A two centre break - deep in Peter Mayle country. The Luberon, rich in Provencal culture, boasts an amazing variation in scenery and flora, and further east the Verdon Gorge is France's very own Grand Canyon.

Join us on a journey through this famous area of South East France. Wide open valleys covered in vinyards, steep limestone escarpments, gorges, the remains of the old Ochre quarries, that until the mid 1950's provided the buildings in the area with their hallmark colouring.

And of course the Verdon Gorge in the Haute Provence - one of those places that you simply don't see until you're upon it - when it's expanse suddenly opens out into the distance. An awe inspiring crack in the earth's crust.

Five days of varied walking that will suit all tastes, and at the end of each day we return to comfortable homely accommodation, where Liz and Mel will be playing host, providing good wholesome fare, sometimes typically Provençal, and sometimes with our own quirky additions. Be sure that they will be fun evenings, with lots of memories to take back with you.

Just get yourself to Marseilles, and then enjoy........

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Your Accommodation

At Saignon, we'll be staying at the charming gîte Soliera Cottage, a 12th century house on the outskirts of the village with walled garden and beatiful views back over the luberon hills and valley.

At Moustiers, Les Mas du Marronnier is a private house that can cater for up to 8 people, and is just five minutes from the lake in a tranquil and peaceful setting.

What's included

Itinerary

• Day 1 Arrive Marseilles - pick up and transfer to Saignon one of the most charismatic villages in the heart of the Luberon.
• Day 2 A day exploring the red Ochre canyons west of Viens.
• Day 3 Drive over to Ménerbes, deep in Peter Mayle country to visit the local vineyard, and winery, and its quirky corkscrew museum. Lunch beneath the Roman bridge at Pont Julien, and then a short afternoon's walk back down to Saignon.
• Day 4 A day exploring the country along the ridge that is the backbone of the Luberon Regional Park, and taking in Mourre Negre - the highest point in the Luberon.
• Day 5 Transfer to Moustiers Ste Marie in the Verdon, with a morning visit to "Lavande et Lavandin", and a lunch stop at Baudinard. Afteroon - free to explore Moustiers.
• Day 6 The Verdon Gorge - France's own Grand Canyon. An exciting descent and exploration of this amazing natural phenomenon.
• Day 7 A day on the shores of Lac de Ste Croix - where we spend the morning meandering around the lake to the village of Bauduen, where we stop for our picnic lunch, and then return via the Gorge du Caletty.
• Day 8 Transfer back to Marseille airport.

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