Looking for a bucolic getaway around Avignon? Let us introduce you to a hiking circuit between two of Provence's mythical rivers: the Sorgue and the Rhône. A micro-adventure easily accessible by train, ideal for a relaxing weekend along the water and local heritage, between Provencal villages and soothing nature! For further details, visit the Grand Avignon website.
High speed train
(≈ 2h40)
Regional train
(≈ 00h12)
Walking
(≈ 7h30)
Walking
(≈ 4h00)
High speed train
(≈ 2h40)
Once you've reached Saint-Saturnin by TER or bus (line 11 of the Orizo network) from Avignon, it's time for adventure. We advise you to spend the night in Saint-Saturnin to see the sights (take a look at the Ancien Moulin and Place de l'Église!) before heading to the Vieux Lavoir the next day for the start of the hike.
Then it's on to a day of canals. These nuggets of Roman engineering, also known as “fillioles”, add an extra touch of soul to the landscape. From Saint-Saturnin, you'll walk around 25 km (120mD+) to Villeneuve lez Avignon - a 6h30 to 8h30 walk, depending on your pace, your load, the heat... - passing through the charming villages of Jonquerettes (with its views of Mont Ventoux) and Morières-les-Avignon (with its pretty vineyards).
Once in Villeneuve lez Avignon, we recommend staying overnight to enjoy the charm of this fortified town (described here). You'll be able to stroll through the charming streets with their Italian and Provencal influences, or visit the gardens of the Abbaye Saint-André, ranked among the most beautiful in the region.
The following day, from Villeneuve lès Avignon, you'll set off on a 7 to 9 km walk and 12 km canoe trip (approx. 2h30 paddling). You can canoe down the Ouvèze before joining the Rhône, picnic at the pretty Sauveterre Himalayan bridge and arrive under the famous Avignon bridge at Ile de la Barthelasse.
From there, all you have to do is take a bus to Avignon Centre (bus 5 or 16), or Avignon TGV (bus 20). Then all you have to do is hop on a TGV to Paris, with your head full of memories!
Around 15 trains a day, departing every 30 minutes or so, with journey times ranging from 12 to 30 minutes. Tickets range from €2 to €5, depending on timetable and service.
N.B. To save time on part of the journey, you can also take the Orizo 09 bus from Morières to the “Chemin des canaux” stop, then the Orizo 08 bus to Avignon to rue des teinturiers, but the journey will be just as quick on foot.15 trains a day, departing every 30 minutes or so, for a journey time of 12 to 30 minutes. Tickets range from €2 to €5, depending on timetable and service.
To reach Avignon from Villeneuve lez Avignon in a sporty way, there are two options:
Last stop: return to Paris by TGV, after this breath of sunshine!