This walking route is for strong walkers or hikers, and can be completed in anywhere from 8-10 days.
Refuge d'Art multi-day walking tour
150 km loop with integral works of art along the route
The 150km route and the art along it are the brainchild of British artist Andy Goldsworthy, creating a unique concept in Europe.
Linking up three Sentinels (stone cairns, each one located in the heart of a valley), the circuit follows ancient paths among the remnants of an agricultural way of life that was once intense. Goldsworthy wanted to mark the circuit with Refuges in the form of disused houses belonging to the non-protected rural heritage, including chapels, farms and sheepfolds. These have now been restored, and a specially-designed sculpture has been incorporated into each one. They provide shelter for a pause along the route, or indeed, in some cases, the possibility of an overnight stay.
You can find out more about the route, the refuges and sentinels on the Refuge d'Art website.
What to bring
You can pick up a copy of the Refuge d'Art trail map at the Musée Gassendi for 2 euros.
What to see
Sights in Provence
See all Sights in Provence-
St Pancras Chapel, Digne-les-Bains
St Pancras Chapel, Digne-les-Bains
Small hilltop chapel with great views from the top
St. Pancras chapel was restored by a local team of volunterrs. It overlooks the town of Digne les Bains and offers a panoramic view of the various surrounding peaks.
-
Visit website
Geoparc de Haute Provence, Digne les Bains
A UNESCO accredited site bordering the French Alps and Provence
This unique natural area was designated as a 'Geoparc', the first of its kind, by UNESCO in 2000 and has since become the model for the development of Geoparks across the world.
-
Cathedral Notre Dame des Pommiers, Sisteron
Cathedral Notre Dame des Pommiers, Sisteron
Cathedral of Sisteron, now known as Church of Notre Dame des Pommiers
A Roman Catholic church that was once a catherdral and is now a national monument in France.
-
Visit website
La Citadelle, Sisteron
An impressive cliff top citadel overlooking the town of Sisteron
Sisteron's citadel wouldn't look out of place in an episode of Game of Thrones, with its imposing high walls, fortifications and impressive location looking down over the town below.
-
Visit website
Gorges du Verdon
Vast canyon running over 20km with aquamarine waters in the valley floor
The French Grand Canyon, the Grand Canyon of Verdon, the Gorges du Verdon, by whatever name this natural phenomenon is referred to it will remain to the beholder as one of the most spectacular sites in Europe.
-
Gres d'Annot, Annot
Gres d'Annot, Annot
An unusual & impressive goeological formation in the village of Annot
35 million years ago the "Grès d'Annot" were born, a result of submarine avalanches composed of silt and sand.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Provence
See all Restaurants in Provence-
L'Autruche Restaurant
L'Autruche Restaurant
Great value, good quality fresh food with plenty of variety from day to day
Small restaurant where you will never eat the same thing twice. Their menu is solely based on what good fresh ingredients the local market has to offer in the mornings.
-
L'Epice & Love Restaurant
L'Epice & Love Restaurant
Charming homely restaurant serving delicious dishes at fantastic prices
This is a popular place with both locals and travellers. It has a small cosy interior so if you want to dine there, best to get there earlier rather than later.
-
Visit website
La Chassagnette Restaurant
The only organic Michelin Starred restaurant in Europe
This organic Michelin starred restaurant is situated just 12km outside Arles on the road to Sambuc and is run by the chef Armand Arnal.
-
Le Temp de Vivre Restaurant, Uchaux
Le Temp de Vivre Restaurant, Uchaux
Good value small restaurant with great food for non fussy eaters
Le Temps de Vivre is situated in the little hamlet of Les Farjons just down the road from Uchaux.
-
Les Chenes Verts Restaurant, Tourtour
Les Chenes Verts Restaurant, Tourtour
Ideal for truffle lovers who are looking for a gourmet experience
This Michelin starred restaurant is situated on the outskirts of Tourtour and specialise in truffle dishes.
-
Visit website
La Vache a Carreaux Restaurant
Small friendly restaurant with a great selection wines & cheese dishes
This small restaurant is on the Rue Peyrollerie, a winding alley just off the Place St Pierre. It is a great option for vegetarians, offering a wide variety of cheese dishes and salads but there are also fish dishes available.
What to do
Things To Do in Provence
See all Things To Do in Provence-
Visit website
Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus
19 super water slides on one site, with toboggans & the black hole
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
-
Visit website
Aqualand Waterpark, St Cyr Sur Mer
11 super water slides, rapids & a flying boat, great for the family
Aqualand in St Cyr Sur Mer offer you 11 wicked slides in a great park environment with drinks, food, and shops for you to enjoy.
-
Visit website
Nyonsoleiado Waterpark, Nyons
Waterpark situated in the heart of Nyons
Waterpark complex that contains a lagoon, 25m pool, whirlpool basin, waterslides for children and adults, cascades of water, rivers, paddling pools and much more.
-
Visit website
Wave Island Waterpark, Monteux
The largest waterpark in France not far from Avignon
This huge waterpark covers an area of 4.7 hectares and includes a surf simulator, waterslides and a river feature called river land.
-
Visit website
Bike Tours & Rentals
Guided bike tours and bike rental around Provence
Enjoy cycling in Provence with experienced local guides, premium electric bikes and a choice of guided tours or independent rides. From tailored cycling experiences and wine-tasting tours to Mont Ventoux climbs, there are options for different abilities and interests, with convenient bike delivery to your accommodation also available.
-
Visit website
Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime
A really family orientated waterpark with slides & a flying boat
This is probably the most family orientated waterpark on the Cote d'Azur. With several friendly slides, a fun pool, food and drinks, ice creams, and shopping all at hand.
Where to stay
Cycling Hotels in Provence
See all Cycling Hotels in Provence-
Check Booking.com
La Madelene B&B, Malaucene
Guest rooms in a renovated 12th century priory building
This B&B is located between the villages of Malaucene and Entrechaux, near the base of Mont Ventoux.
-
Check Booking.com
Hotel des Pins, Bedoin
A 3 star hotel with a swimming pool at the foot of Mont Ventoux
Hotel des Pins has 25 rooms and suites, a restaurant, a terrace, and a garden.
-
Check Booking.com
Lou Cardalines B&B, near Bedoin
A B&B with views of Mont Ventoux and a swimming pool
Set in a traditional Provencal building, and carefully renovated, Lou Cardalines offers two guest houses with direct garden or terrace access.
-
Check Booking.com
La Bastide des Bourguets B&B, Sault
A quiet little B&B with a swimming pool overlooking the village of Sault
Perched on a small cliff, this B&B enjoys great views of the village of Sault below.
-
Enquire
Villa Champ Signoret B&B, Malaucene
Small guest house in beautiful surroundings with an outdoor pool
Located just 2 kilometres north of the village of Malaucene, this charming B&B has great views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.
-
Check Booking.com
Domaine de Pierravon B&B, Bedoin
Charming guest house in the foothills of Mont Ventoux
This fortified farmhouse has been converted into a lovely B&B not far from Bedoin village centre.

























