taxi will pick you up in early afternoon to take you to Glanum. This
archaeological site, located at the gap of the Alpilles Mountains, stands out
because of its beautiful setting and its history. The earliest signs of
occupation date from the first millennium BC and Greeks and Romans lived
Sentiers de France
here for several centuries. Only a sixth of the city is uncovered today! You will discover the
Roman buildings in the residential area, the Monument area, and, towards the back, a sanctuary
well-protected by defence walls stretching between two steep, rocky
hills! Near the site, stands a Triumphal Arch and the Mausolee de Jules,
known as Les Antiques. The arch was built during the early Roman
empire indicating the entry road to Glanum, along the Great Alps Way
(via Domitia). The Mausolee de Jules is the most outstanding and bestpreserved funerary monument of the Roman world. It was raised by the
Julii family in honour of their ancestors.
Before walking the one
kilometer back to Saint Rémy, you will visit the Saint Paul de Mausole
Monastery, built in a beautiful setting surrounded by gardens. Founded
in the 10th century, the monastery includes a cloister and a lovely
Romanesque church. It was transformed into a hospital at the beginning of the 19th century and is
famous for having accommodated Vincent Van Gogh for one year in 1889. He loved the peaceful
place and completed more than 150 paintings there, including many of his famous works.
Lodging and breakfast in the same 3-star hotel.
D7 : A taxi will take you from Saint Rémy to Tarascon and stop for a few minutes so you might
admire the Romanesque Saint Gabriel Chapel at the foot of the Alpilles Hills! Tarascon, city of the
Tarasque Legend and Stories, is situated on the banks of the Rhone River and is dominated by the
impressive King Rene’s Château, one of the finest medieval châteaux in France. Facing this austere
building is Sainte Marthe Church, built to house the relics of the saint, which are enclosed in a
magnificent sarcophagus sculpted between the 3rd and 4th
centuries. Near the château, inside the old town enclosed in
ramparts, are beautiful homes and private mansions that date
back to 15th, 17th and 18th centuries. Take time to stroll
through the picturesque, narrow streets, such as the medieval
covered-street, Rue des Halles, to tour the old town and visit
the famous Souleïado Museum,
which is housed in the 15th
century Aiminy Hotel.
On
exhibition there are the famous
Provencal cotton fabrics. More
than 40,000 wooden printing blocks are collected and still used to
create new models. After lunch, you will be taken by taxi to the
heart of the Montagnette. This smaller chain of limestone hills
along the Rhone presents picturesque landscapes where you can
smell the herbes of Provence, thyme and rosemary. You will visit
the Saint Michel de Frigolet abbey, nestled in a small valley. Don’t miss the cloister dating from
the early 12th century, or the 11th century Chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Remede (our Lady of the
Good Remedy). The origin of the abbey, is the apse of the left nave of the present church. You will
then be taken to Avignon.
Lodging and breakfast in a 3-star hotel. (rec. GM. GR)* in the centre of Avignon
D8 : Tour of Avignon. City of history, city of art, city of theatre, with its famous festival, Avignon
will charm you. This beautiful walled city lays on the banks of the Rhone River and owes its origin
to the Dom Rock, overlooking the river. It grew with the Romans, one hundred year before Christ.
In the 14th century, the city became the seat of the papacy and
remained papal property up to the time of the French Revolution.
The Palais des Papes, an austere looking fortress, dominates the
city, the surrounding ramparts and the remains of a 12th century
bridge (the well-known Pont d’Avignon) over the Rhone. Beneath
this outstanding example of Gothic architecture, the Petit Palais
and the Romanesque Cathedral of Notre-Dame-des-Doms
complete an exceptional group of monuments, ranked with others
of the UNESCO’s world heritage monuments. We propose several
strolls that take you through many highlights of the city, the
churches, the chapels, the old streets, the city mansions and the numerous interesting museums.
Along the way, you will discover antique dealers and art galleries, a large variety of well-stocked
luxury shops and numerous boutiques selling specialities of the region.
Lodging and breakfast in the same 3-star hotel.
Sentiers de France
D9 : This morning, a taxi will bring you to the other side of the Rhone
to tour the charming village of Villeneuve les Avignon, which boasts
of a rich historic and architectural heritage. The Abbey of Saint Andre
was built on the Mont Andaon near the cave where Sainte Casarie lived
in the 6th century. A village named Bourg Saint Andre grew near this
abbey, which, later, was protected by the massive rings of ramparts,
the Saint Andre Fort. Lower near the Rhone River, you will visit the
Philippe Le Bel Tower, built by the French king to control access to
Avignon’s Saint Benezet bridge. In the 14th century, Villeneuve (New
Town) became the residence of popes, cardinals and prelates who built
“livrées” (luxurious palaces), convents and churches. The most famous
are the Church Notre-Dame and the Palace of Innocent VI, which
became later the Chartreuse du Val de Benediction. This Carthusian
monastery is one of the biggest in Europe, with a church, three
cloisters and 40 monk cells, each with a garden.
After lunch
(Villeneuve offers a wide range of quality restaurants), you will return
by taxi to Avignon. Why not carry on wandering through the Teinturiers district or visiting one of
the numerous museums in Avignon!
Lodging and breakfast in the same 3 -star hotel.
D10 : AVIGNON. Tour ends after breakfast.
* these hotels are listed in the well-known guidebooks Guide Michelin (GR) and/or Guide Gault-Millau (GM)
Best time for this tour
from end of March to end of October but be careful this area is very crowded in summer time and
you have to reserve earlier to get the best rooms.
Walk difficulty
This tour is graded as easy. You don’t walk more than 3 hours a day. The ascent to some chateaus
perched on the top of hill or cliff could be challenging for some of you but the imposing view from
the top is worth this effort
Accommodation and meals
Unlike most other touring companies, our choices
for lodging are not half-pension. Our aim is to give
you the best comfort in your rooms and that, at
dinner, you enjoy meals that you truly want to take
the time to taste. You will experience the quality of
charming hotels which, for the most part, pride
themselves on their excellent restaurants where
you will dine at least one evening. We have chosen
for you a gourmet menu that represents well the
chef's talents. You will chose each course
(appetiser, entré, cheese dish and dessert) and
relax into the end of your day with what pleases
you most : fois gras or salade, fish or meat. And
you need not worry, we haven't forgotten the
vegetarians.
Some evenings, you will dine out in the town (at your own expense), with a few recommendations
from our staff for the best restaurants in close proximity to your hotel. We will also give you ideas
of reputed restaurants in the region, all of which are rated with one, two or three stars in the
Michelin Guide. With all these options, how could you not find your personal favorite!
Sentiers de France
Hotel at Arles
This former XVth century private residence is full of archeological and
architectural surprises: ruins dating back to 100 B.C. and the XVIIth century
were discovered during restoration works. The hotel is in the heart of the
protected ancient quarter of the Gauls' capital, near the historic place du
Forum. Guests will enjoy beautiful rooms, decorated with Provençal antique
furniture and the antique tapestries are grace notes
Hotel at Maussane les Alpilles
This hotel in a "mas", or large stone farmhouse is located among the
olive trees and lavender, with twenty two guestrooms all decorated in
typically Provencal style, each with a bright private bathroom tiled in pink
or blue, and separate toilets. All rooms have a colour TV, direct telephone,
mini bar and airconditioning. Each room opens out onto the expansive
countryside of meadows with olive trees and oleanders. Only crickets or
cicadas can disturb the silence at night time or during the day. Traditional
cuisine from Provence is served in the high quality restaurant.
Hotel at St Rémy de Provence
This hotel located at only five minutes by foot from the village centre of Saint-Rémy
is a very pleasant family-run hotel.You will enjoy the ringed with age-old trees garden
and its quiet shaded terrace where the breakfast is served in sunny days. The guest
rooms are air well equipped with modern amenities and will spend time on the private
balcony in the sun since all of them face full south.
Hotel at Avignon
The hotel is located in the very heart of Avignon, on the Place de
L'Horloge, convenient to the trendy café's and restaurants in the area. Although it
is actually a modern hotel, it has a classic 19th century façade, giving it a
traditional look. The rooms are traditionally decorated in a meridional style. These
rooms are air conditioned and well equipped with modern amenities like satellite
television. Breakfast is served each morning in a pleasant, sunny room with
veranda
What's included?
9 nights accommodation in selected 3-star hotels
9 breakfasts – 1 gourmet dinner
hotel to hotel luggage transfer along the trail
Taxi transfers as described above
A set of maps (1/25 000 scale) with the route marked on and detailed route notes
describing the trail.
A daily itinerary together with information about facilities and places of interest along the
trail.
Emergency assistance.
Visa fees - transportation fees to and from the walk area - Insurance (strongly recommended on all trips) - Transfers except
those mentioned above – Drinks - Additional meals - Spending of personal nature e.g. laundry, souvenirs, phone calls,…are not included
Getting there and away
By plane : Marseille-Provence is the nearest international airport. Shuttle to Marseille St Charles
station and train to Arles. ( taxi or chauffeured car on request from the airport)
By train : TGV trains from Paris or Charles de Gaulle airport to Avignon . Taxi from the TGV
Avignon station to Arles (included)
By car : Go to Avignon along A7 and A8 motorways and follow the RN100 and D2 to join Gordes
Where to park : pay supervised car park at Arles. Return by taxi from Avignon to Arles (inc
Sentiers de France
3 rue de la Fontaine 94470 BOISSY St LEGER France
Tél. +33 (0)1 45 69 86 46 - Fax +33 (0)1 34 29 22 60
www.sentiersdefrance.com
SARL au capital de 7630 € – RCS Créteil B 431 495 100
Tourism license n° LI 094 01 0008 Paris – warranty : APS – RCP : Groupe Azur