cartilage
Description
This is our two week Provence itinerary with a stop in Chamonix for three days. It’s a nice contrast to the dry Provence and has some really good hiking trails.
Although it was in the middle of summer the Provence was not overrun by tourists. So July seems to be a good time for the trip.
| Our Two Week Provence Itinerary (+ Mont Blanc) |
|---|
| 1. Chamonix, Mont Blanc |
| 2. Valensole |
| 3. Luberon |
| 4. Avignon |
| 5. Mont Ventoux |
| 6. Camargue |
| 7. Verdon Canyon |
Gallery
Overall costs
$ 1600
Duration
14 days
Rating
Itinerary:
1. Chamonix, Mont Blanc
The main attraction is of course Mont Blanc which can be seen from the streets of Chamonix. There is a gondola up to the Aiguille du Midi (3842m) from where you can see the whole Mont Blanc Massif. Another good view point is on the other side of the valley on top of Mont Brévent.
Beside that there are endless outdoor opportunities in the calley such as hiking, rafting, mountain biking or paragliding.
2. Valensole
Valensole is best known for its lavender fields and lies on a plateau in the Haute Provence. There are some fields just next to the streets from Manosque to Valensole. Harvesting time is around 25th of july so make sure to go there before they cut the plants if you want to see them in bloom.
3. Luberon
The Luberon is a Nature Reserve north of the Durance river and has some great hiking & cycling trails.
There is also the village Rousillion with its ocher rocks, lots of forests, vineyards and lavender fields.
4. Avignon
The main attractions are the old bridge over the Rhone River and the former palace of the pope.
We spent one day in the city, saw the main attractions and chilled the rest of the time. There are many cafes and restaurants and a good market hall if you want to buy and try local food.
5. Mont Ventoux
Mont Ventoux (1909m) is well known from the Tour the France as it is one of the most famous mountains for cyclists. So no wonder there are year round many cyclists on the streets up to the top. You can also hike up or go there by car.
From the top you have a good view over the Provence into the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea.
6. Camargue
The Camargue is the flat land of the Rhone River Delta where it flows into the Mediterranean Sea. It is famous for its flamingos and white horses. There is an ornithological park with small trails through the wetlands from where you see lots of birds. We walked the round tour which takes around 2 hours and went to the beach at Saintes Maries de la Mer afterwards.
With a few more days you can follow the Mediterranean Sea to the east and visit Marseille, Cassis and the Calanques.
7. Verdon Canyon
The Verdon Canyon lies in the Préalpes and is one of the deepest canyons in Europe. You can drive a road around the canyon which has several vista points. There is also a hiking trail inside the canyon with around 7 hours of walking time.
The river flows into an artificial lake where you can rent small boats. It’s a popular place for swimming in the area.