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Scented Hills of Provence
La Campagne Berne, Pierrerue Walking and sightseeing Hill-top Lurs: from your base you can walk eastwards across pastoral landscapes to the beautiful hill-top village of Lurs, which has a ruined castle and a pretty belltower, as well as good views of the broad valley of the River Durance. (10km, 4hrs)
Carluc Priory: starting in the typically Provençal village of Reillanne, where you leave your car, panoramic paths lead to the romantic ruins of the 12th-century Carluc Priory, a lovely spot for a leisurely picnic. To extend the walk, you could return via the exquisite and very panoramic hill-top village of Montjustin. (10.5km, 3hrs or 18km, 5hrs) For more ideas as to how you can spend your time away, read the travel diary of an Inntravel staff member who spent a week in the self-catering cottage at La Campagne Berne. Prices & travel 2008
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Famed for its cicadas and cork oaks, for lavender fields and villages of red-roofed houses, it would seem that Provence was made for leisurely exploration. Its special beauty has been recognised for centuries – indeed, the Romans loved it so much they called it Provincia (‘The Province’). Gently rolling hills stretch towards the blue-tinted Luberon and Lure Massifs lining the horizon, while medieval villages, the Roman town of Aix-en-Provence and natural wonders such as the spectacular Verdon Gorge vie for your attention. 
You stay at La Campagne Berne, an attractive chambres d'hôtes (guesthouse) in the sleepy hamlet of Pierrerue. Converted from an old stone house and decorated in traditional Provençal style, it is run by the charming Eric Delaetre and Bruno Boulanger, who go out of their way to make your stay an enjoyable one. Perhaps the best feature is the view from the terrace – on a clear day you can see as far as the Alps as you enjoy your breakfast. We include dinner on your first night, and on other nights you can use your hire car to sample restaurants in the surrounding area. 
There is no shortage of idyllic villages to explore, and simply driving through the undulating countryside is a great way to appreciate the timeless scenery. So that you can see it ‘up close’, we provide notes for three gentle walks from Pierrerue and nearby villages: 
Forcalquier and Notre Dame de Salagon: drive to atmospheric Forcalquier and explore the area to the west of this hill-top town. Our circular route skirts the nearby lake, winding through light woodland of oaks, as well as delightful sections of wilderness, before returning via the medieval gardens and priory church of Notre Dame de Salagon (pay locally if you choose to visit). It is well worth taking some time to explore Forcalquier itself. Stroll through the ancient streets and on a clear
day climb to the hill-top citadel to admire the splendid panorama over
the surrounding area. If your visit falls on a Monday, you can browse the
stalls of the bustling weekly market. (12km, 4.5hrs)