Provence to the French Riviera Women's Hiking & Walking Tour
Provençal Splendor & Exquisite Seascapes from Aix to St-Tropez
Beauty may be what first brought pleasure-seekers to this rocky shore, but southern France is something you indulge in with all your senses. The song of the cicadas. The scent of lavender farms. The beating sun of the trail, broken by a plunge into a sea cove. The first juicy bite of a cool apricot. Wild Provence. The chic riviera. From beginning to end, it’s a feast.
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 - $7,499/person
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Snapshots from the Trip
Trip at a Glance
Highlights
- Experience the full palette of southern France, from Provence’s rocky sage-covered hillsides to the riviera’s pristine waters and glitzy beaches
- Bask in the warm Provençal light that has inspired artists from Matisse to Van Gogh and hike on the pastoral slopes of Cézanne’s Mont Sainte-Victoire
- Stroll the romantic alleyways and shady avenues of Aix-en-Provence, whose ancient stones set the stage for a bright, inviting city buzzing with artistic energy
- Luxuriate in three uniquely fabulous hotels, from an exclusive villa hideaway to a cliffside perch above the sparkling Mediterranean Sea
Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.
Start Aix-en-Provence Airport & Travel Details
- Kick off your trip in dreamy Aix-en-Provence, a magical city where the sounds of cicadas and church bells echo from façades of carved yellow stone and drift between the plane trees
- Hike old shepherds’ paths through the rugged hills and catch views over 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
- Beat the heat poolside in the sumptuous luxury of Villa Gallici, which Condé Nast Traveler has named the best hotel in France.
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 the cliffs
- Steep hillside vineyards are bathed by sea breezes, framing the views on a coastal hike
- 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
- Dine on 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
- Lighthouses and sandy beaches await as we explore the stunning Tropézienne coast on foot
- Immerse yourself in the culinary delights and chic atmosphere that define Saint-Tropez dining.
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
