You've heard of slow food, slow travel.

What better place in the world to experience both but in the south of France.

Discover France, a cycling and hiking travel specialist throughout France, offers self-guided hiking trips to France that feature unique itineraries and top of the line Garmin GPS personal navigation systems. Trips are designed to give visitors more than just a snapshot of French culture and lifestyle.

Going the way independently is easy as the suggested routes are expertly chosen along with the quality accommodations.

One five-day hike, Alpilles to Luberon, combines the best of Provence from St. Remy to Gordes and the region's natural beauty, traditions, antiquity, castles and gastronomy.

During the adventure by foot, discover Saint-Remy de Provence and the countryside around this lovely town, the Sorgues Area, the Vaucluse Hills and the Luberon. Routes are a combination of quiet country roads along Provence villages and parts of GR-trails (Grande Randonnees/Long Distance Paths).

The distance traveled daily varies from 9 to 12 miles with hikes categorized as moderate for some hilly terrain. Day 5 is the longest distance, at 14.5 miles.

Rates are 997 euro, per person, double occupancy ($1,400), during Sept.-Oct. (trips not offered July, Aug. as trails are closed for fire prevention). The single supplement for a solo traveler is 499 euro ($700). Airfare not included (autumn rates to Paris and/or Nice average $750).

Included are six nights accommodations in charming hotels, daily breakfasts, one gourmet dinner, all walking tours (including IGN maps), GPS navigation (1 for 3 persons), baggage transfers between towns, orientation by phone and English speaking emergency assistance if needed during the stay.

Discover France offers more than 30 varied self-guided itineraries that feature the best of each region and that last from four days to two weeks. http://www.discoverfrance.com

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