Hiking tour – The dentelles of Montmirail

Day 1 – Arrival at VAISON LA ROMAINE

This city, dating back several thousands of years, holds numerous vestiges. The city, or rather cities, stretches out over both banks of the river Ouveze. On the left bank, the medieval city was built on ancient Celtic ruins. On the right bank, the modern town hides all traces of the Roman city it once was. The only architectural evidence remaining is the Roman Bridge. It stands as the one and only link between the two banks, resistant still to the churning rise and fall of the rushing river below. Lodging and breakfast in a 2-star hotel in the city centre

Day 2 – VAISON-LA-ROMAINE – MALAUCENE (20 km –height gain: 300 meters)

Leaving Vaison-la-Romaine, you will pass through the medieval city and its fortified castle before reaching the old village of Crestet. Once through the door of the fortified wall, you will find you have slipped back through time and arrived in the Middle-Ages! You will see around you the Feudal castle, 12th century church, and cobblestone streets embellished with vaulted passages. You will continue your journey to the white limestone crests that rise up from the forest in sharp contrast to the blue sky. You will walk on to Le Pas du Loup, a narrow passage through the Dentelles, before descending into the village of Malaucene, just opposite Mont Ventoux. Dinner, lodging and breakfast in a 2-star hotel

Day 3 – MALAUCENE – LE BARROUX (18 km – height gain: 500m)

Spend the morning visiting this large village, encircled by stream and trees. Admire the 14th century fortified church and the old neighborhoods, created by a maze of narrow, picturesque streets. Once you leave, you will sink into the heart of the Massif des Dentelles. You will come upon the La Chaine pass and will discover the St Amand Cirque before crossing the village of Suzette, famous for is apricots and its Roman church. From here, a panorama of the area stretches attractively before you. You will pass through orchards, vineyards and forests of olive trees, finally reaching Le Barroux village. Dinner, lodging and breakfast in a 2-star hotel Day 4 – LE BARROUX – VACQUEYRAS (24 km – height gain: 400m). Back by taxi to Le Barroux in the morning. You will spend the morning visiting the small village of Le Barroux, and sitting in the shadow of its huge Renaissance castle. Then you will take off again through the Massif, discovering the picturesque villages of Roque-Alric, perched on a rocky summit and Lafare, built next to La Salette stream. You will make your way up to Le Grand Montmirail and Les Dentelles Sarrazines (climbing site), passing the St Christophe Chapel along route. Finally, you will reach the Col du Cayron ( Cayron pass ), the remains of the Sarrasine Tower and continue to Vacqueyras through the vineyards and some olive groves. Dinner, night and breakfast in a 2-star hotel

Day 5 – VACQUEYRAS – SEGURET (23 km – height gain: 300m)

You will join Gigondas by walking on foothills of Les Dentelles and will visit the village. Leaning on the hill’s flank, and encircled by a medieval wall, it is famous for having on the greatest Côtes du Rhône red wines. You will make you way through the forest and vineyards to the village of Sablet, built on a rounded hillock. Walking through its concentric streets, you will reach the church that overlooks the village and then, turning your back on the plain, you’ll walk towards Seguret, an old Provençal village that stretches up to the first slopes of Montmirail. You will step into this medieval village through one of the doors of the fortified wall. Walking through the narrow, cobblestone streets, you will discover the wash house, embellished with arcades, the fountain, the belfry, a few small chapels and the Roman church. Transfer by taxi to Vaison at the end of afternoon. Lodging and breakfast in a 2-star hotel in the city centre

Day 6 – SEGURET

The tour ends after breakfast. Transfer by taxi to Vaison la Romaine