Great Rail Journeys
First-Class Carcassonne, Châteaux & Vineyards
First Class rail escorted tour based in Carcassonne, France
7 daysfrom $2,269
29% rail
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted Walking Tour
Walk & Tour: Portraits of Provence
Experience artistic inspiration amongst the rugged canyons and gorges of picture-perfect Provence, one of France's most scenic regions
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Gréoux-les-Bains
By First Class rail to Provence
Your walk and tour holiday begins at London St Pancras, where you meet the Tour Manager and travelling group ahead of a Eurostar journey to Paris. Travelling in spacious Plus class, enjoy a light meal at your seats before arriving in the French capital. Switch stations and board the First Class carriages of the high-speed TGV bound for Aix-en-Provence. On arrival, transfer by coach to the spa town of Gréoux-les-Bains. Overlooked by the 12th-century Templars Castle, this attractive Provençal town exudes charm from its narrow streets. The hotel is opposite the thermal baths on the edge of the ancient Old Town. After checking in, gather for the first dinner together.
Meals: Eurostar Light Meal, Dinner
- Day 2overnight: Gréoux-les-Bains
Walking the Lower Verdon Gorge
After breakfast, set off on the first walk with a picnic lunch to enjoy en route. On each walking day there is a choice of two routes, each led by expert guides. Today's walks explore the Lower Gorge from Quinson after a short drive through wooded Provençal woodland. The river enters a twisting canyon with footpaths constructed along the course of the river. Option A: 5.4 mi (8.6 km) – walk briefly beside the lake and enter the gorge via an ascent on steps and a descent. Option B: 6.9 mi (11 km) – longer route following Option A along the base of the gorge and into the ancient woodland. Return to the hotel for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 3overnight: Gréoux-les-Bains
Moustiers Ste Marie & Grand Canyon of Verdon
A coach journey takes you across the Valensole Plateau, pausing to admire the vista across the huge Lac de Sainte Croix. Continue to Moustiers Ste Marie, a charming village clinging to a limestone cliff, listed among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. Visit the Chapel of Notre Dame de Beauvoir and see the iconic golden star suspended above the village. After free time for lunch, drive along the winding road skirting the Upper Verdon Gorge, pausing for breathtaking views of the 'Grand Canyon of Verdon' – up to 2,300 feet deep and 15.5 miles long. Evening at leisure; dine independently in Gréoux.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 4overnight: Gréoux-les-Bains
The colourful canyons of the Luberon
Explore 'Provençal Colorado', a striking area of rich ochre deposits with dazzling colours of yellow, orange, red and mauve – exposed through quarrying and sculpted into winding canyons by natural erosion. Afterwards, discover historic local villages dramatically perched on hilltops. Option A: 4.5 mi (7.2 km) – shorter route beginning close to the quaint village of Rustrel in the heart of the Luberon Natural Park. Option B: 5.9 mi (9.45 km) – longer route starting the same way as Option A, following the riverside path away from Rustrel. Return to the hotel for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 5overnight: Gréoux-les-Bains
Exploring Aix-en-Provence & olive oil tasting
Founded as a Roman spa town in 123BC, Aix-en-Provence is the first destination today. A guided tour showcases its timeless appeal – narrow streets, small squares, flowing fountains and the plane tree-lined Cours Mirabeau. Time at leisure to explore independently and learn about famous residents including Paul Cézanne and Émile Zola. This afternoon, visit an olive oil producer for a tour of the olive groves and a tasting of olive oil and tapenade. Return to Gréoux; evening at leisure, dine independently.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 6overnight: Gréoux-les-Bains
Artistic inspiration on the Cézanne Balconies
Set out to find landscapes that inspired Paul Cézanne. Walks lead through a rich, forested landscape of limestone escarpments, deep gorges and sparkling reservoirs with Mont Sainte-Victoire in near constant view. Option A: 4.9 mi (7.8 km) – starting from the village of Le Tholonet, often depicted in Cézanne's paintings, ascending steadily. Option B: 6.6 mi (10.6 km) – like Option A, begins in Le Tholonet and continues through the pine forest. Return to Gréoux-les-Bains for a farewell dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 7rail
Homeward bound
After breakfast, transfer to Aix-en-Provence station and board First Class carriages of the TGV direct to Paris. In the French capital, switch to the Eurostar and continue in Plus class back to London St Pancras, where the walk and tour holiday draws to a close.
Meals: Breakfast, Eurostar Light Meal
Included
- Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
- 6 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
- Eurostar Plus class travel
- First Class TGV rail travel
- All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
- Expert walking guides
- Carefully planned walking routes
- 4.5–6.9 mi (7.2–11 km) walking per day
- Eurostar light meals
- Breakfast each day
- 1 lunch
- 4 dinners
- All guided tours and excursions
- Transfers and local transport for guided walks
- Entrance fees and permits for guided walks
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance
- Lunches on non-walking excursion days (dine independently)
- Optional stops for lunch, snacks or drinks on walks
- Additional attractions payable locally
