FAQ: Walking and hiking in Provence

Provence is a region located in the southeastern part of France, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the south, the Rhône River to the west, and the Alps to the north. It is known for its beautiful scenery, rich history, and Mediterranean climate.

Provence is famous for its lavender fields, which bloom in the summer months and create a fragrant and picturesque landscape. The region is also known for its olive groves, vineyards, and picturesque villages, and is the ideal location for hiking or walking holidays in Provence. Here are some frequently asked questions about hiking and walking in the South of France and the Provence region.

Where is Provence?

Provence is an ancient region in the South of France, that extends from the Rhône valley in the west to the Italian border in the East and is bordered by the Mediterranean coast to the South. Since Roman times it has been a distinct and unique cultural region.

Is Provence walkable?

It is indeed! Provence has a wide variety of natural areas and beautiful walkable regions, from the lavender fields and vineyards in the interior of the countryside, to beautiful coastal paths above the azure waters of the Mediterranean, and even to the high mountains of the Alpes Maritimes that sweep down to Nice. The Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA) region has 10,000 km of marked GR and GR de Pays trails, as well as other paths off the beaten track.

Where can I hike in Provence and the south of France?

In Provence you will be spoilt for choice; you can hike in the countryside around the Valensole Plateau and the beautiful village of Gréoux les Bains. You can also hike the French Riviera and the coastal town or Menton, or for more of a city experience base yourself in Marseille and visit the beautiful Calanques.

See: Hiking in Provence – three of our favourite destinations

Our best Provence Holidays

What is the best month for a walking holiday in Provence?

Provence is blessed with a sunny and warm climate; for walking and activity holidays though it’s best to avoid the hotter Summer months and travel from April-June or in September.

What is the best month to see lavender in Provence?

The best period to see flowering lavender while avoiding the summer heat is from mid-June to July. The flowering period of lavender is short. It extends from mid-June to the end of July depending on the year and weather conditions. The cutting of this plant on the Valensole plateau begins from mid-July… The fields then take on a completely different look!

Where is the best place to see lavender fields in Provence?

The Valensole plateau is the best place to see lavender fields in Provence, with purple blooming fields as far as the eye can see. From the Valensole plateau, you can admire the entire chain of the pre-Alps, a beautiful backdrop to this “ocean of lavender”.

When is the best month to experience the grape harvest in Provence?

The best month to see the grape harvest in in September, when the Rhone Valley is imbibed with the fragrance of the harvested crop.

Can you hike in Verdon Gorge?

Yes you can hike in the Verdon Gorge, a spectacular long gorge of the Verdon river in Provence.

What is the best town for a base in Provence?

Depending on what you are looking for, Gréoux les Bains is a great town to experience the slow pace of Provençal life and visit the Verdon Gorges, the lavender fields of the Valensole plateau and the beautiful foothills of the Alps. It is here that we base our Walking in Provence holiday

Which is the prettiest village in Provence?

Gréoux les Bains is a beautiful ancient bath town from Roman times. Another village to absolutely not be missed is Moustiers Sainte Marie and its star suspended above the village.

What is the most beautiful city in Provence?

There are many beautiful cities in Provence : Arles with its Roman amphitheatres, Avignon and the city of the Popes, Nice on the coast with the long sweeping Promenande des Anglais and the bustling seaside port of Marseille. To get off the beaten track, visit the town of Gap at the gateway between the Alps and Provence.

Where is the best traditional market in Provence?

The medieval market of Forcalquier is renowned for its local produce.

Under the awnings, the stalls of the traders occupy the central square of Le Bourguetand overflow widely into the old town, the streets and the adjacent squares. It is the largest in the Alpes de Haute Provence department, and certainly one of the most beautiful markets in Provence.

An essential meeting place in the heart of the city which has managed to preserve its soul and its social function with a diversity of products on display: local products, fabrics, terracotta, clothing, and others. The regulars go there early in the morning to avoid the rush, the many tourists but less early risers arrive at the end of the morning.

Where can I taste Provençal food?

You can visit local markets such as Forcalquier, or many quiet and local restaurants in villages such as Gréoux or Moustiers. If you’re in Marseille, why not try one of the many seafood restaurants.

Where can I hike near Nice in Provence?

From Nice you can travel to Menton on the Côte d’Azur and take beautiful coastal walks around Cap Martin and Roquebrune, or visit the beautiful perched village of Castellar or again the Saint Jean Cap Ferat coastal walk. See our Walking French Riviera holiday

Can you walk the Cote d Azur?

Yes the Côte d’azur has some beautiful walking, with a choice of coastal walks from nice Menton or Monaco, or mountain walks in the Maritime Alps.

What is the highest mountain in Provence?

The Mont Ventoux at 1909m or 6200 feet is the highest mountain in Provence. Nicknamed the “beast” it towers above the lavender fields, olive trees and vineyards of the Sault plateau and is a mecca for cyclists the world over: see our Mont Ventoux cycling holiday

How can I get to Provence?

You can travel to Provence by train easily from Paris to Marseille or Nice; by plane to Nice or Marseille airports.

Which airports serve Provence?

Nice airport is a busy international hub and one of the best ways to get to Provence. Marseille airport is another good option for visiting the west of Provence.

Where to stay in Provence without a car?

On our Provence walking holidays we provide airport or train station transfers directly to your accommodation, as well as transfers to your walks as necessary, so you won’t need a car!

Can you get to Provence by train?

Provence is served by a high speed train line from Paris to Marseille or Nice.