Provence: Castles and Abbeys

Arrival at your first accommodation, in the center of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, an emblematic village of the Luberon. It is here that the famous source of the Sorgue springs. Fontaine de Vaucluse gave its name to the department. If you arrive early, you will have the option of doing a short circular walk on the heights of the village. Round trips to the famous "Gouffre de Fontaine-de-Vaucluse" and the ruins of the castle are also possible. With an average total flow of 630 million m³ per year, this source is the largest in France and one of the largest in the world, by volume of water flowing. Cool and peaceful in summer, bubbling and impetuous in spring and autumn, the source, a true whim of nature, has never ceased to intrigue curious people and researchers since Antiquity.

If you arrive early, you will have the option of doing a short optional circular walk to warm up and get a first glimpse of the surroundings of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. This loop can also be done on the last day of your trip when you return to Fontaine.  

Distance: 7 km

Elevation Gain: +268/-268 m

This first stage on the GR91 begins with a strong positive elevation gain for the first few kilometers through a beautiful forest. The first Provencal smells will amaze your nose: pine, thyme, rosemary, ...

After a long descent you will discover the beautiful village of Le Beaucet, set against a steep rock face, before passing a deep gorge and strolling through tranquil landscapes. Passing by the odd house and vineyard, enjoy the aromas of Provence on your way to your guesthouse. In the evening enjoy dinner at your accommodation in a peaceful environment!

Distance: 13 km

Elevation gain: +660/-383 m

Discover the surroundings of Venasque, a magnificent hilltop village in the Vaucluse mountains. The village of Venasque is considered to be one of the most authentic villages in the Comtat Venaissin area, and is the source of the area’s name. Venasque has been sheltered since time immemorial by its shielded location atop a rocky outcrop. To the east of the village, the hamlets known as Pérégrine and Le Petit Défend retain their wilderness character which has led them to being ranked as Environmentally-Sensitive Areas. The village of Venasque built atop a rock, one of the most beautiful villages in France. Stroll the narrow streets that climb up to the heart of the village, see the beautiful doors and building façades, the old ramparts... Don’t miss the 6th-century Baptistry near the church, at the end of the village. The Baptistry was built atop the ruins of a Roman temple and is the centre of a remarkable ensemble of religious buildings.

Distance: 12 km

Elevation gain: +444/-444 m

Today you traverse quiet surroundings on your way up to Rochers Rouges. At the top, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the Dentelles de Montmirail, Mont Ventoux and the Rhone Valley. Then, through holm oak woods dotted with rocky outcroppings, you make your way down to the beautifully situated village of Senanque and its 11th century Abbey. After a visit to the Cistercian monks, and sampling their homemade products, you continue onward to the famous town of Gordes. Be ready for a magnificent view of the village from your hotel.

Distance: 11,5 km

Elevation gain: +400/-400 m

A wonderful walking route for today, from Gordes through the spectacular Gorges de la Veroncle with its steep, jagged cliffs. You walk all the way down to the bottom of the spectacular gorge then up again, passing several old mills along the way. Following quiet footpaths and country roads, you’ll pass the Bois d'Audibert set just below Gordes. Finally, after a steep uphill section, you arrive back at the familiar Chateau de Gordes.

Distance: 11,5 km

Elevation gain: +350/-350 m

From the lively town of Gordes, you continue walking across the silent Plateau de Vaucluse with its many “bories”, enjoying the mysterious ambience created by these curious round structures. Later in the morning, you will visit a real “Village des Bories”, a unique site that invites you to travel through time. 4 kilometres from Gordes, on the slopes of the Vaucluse Mountains, facing the Luberon, the village of Bories (curious constructions made from dry stones), built at the beginning of the 17th century is evidence of the exceptional quality of the ancestral art of building and know-how in the stacking of stones, that has since disappeared.

Before returning back to Fontaine de Vaucluse, continue downhill on a beautiful steep path through the forest.

Distance: 12 km

Elevation gain: +225/-494 m

Your walking trip comes to an end today after breakfast. Departure from the Vaucluse.

A journey for those who want to discover Provence in the most enchanting part of France: it's not a demanding trip and is suitable even for those with limited experience in walking journeys.

For our trips, we always choose accommodation with private rooms and private bathrooms. In rare cases, shared accommodations or shared bathrooms may be provided, so we recommend carefully checking the inclusions section to understand the type of accommodation included in the trip you are interested in.  

We place great importance on the choice of accommodations and select hotels with care and attention. We understand how essential it is to rest well after a day of walking. We always prefer cozy and characteristic establishments, preferably family-run, that fully embody the spirit of the place and offer hospitality with courtesy and comfort.  

Where, due to the nature of the route, accommodation options are limited, we choose the one that best aligns with our standards.