14 – 21 May 2012
The Luberon region of Provence is France at its finest. Spectacular countryside of vineyards, lavender fields and orchards, fascinating perched hill-top villages, the light of van Gogh and Cezanne and a very rich flora. Due to the Mediterranean climate, around 1500 different wild plant species grow in the limestone mountains, which are part of the Southern Alps. The mountains are forested to the north, and the south-facing slopes have traditional farming, with terraces of olives, vines, some corn and goat farming. Lower down, cherries are the main fruit and quite delicious. Villages are perched, originally for protection, with the houses huddled together – an area for playing petanque is essential.
We stay in the picturesque and unspoilt village of Saignon. The Auberge du Presbytère has been created out of a number of village houses around the fountain.
Time seems to have stood still. It is run by the owners and the chef is excellent. On Wednesday, when the restaurant is closed, we recommend alternative restaurants in the village.
Train travel from London St Pancras via Lille to Avignon is a perfect alternative way to travel. Flights may be possible to Avignon airport, if required.
Itinerary
DAY ONE – MONDAY 14 MAY
Morning departures by train to Avignon where you will be met and transferred to the Hotel Auberge du Presbytère in Saignon. Meet our botanist, Beat Fischer, over an aperitif, followed by a short talk on the week’s programme before enjoying dinner together.DAY TWO – TUESDAY 15 MAY
Leaving on foot from the village of Saignon, we walk between fields of lavender, dry meadows and dappled forests of downy oaks to explore the rich limestone flora typical of the Luberon. Various orchids can be found – lizard orchids (Himatoglossum hircinum), pyramidal orchids (Anacamptis pyramidalis) and Helleborine (Epipactis muelleri). We picnic with superb views before continuing our circular walk back to Saignon. Large yellow restharrow (Ononis natrix) is eye-catching. Dinner together in the hotel restaurant.DAY THREE – WEDNESDAY 16 MAY
We spend the day in the special geological site in the centre of the Luberon, the Ocres, in the Colorado of Rustrel. A special flora can be found in this bizarre but colourful area. We start our circular walk in limestone with rich meadows, reaching the acid ocre area with remarkable plants such as rock roses (Cistus laurifolius), sheep scabious (Jasione laevis) or straw flower (Helichrysum stoechas). Free evening for dinner in the village.DAY FOUR – THURSDAY 17 MAY
We head north up above the perched village of Gordes to walk through different habitats of garrigue, dry meadows and box bushes, along old mule tracks. The heady scents of rosemary, thyme and lavender are all around while we picnic surrounded by colourful flowers such as grey-leaved rock rose (Cistus albidus), Aphyllanthes monpelliensis of the Lilliaceae family and Bertoloni’s bee orchid (Ophrys bertolonii). We visit the attractive medieval village of Gordes before returning to Saignon. Dinner together in the hotel.DAY FIVE – FRIDAY 18 MAY
South west of the village of Bonnieux, on the mountain ridge, we start our walk in a cedar forest. Atlas cedars (Cedrus atlantica) from the Atlas mountains in Algeria were planted 150 years ago as forest trees. Now well-grown, they look impressive. We walk along the limestone rocks with excellent views for our picnic lunch. Garrigue plants can be found, grey cinquefoil (Potentilla cinerea), leuzia (Rhaponticum coniferum), tree germander (Teucrium fruticans) and feather grass (Stipa pennata). Dinner together in the hotel restaurant.DAY SIX – SATURDAY 19 MAY
We head north east to Viens with cornfields and rows of lavender. On our circular walk in the rich garrigue and dry meadows we will spot violet limodore (Limodorum abortivum), red phlomis (Phlomis herbaventi), clary sage (Salvia sclarea), Italian Gladiolus (Gladiolus italicus) and four different species of restharrows (ononois). After a busy day in the field we enjoy a well-deserved drink or ice-cream in the attractive medieval perched village of Viens. Dinner together in the hotel restaurant.DAY SEVEN – SUNDAY 20 MAY
Free day to relax, visit the village or enjoy a walk. Meet at the village fountain for an aperitif before enjoying our final dinner together in the hotel restaurant.DAY EIGHT – MONDAY 21 MAY
Depart for the station of Avignon and the return train to London St Pancras.
Tour Costs
Train, Hotel and Itinerary costs £1470pp
b&b with private shower/bathroom
Dinner on 6 evenings/5 packed lunches
Supplement – single use of double room £120
5 days with botanist
Activity Level:
Five walking days on hills with good paths.
Additional Information:
Led by Beat Fischer, botanist.