Top 7 Hiking Trails in Provence with Breathtaking Views - Only Provence

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Top 7 Hiking Trails in Provence with Breathtaking Views

From the limestone ridges of the Alpilles to the lavender-swept hills of the Luberon, Provence rewards those who wander on foot. Discover seven trails that capture the soul of southern France—all within reach of Only Provence’s most beautiful villas.

Where the Path Slows, the View Expands

Provence is a region that invites you to move slowly. To follow the curve of a stone wall, the rustle of olive trees, the rhythm of your own steps. Its landscapes—ancient, fragrant, alive—reveal their beauty most fully to those who walk.

From gentle vineyard strolls to panoramic mountain routes, these seven hiking trails lead you to the heart of Provence’s wild serenity. Each path is close to an Only Provence villa, where you can return at day’s end for a swim, a glass of rosé, and that particular kind of silence that only exists after a day outdoors.

1. Les Baux-de-Provence to Val d’Enfer (Alpilles)

Named the “Valley of Hell” for its dramatic limestone formations, this trail is pure Provençal theatre—cliffs carved by mistral winds, olive groves at your feet, and panoramic views of Les Baux’s medieval fortress rising from the rock.

  • Distance: 5 km loop
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate
  • Region: Alpilles Natural Regional Park
  • Highlights: Stop at the Carrières des Lumières for a light-and-sound art show inside a former quarry before or after your hike. Time your walk for sunset, when the valley glows gold.

2. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence to Glanum & Mont Gaussier (Alpilles)

Begin near the Roman ruins of Glanum, then ascend to the cliffs of Mont Gaussier. The path winds through thyme and rosemary, offering sweeping views across olive groves and the red-tiled roofs of Saint-Rémy.

  • Distance: 7 km round-trip
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Region: Alpilles
  • Highlights: Visit the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole Monastery, where Van Gogh once painted, and see the same light he immortalized.

3. Eygalières to Les Opies Ridge Trail (Alpilles)

Starting from the storybook village of Eygalières, this trail climbs gently toward Les Opies—the highest point in the Alpilles (498 meters). The panoramic view at the top stretches across the Rhône Valley and, on clear days, all the way to Mont Ventoux.

  • Distance: 9 km loop
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Region: Alpilles
  • Highlights: Pack a picnic of local cheese and olives from the Friday market before setting out. The trail is well-marked, scented with wild herbs, and surprisingly peaceful even in summer.

4. Gordes to Abbaye de Sénanque (Luberon)

This is one of Provence’s most iconic walks. Starting in Gordes, the trail descends through terraces of dry-stone walls and oak forests to reach the Abbaye de Sénanque, where monks still cultivate lavender.

  • Distance: 8 km round-trip
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate
  • Region: Luberon
  • Highlights: Visit in late June or early July when lavender fields blaze purple against the abbey’s grey stone. Arrive early to enjoy the serenity before the crowds.

5. Bonnieux to the Cedar Forest (Forêt des Cèdres) (Luberon)

Above the village of Bonnieux, a scenic drive leads to the start of the Forêt des Cèdres—a high plateau covered with centuries-old cedar trees planted from Atlas seeds. Trails weave through shaded woods and open viewpoints overlooking the Luberon valley.

  • Distance: 10 km loop
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Region: Luberon
  • Highlights: Bring lunch for a picnic under the cedars. The scent of pine and resin in the air makes this a perfect mid-summer escape from the heat.

6. Oppède-le-Vieux to Les Rocs de Rocalinaud (Luberon)

This hike starts from the atmospheric village of Oppède-le-Vieux, whose half-ruined houses and quiet squares feel frozen in time. The trail climbs past olive trees and stone terraces toward the limestone formations of Rocalinaud.

  • Distance: 6 km loop
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Region: Luberon
  • Highlights: Along the way, wild thyme, lavender, and sage perfume the air. The reward: commanding views over the Calavon Valley and the ochre villages beyond.

7. Mourre Nègre Summit Trail (Grand Luberon)

The Mourre Nègre, at 1,125 meters, is the highest peak in the Luberon—a long, graceful ridge that rewards every step with sweeping vistas. The trail begins near Apt or Auribeau, climbing through oak forests and alpine meadows.

  • Distance: 12 km round-trip
  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
  • Region: Grand Luberon
  • Highlights: On a clear day, you can see from Mont Ventoux to the Sainte-Victoire Mountain near Aix-en-Provence. The silence at the summit feels ancient.

Hiking in Provence: A Way of Being

Hiking here isn’t a sport—it’s a meditation. The air smells of wild herbs, the ground is warm beneath your feet, and every path seems to lead through a painting.

Pack light, walk slowly, and leave room for the unplanned: a detour through a vineyard, a café stop in a tiny hamlet, a conversation with someone who’s lived here all their life.

Then return to your Only Provence villa, where comfort meets calm—your private terrace the perfect place to watch the sun set behind the same hills you’ve just climbed.

Explore villas near Provence’s best hiking trails at OnlyProvence.com or browse current availability at my.onlyprovence.com/s/mysearch.

Stay in Provence: Your Villa Awaits

Only Provence offers the largest curated collection of luxury villas in the region, from historic stone farmhouses to contemporary estates with sweeping views. Each property is hand-selected for character, comfort, and authenticity, with concierge services available to arrange everything from private chefs to guided tours.

Ready to experience the magic of Provence for yourself? Contact a Villa Rental Specialist today to begin planning your stay and find the perfect villa from which to explore.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking in Provence

Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer the best conditions—cool mornings, long days, and wildflowers or harvest colors. Summer hikes are beautiful but best done early in the morning or late in the day to avoid midday heat.

Most trails are well-marked, but for deeper insight, Pinch Me Provence offers guided nature and cultural walks that pair hiking with local storytelling, markets, or olive oil tastings.

Comfortable walking shoes, a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat are essential. Bring a picnic—most trails offer scenic spots perfect for long lunches under the trees.

Yes. The Gordes to Sénanque trail and the Cedar Forest loop are ideal for families, offering gentle terrain and plenty of shade.

Both the Luberon and Alpilles deliver unforgettable experiences—Luberon for mountain panoramas and lavender fields, Alpilles for rolling olive groves and historic vistas. Pair either with an Only Provence villa for an effortless balance of adventure and tranquility.

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Jumping the Picket Fence Light Through the Cracks

Only Provence co-founder Lydia Dean writes about their experiences raising a family, building a business in Provence, and later combining the love of travel with giving back in "Jumping the Picket Fence”. In 2021, she published “Light Through the Cracks,” a continuation of her journey, much of which has been based in Provence. Both books are available Amazon, Amazon.uk, and Amazon.Fr.