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Book a Foraging Workshop in Avignon City Centre, Provence - Join a Guided Foraging Experience in Avignon
Hike the hills of the Luberon in search of wild herbs, a natural spring and fossils from 20 million years ago when this part of Provence was underwater, and learn to recognize fossils and identify the herbs that grow naturally across the countryside; along the way you’ll taste homemade Pastis mixed with water straight from the spring like a Provençal native out of a Peter Mayle novel, discover lingering evidence of the region’s first humans from nearly 130,000 years ago, and-after the walk-relax with your hosts at a beautiful fish pond where a table awaits with a traditional apéritif (rosé and red wine, homemade Provençal pâté, tapenade, mushrooms and more) while you trade great stories; because this experience takes place inside the Luberon National Park we cannot allow guests to take ancient fossils from the site, but photos are encouraged, and it’s an ideal activity to book through Varoom if you’re staying in or near Avignon City Centre.
About this activity in Avignon City Centre
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Highlights
- Explore the Luberon hills near Avignon on a guided nature walk hunting for 20-million-year-old marine fossils and learning to spot them yourself.
- Discover wild Provençal herbs in their natural habitat and taste homemade Pastis mixed with water from a local spring like a true regional native.
- See traces of the area’s earliest human inhabitants dating back nearly 130,000 years and learn about the landscape’s long natural history.
- Relax after the hike at a scenic countryside fish pond with a traditional apéritif (rosé and red wine, homemade pâté, tapenade, mushrooms) and engaging local stories.
Important Information
- Fossil identification is part of the experience, but removal of ancient fossils is prohibited within the Luberon National Park - photos are encouraged.
- The apéritif of regional specialties is included and served at a peaceful outdoor table after the walk.
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health; otherwise suitable across fitness levels.
- Wear sturdy walking shoes, sun protection and bring a refillable water bottle; you’ll be outdoors on uneven terrain in Provence countryside.
Meeting Point
Meet in central Avignon (exact meeting address provided after booking); from there you'll be transferred or guided to the nearby Luberon trailhead where the hike begins.
Includes
- You’ll be offered a traditional apéritif in Avignon City Centre featuring rosé and red wine.
- The apéritif includes homemade Provençal pâté, tapenade and mushrooms - classic local flavors to sample here.
Excludes
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries.
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers.
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.
Other
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels.
Customer Reviews
10/10
Based on 2 Reviews
Summary:
My partner and I had an absolutely amazing time searching for fossils and exploring the country side. Sadly the area had been experiencing a drought so everything was quite dry, but it didn’t stop us from having a great time. We were still able to find wild thyme and juniper which were so fragrant. We were even able to find plenty of fossils and even identified some teeth!
Afterwards we enjoyed the homemade Pastis, we only wish we were able to bring some home with us! The homemade pate was also quite delicious, it was my first time tasting pate and they didn’t disappoint.
John was a great conversationalist and even though our other guide didn’t speak much English, John did a great job of translating and making us all feel included in conversation. They really went out of their way to make my partner and I feel welcomed and we can’t emphasize enough just how much my partner and I really appreciated that. I will definitely be doing one of their other activities next time I visit the region, it was such a cool experience with really cool people.
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Summary:
It's always a treat to walk around on someone's private property, to see how different their back yard is from my own. On this hilly hike we saw fossils, wild thyme, goats and an ancient water source with the most crystal clear, delicious water. We were a group of family and friends ranging from age 18-77. Our mom's pretty spry, but she needed a little help on the steeper hills, partly because of the incline and partly because of the pebbles. Heed their advice to wear closed shoes and bring a hat. Jean-Marc, our guide, helped us find the fossils along the paths. It's incredible to hold something so old in your hands. Then we were rewarded with pate, rosé and Jean-Marc's homemade pastis, which was truly special. We brought some of that pastis all the way home to Chicago.
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Know more about Avignon City Centre
On this Luberon nature walk you’ll hike rolling hills in Provence searching for wild herbs, sip water from a natural spring mixed with homemade Pastis, and learn to recognize fossils dating back 20 million years to when the region was underwater. Your hosts also point out evidence of the first humans in the area and finish the experience with a traditional Provençal apéritif by a countryside fish pond.
No. Because the hike takes place within the Luberon National Park, you are not permitted to remove ancient fossils or artifacts from the site. You are encouraged to take photos instead to document your discovery.
Yes. The scenic hike, spring water Pastis ritual and intimate apéritif by the pond make this a Romantic & Couples-friendly experience and a great Group-Friendly outing for friends or small private Events near Avignon.
Yes. The guided walk is designed for all physical fitness levels and teaches how to identify common wild herbs growing naturally in the countryside, making it suitable for beginners and family groups interested in Workshops & Learning and Outdoor & Nature experiences near Avignon.
After the hike you’ll be taken to a fish pond where a table awaits with a traditional apéritif: rosé and red wine plus homemade Provençal pâté, tapenade, mushrooms and other regional bites-perfect for Food & Drink lovers and a relaxed multi-day or full-day outing.
The walk is suitable for most fitness levels, but it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health. Your hosts will provide guidance during the hike to help ensure a safe Outdoor & Nature experience.
