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 $ 1441 £ 749 $ 1,288 € 859 kr 131339 ₪ 3513 ¥ 147458 Mex$ 15954 NZ$ 1584 NOK 10376 zł 3791 S$ 1276 kr 10279 $ 935 $ 1358 £ 705 $ 1,213 € 809 kr 123694 ₪ 3309 ¥ 138875 Mex$ 15025 NZ$ 1492 NOK 9772 zł 3570 S$ 1202 kr 9680 $ 881 $ 591 £ 307 $ 528 € 352 kr 53820 ₪ 1440 ¥ 60425 Mex$ 6538 NZ$ 649 NOK 4252 zł 1553 S$ 523 kr 4212 $ 383 $ 2197 £ 1141 $ 1,962 € 1309 kr 200143 ₪ 5354 ¥ 224706 Mex$ 24312 NZ$ 2414 NOK 15812 zł 5777 S$ 1945 kr 15663 $ 1,425 Season 2 $ 1559 £ 810 $ 1,393 € 929 kr 142042 ₪ 3800 ¥ 159475 Mex$ 17254 NZ$ 1713 NOK 11222 zł 4100 S$ 1380 kr 11116 $ 1,012 $ 1475 £ 766 $ 1,318 € 879 kr 134397 ₪ 3595 ¥ 150892 Mex$ 16325 NZ$ 1621 NOK 10618 zł 3879 S$ 1306 kr 10518 $ 957 $ 701 £ 364 $ 627 € 418 kr 63911 ₪ 1710 ¥ 71755 Mex$ 7763 NZ$ 771 NOK 5049 zł 1845 S$ 621 kr 5002 $ 455 $ 2448 £ 1272 $ 2,187 € 1459 kr 223078 ₪ 5967 ¥ 250456 Mex$ 27098 NZ$ 2691 NOK 17624 zł 6438 S$ 2168 kr 17458 $ 1,589 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 $ 1743 £ 906 $ 1,558 € 1039 kr 158861 ₪ 4249 ¥ 178358 Mex$ 19297 NZ$ 1916 NOK 12550 zł 4585 S$ 1544 kr 12433 $ 1,131 $ 1660 £ 862 $ 1,483 € 989 kr 151216 ₪ 4045 ¥ 169774 Mex$ 18368 NZ$ 1824 NOK 11946 zł 4364 S$ 1469 kr 11834 $ 1,077 $ 794 £ 412 $ 709 € 473 kr 72321 ₪ 1935 ¥ 81196 Mex$ 8785 NZ$ 872 NOK 5714 zł 2087 S$ 703 kr 5660 $ 515 $ 2851 £ 1481 $ 2,547 € 1699 kr 259773 ₪ 6949 ¥ 291655 Mex$ 31555 NZ$ 3133 NOK 20523 zł 7498 S$ 2524 kr 20330 $ 1,850 Season 2 $ 1861 £ 967 $ 1,663 € 1109 kr 169564 ₪ 4536 ¥ 190374 Mex$ 20597 NZ$ 2045 NOK 13396 zł 4894 S$ 1648 kr 13270 $ 1,208 $ 1777 £ 923 $ 1,588 € 1059 kr 161919 ₪ 4331 ¥ 181791 Mex$ 19668 NZ$ 1953 NOK 12792 zł 4673 S$ 1573 kr 12672 $ 1,153 $ 886 £ 460 $ 792 € 528 kr 80730 ₪ 2159 ¥ 90638 Mex$ 9806 NZ$ 974 NOK 6378 zł 2330 S$ 784 kr 6318 $ 575 $ 3086 £ 1603 $ 2,757 € 1839 kr 281179 ₪ 7521 ¥ 315688 Mex$ 34155 NZ$ 3391 NOK 22214 zł 8115 S$ 2732 kr 22005 $ 2,003 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 $ 106 £ 55 $ 94 € 63 kr 9633 ₪ 258 ¥ 10815 Mex$ 1170 NZ$ 116 NOK 761 zł 278 S$ 94 kr 754 $ 69 $ 112 £ 58 $ 100 € 67 kr 10244 ₪ 274 ¥ 11501 Mex$ 1244 NZ$ 124 NOK 809 zł 296 S$ 100 kr 802 $ 73 Single $ 159 £ 83 $ 142 € 95 kr 14525 ₪ 389 ¥ 16308 Mex$ 1764 NZ$ 175 NOK 1148 zł 419 S$ 141 kr 1137 $ 103 $ 176 £ 92 $ 157 € 105 kr 16054 ₪ 429 ¥ 18025 Mex$ 1950 NZ$ 194 NOK 1268 zł 463 S$ 156 kr 1256 $ 114 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 $ 124 £ 65 $ 111 € 74 kr 11314 ₪ 303 ¥ 12703 Mex$ 1374 NZ$ 136 NOK 894 zł 327 S$ 110 kr 885 $ 81 $ 168 £ 87 $ 150 € 100 kr 15290 ₪ 409 ¥ 17166 Mex$ 1857 NZ$ 184 NOK 1208 zł 441 S$ 149 kr 1197 $ 109 $ 195 £ 101 $ 174 € 116 kr 17736 ₪ 474 ¥ 19913 Mex$ 2154 NZ$ 214 NOK 1401 zł 512 S$ 172 kr 1388 $ 126 Single $ 211 £ 110 $ 189 € 126 kr 19265 ₪ 515 ¥ 21630 Mex$ 2340 NZ$ 232 NOK 1522 zł 556 S$ 187 kr 1508 $ 137 $ 309 £ 160 $ 276 € 184 kr 28133 ₪ 753 ¥ 31586 Mex$ 3417 NZ$ 339 NOK 2223 zł 812 S$ 273 kr 2202 $ 200 $ 458 £ 238 $ 409 € 273 kr 41741 ₪ 1117 ¥ 46864 Mex$ 5070 NZ$ 503 NOK 3298 zł 1205 S$ 406 kr 3267 $ 297 Standard accommodations - Hotel Du Forum
March 1 to Nov 11
Twin/double $ 116 £ 60 $ 103 € 69 kr 10550 ₪ 282 ¥ 11845 Mex$ 1282 NZ$ 127 NOK 833 zł 304 S$ 103 kr 826 $ 75 Single $ 195 £ 101 $ 174 € 116 kr 17736 ₪ 474 ¥ 19913 Mex$ 2154 NZ$ 214 NOK 1401 zł 512 S$ 172 kr 1388 $ 126 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 $ 168 £ 87 $ 150 € 100 kr 15290 ₪ 409 ¥ 17166 Mex$ 1857 NZ$ 184 NOK 1208 zł 441 S$ 149 kr 1197 $ 109 $ 176 £ 92 $ 157 € 105 kr 16054 ₪ 429 ¥ 18025 Mex$ 1950 NZ$ 194 NOK 1268 zł 463 S$ 156 kr 1256 $ 114 $ 195 £ 101 $ 174 € 116 kr 17736 ₪ 474 ¥ 19913 Mex$ 2154 NZ$ 214 NOK 1401 zł 512 S$ 172 kr 1388 $ 126 Single $ 274 £ 142 $ 244 € 163 kr 24922 ₪ 667 ¥ 27981 Mex$ 3027 NZ$ 301 NOK 1969 zł 719 S$ 242 kr 1950 $ 177 $ 282 £ 146 $ 252 € 168 kr 25687 ₪ 687 ¥ 28839 Mex$ 3120 NZ$ 310 NOK 2029 zł 741 S$ 250 kr 2010 $ 183 $ 282 £ 146 $ 252 € 168 kr 25687 ₪ 687 ¥ 28839 Mex$ 3120 NZ$ 310 NOK 2029 zł 741 S$ 250 kr 2010 $ 183 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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