Walking in Provence - West

Explore western Provence and discover one of southern France's most varied and evocative landscapes, stretching from the lavender fields and gorges of the Drôme Provençale and Vaucluse to the forested ridges and perched villages of the Var. Rich in Roman history, medieval abbeys, arcaded market towns, and wild natural scenery, western Provence offers an exceptional walking destination in every season.

Suitable for beginner and experienced walkers alike, this comprehensive Cicerone guidebook describes 30 circular day walks across three distinct areas of western Provence: the Drôme Provençale, the Vaucluse, and the Var. Routes range from 4 to 16km (2–10 miles) and can be enjoyed in 2–7 hours, graded from easy to difficult to suit a range of abilities and fitness levels.

• Choose from 30 circular day walks across the Drôme Provençale, Vaucluse, and Var, exploring dramatic gorges, mountain ridges, lavender country, perched medieval villages, ruined castles, and the famous Colorado Provençal ochre landscape near Apt.
• Discover the highlights of western Provence, including the Dentelles de Montmirail, the Gorges de la Nesque, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, the Abbaye de Sénanque, Montagne Sainte-Victoire, and the Sainte-Baume ridge and massif in the south.
• Navigate with confidence using sketch maps included for each route in western Provence, with downloadable GPX files to support your planning and navigation on the ground.
• Plan your Provence walking holiday from charming key bases including Nyons and Buis-les-Baronnies in the Drôme Provençale, Vaison-la-Romaine and Apt in the Vaucluse, and St-Maximin-la-Ste-Baume and Aix-en-Provence in the Var.
• Choose the best time to walk in western Provence with guidance on seasons, showing why spring and autumn are the most pleasant times to visit, while most walks at lower elevations are accessible and enjoyable year-round.
• Deepen your experience of the region with introductory sections on the history of Provence, its plants and flowers, wildlife, regional food and drink, and the art and literature inspired by this exceptional corner of southern France.
• Extend your walking with the companion volume, Walking in Provence: East, which together with this guide covers the full breadth of Provence's varied and beautiful landscapes.

Explore the gorges, villages, and wild landscapes of western Provence with confidence using this trusted Cicerone guidebook. From the lavender country of the Drôme Provençale to the forested ridges of the Var, this is the essential companion for walking in one of France's most beloved regions.

Seasons

most of the walks are not high and can be made at any time of the year, especially near the coast; the most pleasant seasons are spring and autumn.

Centres

Nyons and Buis-les-Baronnies (Drôme Provençale); Vaison-la-Romaine and Apt (Vaucluse); St-Maximin-la-Ste-Baume and Aix-en-Provence (Var)

Difficulty

circular day walks, suitable for averagely fit people and graded Easy, Medium or Difficult, depending on length, total ascent and terrain; easy walks are short, while difficult ones take up to eight hours and may include sections that are precipitous or difficult to navigate; no special equipment is needed

Must See

dramatic mountain ridges and deep river gorges; perched medieval villages, arcaded streets, fountains, ruined castles, abbeys and churches; from the Baronnies in the north to the Ste-Baume ridge in the south

Map key

Overview map

Preface

Introduction

A short history of Provence

Provençal writers and artists

Plants and flowers

Wildlife

Regional specialities

Markets

Travelling to Provence

When to go

Accommodation

Clothing and equipment

Using this guide

Drôme Provençale

Walk 1 Nyons Olive Walk

Walk 2 Ferme de la Lance

Walk 3 The Cougoir

Walk 4 Serre de Crema

Walk 5 Rocher de Bramard

Walk 6 Gorges de Léoux

Walk 7 Grande Javonière

Walk 8 Château d’Ubrieux

Walk 9 Around the Rocher de St-Julien

Walk 10 Gorges de Toulourenc

Walk 11 Lavender Walk from Aulan

Vaucluse

Walk 12 Vaison-la-Romaine to Crestet

Walk 13 The Gambade from Gigondas

Walk 14 Dentelles de Montmirail

Walk 15 Le Barroux to La Roque-Alric

Walk 16 Gorges du Curnier

Walk 17 Gorges de la Nesque

Walk 18 Fontaine-de-Vaucluse and the Wall of the Plague

Walk 19 Abbaye de Sénanque

Walk 20 Colorado Provençal

Walk 21 Fort de Buoux

Walk 22 Mourre Nègre

Var

Walk 23 Montagne Ste-Victoire

Walk 24 Marcel Pagnol Country

Walk 25 Mont Olympe

Walk 26 Montagne de la Ste-Baume

Walk 27 Ste-Croix from Nans-les-Pins

Walk 28 Old village and castle of Rougiers

Walk 29 Mourre d’Agnis

Walk 30 Circuit de Latay

Appendices

Appendix A Route summary table

Appendix B Maps

Appendix C Tourist information

Appendix D Market days

Appendix E Glossary of Provençal words