Northern Provence – iconic wine, gourmet food, and some great walking too! Back to News

This lovely route in the quiet hills of Northern Provence has been much-loved by On Foot walkers for many years. It was definitely due for a refresh in 2025, and our Local Contact, Emily, worked hard to seek out some of the best hotels in the area, with some long-standing favourites remaining too. It also had a slight re-routing in places, with walking days updated and a new circuit added. We think it’s now in tip-top condition, and if Provence has been on your wish list, now may be the time to give it a try!

The area to the northeast of Avignon is full of extraordinary geological features.  At the centre lies ‘le Mont Ventoux’ (the windy mountain), well known to cyclists and spectators of the Tour de France. While the view of its barren, chalky summit is often on the horizon, our walks wind through its greener foothills.

The medieval cliff-top village of Venasque makes a great starting point, with views to the peaks of the ‘Dentelles de Montmirail’ (lace points) where you will walk later in the week.  From Venasque you’ll walk to Mazan, tiny Le Barroux, and finally to a top restaurant with comfortable rooms just outside of Vacqueyras for two nights, your base for an exploration of the Dentelles.

Heading out from Vacqueyras for your final walking day, the lacy limestone peaks of the Dentelles beckon. These narrow ridges of vertical limestone cliffs make for an exciting day of scrambling over and around the rocks at their feet, with some grand view points. And do stop off at pretty Gigondas for celebratory glass or two on your return!

As this is France, the food and wine are most definitely not of secondary importance to your holiday experience.  As well as excellent restaurants along the way, a couple of the hotels boast excellent kitchens. There are plenty of opportunities for wine lovers to try not only the well-known regional wines but also Vacqueyras whites and a variety of ‘marcs’ – straight from the vineyards you pass on the way.

If you’ve got time, we recommend you add a night or two in historic Avignon to see the Palais des Papes, the bridge and also the fascinating side streets and museums. A great way to round off your adventure.

Find more about our Northern Provence route here

Browse all routes in France here