Are you looking for some great family walks or hikes? If so, you can opt for one of the many walks in Provence, whether on foot, on horseback or by the sea. Here are the 6 most beautiful walks in Provence for you and your family to enjoy.
THE COLORADO PROVENÇAL
Located in the heart of the Luberon Regional Nature Park in Rustrel, the Provençal Colorado is simply a little corner of America. This natural site, set against a unique backdrop of cliffs and canyons coloured red, vermilion yellow and orange, is ideal for family walks.
Along the Sahara Trail or the Fairy Trail, you and your children can explore the magnificent geological features on foot or by bike. These paths are safe and well-maintained, and will lead you to the old ochre quarries.
As for accommodation, there are several options to choose from. You can opt for gîtes, bed and breakfasts, holiday clubs or hotels. These include La Grande Bastide, Résidence du Colorado Provençal and many others. Find out more about these campsites on Provence Web.
MONT VENTOUX TO RECHARGE YOUR BATTERIES
The Vaucluse department is home to the 1910m-high Mont Ventoux. With your good shoes on, you can take a family hike there to discover the incredible landscapes of this UNESCO biosphere reserve. For hikers, there are several circuits on the mountain slopes, both for families and for experienced walkers.
Two-wheeled enthusiasts will also find the roads of the Ventoux ideal for mountain biking. It's a great place to recharge your batteries or strengthen ties with friends and family. When it comes to accommodation, you'll find gîtes, bed and breakfasts, hotels and, above all, unusual accommodation. The latter include tree-houses with all the necessary comforts, or yurts.
THE PLAINS OF THE CAMARGUE
A natural region of France on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, the Camargue is a playground for countless interesting walks in Provence. Here, your little ones can admire the pink flamingos, bulls and horses that roam the seashore. When you're out and about, not far from the towns of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer or Aigues-Mortes, you can opt for horses or ponies that your children are sure to love.
And for a more family-friendly atmosphere, opt for a horse-drawn carriage to get a better look at the region's ponds, reed beds and schorres. During your walks, you can also hire guides who will be happy to tell you all about the traditions of the region. As for accommodation, you can choose between gîtes, bed and breakfasts or hotels.
THE LOW GORGES OF VERDON TRAIL
Less well known than the Gorges du Verdon, the Lower Gorges du Verdon are just as spectacular as their sister. Take the whole family along this path that runs alongside the Verdon to admire a magnificent panorama. From the Quinson bridge, a path cut into the rock, you can see the turquoise water and the white cliffs.
Once you've crossed the bridge, you can go through a 20 m long tunnel, perfect for playing explorer. There are also gîtes, chambres d'hotes and hotels in the area. However, comfortable accommodation is available in the Parc du Verdon not far from Lac d'Esparon.
THE CUSTOMS TRAIL ALONG THE CÔTE BLEUE
Between Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer and Bandol lies the customs officers' trail. A must on the list of walks in Provence, this itinerary retraces the route taken by customs officers in the early 20th century. You and your family can walk this route and, above all, enjoy the beautiful scenery off this blue coast.
Between the blue of the sky and the blue of the sea, the coast is aptly named. At the same time, there are plenty of swimming spots along the way. The accommodation on offer on this coast is quite varied. You can stay in a gîte d'étape, a chambre d'hôte, a hotel or a campsite.
THE MOUNTAIN OF SAINTE-VICTOIRE
The Sainte-Victoire mountain is one of the most beautiful places to walk in Provence. The source of inspiration for the painter Paul Cézanne, this mountain offers an exceptional setting with limestone reliefs and a rich fauna and flora. A symbol of Provence, this 1,011 m peak is a veritable paradise for nature lovers and hikers.
For family hikes, you can take a trip to the Bibémus plateau, which is fairly easy from the village of Le Tholonet. In less than 2 hours, you should reach this point for a breathtaking view of the mountains. You can camp here, or head down to enjoy the comforts of the nearby châteaux, gîtes or hotel rooms.
THE CALANQUES OF MARSEILLE
Head out of Marseille towards the sea and you'll find some superb calanques, the turquoise coves typical of the Mediterranean. Here you can swim in the crystal-clear waters, dive off the rocks and sunbathe peacefully on the beach. There are footpaths leading from one calanque to another. We recommend that you spend the night in Marseille, where you can find an hotel, and set off early in the morning to hike to the calanques. You'll spend a superb day in the heart of nature. Don't forget your sun cream and bottle of water, as it can get very hot on these hiking trails in summer.
We hope you find these six suggestions for walks in Provence inspiring, and wish you all the best for your hikes in our beautiful Provence!