Hiking in Provence – Côte d'Azur: from lavender fields to coastal paths

Hiking in the South of France is one of the most beautiful ways to experience the nature, culture and scents of Provence – Côte d'Azur. The sun shines, crickets sing, and the air smells of lavender and thyme. From rolling inland hills to rugged coastal paths along the Mediterranean Sea, Provence invites you to take long walks. If you spend the night in a holiday home in Provence or a luxury villa on the Côte d'Azur,  you will discover a new part of the South of France every day.

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Hikes in Provence – Côte d'Azur

The region offers a huge variety of landscapes and hiking experiences:
Mountain walks in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and the Gorges du Verdon for experienced hikers.
Hill routes by the Luberon and the Massif des Maures, with panoramic views.
Quiet walks past vineyards, lavender fields and olive groves, ideal for families.
Coastal paths along the Côte d'Azur, from Nice to Hyères, with spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. Whether you prefer brisk hikes or short, leisurely walks, Provence has something for everyone.

Hiking for couples and groups of friends

For couples and groups of friends, walking in Provence is a relaxing yet active way to spend time together. The trails pass through vineyards, olive groves and beautiful tourist villages in Provence. A popular choice is the Sentier du Littoral near Saint-Tropez, where you can walk for miles along the coast with views of azure, blue water and white beaches. Or a trip through the lavender fields. In the evening, return to your luxury holiday villa in the South of France and take a refreshing dip in your private pool or sit down on your terrace with a glass of Provençal rosé. The soft evening light and the scent of lavender completes the moment.

Hiking with children in Provence

Provence is also ideal for families who like to be active. Many walks are short, clear and varied. The Chemin des Fées near Le Thoronet is fun for children, with stories and legends about fairies and hidden paths. The Caramy ravines near Tourves is also a must-visit. Here, children can climb over rocks and walk along streams. When staying in a holiday park in Provence,  you can easily plan a morning walk and spend the afternoon relaxing with your family by the park pool in Jardin du Golf. This way, you can keep things varied: an active morning followed by rest and comfort.

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1. Le Sentier des Ocres – Roussillon

The Sentier des Ocres is a 3 km walk through an impressive landscape. The route starts at the village of Roussillon and goes along the Route des Ocres along deep gorges, sand dunes and jagged rock formations in red, orange and yellow. The ochre was created by iron oxide in the soil, which gives the site a warm glow. Along the way, you will see the Luberon massif and pass by viewpoints such as Belvédère des Ocres. Pine and fir trees line the paths, providing shade and fragrance. In Roussillon, you can visit the Ochre and Clay Museum or relax at one of the many cafes with terraces overlooking the valley. This walk is ideal for families spending their holidays in the South of France.

2. Chemin des Lavandes – Sault

A hike that always remains popular is the Chemin des Lavandes. The 6 km route starts in Sault (Vaucluse) on the plateau of Mont Ventoux. The tour is easy and goes on rural roads such as the Route du Ventoux and Chemin des Jas. During the summer months, you will walk between endless lavender fields, interspersed with sunflowers and grain. Along the way you will pass farms where lavender oil is still produced to this day. From the viewpoints at the Vallée du Toulourenc, you have a beautiful view over the blue fields and the peaks of the Ventoux. Sights along the way include the distilleries and the Lavender Museum of Sault. A short detour to the village  of Monieux pays off for a coffee on the village square. This is the ideal easy walk to start from your holiday home in Provence with private pool and air conditioning, especially in July when the lavender is in bloom.

3. Chemin des Fées – Le Thoronet

The Chemin des Fées near Le Thoronet is an easy 5 km walk through a varied landscape. The walk starts at the 12th-century Abbaye du Thoronet and follows quiet country roads such as the Route de Lorgues and Chemin du Grand Bois. You walk through dense oak forests, over bridges and along small water streams. Legend has it that fairies once lived here to protect travellers. The route offers cooling shade, ideal for families with children. Halfway along the route you will come to a clearing with a view over the valley of the Argens. In spring, wild orchids and lavender bloom between the rocks. Combine the walk with a visit to the charming village of Entrecasteaux, with its castle and gardens. If you are staying at FranceComfort Résidence de Salernes, this is the perfect walk.

4. Sources de la Huveaune – Nans-les-Pins

The Sources de la Huveaune form a natural oasis in the Massif de la Sainte-Baume. The 8 km route with a medium level of difficulty starts at the Chemin du Cros and follows the river up through forest paths full of fragrant pines and ferns. After a few kilometres you will reach the turquoise springs: water basins that have a fairytale blue-green colour due to limestone deposits. The hike offers cool relief in summer and is popular with families. Along the way you will pass chapels and rock formations with small caves. At the end, at La Source de Saint-Pilon, you can have a picnic by the water. On your way back we recommend taking a break in Nans-les-Pins. From FranceComfort Vallée de la Ste. Baume and FranceComfort Jardin du Golf this is a beautiful walk.

5. Caramy-ravines – Tourves

The Gorges du Caramy is a hidden gem in the heart of the Var. From Tourves, you can walk a 7 km route via the Route de Barjols and the Chemin de Saint-Lazare into the gorge. The river Caramy has carved deep grooves in the limestone over the centuries. The path follows the river, with regular bridges and waterfalls along the way. During your hike, you will see plane trees, figs and wild mint. You will pass by the ruins of an old water mill and remains of the Château de Tourves. In spring, the river flows powerfully and the pools fill with clear water. The region is an example of the beautiful nature reserves that exist in Provence - Côte d'Azur. The village of Barjols, a 10-minute drive away, is known for its fountains and markets.

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6. Sentier Martel – Gorges du Verdon

The Sentier Martel is the most famous hiking route in the South of France. This trail takes you through the imposing Gorges du Verdon. The 14 km long hike starts at the Chalet de la Maline in La Palud-sur-Verdon and follows the Chemin du Bastidon  along steep cliffs with beautiful views. You walk through tunnels, climb metal stairs and stroll along ravines overlooking the Verdon River. Be sure to visit the Tunnel du Baou and the Point Sublime viewpoint. The trail leads through pine forests and over bare rock plateaus. Halfway along the trail there is a resting place at La Mescla, where two rivers meet. This walk requires good shoes and a good condition. When staying at FranceComfort Domaine de Castellane this is the perfect opportunity to discover the rugged side of the South of France.

7. Véroncle-valley– Gordes

The Véroncle valley is a rugged part of Provence full of history and nature. The 9 km route, which is of moderate difficulty, starts in the charming village of Gordes, which proudly towers over the valley. From the Chemin de la Fontaine Basse, you descend into the valley via narrow paths. Here you can hear all the murmur of the Véroncle, a stream that once powered the mills of the region. Along the route you will find ruins of old mills such as Moulin Jean de Marre and Moulin Cabrier. The surrounding area is rich in limestone rocks, thyme, lavender, and cypress trees, while eagles soar high above the canyon. The path crosses the Route de Joucas and offers views over the Luberon hills. In spring, the stream is full of clear water and wildflowers grow along its banks. After the trip, you can relax in Gordes or Joucas on a terrace with a view of the valley. An unforgettable walk from your holiday home in the South of France.

8. Les Calanques – Cassis

The 10 km long walk through the Calanques of Cassis is one of the most beautiful walks along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in France. From the port of Cassis (Bouches-du-Rhône), you must follow the Avenue des Calanques towards Port-Miou, this is the first of three spectacular coves. Then the path goes to Port-Pin and En-Vau, where white limestone rocks rise steeply from the sea. The trail passes through pine forests and over rugged cliffs, with constant views of the azure waters. The flora is typically Mediterranean: rosemary, juniper and wild thyme. Halfway along the trail you will pass viewpoints such as Belvédère d’En-Vau, a popular spot for photos. During the summer, the rocks glisten in the sun and you can swim in the Calanque de Port-Pin along the way. After completing the hike, you can relax in the centre of Cassis, a seaside resort full of terraces and local markets. Here, your can relax your muscles after this moderately difficult to difficult hike.

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9. Cap de Nice – Nice

The walk over Cap de Nice is an attractive combination of city, sea and nature. You start the 5 km walk at the Boulevard Franck Pilatte in Nice and follow the coastal path towards Villefranche-sur-Mer via the Sentier du Littoral. The path runs close to the sea, between villas, Mediterranean gardens and pine trees. The smell of jasmine and salt is in the air, while you have a view of the Baie des Anges and Cap Ferrat. Along the way you will pass small beaches such as Coco Beach and old fishermen's houses. In spring, the bougainvillea blooms in bright colours along the walls. The path offers many places to sit and enjoy the view. The walk ends in Villefranche-sur-Mer, a charming port full of terraces and restaurants. An ideal low-effort hike for those staying in a luxury villa in Provence – Côte d'Azur and looking for a light, lively walk by the sea.

10. Sentier du Littoral – Saint-Tropez

The Sentier du Littoral winds along the azure coast between Ramatuelle and Saint-Tropez. These old customs paths follow the Route des Plages and Chemin des Douaniers, with coves, cliffs and sandy beaches along the way. You will pass by famous places such as Plage de Pampelonne and Cap Taillat, where the sea water is crystal clear. The vegetation consists of pine trees, agaves and fragrant herbs such as myrtle and thyme. Along the way, you will see white villas hidden in the greenery and hear the sound of crickets and waves. On warm days, the extensive beaches on the Mediterranean Sea invite you to take a dip. The path is partly rocky, partly sandy, and offers constant views of the Mediterranean Sea. At the end of the route, the lively port of Saint-Tropez awaits, where you can have lunch by the water. This 12km walk combines nature and sophisticated charm, perfect for holidaymakers in a holiday home in Provence or luxury villa on the Côte d'Azur.

Breaks and sightseeing along the way

During walks in Provence you will pass charming villages such as Gordes, Bonnieux, Cotignac and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. Here you can rest on a terrace while enjoying local wine or a Provencal lunch. Along the coastal routes in Provence - Côte d'Azur there are seaside resorts such as Cassis, Saint-Tropez and Nice where you can take a refreshing dip or take a walk along the promenade.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the best time to hike in Provence – Côte d'Azur?
Spring and autumn are the most suitable. In May, June, September and October, the temperatures are mild and nature is at its best.

2. Are the hiking trails in Provence well marked?
Yes, but make sure you have a walking map or app just to be sure.

3. Are there walks for families with young children?
Certainly, the Chemin des Fées and the Sentier des Ocres are short and safe.

4. Where is the best place to stay for a hiking holiday?
A holiday home or holiday park in Provence offers the perfect base: close to nature, with swimming pool and terrace.

5. Can you take dogs on hikes in the South of France?
In most areas, you can bring your dog, provided they are on a leash.

Difficulty level hiking trails

Level

Routes

Characteristics

Easy

Chemin des Lavandes,
Chemin des Fées,
Sentier des Ocres,
Cap de Nice

Short walks, suitable
for families and
beginners

Average

Sources de la Huveaune,
Caramy-ravines,
Véroncle-valley,
Sentier du Littoral,
Calanques

Varied terrain,
reasonable fitness
required

Difficult

Sentier Martel,
Parts of the Calanques

For experienced hikers
with good equipment


Tip: Prepare well and start easy so that you know you can finish the trail and it is fun and feasible for everyone.

Reflections after the walk

After a day full of impressions, you will return to your holiday home in Provence or a holiday park on the Côte d'Azur. As the sun slowly sinks behind the hills, take a cooling dip in your private pool. The scent of lavender mixes with that of grilled food. On the terrace, with a glass of local rosé, you can look back on a day full of nature, tranquillity and French charm.

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