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Northern Provence
Côtes du Rhone and the foothills of Mont Ventoux
Back to Routes
Amadieu
Vine terracing
The Dentelles
In the Dentelles
Gigondas
View from the Dentelles
Up to Crillon le Brave
Dentelles and vineyards
Customer Feedback
Helen and Christopher Horn
"The staff were universally friendly with a very personal approach. It really did feel as if our holiday was important to them." August 2016
more testimonialsTravellers Reviews
More independent feedback
At a glance
6-night version (5 walking days). The full route. We recommend a night or two in Avignon at the start or finish.
How much walking?
Full days: 12-19km per day, 4½-6½ hrs walking
Using shortening options: 8-17km per day, 2½-5¾ hrs walking
Iconic wine, gourmet food - and some great walking too!
To the east of Avignon and its nursery rhyme bridge is an area of extraordinary geological features. At the centre lies ‘le Mont Ventoux’ (the windy mountain), beloved – or perhaps not – of Tour de France cyclists, the view of its lonely summit a constant theme to our walking, although we opt for its greener foothills in this less-visited area of Provence.
The walk starts in a village perched atop a cliff: medieval Venasque, climbing high for views to the peaks of the ‘Dentelles de Montmirail’ (lace points) where you will walk later in the week. From Venasque to Mazan, maybe upgrading to the Marquis de Sade’s former home, tiny Le Barroux, and finally two nights in a top Gigondas restaurant-with-comfortable rooms, your base for an exploration of the Dentelles. And of course as this is France, the food and wine are most definitely not of secondary importance. Three of the four hotels boast a good kitchen delivering meals of greater or lesser complexity and opportunities for tasting not only the well-known regional wines but also Vacqueyras whites and a variety of ‘marcs’. Why not add a night or two in historic Avignon – the Palais des Papes, the bridge and also the fascinating side streets and museums.
Avoid arriving at Gigondas on a Wednesday, as the wonderful restaurant at Les Florets is closed that evening (local alternatives available if necessary).
Walked by On Foot staff: Simon, Debbie and Patrick
REVIEWS: For independent walker reviews submitted to the Association of Independent Tour Operators visit Aito.com.
TRAVEL ADVICE: To find the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office for UK citizens travelling to France, click here. Citizens of other nations will also find it useful, but should always check their appropriate local agency.
Route Highlights
- Avignon – the bridge and the Palais des Papes (add-on)
- Wine – from gutsy Gigondas to sweet Beaumes de Venise
- Gourmet food
- Walking in the Dentelles, in the foothills of Provence’s highest peak, Mont Ventoux
We recommend this route if you a looking for: Villages and farms, Food, Wine
We Recommend
A day or two in historic Avignon (where the popes resided during the fourteenth century, and for a period even had a pope in opposition to the one in Rome!). It is just a short train ride from Avignon to Arles, where you can visit the Roman remains and seek out the locations of some of Vincent van Gogh's best-known paintings. The wetlands of the Camargue are just beyond Arles.
Eating and Drinking
Huw at Les Geraniums (Le Barroux) recommends “2 plats très populaires – Ballotin de volaille farci aux champignons, sauce crème – Vin : Fondreche Rouge, et – La Souris d’Agneau Vigneronne – Vin Gigondas rouge”, while Thierry at Les Florets (Gigondas) suggests “Pigeon : suprême rôti et cuisse confite, pomme farcie au foie gras, jus à la cannelle, avec le vin – Gigondas rouge, Domaine la Garrigue” (this is his own family vineyard!).
How much Walking?
Using shortening options: 8-17km per day, 2½-5¾ hrs walking
Paths are reasonably marked, and often you will be on GRs (Grandes Randonnées) either national or of the area. Steep uphill on Venasque Circuit, some scrambling on Dentelles circuit. Highest point on route: 750m.
Medium-hard: Average cumulative uphill stretches (CUSs) 550m per day (375m – 690m)
Medium: CUSs 415m (200m-600m) using easier/shortening options where available.
GPX file available for handheld GPS or smartphone App for complete route.
Important note: Times given for each day are walking times for an “average” walker and exclude stops. “CUSs” stands for “Cumulative Uphill Stretches” and measures the aggregated ascents in each day, expressed in metres of climb. See “Walk Grading” for more information.
When to go?
The best months to walk: April, May, June, September, October
Other possible months: July, August
This area of the Vaucluse is at its best in late spring and early autumn – try walking at the time of the ‘vendange’, the grape harvest in September, when the vineyards will be full of activity. Or a little later into October when the leaves are changing colour and the landscape is a riot of browns and oranges. The Avignon Festival in July makes accommodation harder to come by then (and more expensive) and the weather is in any case probably too hot for walking.
Start Dates
Weather Chart
Temperature and rainfall chart for Gigondas
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Venasque
Arrive Venasque, settle in and take a moment to explore this pretty hilltop village before your supper-with-a-view in the terrace restaurant.
Day 2 - Venasque circular walk
Today’s lung-expanding walk follows a variety of national and local footpath signs. There are some steep climbs – but the views merit the effort, taking you up to and under the Rocher des Trois Luisants. After an exposed walk along the top of the ridge, there is an initially gentle descent through some forest and a steeper, stonier descent to the east of Mont Serein to the valley bottom. Your climb back up to Venasque has fine afternoon views over to Mont Ventoux. (Medium-hard: 6¼ hrs, 17 km, CUS 600m OR medium: shorter circuit of 5¾ hrs, 16 km, CUSs 525m, easier descent). Alternatives – visit the village’s tourist information centre (closed Monday, and Sunday morning) and try one of their suggested local walks, or just relax.
Day 3 - Venasque to Mazan
A gentler day’s walk, along paths and tracks, and some asphalt … and no great peaks you may be relieved to learn. Following your descent from Venasque the path winds through a narrow gorge, before opening out to take you eventually through Malemort du Comtat, in whose centre are some impressive doors and doorways, clustered around the restored 12th century church. If you have time, pay a visit to the Musée Agricole, before continuing on to the fortified village of Mazan by way of an historic track. (Easy-medium: 4½ hrs, 14 km, CUSs 375m)
Day 4 - Mazan to Le Barroux
A bucolic morning’s walk past olive and cherry tree groves en route to the hilltop village of Crillon le Brave and a picnic lunch stop in its shadow … or a well-earned croque monsieur after a climb up to a bar at its top. The afternoon’s walk is a minor switchback, through a sea of vineyards (with tantalising glimpses of your next night’s stop) and a wooded section, passing the Lac du Paty before another swiftly steep climb up into Le Barroux’s narrow streets below its 12th century castle. (Medium-hard: 6½ hrs, 19 km, CUSs 690m). Alternative – lift with the luggage the whole way, or walk as far as Crillon (Easy-medium: 3½ hrs, 12 km, CUSs 340m) then call ahead to the hotel to arrange a taxi pickup (pay locally).
Day 5 - Le Barroux to Gigondas
Today you climb to the highest point of your walk via the GR4 (one of France’s great long distance trails) and over the Crête de St-Amand to arrive finally within striking distance of the Dentelles – you will enjoy spectacular views onto this extraordinary geological formation before a descent to the first of two gourmet evenings at Les Florets. (Medium-hard: 5½ hrs, 17 km, CUSs 600m)
Day 6 - Circular hike through the Dentelles de Montmirail
At last a chance to walk in amongst the Dentelles through hidden valleys, scrambling over and around the rocks at the base of the most impressive jagged peaks themselves … care is needed today (though no special equipment), but it is an exhilarating experience and provides magnificent views and photo opportunities. The return takes you back via Gigondas, and the opportunity to meander down through this pretty village, home to our route adviser, before stopping awhile for a celebratory dégustation should you so wish, in one of the restaurants or caves. (Medium-hard: 4½ hrs, 12 km, CUSs 600m). Alternative – walk up into the Dentelles and back again (devise your own route using our map), or stay at the hotel and relax!
Departure day
Depart for home, or transfer to Avignon for a night or nights in our hotels there and some sightseeing.
Travel Information
ARRIVING BY AIR (but see below about TGV access)
The best local airports are Avignon and Marseille – which latter also has some intercontinental flights and a direct line to Avignon. There are also flights to Nimes, which has a shuttle bus/train connection to Avignon and Carpentras.
Land by: 16:30 (Avignon), 14:00 (Marseille), 15:00 (Nimes) for public transport connections + final taxi.
Return flight earliest (if returning directly from Gigondas): 11:00 (A), 13:00 (M), 12:00 (N)
No limit if leaving from Avignon town.
It is also worth considering flying to Paris Charles de Gaulle and taking the train directly to Avignon (and then Carpentras) from there: see below…
Flight information can change rapidly and not all flights run daily. Please do check directly with the airlines’ websites or Skyscanner (see below) before finalising any booking with us. Do not book your flights until we have confirmed that we have provisionally reserved accommodation for you.
For up-to-date schedules and flights from all airports check Skyscanner
ARRIVING BY TRAIN
The easiest way to access this route is via the TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon – a direct service of just over 2.5hrs whose first stop is Avignon! From Avignon take a regular local train to Carpentras. A typical rail journey from or back to the UK via Paris or Lille takes from around 6 hrs. Look at www.seat61.com/France.htm
Getting to the start of the walk
The first hotel is in Venasque and the last in Gigondas, although you may also wish to spend a night or two in Avignon at the start or end of your walk. Transfer times (travel time only, not allowing for waiting for connections) and methods are suggested for Avignon, Marseille and Nimes airports below, and for Avignon TGV train station. Taxis are included at the start from Carpentras train or bus station (adjacent) to Venasque, and back from Gigondas to Carpentras train station at the end.
AVIGNON AIRPORT:
Outward: Taxi from the rank to Avignon, train to Carpentras, pre-booked taxi to Venasque (included in holiday price) 2hrs
OR pre-booked taxi transfer from Avignon airport to Venasque c. 1hr
Return: Taxi (included) to Carpentras and train to Avignon. Taxi from rank to airport.
MARSEILLE AIRPORT:
Outward: Bus direct to Carpentras, or train to Avignon then as above
Return: Direct bus from Carpentras (three daily), or train via Avignon – Sunday ends may need a taxi all the way
NIMES AIRPORT:
Outward: shuttle bus, train to Carpentras (one change), then pre-booked taxi (included).
Return: as above in reverse
AVIGNON TGV:
Outward: Change for train to Carpentras, then pre-booked taxi to Venasque (included in holiday price) OR pre-booked taxi transfer from Avignon TGV direct to hotel.
Return: Taxi (included) to Carpentras, then train direct to Avignon TGV.
For pre-bookable taxi costs, see “Prices” or ask us. Note that the pre-booked taxis from Carpentras station to Venasque and back from Gigondas to Carpentras at the end are included in the holiday price (deductable if other transfer arrangements made). Full transfer advice, including timetables, is provided in your Walkers’ Pack. Contact us if you would like additional pre-booking information.
Where You'll Stay
A selection of mostly family-run hotels, all with a particular French style and, where you eat in, an enviable quality of food and wine. Most speak at least a smattering of English and all have a pride in their accommodation and an eagerness to share that with you. Please avoid staying in Gigondas on a Wednesday as Les Florets’ excellent restaurant is closed.
Night 1 & 2
Venasque – Les Remparts (dinner, B&B / B&B)
Quiet rooms apart from main hotel. Fabulous restaurant terrace-with-views.
Night 3 (Upgrade)
Mazan – Chateau de Mazan (B&B)
Splendid in-keeping renovation of former home of the Marquis de Sade. Pool. Accommodation in old house and in annexe.
Night 4
Le Barroux – Les Geraniums (dinner, B&B)
Friendly and popular hotel with good kitchen and a wonderful evening terrace.
Night 5 & 6
Gigondas – Les Florets (dinner, B&B)
Superb food and wine in quiet setting outside of village (NB avoid being there on Wednesday when restaurant closed). Pool.
Venasque – Les Remparts (dinner, B&B / B&B)
Quiet rooms apart from main hotel. Fabulous restaurant terrace-with-views.
Website
Le Barroux – Les Geraniums (dinner, B&B)
Friendly and popular hotel with good kitchen and a wonderful evening terrace.
Website
Gigondas – Les Florets (dinner, B&B)
Superb food and wine in quiet setting outside of village (NB avoid being there on Wednesday when restaurant closed). Pool.
Website
Hotels in Avignon
F
or a night in Avignon we normally us the Hotel de l’Horloge, a well-appointed medium-sized hotel
For a little extra luxury, we use Le Cloitre, based around an old cloister, and with a pool.
Prices
Total 6 nights in double/twin room, all breakfasts, 4 evening meals, 4 picnic lunches (some simple), taxi transfer from and back to Carpentras station, all luggage transfers between Venasque and Gigondas.
All prices are per person unless otherwise indicated, and are based on a standard booking in May. Prices may vary seasonally and a fixed price will be given to you before you commit.
Single Room Supplement (SRS): From £200
Lone Traveller Additional Supplement (LTAS): From £180
Larger party saving (LPS): Groups of more than 2 people (on identical itinerary) – discount of at least £20 per person
Maximum party size: 10
Add Ons
Nights in Avignon at start or end of holiday: Contact On Foot Holidays for details – choice of standard and upgrade hotels
Taxi from Avignon city, airport or TGV to Venasque: Contact On Foot Holidays for details.
Sending Walkers Packs to addresses outside the UK and Ireland: £10-£40 (per pack, location dependent)
Customer Feedback
Helen and Christopher Horn
"The staff were universally friendly with a very personal approach. It really did feel as if our holiday was important to them." August 2016
more testimonialsTravellers Reviews
A wonderful walking holiday - thank you!.
Les Florets - Some luxury very welcome after the walk. Tea by the pool and a bath, then a superb dinner. Next day we ducked the circular walk and spent a very pleasant few hours in Gigondas, having our picnic on the walk back. Would say very well done to On Foot for including two nights in such a good hotel with such excellent food in the holiday price. A great centre-piece to the holiday.
Trevor Madden, Maidenhead
All was fantastic. The route was enjoyable but not too demanding.
We hardly saw anyone on the trails except for around Les Dentelles. All of the hotels were first class. We were not quite sure what to expect in a touristy French wine area but found the people laid-back, friendly and very willing to engage. All in all, this walk exceeded our expectations.
Sam McClary, Washington
We especially appreciate the welcome we received everywhere.
We love seeing and staying in small towns with small hotels, and the variety of hotels this time was also very special. The hiking was challenging and we loved the gorgeous views at every hand. We really appreciated the different ideas you gave for each walk, allowing us to adapt the walk to our ability, and this year to the weather.
Jean Santi, California
Route designed by:
Régis Leroy
Régis Leroy has been a mountain guide across the world for 20 years, but don't let that worry you! He has devised for On Foot a walking route around his beloved home area of the Vaucluse, a region which he knows intimately.
