111th birthday

A Week in Provence

France - Provence - Greoux - AdobeStock_205368455.jpeg
Duration: 7 nights
Type: European walking holidays
Walking Grade: 2 & 3
from £1,659pp £1,558pp

The southeast corner of France that inspired Van Gogh, Matisse, and Cezanne is as photogenic as it gets; think vineyards, lavender fields, windmills, medieval villages, historic cities, and glorious countryside. Highlights include walking in the lower Verdon Gorge, savouring freshly-baked bread, olives, cheese, meats, and locally-grown wine, and exploring the streets of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie - officially listed as one of the "most beautiful villages of France".

What you’ll love

  • Exploring the stunning Provence landscape on foot
  • Discovering the thermal spring in Gréoux-les-Bains
  • Visiting the beautiful village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
  • Walking in the spectacular Verdon Gorge
  • Spending time in Manosque and Aix-en-Provence on your free day
  • Trekking through the majestic Luberon Valley

What’s included

  • Return flights from London Heathrow, including baggage and transfers
  • A choice of 2 guided walks per day with local leaders (on walking days)
  • HF Holidays Tour Manager
  • 7 nights' accommodation in Gréoux-les-Bains
  • 7 breakfasts and 7 dinners
  • All sightseeing and entrance fees (as per itinerary)
  • All in-destination transport

Trip Notes

Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

Welcome to Hotel Villa Borghese. Unpack and settle in.


Today both walks start and finish at the hotel.

Option 1 - Up to the Valansole plateau and discovering Greoux

Distance: 7 miles (11km)

Total ascent: 1,000 feet (300m)

In summary: We will climb up to the vast plateau of Valensole behind the town to take in the wide sweeping horizon towards Manosque and the mountains. Using an old livestock droving route, passing lavender and olive plantations, we travel across the plateau. Meeting the old road from Manosque we start our descent to arrive eventually beneath the ancient walls of Gréoux castle. We have time to explore before a final short descent into the heart of the old town, where you can choose to explore its narrow streets and linger over a drink or continue back to the hotel and a swim perhaps.

Highlight: Spectacular views down to Manosque from the Valensole plateau.

Option 2 - Crossing the Verdon to the hamlet of Les Maurras

Distance: 8½ miles (13½km)

Total ascent: 1,700 feet (510m)

In summary: The harder walk takes us in the opposite direction to the easier group, starting by crossing the Verdon River on Gréoux’s ancient bridge. We follow the river bank for a short time before climbing steeply up on wooded tracks. Views open up as we travel towards the remote hamlet of Les Maurras, an area known for its truffles. Continuing to climb we pass over the subterranean route of the old Verdon irrigation canal which we will see later in the week. Arriving at the highest point of the day we are greeted by a view of Gréoux’s castle in the distance, before descending and climbing again to pass the remote chapel of Notre Dame des Oeufs, enjoying views over the lower Verdon valley. Our final descent leads us back over the river and into town.

Highlight: Visit the Notre Dame des Oeufs and discover it's local custom.


Today both groups take the coach to the bustling hill town of Forcalquier and its thriving atmospheric weekly market.

Option 1 - Forcalquier to the Abbey of Salagon at Mane

Distance: 4 miles (6½km)

Total ascent: 600 feet (180m)

In summary: The easier group will have time to explore this historic town and its market, perhaps climbing to the Citadel to see the carillon and observe the magnificent view before setting off. Our tracks are stony in places but never too steep as we cross the wooded limestone plateau on our journey to Mane. We will pass interesting stone bories, old shepherds’ shelters, and it may be possible to visit the ancient Abbey of Salagon and its ethno-botanical gardens.

Highlight: A local interest guide will accompany the group today to explain more about the local area.

Option 2 - Discovering the sculpted landscape from Forcalquier to Mane

Distance: 8 miles (13km)

Total ascent: 1,300 feet (390m)

In summary: After a brief look around the market we make a steady climb out of Forcalquier to the plateau of Les Mourres to see the strangely shaped limestone rocks created by water and wind erosion over the centuries. On descending we will pass dry stone bories (huts) and old shepherds’ shelters before passing the abbey to arrive at Mane for welcome refreshments.

Highlight: The limestone rocks at Les Mourres.


Today both groups will travel by coach to the village of Céreste for walks in the majestic Luberon valley.

Option 1 - Easier Walk at Céreste

Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)

Total ascent: 920 feet (280m)

This varied hike in the Luberon starts in the village of Céreste. After a steady climb, we reach a scenic ridge with beautiful views over the Calavon Valley on one side and the Luberon on the other. Our walk leads us to the old citadel of Montjustin, which we will visit. On the return, we'll cross Roman and medieval bridges and discover rich flora and ancient ruins. The picturesque village of Céreste, with its delightful pavement cafés, will be the start and finish of our route.

Option 2 - Harder walk at Céreste

Distance: 9.5 miles (15km)

Total ascent: 1,050 feet (320m)

Today’s more challenging walk follows the same route as option 1 before parting ways by crossing a valley and climbing to the other side. Here we'll find the remains of the medieval Carluc Priory. Believed to have been built in the 11th century and surrounded by an even older necropolis, this ruined chapel once served as a welcome resting spot for Christian pilgrims making arduous journeys between Italy and Spain. We’ll finish our journey by returning to Céreste.


Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently or visit local places of interest. Some options for your free day may include:

Gréoux-les-Bains: Explore the town of Gréouxles-Bains and learn about the therapeutic qualities of its natural spring - discovered by the Romans. Walk up to the Castle of the Templars before stopping for lunch at one of the town’s many restaurants.

Manosque and Aix-en-Provence: There are bus connections to Manosque and Aix en Provence. Your leaders will be able to direct you to the timetable and the right bus stop.

Regusse: Take a taxi to this charming village and and see its two fine 16th century windmills, a symbol of the region.

Hotel facilities: Enjoy the facilities of the Hotel Villa Borghese; swim in its heated pool, enjoy a relaxing lunch on the terrace or play a game of table tennis or boules.

dans Moustiers Sainte Marie


Our walks today take different routes to finish in the medieval streets of Moustiers St Marie.

Option 1 - Lac Saint Croix to Moustiers Saint Marie

Distance: 6 miles (9½km)

Total ascent: 750 feet (230m)

In summary: We will be dropped off near to Lac Ste Croix and the first part of the walk follows the lake shore to Pont de Galetas where the river emerges from the upper Verdon Gorge. After leaving the lake we follow the line of a stream called La Maïre through woods to Le Petit Lac where there are good views of the craggy cliffs of the upper plateau. From here we climb through scenic fields to enter the village of Moustiers-Ste-Marie, famed for its ceramics and pilgrims’ church with a golden star hung high above in the cleft in the crags.

Highlight: Time to explore the streets of Moustiers-Ste-Marie.

Option 2 - Above Moustiers Saint Marie.

Distance: 7 miles (11km)

Total ascent: 1,640ft (500m)

In summary: This walk takes us steeply up to the craggy ridge of L’Oubes with great views over the Lac St Croix and the start of the Upper Verdon Gorge. After crossing the summit and descending to a dry riverbed the terrain becomes more open before the final spectacular descent to Moustiers St Marie on a twisting ancient road.

Highlight: Walk up to the chapel of Notre Dame de Beauvoir perched high on its rock for magnificent views.


A pleasant drive brings both groups to the lower Verdon Gorge. Both groups will have the opportunity to walk in the gorge and see the remains of the old Verdon canal, built to channel water to the city of Aix en Provence. The paths in the gorge are narrow in places but have handrails; there are also occasional metal staircases with handrails.

Option 1 - Quinson: The chapel of Saint Maxime and the Verdon gorge.

Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km)

Total ascent: 900ft (270m) 

In summary: We climb up a rough zigzag path to the plateau of Male Sauque to follow fairly level tracks until we descend to the chapel of St Maxime. This is an ideal lunch spot and there is time to admire the view down to the gorge. We descend to a shady woodland path that leads us to the Verdon gorge and old canal. Passing through a short tunnel, we walk on top of the retaining wall of the old canal and eventually follow a suspended wooden walkway (with handrail) that is just a few feet above the river. It is then a short walk to the village of Quinson which has an interesting museum dedicated to prehistoric man’s settlement in this region.

Highlight: The breathtaking Verdon gorge.

Option 2 - Verdon gorge from Quinson to the chapel of St Maxime

Distance: 6 miles (9½km)

Total ascent: 900 feet (270m)

In summary: The harder walk starts in the gorge on a rocky, but fairly level, path with occasional steps cut into the rock. There are metal handrails and staircases in places and a timber walkway suspended above the river, before the path follows the top of the retaining wall of an old Napoleonic canal. After passing through a short tunnel we initially ascend through woodland before a final short steep ascent to the ridge and chapel of St Maxime. We return descending a steep, but stepped, route down the side of a gorge, to arrive back at river level, then follow the original route back to the Verdon Bridge and well earned refreshments. There is a short level river walk back to the village of Quinson where our transport awaits.

Highlight: Discover one of Europe's most beautiful river canyons.


We hope to see you again soon.


Itinerary map for Provence

Villa Borghese - Provence

The 4-star Villa Borghese has a fine tradition of service and is a member of the prestigios Châteaux Demeures de Tradition and the Relais du Silence groups. The owners of Villa Borghese will be very happy to welcome you to their hotel which is in a lovely, quiet and comfortable setting surrounded by gardens and woodland. Gréoux-les-Bains is close to the Verdon Gorges, the Luberon and the lavender fields in Provence. The hotel has an outdoor pool, tennis courts, fitness centre and spa. 

Rooms

Villa Borghese has 54 en-suite bedrooms, most of which have a balcony or terrace.

Facilities in the bedrooms include:

  • Telephone
  • TV
  • Hairdryer
  • Safe deposit box
  • Air conditioning
  • Shaving point
  • Mini-bar (extra charge)

The hotel is surrounded by a small wood and offers pleasant views from the bedrooms.

About your stay

There is a small outdoor heated swimming pool next to the sun terrace.

Villa Borghese has a tennis court, table tennis, and a spa offering a range of treatments (extra charge). 

Relax at the cosy bar with an open fireplace.

The hotel offers its guests free Wi-Fi.

Food & drink

Holidays at Gréoux-les-Bains are half-board with a 3-course served dinner.

The hotel prides itself on serving locally sourced produce from within 20km of the town.

Your evenings

The friendly atmosphere of our holidays continues into the evening.

Enjoy a glass of wine or local beer before hearing about the next day's activities. Your evening meal is the main focus of the evening. After dinner relax on the terrace or in the bar, with a drink and chat with your fellow guests or try your hand in a friendly game of boules.

Essential information

It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.   

Essentials  

  • Walking boots 
  • Waterproof jacket 
  • Waterproof trousers 
  • Insulated jacket/top 
  • Walking clothing  
  • Walking socks (plus spares)  
  • Sunhat 
  • Gloves/mitts and warm hat
  • Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)  
  • Headtorch 
  • High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)  
  • Sunglasses with a dark lens 
  • Rucksack (15-30 litres)  
  • Mobile phone 
  • Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.) 
  • Passport 
  • Visa (if applicable) 
  • Copy of your travel insurance policy 
  • UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC

Recommended

  • Collapsible walking poles 
  • Swimwear and travel towel
  • Snacks
  • Dry bags
  • Rubbish bags
  • Insect repellent

Optional extras

  • Camera 
  • Sit mat
  • Flask for hot drinks 
  • Durable lunch box
  • Gaiters 
  • GPS device 

Guest reviews

All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.

Non-member fee: £30 per person.

If you choose land only, you will be responsible for making your own travel arrangements, including your flights and airport transfers at your destination. Any flights booked independently will also not be covered by our ATOL license.

Date (Start - End) Itinerary Double / Twin Room Single Room Notes / Offers Trip Notes Book
2025

26 Apr - 03 May 2025

7 nights

Itinerary
Flight from London Heathrow Airport

Single Call to Enquire

Double from

£1,759 pp

from

£1,759 pp

Call to Enquire Trip Notes
Book Now

10 May - 17 May 2025

7 nights

Itinerary
Flight from London Heathrow Airport

Single from

£2,069 £1,958

Double from

£1,769 £1,658 pp

from

£1,769 £1,658 pp

from

£2,069 £1,958

Save £111 pp Birthday Offer Trip Notes
Book Now

17 May - 24 May 2025

7 nights

Itinerary
Flight from London Heathrow Airport

Single Call to Enquire

Double from

£1,799 pp

from

£1,799 pp

Call to Enquire Trip Notes
Book Now

31 May - 07 Jun 2025

7 nights

Itinerary
Flight from London Heathrow Airport

Single from

£2,099 £1,988

Double from

£1,799 £1,688 pp

from

£1,799 £1,688 pp

from

£2,099 £1,988

Save £111 pp Birthday Offer Trip Notes
Book Now

07 Jun - 14 Jun 2025

7 nights

Itinerary
Flight from London Heathrow Airport

Single from

£2,099

Double from

£1,799 pp

from

£1,799 pp

from

£2,099

Trip Notes
Book Now

06 Sep - 13 Sep 2025

7 nights

Itinerary
Flight from London Heathrow Airport

Single from

£2,099

Double from

£1,799 pp

from

£1,799 pp

from

£2,099

Trip Notes
Book Now

20 Sep - 27 Sep 2025

7 nights

Itinerary
Flight from London Heathrow Airport

Single from

£2,069

Double from

£1,769 pp

from

£1,769 pp

from

£2,069

Trip Notes
Book Now
Date (Start - End) Itinerary Double / Twin Room Single Room Notes / Offers Trip Notes Book
2025

26 Apr - 03 May 2025

7 nights

Itinerary

Single Call to Enquire

Double from

£1,659 pp

from

£1,659 pp

Call to Enquire Trip Notes
Book Now

10 May - 17 May 2025

7 nights

Itinerary

Single from

£1,969 £1,858

Double from

£1,669 £1,558 pp

from

£1,669 £1,558 pp

from

£1,969 £1,858

Save £111 pp Birthday Offer Trip Notes
Book Now

17 May - 24 May 2025

7 nights

Itinerary

Single Call to Enquire

Double from

£1,699 pp

from

£1,699 pp

Call to Enquire Trip Notes
Book Now

31 May - 07 Jun 2025

7 nights

Itinerary

Single from

£1,999 £1,888

Double from

£1,699 £1,588 pp

from

£1,699 £1,588 pp

from

£1,999 £1,888

Save £111 pp Birthday Offer Trip Notes
Book Now

07 Jun - 14 Jun 2025

7 nights

Itinerary

Single from

£1,999

Double from

£1,699 pp

from

£1,699 pp

from

£1,999

Trip Notes
Book Now

06 Sep - 13 Sep 2025

7 nights

Itinerary

Single from

£1,999

Double from

£1,699 pp

from

£1,699 pp

from

£1,999

Trip Notes
Book Now

20 Sep - 27 Sep 2025

7 nights

Itinerary

Single from

£1,969

Double from

£1,669 pp

from

£1,669 pp

from

£1,969

Trip Notes
Book Now

Important information

  • With flights holidays: Price includes return flights to Marseille Provence Airport, hold baggage and airport transfers
  • Independent travellers can join our transfer from Marseille Airport - please contact us for prices

*If you prefer to make your own travel arrangements, please ensure you’ve selected a land-only option before proceeding to book.

Duration:
7 nights
Type:
European walking holidays
Walking Grade:
2 & 3

7 nights from £1,659pp £1,558pp

111th birthday

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