The area of The Luberon consists of range of mountains running about 55 km between Cavaillon and Manosque, and a regional park, the Parc Regional du Luberon. The western end of the range is called the Petit Luberon and the eastern end the Grand Luberon. The two parts are divided by the beautiful Combe de Lourmarin that cuts across the mountains from Bonnieux and Lourmarin. The Parc Regional du Luberon roughly follows the mountain range east-west, but extends further north, to the Calavon river and south to the Durance river.

In this land beloved of Giono and Camus, vineyards and olive tree, pines and cedars traditionally grew from the banks of the Durance to the crests of the Luberon and the remains of ancient olive terraces are still to be seen. You walk on sheep trails or in small green valleys, The itinerary that we have chosen is in the heart of Luberon where you will discover the best provencal villages, with traditional stone and tile houses, and experience the absolutely typical smells of herbs and lavender of provence and the renowned warm and friendly welcome of the Provencal people.

PROGRAMME

Level : Walking an average 4 to 6 h 00 per day with daily elevations of 400 to 500m per day with luggage transport. No particular difficulty but you should be reasonably fit and used to walking on a variety of terrain

ACCOMMODATION - MEALS

Half-board (dinner, bed and breakfast) except the first and last night in Apt (bed and breakfast only) in double room in small hotels and comfortable B&Bs, not necessarily ensuite, but with shower and WC on the same floor. Single rooms are not possible.

For this package, lunches and drinks are not included.

You can have lunch where and when you wish (we will suggest suitable inns or restaurants situated on your route). For this walking, you always sleep in little villages with shops excepted for one night Sivergues. If you request it the previous evening, the hotel will be able to prepare a packed lunch for you (you should pay the hotel direct, about 7.50 €).

ARRIVAL

The first day around 18 h 00 at the first hotel in Apt (just in front of the bus stop)(not before because hotel is not open until 6 pm).

By Car: Apt (Vaucluse) is situated on the N 100, about 55 km east of Avignon, on the CERESTE road. Follow the N 100 to Apt and the bus station: the hotel is on the opposite side of the square. You may leave your car on a free public park (near the police station: no problem - arrange directly with the hotel manager).

Map Michelin N° 245 "Provence - Côte d’Azur". Map IGN Green series N°67 1/ 100 000.

By Rail: timetable should be checked with SNCF and the bus Barlatier or Villardo-Bernard:

Paris (Gare de Lyon - TGV) D : 12 h 06 ® Avignon A : 15 h 25

Avignon (bus station in front of the SNCF station) D : 16 h 20 ® Apt A : 17 h 45

The hotel is just on the other side of the square.

By Air: from AVIGNON Airport take the shuttle bus to the bus or train station at Avignon.

Check the SNCF timetable and the bus Barlatier or Villardo-Bernard Avignon (bus - station in front of the station SNCF) D : 16 h 20 ® Apt A : 17 h 45

END OF THE TREK

Return by car : after breakfast at Apt

Return by train or plane check SNCF timetable and the bus Barlatier or Villardo-Bernard

Apt (bus) ® Avignon

DATES

Departures possible every day from the end of March to the end of October (very hot in july-August).

Included: half board accommodation (except in Apt on arrival day where Bed & Breakfast only), walk pack including documentation about the walk: maps IGN 1/25 000, route notes in English, documentation on hotels and villages etc; a map case, luggage transport and hotel transfers, any internal walk transfers.

Not included: transport to Provence at the start of the walk, transport from Provence at the end of the walk, drinks, lunches/packed lunches, personal expenses, cost of possible visits, dinner on 2 nights at Apt.

PRICE per person

based on 2 persons sharing a double or twin room. £465

We regret this tour is not available for single persons

PAYMENT

A deposit of 30% of the total holiday cost is payable immediately upon confirmation of availability. Celtic Trails can accept Visa or Mastercard, or personal cheques. The balance is due not later than 6 weeks before the start of the holiday. If you are booking within 6 weeks of the start of the holiday then the whole amount is payable upon confirmation of availability. We strongly advise that you take out holiday cancellation insurance and personal accident insurance as refunds are not possible once payments have been made.