Another Fine walk in Provence

Walk number one in the local green guide is 11 kilometres – Vaucarlanque

Starting at the Chateau in Saint Saturnin Les Apt follow the green markers heading West.

There are superb views over the old reservoir, the Perreal with the Luberon behind.

There are a number of …Continue reading here

Hiking in Provence

There are many hiking trails throughout Provence, from the moderate Luberon and Alpilles hills to the steeper pitches near Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail. You can also choose to head to the coast in either direction (east or west) from Marseille to find some beautiful hikes along the coast, although some of these trails could be difficult if you suffer from vertigo. The standard hiking rules apply in Provence, as they should anywhere, good shoes, sunscreen, hats, water, a snack and a mobile phone.

Tips for Hiking in Provence

The Institute National de l’Information Géographique et Forrestiére (IGN) maps are detailed and very accurate. There is also an IGN application for smartphones. IGN website.

Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended.
Take water, sunscreen and snacks.
If you are challenged with steep downhill grades, hiking poles are a good idea.
There are signs, rock piles and paint flashes to indicate the way.
DO NOT hike if there is any threat of bad weather.

Due to forest fire risk, during the summer months, there are restrictions to hiking in some areas. During this period, before you head out, you should check in advance to see if it is safe to access the trails. This is the rating system.

Green (clear) – a light risk of fire and it is safe to hike.
Yellow (moderate) – a minor risk of fire and it is safe to hike but be cautious.
Orange (severe) – hiking is not recommended
Red (extreme) – hiking is not allowed

Vaucluse: call this number +33 (0)4 88 17 80 00 or +33 (0)4 28 31 77 11. The teleprompters on the system allow you to choose your particular region.

Var: from June 21 through September 20th use the interactive map on this webpage to determine hiking conditions.

Bouches du Rhône: from June 1 – September 30th check this website for the current access status for the hiking trails.

Hiking Books for Trails in Provence

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David Taylor

It took just one holiday in the Luberon in 2003 for David and Karen Taylor to fall in love with Provence. This lead to owning a village house in Saint Saturnin les Apt - a holiday home. However, after just a few visits they took the radical step of leaving home and work in Surrey, England.

The plan was to take a year off to explore Provence and learn French. However, after just a few months a challenge of a different sort presented itself - property. It was a piece of land in a wonderful authentic Provencal village in the Luberon and they set about planning and building two houses and gites over a two year period.

Today David and Karen have a three bedroom villa with private pool, two gites and a chambre d'hôte room with a shared pool. Now (2015) they are approaching their 7th season with 50% repeat guests, for a season that starts at Easter and runs to mid-October.

When not carrying out work duties the couple continues to explore the endless beautiful Provencal villages and towns. Recording their visits in photographs and sampling great food & scenery.

Their blog began in 2006 as a way for friends and family to follow our adventures it is now a great resource for anyone interested in Provence.