Van Gogh’s Provence
France Hiking + Walking Tours
Following in the Footsteps of Van Gogh: A Breathtaking Hiking Tour of Provence
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Tour Type
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Skill Level
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Length7 days
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Prices from€825 Rates
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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!
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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. Our local representative will contact you via phone or an app, to review the itinerary, providing the perfect opportunity to ask any questions about the tour.Preferred accommodations:
Standard: Hotel Boquier***
Charming: Hotel de Central***
Superior: Hotel Horloge****Day 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: Le Chalet Fleuri***
Charming: Hotel Gounod***
Superior: Sous les Figuiers Boutique HotelDay 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: +300/-300m
Standard: Le Chalet Fleuri***
Charming: Hotel Gounod***
Superior: Sous les Figuiers Boutique HotelDay 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***
Superior: 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***
Superior: 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 Calendal & Spa***
Superior: Maison Volver****Day 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!
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Map
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Accommodation
You have the option to choose between three levels of accommodations. The first is the standard level, which includes 2 and 3-star establishments such as Le Chalet Fleuri. The second option is the charming level, which offers more boutique accommodations like Hotel de l’Horloge in Avignon. Lastly, you have the option to upgrade to superior accommodations like Hotel Mason Volver. 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.
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Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 6 nights
- 6 breakfasts
- 5 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
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Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Questions about dates or pricing? We’re here to help! Call 800-951-4384 to talk to a Tour Specialist now.
Mar 1–31 (Daily)Mar 1–31 (Daily) Standard Accommodation € 825 Book Mar 1–31 (Daily)Mar 1–31 (Daily) Standard Accommodation € 1192 Book Mar 1–31 (Daily)Mar 1–31 (Daily) Charming Accommodation € 925 Book Mar 1–31 (Daily)Mar 1–31 (Daily) Charming Accommodation € 1359 Book Mar 1–31 (Daily)Mar 1–31 (Daily) Superior Accommodation € 1150 Book Mar 1–31 (Daily)Mar 1–31 (Daily) Superior Accommodation € 1739 Book Apr 1–30 (Daily)Apr 1–30 (Daily) Standard Accommodation € 925 Book Apr 1–30 (Daily)Apr 1–30 (Daily) Standard Accommodation € 1370 Book Apr 1–30 (Daily)Apr 1–30 (Daily) Charming Accommodation € 1088 Book Apr 1–30 (Daily)Apr 1–30 (Daily) Charming Accommodation € 1588 Book Apr 1–30 (Daily)Apr 1–30 (Daily) Superior Accommodation € 1338 Book Apr 1–30 (Daily)Apr 1–30 (Daily) Superior Accommodation € 2027 Book May 1–31 (Daily)May 1–31 (Daily) Standard Accommodation € 925 Book May 1–31 (Daily)May 1–31 (Daily) Standard Accommodation € 1370 Book May 1–31 (Daily)May 1–31 (Daily) Charming Accommodation € 1088 Book May 1–31 (Daily)May 1–31 (Daily) Charming Accommodation € 1588 Book May 1–31 (Daily)May 1–31 (Daily) Superior Accommodation € 1338 Book May 1–31 (Daily)May 1–31 (Daily) Superior Accommodation € 2027 Book Jun 1–25 (Daily)Jun 1–25 (Daily) Standard Accommodation € 925 Book Jun 1–25 (Daily)Jun 1–25 (Daily) Standard Accommodation € 1370 Book Jun 1–25 (Daily)Jun 1–25 (Daily) Charming Accommodation € 1088 Book Jun 1–25 (Daily)Jun 1–25 (Daily) Charming Accommodation € 1588 Book Jun 1–25 (Daily)Jun 1–25 (Daily) Superior Accommodation € 1338 Book Jun 1–25 (Daily)Jun 1–25 (Daily) Superior Accommodation € 2027 Book Aug 27–31 (Daily)Aug 27–31 (Daily) Charming Accommodation € 1088 Book Aug 27–31 (Daily)Aug 27–31 (Daily) Charming Accommodation € 1588 Book Aug 27–31 (Daily)Aug 27–31 (Daily) Superior Accommodation € 1338 Book Aug 27–31 (Daily)Aug 27–31 (Daily) Superior Accommodation € 2027 Book Sep 1–30 (Daily)Sep 1–30 (Daily) Standard Accommodation € 925 Book Sep 1–30 (Daily)Sep 1–30 (Daily) Standard Accommodation € 1370 Book Sep 1–30 (Daily)Sep 1–30 (Daily) Charming Accommodation € 1088 Book Sep 1–30 (Daily)Sep 1–30 (Daily) Charming Accommodation € 1588 Book Sep 1–30 (Daily)Sep 1–30 (Daily) Superior Accommodation € 1338 Book Sep 1–30 (Daily)Sep 1–30 (Daily) Superior Accommodation € 2027 Book Oct 1–28 (Daily)Oct 1–28 (Daily) Standard Accommodation € 825 Book Oct 1–28 (Daily)Oct 1–28 (Daily) Standard Accommodation € 1192 Book Oct 1–28 (Daily)Oct 1–28 (Daily) Charming Accommodation € 1088 Book Oct 1–28 (Daily)Oct 1–28 (Daily) Charming Accommodation € 1588 Book Oct 1–28 (Daily)Oct 1–28 (Daily) Superior Accommodation € 1338 Book Oct 1–28 (Daily)Oct 1–28 (Daily) Superior Accommodation € 2027 Book Oct 29–31 (Daily)Oct 29–31 (Daily) Standard Accommodation € 825 Book Oct 29–31 (Daily)Oct 29–31 (Daily) Standard Accommodation € 1192 Book Oct 29–31 (Daily)Oct 29–31 (Daily) Charming Accommodation € 925 Book Oct 29–31 (Daily)Oct 29–31 (Daily) Charming Accommodation € 1359 Book Oct 29–31 (Daily)Oct 29–31 (Daily) Superior Accommodation € 1150 Book Oct 29–31 (Daily)Oct 29–31 (Daily) Superior Accommodation € 1739 Book Nov 1–15 (Daily)Nov 1–15 (Daily) Standard Accommodation € 825 Book Nov 1–15 (Daily)Nov 1–15 (Daily) Standard Accommodation € 1192 Book Nov 1–15 (Daily)Nov 1–15 (Daily) Charming Accommodation € 925 Book Nov 1–15 (Daily)Nov 1–15 (Daily) Charming Accommodation € 1359 Book Nov 1–15 (Daily)Nov 1–15 (Daily) Superior Accommodation € 1150 Book Nov 1–15 (Daily)Nov 1–15 (Daily) Superior Accommodation € 1739 Book Show pricing details and extra options →
Pricing details and extra options
Standard Accommodation:
Season 1: Daily Mar 1–31 and Oct 1–Nov 15
Season 2: Daily Apr 1–Jun 25 and Sep 1–30Charming Accommodation:
Season 1: Daily Mar 1–31 and Oct 29–Nov 15
Season 2: Daily Apr 1–Jun 25 and Aug 27–Oct 28Superior Accommodation:
Season 1: Daily Mar 1–31 and Oct 29–Nov 15
Season 2: Daily Apr 1–Jun 25 and Aug 27–Oct 28- Season 1 2025 Daily Mar 1–31 & Oct 1–Nov 15 from € 8252025 departures: Daily Mar 1–31 and Oct 1–Nov 15
2025 March Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 October Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 November Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour Package 1-3 Travelers Double occupancy € 875 Single occupancy € 1242 Solo traveler (1 participant traveling alone) € 1500 4-6 Travelers Double occupancy € 825 Single occupancy € 1192 Single supplement is mandatory for travelers with 3 or 5 persons. - Season 2 2025 Daily Apr 1–Jun 25 & Sep 1–30 from € 9252025 departures: Daily Apr 1–Jun 25 and Sep 1–30
2025 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour Package 1-3 Travelers Double occupancy € 988 Single occupancy € 1433 Solo traveler (1 participant traveling alone) € 1713 4-6 Travelers Double occupancy € 925 Single occupancy € 1370 Single supplement is mandatory for travelers with 3 or 5 persons.
- Season 1 2025 Daily Mar 1–31 & Oct 29–Nov 15 from € 9252025 departures: Daily Mar 1–31 and Oct 29–Nov 15
2025 March Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 October Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 November Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour Package 1-3 Travelers Double occupancy € 988 Single occupancy € 1422 Solo traveler (1 participant traveling alone) € 1775 4-6 Travelers Double occupancy € 925 Single occupancy € 1359 Single supplement is mandatory for travelers with 3 or 5 persons. - Season 2 2025 Daily Apr 1–Jun 25 & Aug 27–Oct 28 from € 10882025 departures: Daily Apr 1–Jun 25 and Aug 27–Oct 28
2025 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 October Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour Package 1-3 Travelers Double occupancy € 1150 Single occupancy € 1650 Solo traveler (1 participant traveling alone) € 2063 4-6 Travelers Double occupancy € 1088 Single occupancy € 1588 Single supplement is mandatory for travelers with 3 or 5 persons.
- Season 1 2025 Daily Mar 1–31 & Oct 29–Nov 15 from € 11502025 departures: Daily Mar 1–31 and Oct 29–Nov 15
2025 March Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 October Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 November Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour Package 1-3 Travelers Double occupancy € 1213 Single occupancy € 1802 Solo traveler (1 participant traveling alone) € 2213 4-6 Travelers Double occupancy € 1150 Single occupancy € 1739 Single supplement is mandatory for travelers with 3 or 5 persons. - Season 2 2025 Daily Apr 1–Jun 25 & Aug 27–Oct 28 from € 13382025 departures: Daily Apr 1–Jun 25 and Aug 27–Oct 28
2025 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 October Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour Package 1-3 Travelers Double occupancy € 1400 Single occupancy € 2089 Solo traveler (1 participant traveling alone) € 2575 4-6 Travelers Double occupancy € 1338 Single occupancy € 2027 Single supplement is mandatory for travelers with 3 or 5 persons.
- Extra Options
Transfers (1-3 travelers with luggage) From Arles to Avignon Daytime (7 am - 7 pm) € 95 Nighttime, Sundays & bank holidays (7 pm - 7 am) € 122 From Avignon to St Remy Daytime (7 am - 7 pm) € 64 Nighttime, Sundays & bank holidays (7 pm - 7 am) € 85 From Marseille Airport to St Remy Daytime (7 am - 7 pm) € 169 Nighttime, Sundays & bank holidays (7 pm - 7 am) € 216 From Arles to Marseille Airport Daytime (7 am - 7 pm) € 185 Nighttime, Sundays & bank holidays (7 pm - 7 am) € 243 Extra nights available in Avignon and Arles. Prices on request.
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
- Season 1 2025 Daily Mar 1–31 & Oct 1–Nov 15 from € 825
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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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