France - Provence
Walk from Van Gogh's landscapes to the Luberon
Hiking in the famous Calanques of Cassis in Provence - all year round
PATH RESTRICTIONS
Important : From June 1st to September 30th
Access may be restricted in the Calanques & Ste Victoire mountains if the risk of forest fire is high.
There is a risk that the paths may be closed as of noon on any given day or in exceptional circumstances the paths may be closed altogether. Information is available from 6:00pm for the following day from the local prefecture by telephone (automated message).
PASSPORT & DOCUMENTS
Passport / Driver license if required
HEALTH INFORMATION
No vaccination requirements
INSURANCE
Please insure that you have valid travel insurance
WEATHER
Provence is famous for its 360 days of sunshine per year ! The Provençal climate is characterized by the bright and ever-present sun, and dry summers. The winds and rains are sporadic.
- Winter is most often mild and sunny, with incredibly clear skies.
- Autumn & Spring, with their summer-like days, can sometimes bring more abundant rains. A great hiking and cycling season !
- May and June, when almond trees and lavender fields are in bloom, are the most pleasant months, followed by September and October.
- Summer is very hot and dry. Walking is great in the interior of Provence, above 1000m in altitude to avoid the heat, like the Cevennes, the back country of Nice, Mercantour nature park… Cycle through all of Provence in the mornings and late afternoons. - A Word about “Le Mistral” in Provence The strong north-western winds blow down the Rhône Valley, picking up speed as they head through Provence towards the Med, helping to keep the region very sunny. The Mistral generally blows in the winter and spring and considerably less during the warmer months.
ELECTRICITY
Europe is on a 220 Volt system . Check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items HERE
MOBILE PHONE & INTERNET
Please check that your mobile/cell plan allows for calls & messages abroad
A good option is to buy a “country Sim card” in a phone shop. It will cost you around 10€ / 15€ and will allow you to call local phone numbers with internet access
MONEY MATTERS & CLOSING HOURS
The currency is the €uro. Please ensure to have some cash with you as there aren’t always ATM machines in small villages.
Tips are always included (different than in Canada and USA) but always appreciated.
Please note that many restaurants in France do not serve food all day
Many shops are closed on Sundays, supermarkets are usually open until midday
FAQ
Can I walk in the famous Calanques all year round ?
You can walk in the Calanques National Park throughout the year, but there are seasonal restrictions due to fire risk, especially in the summer months.
From June 1st to September 30th, access to the Calanques may be restricted or closed depending on weather conditions, particularly wind and heat. Daily access information is published by the local authorities, and it is essential to check the official site or local tourist offices before planning a hike during this period.
During autumn, winter, and spring, the trails are open and offer cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and stunning scenery. These seasons are ideal for hiking, though care should still be taken due to uneven terrain and the possibility of sudden weather changes.
Is this trip recommended for a person afraid of heights ?
Walking in the Calanques may not be suitable for someone who is afraid of heights because many of the trails are narrow, uneven, and run close to steep cliffs with significant drops. There are sections where the path becomes exposed, with limited safety barriers, which can trigger vertigo or anxiety for those with a fear of heights.
The terrain can also involve some light scrambling or navigating rocky slopes, which adds to the sense of exposure. In these situations, fear or hesitation can increase the risk of losing balance or making unsafe decisions.
What do I need to pack for this hiking holiday in France ?
Your belongings should preferably be packed in a soft bag. Bring layers of clothing that are easy to take on and off when hiking and can fold up small into your backpack. We also recommend a jacket for evenings as it can get humid by the sea. Sheets and towels are always included at the accommodation.
What equipment do I need for my walking holiday in France ?
In all seasons we recommend good hiking shoes, plenty of water & sun protection (hat and sun cream)
Are there opportunities to swim or relax on the beach after the hikes?
Yes you can swim in the summer season in Cassis & in the Calanques
- From 485€ /pers
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- Self-guided Walking
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Moderate
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- 5 days
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- From February to June
- From September to December
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- Simple -
- Comfort -
- Charming -
- Superior
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- Ref : A1129
YOUR TRIP
How does it work
- 1 - Select your start date & accommodation choice and click “BOOK NOW”
- 2 - Enter your details
- 3 - Pay the deposit
- 4 - Wait for full confirmation before booking your flights
Book with confidence
- We manage the logistics of your trip ( hotel, luggage transfer, bike)
- We are a certified agency
- You reserve the right to refuse our offer, and request a refund
Contact us
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+33 (0)4 86 65 00 20
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contact@intura-travel.com
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