Provence to the French Riviera Hiking & Walking Tour
Provençal Splendor & Exquisite Seascapes from Aix to St-Tropez
Experience the song of the cicadas. The scent of lavender wafting from purple fields. The first juicy bite of a ripe apricot. From Provence to the chic Riviera, embrace this feast for the senses.
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
From $7,199 - $7,649/person
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Snapshots from the Trip
Trip at a Glance
Highlights
- Admire the full palette of southern France, from Provence’s sage-covered hillsides to the Riviera’s aquamarine waters and glitzy beaches
- Visit the old port of Cassis and marvel at Marseille’s Calanques by boat—these limestone cliffs and coves are worth seeing from every angle
- Hike the pastoral slopes of Mont Sainte-Victoire, a stunning peak immortalized by Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne
- Stroll the romantic alleyways and shady avenues of Aix-en-Provence, celebrated for its golden façades and fountains that seem to spring up at every turn
- Luxuriate in unique and fabulous hotels, from a Provençal hideaway to a cliffside perch above the Mediterranean
Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.
Start Aix-en-Provence Airport & Travel Details
- Kick off your journey in dreamy Aix-en-Provence, where lively squares, leafy boulevards and timeless Provençal charm welcome you to the South of France
- Hike old shepherds’ paths through rugged hills with sweeping views of a tranquil reservoir
- Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the foot of Mont Sainte-Victoire, while gazing at the breathtaking landscapes that inspired Cézanne’s most famous paintings
- Unwind poolside at the sumptuous Relais & Châteaux Villa Gallici.
Night 1
Luxury Hotel
Situated just steps from the town center of Aix-en-Provence, this elegant 18th-century former residence is beautifully adorned with period antiques and objets d'art. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- The charming town of Cassis welcomes us to the coast with its unique calanques, narrow coves where crystalline water laps at dramatic limestone cliffs
- Ascend through the shaded Sainte-Baume State Forest, pausing to reflect inside the legendary cave of Mary Magdalene
- Soak up panoramic views from the park’s main massif
- Hike along the coast on a trail framed by steep, terraced vineyards
- Get up close and personal with the calanques on a boat ride to secluded swimming spots
- Try your hand at a game of pétanque before dinner
- Savor the catch of the day, paired with delicious local wines.
Nights 2-3
Luxury Hotel
This glamorous villa perches above the Mediterranean, with grounds shaded by Roman pines and a swimming pool carved into the rocks just above the spray of the waves. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Hike from one hilltop village to the next as we head east into the heart of the Riviera
- Grab a bite to eat in the hidden lanes of Ramatuelle, one of the Plus Beaux (Most Beautiful) Villages of France
- Hike among the three capes known as the guardians of Saint-Tropez, whose rugged peaks have stood watch over the peninsula and Mediterranean coastline for centuries
- Watch old-timers play pétanque in Saint-Tropez, where ancient traditions coexist with the glitz of the modern jet set
- Immerse yourself in the culinary delights and chic atmosphere that define Saint-Tropez dining
- Lighthouses and sandy beaches await as we explore the stunning Tropézienne coast on foot.
Nights 4-5
Luxury Hotel
Airy and elegant, this gorgeous property features a terraced patio and overlooks St-Tropez and the Mediterranean coastline. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
End Nice Airport & Travel Details
This trip has an activity level range of 2-4
All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
All accommodations on your Backroads trip
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Expertise and services of Backroads Trip Leaders
Lightweight carbon hiking poles
Backroads On Trip App with route maps, elevation profiles, daily snapshots and more
Additional local guides and experts, plus equipment for included activities as detailed in your itinerary
Exclusive activities, tours and cultural experiences, as detailed in your itinerary
All luggage transfers and porterage during your trip
Snacks and beverages between meals
Private cocktail and wine receptions on the first and last nights of your trip
Choice of Backroads t-shirt or hat, plus water bottle and luggage tag
Detailed Travel Planner with destination tips and pre-trip information
