Compare Tour Of The Luberon by Distant Journeys

Day 1: Arrive Bonnieux

We will rendez-vous at the Marseille Airport at 1pm and then transfer as a group to our hotel in Bonnieux, about an hour away. Occupying a narrow plateau on the northeast flank of the Petit Luberon, the hilltop village of Bonnieux offers the perfect jumping off point. A 12th-century church crowns the village, narrow streets are lined with fine examples of 16th-, 17th- and 18th-century residences, and the remains of 13th-century ramparts that once walled the village are still visible. A climb up to the “Old Church” offers sublime views across the Calavon River valley. We’ll have time to explore the village and perhaps visit the Musée de la Boulangerie, the Bakery Museum, before our Welcome Dinner.

Day 2: Bonnieux to Saignon

Today we take a pastoral walk across a classic Luberon landscape. Our route will take us through forests and lavender fields, past cherry orchards and olive groves, and along the upper rim of the Gorge of Aigue Brun, ending in the tiny hilltop town of Saignon.

Day 3: Saignon

Our hike today is a like a walk back through time. We will begin with a short van transfer to the base of the Aigue Brun Gorge. This tiny, secluded valley etched by the Aiguebrunn River has been traveled since prehistoric times. Romans settled this strategic plateau above the valley that later became the site of the medieval Fort du Buoux, the ruins of which still remain. A cobble mule path, once a famous salt route connecting Marseille with city of Apt during the Middle Ages, still winds its way to the ancient hamlet of Sivergues. Meaning “six virgins,” it was supposedly founded by six nuns and monk.

Our hike will take us first up to the impressive ruins of the 13th-century Fort de Buoux. After exploring the site, our route continues up to the crest of the Grand Luberon, with 360-degree views of the surrounding area. On a clear day we may have views as far as the Southern Alps and Mediterranean. Our descent takes us by the goat farm at La Castelas, on to the hamlet of Sivergues and finally back to our accommodations in Saignon.

Day 4: Saignon to Saint Saturnin Les Apt

Leaving Saignon, our hike takes us down though old terraces and orchards, across lavender fields, and through forests to the “Rustrel Colorado.” Once the site of ocher mining, the process of extracting ocher pigment from the clay has left an amazing array of cliffs and Dr. Seuss-like pinnacles displaying colors ranging from deep reds and oranges to yellow and white. Our day will end with a short transfer to the classic Provencal town of Saint Saturnin les Apt.

This quiet and unassuming village is rich in history dating back to Roman times. Its old fortified church, surrounding chateau, and quaint narrow streets are irresistibly beckoning. Time and crowds have left this town relatively untouched.

Day 5: Saint Saturnin Les Apt to Roussillon

Today’s walk to Roussillon leads through vineyards, olive groves, almond trees, forests, and open fields, and down grassy lanes. The view across the Luberon valley, all the way to rising bluffs of the Grand Luberon, is lovely. Imposing deep red ocher cliffs greet us as we near Roussillon.

Roussillon is a picturesque Provencal village, with narrow streets and ocher-painted buildings. Another prominent center for ocher mining, the village itself nearly radiates with colors from pale yellows and oranges to deep reds and everything in between. The inhabitants of the area began mining ocher in prehistoric times, and by the 19th century export of the ocher pigments was considerable. The onset of synthetic dyes put the ocher mines out of business. The effects of this mining have made for some very interesting rock formations. There will be time to visit the open-air museum of mining techniques and pigment fabrication, and to wander beneath the stunning cliffs of the Ocher Trail.

Day 6: Rousillon to Senanque Abbey

From Rousillon our walk will take us across the Cavaillon plain, a landscape of cherry orchards, vineyards and, of course, lavender, to the wonderfully-restored village perche of Gorde. Also designated has one of France’s Plus Beaux Villages, Gorde clings to the edge of the Plateau du Vaucluse. White stone houses climb the hillside to the top of the village, which is dominated by a Renaissance castle and church. From Gorde we’ll continue on to Cistercian Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque, famous for it’s lush lavender fields. Founded in 1148, the Abbey’s fortunes have fluctuated throughout the centuries. A small community of monks still resides there. An afternoon transfer will bring us back to Roussillon for our farewell dinner.

Day 7: Transfer to Marseille Airport

We’ll depart the hotel at about 8:30 am, arriving at the airport at about 10:30 am. If you plan to continue your travels in France there are frequent shuttle buses to the Aix-en-Provence TGV train station.