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

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 you take a trip through the lavender fields in Provence.

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.

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 among the lavender, 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 provençal markets.

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.

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.