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A Provence WanderThe quiet side of Provence
Nights: 6
Starting point: La Campagne Berne (chambres d'hôtes), Pierrerue. Converted from an old stone house and decorated in traditional Provençal style, this is an attractive guesthouse run by the charming Eric Delaetre and Bruno Boulanger, who go out of their way to make your stay an enjoyable one and treat you to mouth-watering regional cuisine. 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. Day 1: for your first day, we suggest a walk eastwards across pastoral landscapes to the beautiful hill-top village of Lurs, which has a ruined castle and a pretty belltower and is usually visible from Pierrerue. At the village you are rewarded in good weather with views of the broad valley of the River Durance. (10km, 4hrs) Accommodation: La Campagne Berne, as above. Day 2: today you walk to your next destination, Forcalquier, a medieval fortified town. As the walk is not overly long, you can time it so that you arrive in
the town in time for lunch, after which you can take the afternoon to
explore at leisure. Stroll through the atmospheric streets and on a clear
day climb to the hill-top citadel to admire the splendid panorama over
the surrounding area. If your stay falls on a Monday, you can browse the
stalls of the bustling weekly market. (11km, 4hrs) Day 3: we recommend that you spend the first part of the day exploring the area to the west of Forcalquier on a circular walk – our route skirts the lake there, leading 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). In the afternoon, relax by the hotel pool. (12km, 4.5hrs) Accommodation: Bastide Saint Georges, as above. Day 4: the day begins with a transfer to the village of St Michel
l'Observatoire, named after the observatory that dominates the nearby
hill (the site was chosen because the skies here are some of the clearest
in all of France). From here, your path crosses the Largue Valley and
winds over the rolling hills to Reillanne. (12km, 4.5hrs) Day 5: head out on a final circular walk over the ridge behind
Reillanne and down panoramic paths 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. Alternatively, relax
at the hotel with a good book. (10.5km, 3hrs or 18km, 5hrs)
Walking chart: the chart gives the distance and an approximation of the ascents and descents involved each day. If comparing holidays, please note the scale of each chart as this can differ.
Take the Train and break your journey for a night in Paris on the way, staying at one of our favourite Parisian hotels. Read about one traveller's experiences in her personal travel diary. Extensions: If you are flying via Marseille, discover more quintessential Provencal landscapes and villages by extending your stay with 3 nights at the elegant 3* Le Calalou in Moissac-Bellevue. Other information: if you would like to see the brochure page, you can download this (and the pages for any other holidays you are interested in) by using our brochure creation system. Similar holidays: Sunflowers & Abbeys (grade 1-2), From the Tarn to the Aveyron (grade 1-2), To the Pont du Gard (grade 1-2), Villages of the Dordogne (grade 1-2), Paths to Rocamadour (grade 1-2), Piedmont's Hills & Vineyards (grade 1-2) Prices & travel 2008:
Recommended destination airport: Marseille Extra night prices:
> Notes on prices > Any queries? Let us call you back  |
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Famed
for its cicadas and cork oaks, for lavender fields and villages of red-tiled
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'). For many, the
allure extends beyond the landscapes to the cuisine, featuring local olive
oil, fresh rosemary, plump red tomatoes and creamy goat's cheese, and
best accompanied by the region's crisp rosé wines. This leisurely
walk reveals the quiet side of Provence – the ravishing landscapes between
the wooded folds of the Luberon and the rugged summit of Mount Lure. Along the way, you discover sleepy villages, gently rolling hills
coated with aromatic plants, tiny chapels, lavender fields, and medieval
Forcalquier whose ancient citadel stands guard over these timeless, undulating
landscapes. Distances are short, leaving you plenty of time to relax and
unwind at the characterful hotels. We have worked with the owners of all
three for several years and they continue to earn consistently high praise
for their warm hospitality and delicious Provençal
cuisine. 
Forcalquier 
