Walk the hill-top villages of the Luberon, France

Our walk is a discovery of the quintessentially Provençal villages that crown the rolling hills to the north of the massif. Characterised by narrow streets, crumbling châteaux and fortified, honey-coloured houses, they bask in the glorious sunshine, affording sweeping views over the surrounding landscapes. As you journey east, you walk from the vineyards and orchards beneath the Petit Luberon to the bulkier form of the Grand Luberon, with options up the panoramic slopes of the massif, before finally turning north towards increasingly open countryside.

Les Sables d'Ocre, Roussillon
Most bedrooms have either a balcony or terrace overlooking the gardens or the outdoor pool.

Le Clos du Buis, Bonnieux
This is a high-quality guesthouse (chambres d'hôtes), with a swimming pool and accommodation every bit as charming as the village itself. If this is unavailable, we use the Hotel le César, which boasts excellent views over the valley. As you stay on a bed and breakfast basis, there are several restaurants from which to choose for dinner.

Auberge des Seguins, near Buoux
Popular with walkers, this is by far the simplest of the hotels on the holiday. Nevertheless, the secluded location in the Aigue Brun Gorge is excellent - in some bedrooms the cliff forms one of the walls!

Auberge du Presbytère, Saignon
Located right in the centre of this pretty village by the fountain and ancient wash-house, the Auberge du Presbytère has been converted from three adjoining houses and exudes character – bedrooms (some of which have a small balcony) are individually decorated, with terracotta or wooden floors, beamed ceilings and wicker and antique furniture. The Provençal cuisine is excellent.