Provence Wine Trails – 8 Days

DISTANCE - ABOVE AVERAGE

Distance training is a major consideration in your overall training program. As you progress, incorporate longer walks into your training plan.

Schedule one or two long walks each week, gradually increasing the distance until you can comfortably cover 17-25 km in a single day. Also include walks on consecutive days to help your body adapt to the demands of walking for multiple days in a row. Take every opportunity you can to walk. If you have a fitness watch or phone, you should try to reach >15,000 steps every day.

Ensure you can comfortably walk the average distance per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

ELEVATION - BELOW AVERAGE

Elevation is not a major consideration in your overall training program. However, you should still incorporate some form of resistance training to increase your endurance.

UNEVEN TERRAIN

Preparation for hiking on uneven terrain demands a blend of physical and mental readiness.

Begin with balance-enhancing exercises, such as one-legged stands and stability ball workouts, laying a groundwork for stability and coordination. Strengthening the lower body is especially important, achieved through the incorporation of squats, lunges, and step-ups. Gradually increase the complexity of the terrain on which you walk, moving from gravel paths to rocky trails. Cultivate mindfulness during your practice, directing focused attention to both your immediate surroundings and precise foot placement.

The importance of suitable footwear cannot be overstated; prioritise options that offer robust support and reliable grip to navigate varying terrains with confidence. Build endurance through consistent hikes, progressively increasing distance and difficulty.

WALKING

The walk is moderate, with only some small ascents. Full-day walks average about 14 km, with 5 to 6 hours of walking each day. If you wish, There are plenty of opportunities to add more or even reduce the walking. The walking is over well maintained, sometimes ancient paths via the most scenic route possible.

This is a beautiful area with many fabulous historic attractions in addition to the fabulous wineries. We highly recommend that you incorporate some extra time after the walk to rest but also to fully immerse yourself in Provence and the Cote d’Azur (the French Riviera).

Please refer to our Gear Advice section on our FAQ section for what to bring.

AVAILABILITY

All year.

HOW TO GET TO THE START AND FROM THE END OF THE WALK

Travelling to the Start of the walk

The walk starts in Chateauneuf du Pape with a transfer from Avignon at 4.30pm. And ends with a stay in Vaison La Ramone and a transfer back to Avignon in the morning. We can arrange for you to stay an extra night in Avignon if you wish, just let the office know (at extra cost).

You will need to get yourself to and from the start in Chateauneuf du Papeand and the end of your walk in Avignon. To make it easy, we have collated some useful information to assist you in making arrangements for your travel.

By plane (and rail): One of the easiest options would be to fly into Marseille and then catch the train from Marseille to Avignon. There are many airlines that fly from Paris to Marseille. Below are possible websites that provide several different carriers to choose from.

https://www.kayak.com/flights

www.google.com/flights

From Marseille airport, you can catch the shuttle bus to the train station VITROLLES (tickets can be bought directly on the bus) and then a train from Marseille to Avignon. The train from Marseilles to Avignon will take around 1 hr and will cost anywhere from around €10.00 to €30.00 or AUD 15 – $40. There is no need to buy your train ticket in advance from VITROLLES station; you can buy the ticket on the train from the controller.

Please find below ways to book:

Trainline.com:  https://www.thetrainline.com/en/train-times

TGV: https://en.oui.sncf/en/tgv

By rail:  It’s also very easy to catch a train from anywhere in France to Avignon. The fastest service is the TGV intercity high-speed rail service from Paris to Avignon. This journey takes about 3hrs from Paris and will cost anywhere from €50 to €150 or $30 – $160 AUS depending on booking conditions and the Class of service chosen.

https://en.oui.sncf/en/tgv

You can buy a ticket when you get there. However, we recommend pre-booking your tickets online.

In Avignon, there are two train stations: the TGV one situated 2km outside of the city centre and the SNCF city centre train station. A regular train shuttle runs every 15 mins between the 2 stations. If you want to arrive right in Avignon city centre, you must purchase a ticket for Avignon City Centre station. This will ensure your ticket includes the train station.

By taxi: from TGV station to the centre of Avignon. There are taxis available at the TGV station, and also at the city centre station. However, like anywhere else, you may have difficulty finding one during peak times.

Please note: we can also organise a private taxi transfer at an additional cost in a 5 seater car from Marseille airport to Avignon:

Please advise us before you make your final payment so we can get this transfer organised in conjunction with your arrival details.

Travelling from the End of the walk

By rail:  The train from Avignon back to Marseilles takes around 40 min cost around €9.50.

Or take a train back to Paris, which takes about 3 hours.

Trainline.com:  https://www.thetrainline.com/en/train-times

TGV: https://en.oui.sncf/en/tgv

By plane: (Get the train to Marseille) There are many airlines that fly from Marseilles to Paris. Below are possible websites that provide several different carriers to choose from.

https://www.kayak.com/flights

www.google.com/flights

WEATHER

From March, the temperature begins to rise, so be prepared for warmer days if you walk in summer. Shoulder season is by far the best time as the weather is perfect for walking and the added advantage of having fewer people around in the villages and on the coast (we walk away from the populated areas on the walk so crowds are not an issue.)

See the weather average temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year.

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips requiring international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance including medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred by our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section for more information.

INFORMATION PACK

For nearly 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a detailed information pack and itinerary approximately six weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.

CONTACT

If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants. You can get in touch with us via our contact form, email us at info@auswalk.com.au, or call us on +61 3 9597 9767.