Hiking in the Luberon - Recommended Tour Agencies?

Hi - you may want to check with William at High Point Holidays. High Point may offer either a guided or self-guided with luggage transfer in that region or nearby.

I don't know that company, but there is an extensive trail system everywhere in France, including the Luberon, as you probably know. The trails were established long before it became a tourist destination. Please report back as there are several serious hikers on this Forum who would be interested in your information.

Rachele,

The Luberon is a hiker's paradise. There are literally hundreds of kilometers of trails more or less well marked out and kept in shape by local hiking clubs. In addition, a number of the "Grande Randonée" (abbr: GR) trails pass through the Luberon. These are the national pathways marked always with red and white stripes - one of them goes right by our place. We've had a number of guests over the years doing exactly what you mention, though they had all done so independently.

You could either base yourself in one spot and do day hikes, or organise a "village to village" walk around the Luberon - though you might need to find a way to have your bags transported in that case.

• Kevin

Thanks to all for your response. I checked out High Point and it is rather expensive but no surprise.
I think Kevin's idea of staying in one village and going on day hikes is the best for me. But now how do I choose which village?

Rachele,

It's a little bit hard to answer your question without knowing the sorts of hikes you are looking to do ? Specifically how many kilometers and what sort of difficulty (elevation, terrain). I fyou give me a rough idea, I'd be happy to try to advise.

• Kevin

Well thank you Kevin that is quite nice of you. You must know the area very well. I would think about 12 km/day of moderate hiking not all up hill would be doable for me, and probably a lot of others would be interested in this information. Thanks!

Hi Rachele,

Well opens up many choices. Of course, I'm partial to my own village - Saint Saturnin - which has around 250km of hiking trails marked and maintained by our local hiking association. You can get maps at the tourist office. Another good choice would be Bonnieux, from where you can do a great hike across the valley to Lacoste or a walk down to the Roman bridge and along the converted rail tracks or up to the ceder forest. Also, take a look at Saignon - it's on a mini-plateau just before the Luberon mountain really starts to climb - so good hikes to do from the village and surrounds. A bit further afield is Viens which is gorgeous and with once again nice trails marked out. I'd actually not recommend Gordes, since getting to any fun hiking requires some bit of walking along roads first. Roussillon might work for you. There is a small guide book available in the tourist office with hikes to try around the village.

Basically, you'll be spoiled for choice and September is a great time to hike since the weather is generally still great but not nearly as hot as the summer.

Hope that helps and happy hiking !

• Kevin

Kevin - That is extremely helpful information. I will check out all your suggestions including Saint Saturnin which I had not come across in my research. Very kind of you to write. Thank you so much!