Van Gogh’s Provence
France Hiking + Walking Tours
Following in the Footsteps of Van Gogh: A Breathtaking Hiking Tour of Provence
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length7 days
- Prices from€809 Rates
Overview
If you're a Vincent van Gogh fan who enjoys hiking, a Provence tour in France is perfect for you.
The stunning natural landscapes, sunflower fields, and charming villages of Provence were home to the renowned artist for a significant part of his life. The tour takes you through some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the region and stops at places that inspired Van Gogh's paintings.
During your two-night stay in Saint Rémy de Provence, you'll pass by the former monastery and asylum of St. Paul de Mausole, where the artist voluntarily committed himself and spent the last year of his life.
You'll also explore the picturesque town of Arles, where he lived for a year and produced some of his most notable masterpieces.
Enjoy the breathtaking landscapes that inspired Van Gogh's art while learning about the local history and culture of Provence.
Highlights
- Awe-inspiring vistas atop the Alpilles mountains
- The vineyards and olive groves of Provence
- Retracing the life and brush strokes of Van Gogh
- The cafés and restaurants of Saint Rémy de Provence
- The perched medieval village of Les Baux de Provence
- Roman Arles
Be sure to check out all our hiking tours!
Itinerary
Day 1: Avignon
Day 2: Saint Rémy de Provence
Day 3: Saint Rémy de Provence, 6 or 11 mi. (10 km or 18 km)
Day 4: Saint Rémy de Provence - Les Baux de Provence, 6 mi. (10 km)
Day 5: Les Baux de Provence - Maussane - Les Baux, 7 mi. (11.5 km)
Day 6: Les Baux de Provence - Chapelle St Gabriel - Arles, 10 mi. (16 km)
Day 7: ArlesEvery effort is made to update the routes, however, changes can occur on the ground due to various factors such as fallen trees, adverse weather conditions, or human activitity. These factors can affect path signage.
Day 1: Avignon
You begin your hiking adventure through Provence in the charming city of Avignon. This first night will be spent within the fortified walls of Avignon's Old Town, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of this ancient city. Settle in and get ready to discover the wonders of Provence's incredible landscapes and villages.Preferred accommodations:
Standard: Hotel Boquier**
Charming: Hotel de l’HorlogeDay 2: Saint Rémy de Provence
First, experience the vibrant atmosphere of Avignon's bustling covered market, which takes place every morning, except for Mondays. Afterward, take advantage of a free morning in Avignon to explore the city's historical landmarks and cultural treasures at your leisure. After lunch, the tour continues with a transfer to the enchanting town of St Remy de Provence, where you'll have a free afternoon to discover the charming surroundings. Follow in the footsteps of the famous artist Vincent Van Gogh on an optional walking tour that explores the areas around town that inspired some of his most celebrated works. Alternatively, you can explore the town's winding streets and quaint shops, sampling local delights and enjoying the authentic Provençal atmosphere. Conclude the day with a delectable dinner of local cuisine on your own, before retiring for the night in St Remy de Provence.Preferred accommodations:
Standard: Castellet des Alpilles**
Charming: Hotel GounodDay 3: Saint Rémy de Provence, 6 or 11 mi. (10 km or 18 km)
Once again this morning you can enjoy the lively markets of St Remy de Provence, which take place every Wednesday and Saturday. As you set out from St Remy, you'll pass by the former monastery of St. Paul de Mausole, where the celebrated artist Vincent van Gogh spent the last year of his life. Following a quiet valley, you'll wind your way up to the ridge of the Alpilles mountains, and arrive at the "Rocher des deux trous," offering breathtaking panoramic views of the region. Here, you'll have two options: either to stroll leisurely back down the mountain, taking in the scenery at a more relaxed pace, or to embark on a challenging trek along a rocky crest, adding an extra dose of adventure and awe to your day's journey (followed by the same leisurely stroll back down the mountain). It's important to note that the second option is more challenging and may not be suitable for those without prior experience trekking on jagged and uneven paths. Approximate time on the trail: 3 or 6 hours.Elevation: +250/-250m
Standard: Castellet des Alpilles**
Charming: Hotel GounodDay 4: Saint Rémy de Provence - Les Baux de Provence, 6 mi. (10 km)
As you make your way back to the ridge of the mountain, you'll follow a winding track through fragrant fields of thyme and cistus flowers, basking in open vistas of the majestic mountains to the north and the expansive flatlands to the south. Soon, the stunning medieval village of Les Baux comes into view, perched dramatically on its rocky spur, and beckoning you to explore its ancient streets and marvel at the ruins of its 1000-year-old castle. You'll have the opportunity to savor a delectable dinner of local cuisine on your own, and then spend a restful night in the enchanting town of Les Baux de Provence, dreaming of the adventures yet to come. Distance on trail, approximately 3 1/2 hours.Elevation: +270m /-100m
Preferred accommodations:
Standard: Mas d’Aigret***
Charming: Mas d’Aigret***Day 5: Les Baux de Provence - Maussane - Les Baux de Provence, 7 mi. (11.5 km)
You descend into the sprawling plains, where the esteemed olive groves stretch as far as the eye can see, their silvery leaves shimmering in the brilliant sunshine. In the charming Provençal town of Maussane, you'll sample some of the region's finest olive oils and local specialties, gaining the energy you need for the trek back up towards Les Baux. Embark on a hidden path behind the village, soaking up the stunning scenery along the way. Time on trail: approx. 4 1/2 hours.Elevation: + 250m / - 250m
Preferred accommodations:
Standard: Mas d’Aigret***
Charming: Mas d’Aigret***Day 6: Les Baux de Provence - Chapelle St Gabriel - Arles, 10 mi. (16 km)
Ascend to the rounded summit above the village, and soak up the breathtaking views that surround you. As you traverse the ridge, the path gently undulates, inviting you to stroll along the entire western edge of the mountain. Follow the path all the way to its very end, as it descends into the plains and leads you to the exquisite Romanesque St. Gabriel chapel. From there, you'll journey to the vibrant city of Arles, where you'll have the opportunity to indulge in a delectable dinner of local cuisine on your own and spend a restful night in this charming Provençal town. In Arles, the market takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Time on trail: 5 1/2 hours.Elevation: +100m / -350m
Preferred accommodations:
Standard: Hotel Le Forum ***
Charming: Le CalendalDay 7: Arles
Breakfast and end of tour. Perhaps you would like to remain for a couple more days? This can be arranged for you!Looking for something different? View our full list of tours in Europe & beyond!
Map
Accommodation
You have the option to choose between two levels of accommodations. The first is the standard level, which includes 2 and 3-star establishments such as Castellet des Alpilles. This modern yet quaint lodging is located just a short stroll from the historical center of Saint Rémy. The second option is the charming level, which offers more boutique accommodations like Hotel de l’Horloge in Avignon. You can find the name of the preferred hotels for each day in the tour itinerary. Upon booking, any changes that need to be made due to availability will be subject to your approval before official confirmation.
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 6 nights
- 6 breakfasts
- 4 self-guided walks + 1 optional walk on Day 2
- Luggage transfer (1 checked size bag per person)
- Day 2: Taxi transfer from Avignon to St Remy
- Day 6: Taxi transfer at the end of the walk from St Gabriel Chapel to Arles
- Detailed road book with walking itineraries & integrated maps - one packet for two people. If you would like more, there is a supplement of €50
- GPS files (you will be emailed these which you can then upload to your smart phone)
- Emergency hotline
What’s Not Included
- All lunches & dinners
- Entrance fees into museums
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Daily arrivals/tour starts are possible from March 1 to November 20, 2024
July & August travel dates are not recommended (high temperatures & fire season).
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2024
Standard accommodations
Season 1: March 1 to March 31 | Oct 1 to Nov 15
Season 2: April 1 to June 25 | Sep 1 to Sep 302-3 people 4-6 people Single supplement Solo traveler Season 1 $ 1426 £ 749 $ 1,296 € 859 Ft 338196 kr 131697 ₪ 3514 ¥ 148827 Mex$ 15754 NZ$ 1558 NOK 10181 zł 3727 S$ 1282 kr 10162 $ 952 $ 1343 £ 705 $ 1,221 € 809 Ft 318510 kr 124031 ₪ 3309 ¥ 140165 Mex$ 14837 NZ$ 1467 NOK 9588 zł 3510 S$ 1208 kr 9571 $ 896 $ 584 £ 307 $ 531 € 352 Ft 138585 kr 53967 ₪ 1440 ¥ 60986 Mex$ 6456 NZ$ 639 NOK 4172 zł 1527 S$ 525 kr 4164 $ 390 $ 2173 £ 1141 $ 1,975 € 1309 Ft 515365 kr 200689 ₪ 5354 ¥ 226793 Mex$ 24007 NZ$ 2374 NOK 15514 zł 5679 S$ 1954 kr 15486 $ 1,450 Season 2 $ 1542 £ 810 $ 1,402 € 929 Ft 365755 kr 142429 ₪ 3800 ¥ 160955 Mex$ 17038 NZ$ 1685 NOK 11010 zł 4030 S$ 1387 kr 10990 $ 1,029 $ 1459 £ 766 $ 1,327 € 879 Ft 346070 kr 134763 ₪ 3596 ¥ 152293 Mex$ 16121 NZ$ 1594 NOK 10418 zł 3813 S$ 1312 kr 10399 $ 974 $ 694 £ 364 $ 631 € 418 Ft 164570 kr 64085 ₪ 1710 ¥ 72421 Mex$ 7666 NZ$ 758 NOK 4954 zł 1813 S$ 624 kr 4945 $ 463 $ 2422 £ 1272 $ 2,202 € 1459 Ft 574421 kr 223686 ₪ 5968 ¥ 252781 Mex$ 26758 NZ$ 2647 NOK 17292 zł 6330 S$ 2178 kr 17260 $ 1,616 Charming Accommodations
Season 1: March 1 to April 30 | Oct 1 to Nov 15
Season 2: May 1 to June 25 | Aug 27 to Sep 302-3 people 4-6 people Single supplement Solo traveler Season 1 $ 1725 £ 906 $ 1,568 € 1039 Ft 409063 kr 159294 ₪ 4250 ¥ 180014 Mex$ 19055 NZ$ 1885 NOK 12314 zł 4508 S$ 1551 kr 12292 $ 1,151 $ 1642 £ 862 $ 1,493 € 989 Ft 389378 kr 151628 ₪ 4045 ¥ 171351 Mex$ 18138 NZ$ 1794 NOK 11722 zł 4291 S$ 1476 kr 11700 $ 1,096 $ 785 £ 412 $ 714 € 473 Ft 186224 kr 72518 ₪ 1935 ¥ 81950 Mex$ 8675 NZ$ 858 NOK 5606 zł 2052 S$ 706 kr 5596 $ 524 $ 2821 £ 1481 $ 2,564 € 1699 Ft 668911 kr 260481 ₪ 6950 ¥ 294363 Mex$ 31159 NZ$ 3082 NOK 20136 zł 7371 S$ 2536 kr 20100 $ 1,882 Season 2 $ 1841 £ 967 $ 1,674 € 1109 Ft 436623 kr 170026 ₪ 4536 ¥ 192142 Mex$ 20339 NZ$ 2012 NOK 13144 zł 4811 S$ 1655 kr 13120 $ 1,229 $ 1758 £ 923 $ 1,598 € 1059 Ft 416937 kr 162360 ₪ 4332 ¥ 183479 Mex$ 19422 NZ$ 1921 NOK 12551 zł 4594 S$ 1581 kr 12528 $ 1,173 $ 877 £ 460 $ 797 € 528 Ft 207878 kr 80950 ₪ 2160 ¥ 91480 Mex$ 9683 NZ$ 958 NOK 6258 zł 2291 S$ 788 kr 6246 $ 585 $ 3053 £ 1603 $ 2,775 € 1839 Ft 724030 kr 281945 ₪ 7522 ¥ 318619 Mex$ 33727 NZ$ 3336 NOK 21796 zł 7978 S$ 2745 kr 21756 $ 2,037 Extra Options
Extra nights
Standard accommodations - Hotel Boquier
March 1 to March 31 | Oct 1 to Nov 15
April 1 to June 30 | Aug 1 to Aug 31 Twin/double $ 105 £ 55 $ 95 € 63 Ft 24804 kr 9659 ₪ 258 ¥ 10915 Mex$ 1155 NZ$ 114 NOK 747 zł 273 S$ 94 kr 745 $ 70 $ 111 £ 58 $ 101 € 67 Ft 26378 kr 10272 ₪ 274 ¥ 11608 Mex$ 1229 NZ$ 122 NOK 794 zł 291 S$ 100 kr 793 $ 74 Single $ 158 £ 83 $ 143 € 95 Ft 37402 kr 14565 ₪ 389 ¥ 16459 Mex$ 1742 NZ$ 172 NOK 1126 zł 412 S$ 142 kr 1124 $ 105 $ 174 £ 92 $ 158 € 105 Ft 41339 kr 16098 ₪ 429 ¥ 18192 Mex$ 1926 NZ$ 190 NOK 1244 zł 456 S$ 157 kr 1242 $ 116 Charming accommodations - Hotel Horloge
March 1 to April 25 | Oct 25 to Nov 15 May 1 to June 24 | Aug 1 to Oct 25 June 25 to July 31 Twin/double $ 123 £ 64 $ 112 € 74 Ft 29134 kr 11345 ₪ 303 ¥ 12821 Mex$ 1357 NZ$ 134 NOK 877 zł 321 S$ 110 kr 875 $ 82 $ 166 £ 87 $ 151 € 100 Ft 39371 kr 15331 ₪ 409 ¥ 17326 Mex$ 1834 NZ$ 181 NOK 1185 zł 434 S$ 149 kr 1183 $ 111 $ 193 £ 101 $ 175 € 116 Ft 45670 kr 17784 ₪ 474 ¥ 20098 Mex$ 2127 NZ$ 210 NOK 1375 zł 503 S$ 173 kr 1372 $ 129 Single $ 209 £ 110 $ 190 € 126 Ft 49607 kr 19318 ₪ 515 ¥ 21830 Mex$ 2311 NZ$ 229 NOK 1493 zł 547 S$ 188 kr 1491 $ 140 $ 306 £ 160 $ 278 € 184 Ft 72442 kr 28210 ₪ 753 ¥ 31879 Mex$ 3375 NZ$ 334 NOK 2181 zł 798 S$ 275 kr 2177 $ 204 $ 453 £ 238 $ 412 € 273 Ft 107482 kr 41855 ₪ 1117 ¥ 47299 Mex$ 5007 NZ$ 495 NOK 3236 zł 1184 S$ 407 kr 3230 $ 302 Standard accommodations - Hotel Du Forum
March 1 to Nov 11
Twin/double $ 115 £ 60 $ 104 € 69 Ft 27166 kr 10579 ₪ 282 ¥ 11955 Mex$ 1265 NZ$ 125 NOK 818 zł 299 S$ 103 kr 816 $ 76 Single $ 193 £ 101 $ 175 € 116 Ft 45670 kr 17784 ₪ 474 ¥ 20098 Mex$ 2127 NZ$ 210 NOK 1375 zł 503 S$ 173 kr 1372 $ 129 Charming accommodations - Hotel Calendal
March 1 to March 31 | Oct 16 to Nov 15 April 1 to June 30 | Aug 1 to Oct 15 July 1 to July 31 Twin/double $ 166 £ 87 $ 151 € 100 Ft 39371 kr 15331 ₪ 409 ¥ 17326 Mex$ 1834 NZ$ 181 NOK 1185 zł 434 S$ 149 kr 1183 $ 111 $ 174 £ 92 $ 158 € 105 Ft 41339 kr 16098 ₪ 429 ¥ 18192 Mex$ 1926 NZ$ 190 NOK 1244 zł 456 S$ 157 kr 1242 $ 116 $ 193 £ 101 $ 175 € 116 Ft 45670 kr 17784 ₪ 474 ¥ 20098 Mex$ 2127 NZ$ 210 NOK 1375 zł 503 S$ 173 kr 1372 $ 129 Single $ 271 £ 142 $ 246 € 163 Ft 64175 kr 24990 ₪ 667 ¥ 28241 Mex$ 2989 NZ$ 296 NOK 1932 zł 707 S$ 243 kr 1928 $ 181 $ 279 £ 146 $ 254 € 168 Ft 66143 kr 25757 ₪ 687 ¥ 29107 Mex$ 3081 NZ$ 305 NOK 1991 zł 729 S$ 251 kr 1987 $ 186 $ 279 £ 146 $ 254 € 168 Ft 66143 kr 25757 ₪ 687 ¥ 29107 Mex$ 3081 NZ$ 305 NOK 1991 zł 729 S$ 251 kr 1987 $ 186 Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
This self-guided hiking tour is easy to moderate. Climbs up to the ridge are steady and last no longer than 45 minutes, with no more than 1 hour of climbing at a time. The trail follows well-defined paths, sometimes rocky, and backcountry roads. Signposting frequency varies depending on the terrain. Carry enough water each day as opportunities to refill may be limited. Check the daily details for distance, elevation, and estimated trail time. Start early in warm weather!
Airport Info
Generally, the most practical international airport to fly into and out of is Charles De Gaulle (CDG).
Local Travel
Tour start:
From the Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris, you can take the train to Avignon. We recommend the fast TGV train, which takes about 3 to 4 hours depending on connections. Please note that reservations are necessary for the TGV train.
There are 2 train stations in Avignon, the local station and the TGV station. The local station s located just outside the city walls and the TGV station is further from the city. A train runs regularly between the 2 stations.
Tour end
You will first take a train from Arles to Paris. The journey time is around 3-4 hours, depending on the type of train you take. Generally, you will arrive to either the Gare de Lyon station or Paris Gare de l’Est station depending on the route and type of train you take. From either of these stations, you can then take a taxi, bus, or metro to the airport. More complete information will be provided to you before your tour date.
If you would like to fly into any other airport, such as Marseille or Montpellier, just ask.
To purchase your TGV train tickets (required), or any tickets for regional trains, please visit the website of the French national railway company, SNCF (https://www.sncf.com/en).Climate
It’s advisable to check local conditions before arriving in Provence. The best times for hiking are during May, June, September, and October. Although Provence is renowned for its mild climate and clear skies - with an average of 300 sunny days a year - hikers should be mindful of the notorious Mistral winds. These winds can occur at any time, but typically start in the fall and continue through the winter months, with the strongest gusts usually experienced in January and February. Despite this, the Mistral winds are also responsible for creating the incredibly clear skies and unique light in Provence that artists find so appealing.
Recommended
The trails can at times be quite rocky, so good boots with ankle support are a must. We also recommend using walking poles for this holiday. Poles are helpful to increase power going uphill, but especially to relieve your knees going down hills. You will be in a zone where water is scarce, so be prepared to carry your day’s requirements of water. Please bring a small backpack of 20-40 liters in which you will carry what is needed for the day’s walk, including your picnic. Our advice: It is better to take a larger backpack – they are more comfortable to carry and easier to transfer in the taxi.
Important to know
Passport/Visa Information
Before you travel, please check the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. For US citizens, the US Department of State website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab in the International Travel section provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc. For our other international clients, please be sure that you research your own country's travel requirements. It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure proper documentation.
*Important note: Please check the status of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) as once implemented, will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit.
Important Trail Information
Possible Trail closures Alpilles Mountains
Forest fires pose a significant threat to Provence's natural beauty. If the risk of a forest fire is high due to factors such as drought, high winds, or heat, access to forest paths may be either fully forbidden or partially restricted from June 1st to September 30th. It is your responsibility to obtain information regarding access restrictions. Local authorities make decisions on the following day's access at 6 pm, and this information is available on the internet and via a phone message. To check the situation for the next day, you can visit http://bpatp.paca-ate.fr/ after 6 pm, where a color-coded map indicating the degrees of path restrictions will appear.
Extra Stay
If you would like to add a day or two before your tour or after, please let us know. See pricing. You can also request extra nights within your tour itinerary. Pricing on request.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Walk Inn.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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