Provence Walking Holidays

Provence rewards walkers in spring and autumn, when the limestone is warm rather than scorching. You can circle the Luberon’s perched villages of Gordes, Bonnieux and Roussillon, cross the Alpilles where Van Gogh painted, follow lavender rows through the Drome Provencale, or drop into the Calanques near Cassis. Olive mills, morning markets, Cotes du Rhone reds and rosemary-scented garrigue come as standard.

• Perched villages: Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux, Baux-de-Provence, Saignon
• Alpilles, Luberon and Calanques regional and national parks
• Lavender in flower from late June; olive harvest in autumn
• Cotes du Rhone wines around the Dentelles de Montmirail
• Roman Arles and the Palais des Papes in Avignon