Hiking Tour of Provence and the French Riviera

Our planned schedule below will vary depending on factors such as weather. Hiking times are estimates. Weather and sea conditions may affect the hike on the Island of Porquerolles (alternative plans will be made as needed).

The south of France is a Mecca for wonderful walking. Whether it is in the hills and limestone escarpments, the fields of lavender and vineyards or the rocky paths and pebbly beaches of the south coast, you will fall in love with this colorful region.

We will be walking trails along the south coast west from the St. Tropez area towards Marseilles and visiting small inland villages, typical of the Provence region. We will see flora and fauna typical to this region - Bonelli's Eagles soaring majestically above the high rocky cliffs or walking amongst the Garrigue.

Our accomodations are chosen for comfort and charm as well as proximity to the areas we will be visiting, making it easier to discover the trails and small medieval villages.

We'll start with a transfer from the pick-up point to the St.Tropez area and walk west, finishing in the beautiful Calanques' area just east of Marseille.

DAY 1 - Arrival Day Group transfer from the Marseille airport at one o’clock, to your hotel. A two-hour transfer takes us to our hotel ‘la Garbine’. At six o’clock, you will meet your guides who will explain the ‘workings’ of the trip followed by a welcome dinner. The dinner is a gastronomic delight at a restaurant in the nearby village of Ramatuelle, a typical ‘provincal’ community where we will have time to tour the village before our meal.

Hotel La Garbine. D

DAY 2 - Hiking along the coast around the St Tropez Peninsula Leaving the hotel on foot we will hike along the coast passing many of the famous beaches such as the Pampelone Beach where we may see some famous celebrities. The trail takes in some of the most beautiful coastline of the area. The hike continues around the peninsula where we will transfer into the town of St. Tropez where you will have a couple of hours to peruse the shops, the citadelle, or just enjoy a beverage and admire the expensive yachts. Dinner will be at a restaurant about 10-minute walk from our hotel.

3 - 4 hours hiking, 6 miles.
Hotel La Garbine. B,L, & D

DAY 3 - Cap Lardier Continuing the “sentier du littoral” sometimes called the Coastguard Path we are in a nature conservation area with colourful shrubs and flowers, umbrella shaped pine trees (pin parasol), and views of tiny islands like “Crocodile Island.” This is a National Marine park where the hundreds of species of flora and the fauna are protected. Especially the rare land and marine birds we will see.

Transfer to hotel.

5 hours hiking at sea level, 8 - 9 miles.
Eden Rose Grand Hotel. B, L, & D

DAY 4 - L'ile de Porquerolle After a transfer to the small port we board a ferry. Approximately, a half hour boat ride takes us to the historic island of Porquerolle, also part of the National Park, protecting flora et fauna since 1971. We will see the Agatte fort, walk to the lighthouse and see the vineyards, beaches and cliffs of this small beautiful island which has been a military post for centuries. There will even be the opportunity to bathe in the sea. We finish the afternoon back on the ferry to take us back to the mainland.

4 hrs, 4-5 miles.
Eden Rose Grand Hotel. B & L

DAY 5 - St. Nary A long drive takes us to St. Nary where you will be free to explore this small coastline town and have lunch on your own. In the afternoon we will transfer to the Bandol vine growing region to visit a vineyard and taste some wine. Short ride to La Cadière. La Cadière-d’Azur is a small, old, medieval hilltop village where our hotel is situated. A 14 century cloister building. Dinner in Le Castellet only 5 minutes away. Another charming Provencal hilltop town.

Hotel Bérard & Spa, la Cadière. B & D

DAY 6 - La Montagne St. Baume Today we abandon the coast for the mountain of St. Baume, 1,048m. high. Along the way we will discover the Mediterranean Glacier! This consists of buildings, which take advantage of the cool air from the hillside for making ice. Our beautiful trail takes us above the limestone cliffs, which rise up above the garrigues with views of the sea and Provence interior. Transfer 50 minutes to our hotel. Gourmet dinner at the hotel.

6 hours, 8 miles, 2,500 ft
Hotel Bérard & Spa, la Cadière. B, L, & D.

DAY 7 - Le Cap Canaille An easy day with superb scenery. We hike along the trail to the summit of Cap Canaille – one of the highest cliffs in Europe giving stunning views of the coastline. Waves crash against the foot of the cliff 400m below. We descend this cliff by a trail that takes us to the port of Cassis. A very pretty trail along the coast.

4 hours, 5 miles.
Dinner on your own.
Hotel de le Plague Mahogany, Cassis. B & L.

DAY 8 - The "Calanques" The Calanques are a succession of narrow canyons with white limestone cliffs jutting into the azur blue sea. Probably the highlight of the trip as far as beauty is concerned, a photographer’s paradise. Our trail takes us along the coast meandering in and out of these little ‘fjords’ with breath-taking views. This is a well-known region for hikers and climbers of the South of France and was classed as the tenth National Park of France in only 2012.

Our trail takes us along the coast meandering in and out of these little fjords' with breathtaking views.

This is a well-known region for hikers and climbers of the South of France and will be classed as the tenth National Park of France in 2012.

4 hours, 5 miles.
Hotel de le Plage Mahogany, Cassis. B, L & D.

DAY 9 - Transfer to Marseille airport There will be a morning transfer to the airport for mid-day flights. If you wish to use the group transfer try to arrange your departure to suit this time. If your flight is very early then you will have to arrange a taxi separately. It takes less than 1 hour to the airport.