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 $ 1429 £ 752 $ 1,290 € 859 kr 131750 ₪ 3507 ¥ 144407 Mex$ 16013 NZ$ 1569 NOK 10260 zł 3793 S$ 1273 kr 10178 $ 943 $ 1346 £ 708 $ 1,214 € 809 kr 124081 ₪ 3303 ¥ 136002 Mex$ 15081 NZ$ 1478 NOK 9663 zł 3573 S$ 1199 kr 9586 $ 889 $ 586 £ 308 $ 528 € 352 kr 53988 ₪ 1437 ¥ 59175 Mex$ 6562 NZ$ 643 NOK 4204 zł 1554 S$ 522 kr 4171 $ 387 $ 2178 £ 1146 $ 1,965 € 1309 kr 200769 ₪ 5344 ¥ 220057 Mex$ 24402 NZ$ 2391 NOK 15635 zł 5781 S$ 1940 kr 15510 $ 1,438 Season 2 $ 1546 £ 813 $ 1,395 € 929 kr 142486 ₪ 3793 ¥ 156175 Mex$ 17318 NZ$ 1697 NOK 11096 zł 4102 S$ 1377 kr 11007 $ 1,020 $ 1462 £ 769 $ 1,320 € 879 kr 134818 ₪ 3589 ¥ 147769 Mex$ 16386 NZ$ 1606 NOK 10499 zł 3882 S$ 1303 kr 10415 $ 965 $ 695 £ 366 $ 627 € 418 kr 64111 ₪ 1707 ¥ 70270 Mex$ 7792 NZ$ 764 NOK 4993 zł 1846 S$ 619 kr 4953 $ 459 $ 2427 £ 1277 $ 2,190 € 1459 kr 223776 ₪ 5957 ¥ 245274 Mex$ 27199 NZ$ 2665 NOK 17427 zł 6443 S$ 2162 kr 17287 $ 1,603 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 $ 1729 £ 909 $ 1,560 € 1039 kr 159358 ₪ 4242 ¥ 174667 Mex$ 19369 NZ$ 1898 NOK 12410 zł 4588 S$ 1540 kr 12311 $ 1,141 $ 1645 £ 866 $ 1,485 € 989 kr 151689 ₪ 4038 ¥ 166262 Mex$ 18437 NZ$ 1807 NOK 11813 zł 4367 S$ 1466 kr 11718 $ 1,086 $ 787 £ 414 $ 710 € 473 kr 72547 ₪ 1931 ¥ 79516 Mex$ 8818 NZ$ 864 NOK 5650 zł 2089 S$ 701 kr 5604 $ 520 $ 2827 £ 1487 $ 2,551 € 1699 kr 260586 ₪ 6936 ¥ 285620 Mex$ 31673 NZ$ 3104 NOK 20293 zł 7503 S$ 2518 kr 20131 $ 1,866 Season 2 $ 1845 £ 971 $ 1,665 € 1109 kr 170094 ₪ 4528 ¥ 186435 Mex$ 20674 NZ$ 2026 NOK 13246 zł 4897 S$ 1643 kr 13140 $ 1,218 $ 1762 £ 927 $ 1,590 € 1059 kr 162425 ₪ 4324 ¥ 178029 Mex$ 19742 NZ$ 1935 NOK 12649 zł 4677 S$ 1569 kr 12548 $ 1,163 $ 878 £ 462 $ 793 € 528 kr 80983 ₪ 2156 ¥ 88763 Mex$ 9843 NZ$ 965 NOK 6307 zł 2332 S$ 782 kr 6256 $ 580 $ 3060 £ 1610 $ 2,761 € 1839 kr 282059 ₪ 7508 ¥ 309156 Mex$ 34283 NZ$ 3360 NOK 21966 zł 8121 S$ 2725 kr 21790 $ 2,020 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 kr 9663 ₪ 257 ¥ 10591 Mex$ 1174 NZ$ 115 NOK 752 zł 278 S$ 93 kr 746 $ 69 $ 111 £ 59 $ 101 € 67 kr 10276 ₪ 274 ¥ 11263 Mex$ 1249 NZ$ 122 NOK 800 zł 296 S$ 99 kr 794 $ 74 Single $ 158 £ 83 $ 143 € 95 kr 14571 ₪ 388 ¥ 15971 Mex$ 1771 NZ$ 174 NOK 1135 zł 420 S$ 141 kr 1126 $ 104 $ 175 £ 92 $ 158 € 105 kr 16105 ₪ 429 ¥ 17652 Mex$ 1957 NZ$ 192 NOK 1254 zł 464 S$ 156 kr 1244 $ 115 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 £ 65 $ 111 € 74 kr 11350 ₪ 302 ¥ 12440 Mex$ 1380 NZ$ 135 NOK 884 zł 327 S$ 110 kr 877 $ 81 $ 166 £ 88 $ 150 € 100 kr 15338 ₪ 408 ¥ 16811 Mex$ 1864 NZ$ 183 NOK 1194 zł 442 S$ 148 kr 1185 $ 110 $ 193 £ 102 $ 174 € 116 kr 17792 ₪ 474 ¥ 19501 Mex$ 2162 NZ$ 212 NOK 1386 zł 512 S$ 172 kr 1374 $ 127 Single $ 210 £ 110 $ 189 € 126 kr 19325 ₪ 514 ¥ 21182 Mex$ 2349 NZ$ 230 NOK 1505 zł 556 S$ 187 kr 1493 $ 138 $ 306 £ 161 $ 276 € 184 kr 28221 ₪ 751 ¥ 30932 Mex$ 3430 NZ$ 336 NOK 2198 zł 813 S$ 273 kr 2180 $ 202 $ 454 £ 239 $ 410 € 273 kr 41872 ₪ 1115 ¥ 45894 Mex$ 5089 NZ$ 499 NOK 3261 zł 1206 S$ 405 kr 3235 $ 300 Standard accommodations - Hotel Du Forum
March 1 to Nov 11
Twin/double $ 115 £ 60 $ 104 € 69 kr 10583 ₪ 282 ¥ 11600 Mex$ 1286 NZ$ 126 NOK 824 zł 305 S$ 102 kr 818 $ 76 Single $ 193 £ 102 $ 174 € 116 kr 17792 ₪ 474 ¥ 19501 Mex$ 2162 NZ$ 212 NOK 1386 zł 512 S$ 172 kr 1374 $ 127 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 £ 88 $ 150 € 100 kr 15338 ₪ 408 ¥ 16811 Mex$ 1864 NZ$ 183 NOK 1194 zł 442 S$ 148 kr 1185 $ 110 $ 175 £ 92 $ 158 € 105 kr 16105 ₪ 429 ¥ 17652 Mex$ 1957 NZ$ 192 NOK 1254 zł 464 S$ 156 kr 1244 $ 115 $ 193 £ 102 $ 174 € 116 kr 17792 ₪ 474 ¥ 19501 Mex$ 2162 NZ$ 212 NOK 1386 zł 512 S$ 172 kr 1374 $ 127 Single $ 271 £ 143 $ 245 € 163 kr 25000 ₪ 665 ¥ 27402 Mex$ 3039 NZ$ 298 NOK 1947 zł 720 S$ 242 kr 1931 $ 179 $ 280 £ 147 $ 252 € 168 kr 25767 ₪ 686 ¥ 28243 Mex$ 3132 NZ$ 307 NOK 2007 zł 742 S$ 249 kr 1991 $ 185 $ 280 £ 147 $ 252 € 168 kr 25767 ₪ 686 ¥ 28243 Mex$ 3132 NZ$ 307 NOK 2007 zł 742 S$ 249 kr 1991 $ 185 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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