Landscapes of the Luberon

Location: Provence, France. Holiday type: Independent walking, hotel-to-hotel. Managed locally by Headwater employed rep. Activity level: 1 boot Duration: 9 days (8 nights) Hotels: Mid range/good value. Meals: Continental breakfast and 4 evening meals. Prices from: Please call. Departs: Every two days from 1 May '12 to 8 Oct '12   JFMAMJJASOND

Highlights This easy walking route explores Provence's archtypical Luberon National Park, a landscape of dazzling ochre cliffs, olive orchards, lavender fields and stunningly beautiful perched villages. Highlights include the picturesque villages of Gordes, Bonnieux and Roussillon.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive at St Didier

Our hotel is in its own grounds with swimming pool and tennis courts.

Day 2 - Rustrel to Apt 17km/10mi/4.5hr

We give you a lift to the starting point in Rustrel, where you can begin the day with an hour-long circuit in the Provencal Colorado, once ochre quarries and now a strange landscape of fantastic shapes and vivid colours. Today's main walk is through classic Provencal countryside where you will see vineyards and cherry orchards, fig trees and olive groves, and neat plantations of scented lavender before continuing in to Apt.

Day 3 - At Apt

Apt is famous for its crystallised fruits and traditional pottery. It has plenty of shops, cafes and colourful Saturday and Tuesday markets. Visit the Maison du Parc du Luberon and Ste Anne's Cathedral, part of which dates to C13.

Day 4 - Apt/Roussillon 16km/10mi/4.5hr

After a short transfer to the lovely village of St Saturnin, your walk today heads south and up through cherry orchards, vineyards and pine forests - a magnificent panorama across the Apt plain and the Luberon. After Gargas, you continue through pine forest along blood-red ochre-coloured tracks, then descend in to Roussillon.

Day 5 - At Roussillon

Roussillon, one of the most beautiful villages in France, is famous for its streaked ochre cliffs. Visit too the superb perched village of Bonnieux - lots of art galleries, pavement cafes and little restaurants for lunch.

Day 6 - Roussillon to Joucas 13km/8mi/3.5hr

Today's walk takes you through the most incredibly beautiful ochre coloured countryside, as you stroll through cherry orchards, vineyards and fields ablaze with lavender. After lunch, walking with the striking 'eagle's nest' village of Gordes ahead (lots of time to explore tomorrow), you finally turn off north to charming Joucas - where you'll find a warm welcome at our family-run hotel.

Day 7 - At Joucas

This is a great opportunity to explore the picturesque village of Gordes, which clothes the hilltop with wonderfully photogenic houses, terraces and gardens. The village is dominated by its Renaissance chateau and the streets are crammed with cafes, restaurants and shops.

Day 8 - Joucas/Senanque to St Didier 18km/11mi/5.5hr

Lift to the C12 cistercian abbey at Senanque where today's walk begins. Up first through pine and oak forest, then out across the plateau de Vaucluse. Stunning views of Mt Ventoux and the jagged peaks of the Dentelles de Montmirail. Then it's down through cherry orchards back to St Didier for a final swim.

Day 9 - Leave St Didier

Note: The village fete take place in Joucas from 25-27 August. Great atmosphere but if you prefer things quiet, perhaps choose a different week.