Discover sustainable travel in France! Explore responsible walking tours & more. Carbon removals included! Packages customizable.

Sustainable Travel in France | Yugen Earthside

Morbi in sem quis dui placerat ornare. Pellentesque odio nisi, euismod in, pharetra a, ultricies in, diam. Sed arcu. Cras consequat.

Praesent dapibus, neque id cursus faucibus, tortor neque egestas auguae, eu vulputate magna eros eu erat. Aliquam erat volutpat. Nam dui mi, tincidunt quis, accumsan porttitor, facilisis luctus, metus.

Yugen Earthside connects mindful travelers to sustainable trips around the world. Carbon removals included with each booking!

Connecting mindful travelers to responsible experiences around the world.

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

We proudly partner with wanderwell, a B-Corp-certified travel insurance agency and 1% for the Planet member.

Request a FREE quote for Trip Protection or Travel Medical coverage.

Discover self-guided, privately-guided, & small group tours around the world. Our sustainable adventures are customizable, and include carbon removals with each booking!

Trips | Yugen Earthside | Sustainable Adventures

Immerse yourself in the alluring Luberon National Park in Provence as you hike through picturesque villages, valleys, vineyards, & fields.

[8 days] Hiking in the Luberon National Park | Yugen Earthside

Immerse yourself in the alluring Luberon National Park in Provence as you hike through picturesque villages, valleys, vineyards, & fields. There are countless treasures to unveil in this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve!

The Luberon is a beloved region in the heart of Provence, world-famous for its natural beauty, charming towns, rolling vineyards, and expansive lavender fields.

Beginning in the town of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, with its antiques and Venice-like canals, your journey will take you through the mysterious springs of Fontaine de Vaucluse, famed villages such as Gordes and Bonnieux, the spectacular Aiguebrun river, and some of France's most beautiful walking paths to link it all together.

A combination of linear and circular walks helps you 'slow travel' through the Luberon, staying at most accommodations two nights in a row.

Take scenic hikes showcasing the ancient perched villages of Gordes and Bonnieux

Follow paths nestled in the heart of Luberon through fields dotted with old stone huts

Lose yourself amidst the captivating labyrinth of narrow streets in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

Roam the vibrant Senanque Abbey Lavender Market, surrounded by lavender fields

Traverse mountains and valleys, taking in scenic views of the Alps & the Mediterranean Sea

Uncover the architectural splendor of Romanesque and Renassaince buildings

A two-night stay at the unique and special Auberge des Seguins

With each turn in your path, the Luberon Mountains offer a new discovery. You'll visit 1000-year-old perched villages, rising spectacularly from the valleys below, many of which are considered the most beautiful in France. (The "Most Beautiful Villages of France" is an official accolade.)

You'll cross open fields laden with poppies and wildflowers, spot centuries-old stone huts that offer the most intimate of picnic spots, and wander beautiful trails far off the beaten track. 

We recommend starting your walking tour on a Saturday so you enjoy the 'Venice of Provence', Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, on Sunday. Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is renowned for its quintessential Sunday morning market, the Senanque Abbey surrounded by lavender fields, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse and the source of the Sorgue River, and the outstanding perched villages of Gordes and Bonnieux. Strolling through Isle-sur-la-Sorgue's vibrant farmers' market on Sunday will be the ideal place to buy fresh, local picnic supplies before heading out on your hike.

You can book this trip from March to mid-November.

The low season is from March 1st to 31st & from October 1st to November 15th.

The high season is from April 1st to June 26th & from August 27th to September 30th. 

The weather in the Luberon area is Mediterranean, with mild winters and warm to hot summers. The Luberon receives little precipitation and has moderate humidity, allowing pleasant conditions for outdoor activities.

March to May: Spring brings mild temperatures between 60°F and 70°F and vibrant landscapes adorned with blooming wildflowers. The trails are less crowded, providing a serene hiking experience. Note: Spring is usually too early for the lavender blooms! 

June to August: Summers will be hot and dry, potentially closing trails due to fire risk. This season is also crowded with tourists. We don't recommend this tour for most of these months.

September to November: Fall brings reprieve with more comfortable temperatures, and paints the landscapes with stunning fall colors.

To ensure both comfort and sustainability, we strongly recommend planning your trip for the spring or fall. This helps with tourism dispersal and the alleviation of congestion at peak times. You'll have a more pleasant experience, explore the natural beauty of the region at a more relaxed pace, and have a positive impact on the local communities and environment.

All dinners except at Auberge des Seguins

Transportation to/from Isle-sur-la-Sorgue on D1 & D8

7 nights double occupancy with private facilities

Taxi transfer from Isle-sur-la-Sorgue to Fontaine de Vaucluse (D2)

Taxi transfer from Buoux to Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (D8)

A full travel kit (welcome letter, vouchers, daily summary, luggage tags)

Road Book with detailed walking itineraries & integrated maps

Low Season: Mar. 1st - May 14th; Oct. 1st - Nov. 15th

Our tours offer a unique and eco-friendly way to explore a country on foot or by bike. We believe that tourism can positively impact society in several ways. Firstly, walking and cycling are pollution-free modes of transportation, allowing you to travel in an eco-responsible manner. Additionally, these activities promote physical fitness and provide a rejuvenating break from everyday routines and stress.

By traveling at a slower pace, you have the opportunity to fully enjoy the tours, meet people, and immerse yourself in local culture. We prioritize authentic experiences, introducing you to local accommodations, restaurants, artisans, and farmers. We strive to support sustainable development and responsible tourism by working with small, local, and family-run establishments.

Acknowledging that travel does generate CO2 emissions, we aim to reduce our carbon footprint and have partnered with Reforest'Action, a B Corp company. We calculate the average emissions produced by transportation on our trips and plant trees to offset these emissions. Each traveler's participation results in the planting of one tree, contributing to forest preservation and the development of carbon sinks. Additionally, your actions support the purchase of carbon credits associated with certified forest conservation projects. You can also extend your impact by purchasing and planting additional trees to reduce your carbon footprint in other areas.

Overall, our tours offer a fulfilling and sustainable travel experience, combining the exploration of beautiful landscapes, the appreciation of diverse cultures, and a commitment to environmental responsibility.

This trip was designed to discover must-sees but also off-the-beaten places such as the hidden Aiguebrun Valley and the converted goat's farm Auberge des Seguins. In this way, we promote tourism dispersal, which helps alleviate the negative impacts of mass tourism. We also try to minimize our impacts on the environment by choosing small hotels and guesthouses and using as less transfers as possible. 

We use small hotels & guesthouses, supporting local businesses and contributing to the local economy. The places you will visit take you off the beaten path. In this way, we distribute tourism income more evenly and support lesser-known communities. This diversification of tourism also stimulates economic growth, creates job opportunities, and encourages the development of sustainable tourism initiatives in previously overlooked areas.

A highlight of this tour is the two-night stay at the Auberge des Seguins: Hidden at the base of the Aiguebrun gorge, beside the only river in the mountain, and at the very end of the road, Les Seguins is both storybook scenic and peaceful. And with no television, Wi-Fi, or cell phone reception, we’re taken back in time, blissfully. All that’s left is watching the swifts dance atop the soaring limestone cliffs, or relaxing in a lounge chair in the open field, facing the centuries-old golden stone buildings. We’re taken back in time, too, by the restaurant and hotel signs, written not only in French but also in Provençal: a language that your three young hosts speak fluently. Dinner is family-style, with home-cooked Provençal specialties – like lamb shoulder braised with olive purée – served in a large casserole for the whole table, near the huge roaring fireplace. Breakfast is also “communal”: eaten on large farm tables, with no bells and whistles but with the freshest pieces of bread and tasty homemade jams. 

We’re in an age where the hotel and restaurant business moves farther toward all that is modern and sophistic-chic, towards sterile monotony, towards overly fancy restaurant concoctions unrecognizable by name and taste, and towards pamper-me-and-embrace-my-posterior service. The Auberge des Seguins is none of that, for better or worse. We think (we’re convinced) for the better. Some history: The name Seguins derives from the Waldensian (a reformed religious group) family of the same name that lived here centuries ago. The Waldensians were massacred in the 16th century throughout the Luberon mountains. The oldest buildings standing today were built in the 17th century, long after the Seguins had left. In 1850 the hamlet was shared by three farming families, and by 1960, when it was purchased by the Pessemesse family to build a hotel, the hamlet was run as a goat farm. The Pessemesse family still runs the Auberge today, by sisters Amélie and Estelle, and brother Simon.

Be sure you have traveler's insurance.
It's recommended to be in good physical condition to do this trip.

Embark on a hiking adventure from the enchanting hilltop villages in Nice's backcountry to the azure coast of the French Riviera.

[8 Days] Hiking from Hilltop Villages to the Riviera | Yugen Earthside

This self-guided trip provides a great contrast between walking through the mountains and along sun-drenched coastal trails. There will be many swimming opportunities in the Mediterranean Sea along the way! 

Savour French/Italian fusion in architecture, culture, & cuisine

Roam through idyllic villages nestled in wooded valleys, surrounded by mountains

Immerse yourself in the colorful markets of Breil sur Roya, Sospel, & Menton

Hike to Sainte Agnès, a gem of France's perched villages (& the highest coastline village!)

Stroll along the Mediterranean Sea's stunning shores

Wander the cobblestone streets of Eze & discover scenic Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Relax in the fishermen's town of Villefranche sur Mer

Behind the French Riviera’s glamour, timeless villages are hidden, tucked away in lush valleys and resting atop rocky crags. The ancient paths wind through forests and follow majestic olive groves. Perched high above the sea, the panoramic views from the hilltop villages are stunning and breathtaking. The centuries-old route eventually leads you straight to the beautiful town of Menton, the last stop along the French Riveria before reaching the Italian border.

The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. We generally recommend this trip from March to mid-November.

March to May: Spring ushers in blossoming landscapes and colorful, picturesque settings. The mild temperatures range from 50°F to 68°F, ideal for hiking. Trails may be muddy from winter rains, so it's advisable to take waterproof hiking gear with you. You shouldn't expect big crowds on the trails or in the villages, making for a pleasant experience.

June to August: Summers are dry and can have very high temperatures (~86°F), especially in July and August. If you travel during these peak months, your hikes should be done early in the morning to try to beat the heat. Coastal towns offer opportunities for refreshing swims in the Mediterranean alongside crowds of tourists. 

September to November: Autumn is another ideal season for this trip with pleasant temperatures ranging from 59°F to 77°F. You'll enjoy the welcome coastal breezes and colorful foliage. The tourist traffic begins to wane, especially in October and November.

To ensure both comfort and sustainability, we highly recommend taking this trip in the spring or autumn. By traveling during less crowded months, you can contribute to tourism dispersal. This helps lessen the environmental impact on the trail and helps spread the economic benefits of tourism beyond the peak season. Plus, you'll get to enjoy a more tranquil experience along the French Riviera!

Transportation from Menton to Villefranche with your bags 4.20€ pp (D5)

Transportation from Villefranche to Eze and return 1.80€ pp (D6)

Train: Sospel train station to Sospel guesthouse (D1)

Train: Sospel guesthouse to Breil sur Roya (D2)

Low Season: Mar. 1st - 31st; Oct. 1st - Nov. 15th

High Season: Apr. 1st - Jun. 26th; Aug. 27th - Sep. 30th

In order to act in a responsible way towards the environment, this trip guarantees to and from route transportation by train. Choosing train travel over other modes of transportation, such as airplanes or cars, significantly reduces carbon emissions. Throughout the adventure, we will be staying 2 nights in each place, except for the day we visit Menton. In this way we promote slow tourism, reducing transportation impact, supporting local economies, and deeply connecting with the local culture. 

As hiking is a low-carbon impact activity, our trip is environmentally friendly. 

We highlight the local market days, use trains whenever possible (between Menton and Villefranche / Eze), and also upon arrival and departure.

We use very small guesthouses and a simple Auberge, they serve local food and try to make a special effort regarding recycling, zero plastic use, eco-friendly cleaning products, and energy and water savings.

Hiking from the Hilltop Villages to the French Riviera

Discover off-the-beaten-path wine trails of Provence, hiking from Châteauneuf du Pape to Côtes du Rhône, & visiting medieval cities in between. Carbon removals included!

[9 days] Sustainable Hiking Tour: Wine Trails of Provence | Yugen Earthside

Discover off-the-beaten-path wine trails of Provence, hiking from Châteauneuf du Pape to Côtes du Rhône, while visiting medieval cities in between. 

Your journey will start in the Historic Center of Avignon (a UNESCO site) and end in the medieval town of Vaison la Romaine, filled with archaeological delights. Along the way, you'll taste robust reds Châteauneuf du Pape, sweet, white Muscats from Côtes du Rhône, and plenty more.

This trip is the ideal combination of hiking, relaxing, tasting good food, and enjoying delectable wine in Provence!

Wander through famed vineyards in Châteauneuf du Pape, tasting red & white wines

Indulge in French cuisine: baguettes, goats cheese, ratatouille & Côtes du Rhône wines

Explore the Historic Center of Avignon, a UNESCO site where history echoes in every cobblestone

Hike along quiet farms and take in sweeping vistas like Mont Ventoux, the "Giant of Provence"

Roam the Rhone Valley's untamed slopes to discover enigmatic church ruins & cave dwellings

Uncover Roman traditions by exploring the vastness of France's largest archaeological site

Stay in the picturesque villages of Séguret, Le Barroux, & Vaison la Romaine

Embark on a mesmerizing journey through the sun-kissed vineyards of Provence! Start in the enchanting embrace of Avignon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and conclude your adventure amidst the medieval allure of Vaison la Romaine.

Châteauneuf du Pape is Southern France’s most prestigious wine village: grapes have been grown there for 850 years. The Popes brought the vines to this area in the 14th century and, thanks to the amazing growing conditions, many world-renowned and prized vintages have been produced.

The best way to discover the vineyards of Provence is by foot, strolling between the vines from one estate to the next. Vineyards are commonly run by the same families for generations, and you’ll have lots of wine-tasting opportunities on this sustainable Provençal walking tour.

You will pass through Séguret and Gigondas, two medieval villages perched high over the Rhône valley, framed by never-ending seas of reputed vineyards. From Gigondas, you approach the Dentelles de Montmirail, a set of jagged limestone teeth that soar high and defiantly over the Rhône Valley: a playground for magnificent walking and scenery!

You then walk towards the foot of Mont Ventoux (the "Giant of Provence") – through orchards and vineyards, with extraordinary panoramas and a large diversity of landscapes. At 6,263 ft in altitude, Mont Ventoux is Provence’s highest peak. Its remarkable silhouette paints the backdrop of this scenic exploration of Provence. 

You can book this trip from March to mid-November, but really we recommend between March and June or between September to mid-November.

Provence enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters, providing plenty of days of sunshine. The precipitation levels in the region are relatively low and there can be strong and cold winds. 

March to June: Springtime is ideal for hiking as the trails are less crowded, the wineries are open for tastings, and the countryside is alive with vibrant wildflowers. The weather is agreeably mild, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 68°F.

July to August: During summer, this trip is possible, though not ideal. The weather is particularly dry and hot, so hikes would need to be completed in the morning. Importantly, there may be possible trail closures, and access to hiking paths may be closed or be time-restricted if the risk of fires is high in the Dentelles & Ventoux areas. The local prefecture informs the following day's access by phone. Be sure to get this information if you choose to travel during these months.*

September to Mid-November: Fall offers lovely hiking conditions with temperatures from 59°F to 77°F, and the autumnal landscape is filled with shades of red, orange, and gold. As this is the harvest season, you can witness vineyards and olive groves bustling with activity.

*Any additional cost for extra transfers due to weather-related restrictions (or for any personal reason) will be at your own expense. Trail closures can also sometimes affect June and September, though this is not as likely as in July and August. 

8 nights at hand-picked small guesthouses or 2/3-star hotels

Transfer from Avignon to Châteauneuf du Pape (D2)

Transfer from Châteauneuf du Pape to Séguret (D4)

Half-day, guided wine tour (non private): 95 € pp

Participate in a half-day wine tour of the Southern Rhône's premium wine villages. A local wine expert will reveal a wealth of secrets about the vines and explain the key elements of the wine-making process as you visit the cellar and taste four to five wines at a local wine estate (depending on the wine expert, you'll visit 1 or 2 wine estates). The tasting characteristics, aging potential, and varying influences of the terroir and cellar methods will all be described.

Low Season: Mar. 1st - 27th; Oct. 29th - Nov. 26th

Mid Season: Mar. 28th - Jun. 24th; Sep. 1st - Oct. 28th

Our tours offer a unique and eco-friendly way to explore a country on foot or by bike, allowing you to travel in a pollution-free manner. Walking and cycling not only provide an eco-responsible mode of transportation but also promote physical activity and mental well-being, allowing you to break free from daily routines and stress.

By moving to the slow rhythm of our footsteps or our pedal strokes, we take the time to observe the landscapes, meet the local population, and find our freedom of movement. In this way, our trips allow travelers to fully immerse in the places they are visiting. We prioritize sustainable and responsible tourism by partnering with small local accommodations and supporting the local economy.

To minimize our carbon footprint, we have partnered with Reforest'Action to offset the CO2 emissions generated by our trips. Through tree planting and the purchase of carbon credits, we aim to contribute to forest preservation and the development of carbon sinks.

By participating in our tours, you not only experience the world up close but also actively support the fight against the negative consequences of tourism and promote a greener form of travel.

Throughout this self-guided tour, we prioritize sustainability by emphasizing the importance of minimizing waste. Our aim is to leave a minimal impact on the environment and promote a cleaner, healthier planet. 

We are also committed to serving local food, preferably sourced from organic producers. By supporting local farmers and businesses, we not only ensure that you have a truly authentic culinary experience but also contribute to the local economy and reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transportation.

In addition to our food choices, we are conscious of using eco-friendly cleaning products to minimize harm to the environment. We believe in responsible tourism practices that extend to all aspects of our operations, including the products we use to maintain cleanliness and hygiene. Water and energy conservation are also key priorities during the tour. The accommodations we chose are trying to reduce waste and use refilled toiletry items, serve as many local products as possible, and implement water & energy-saving measures. We encourage responsible water usage and provide information on how to minimize water waste. Similarly, we promote energy-saving measures to reduce our ecological impact. By incorporating these practices into our tour operations, we strive to create a sustainable travel experience that respects and preserves the natural resources of the destinations we visit.

In our roadbook, we emphasize the socio-cultural positive impact of our tour. We believe that travel should go beyond sightseeing and offer meaningful interactions with local communities and their traditions.

By highlighting the locations of local markets each day, we encourage you to stroll through these vibrant spaces. It provides you with a unique opportunity to engage with local vendors, taste regional delicacies, and witness the lively atmosphere. These interactions allow you to learn about traditional food practices, support small-scale farmers and artisans, and develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of their customs and traditions.

Furthermore, we provide information on wine and olive oil tastings along the way. These experiences allow you to delve into the rich culinary heritage of the region, learn about wine production techniques, and appreciate the artistry of olive oil making. By visiting these establishments, you not only savor the flavors but also support local winemakers and olive oil producers, contributing to the preservation of traditional craftsmanship.

We have nurtured long-term relationships with small guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, and hotels that are locally owned and operated. Whenever possible, we prioritize partnering with these establishments to support the local economy and contribute to the sustainable development of the region.

By choosing these small-scale accommodations, we ensure that a significant portion of the revenue generated from your stay goes directly into the hands of local entrepreneurs. This not only helps them sustain their businesses but also creates employment opportunities for the local community.

Moreover, our tour is carefully designed to include lesser-known and off-the-beaten-path places in Provence. By exploring these hidden gems, you will have the opportunity to experience the authentic essence of the region and support local providers. From visiting local markets to engaging in wine or olive oil tastings, we guide you toward experiences that connect you with the local economy and cultural heritage.

During your journey, you will have the chance to support approximately 10 local providers in the region. This includes not only your accommodations but also interactions with local artisans, farmers, and producers. By purchasing their products, participating in their activities, and engaging in their services, you contribute directly to the economic sustainability of these individuals and their communities.

France

Hiking in the Luberon National Park

Hiking from the Hilltop Villages to the French Riviera

Hiking the Wine Trails of Provence

Company

Fine Print

Newsletter