14–17 March 2022 · France

My 60th Birthday Hike

Name: Vaison-la-Romaine
Address: Vaucluse, FR

Four days in the Dentelles de Montmirail with my brothers and sisters—an unforgettable family adventure among limestone ridges, vineyards and magnificent Provençal views.

Four daysMonday 14 to Thursday 17 March

March 2022A memorable 60th birthday adventure

With familyHiking alongside my brothers and sisters

Hike at a glance

Distance: Day 1: approximately 12 km; remaining days not recorded
Time: Four days, 14–17 March 2022
Travel & parking: Flew from Bristol to Marseille. My younger brother parked his car in Vaison-la-Romaine.
Difficulty: Varied: quiet vineyard tracks and woodland paths mixed with steep, rocky trails below jagged limestone ridges.
Food & overnight stops: Bought food along the way, with overnight stays at very good gîtes or hotels.
Map planning: Open OS Maps

Recommended pubs

John’s recommendations to follow.

Details from this walk’s report. Times reflect this outing; check parking and access before travelling.

A birthday with altitude

Four days, one remarkable landscape

For my 60th birthday, I travelled to the Dentelles de Montmirail in France for four days of hiking with my brothers and sisters, from Monday 14 to Thursday 17 March 2022. It was a wonderful way to mark the occasion: plenty of time together, glorious scenery and rather more climbing than you find at the average birthday party.

The Dentelles provided a spectacular backdrop throughout. Jagged limestone ridges rose above vineyards, woodland paths opened onto huge views, and hilltop villages appeared around the next bend. The walking ranged from quiet tracks between the vines to steep, rocky paths beneath the cliffs.

What made the trip especially memorable was sharing it as a family. There were viewpoints to admire, picnic stops to enjoy and enough photographs to prove that we did occasionally pause. Across all four days, the views and vistas were every bit as amazing as I had hoped.

Plan the walk

Practical information

Useful context from four family hiking days in the Dentelles de Montmirail.

Time and distance

Four days of walking, 14–17 March 2022. Day One covered approximately 12 kilometres; the remaining daily distances and walking times were not recorded.

Terrain and difficulty

Varied: quiet vineyard tracks and woodland paths mixed with steep, rocky trails below jagged limestone ridges.

Conditions

The exact daily weather was not recorded. Spring conditions can vary, and exposed limestone may become slippery when wet.

Useful kit

Grippy hiking footwear, poles for steep ground, layers, waterproofs, sun protection, water and offline maps for each day.

Safety note

Choose each day’s route for the group’s ability and the forecast. Avoid scrambling onto exposed limestone ridges unless the route and conditions are comfortably within your experience.

The family adventure

Four days in photographs

Photographs from our four days of hiking, from Monday 14 to Thursday 17 March 2022.

Day One

Monday 14 March 2022

Start: Vaison-la-Romaine → Finish: Le Barroux

Dentelles de Montmirail

Our adventure began in the historic town of Vaison-la-Romaine, known for its Roman remains and charming streets. The first day’s hike took us to Le Barroux, a small hilltop village crowned by a medieval castle overlooking the valley. The route combined shaded forest paths with open views across vineyards and towards the rocky peaks of the Dentelles.

Covering approximately 12 kilometres, we settled into the peaceful rhythm of the trail as we passed quiet hamlets, vineyards and fields dotted with wildflowers. The climb to Le Barroux rewarded us with panoramic views, followed by the chance to explore the village’s narrow streets and impressive old fortress.

Day One photograph 1 from the 60th birthday hike — Day One · Photograph 1 of 17

Day One photograph 2 from the 60th birthday hike — Day One · Photograph 2 of 17

Day One photograph 3 from the 60th birthday hike — Day One · Photograph 3 of 17

Day One photograph 4 from the 60th birthday hike — Day One · Photograph 4 of 17

Day One photograph 5 from the 60th birthday hike — Day One · Photograph 5 of 17

Day One photograph 6 from the 60th birthday hike — Day One · Photograph 6 of 17

Day One photograph 7 from the 60th birthday hike — Day One · Photograph 7 of 17

Day One photograph 8 from the 60th birthday hike — Day One · Photograph 8 of 17

Day One photograph 9 from the 60th birthday hike — Day One · Photograph 9 of 17

River and stone walls at Vaison-la-Romaine on Day One — Day One · Photograph 10 of 17

Stone monument and cypress overlooking the Provençal countryside — Day One · Photograph 11 of 17

Clouds above a snow-dusted mountain on Day One — Day One · Photograph 12 of 17

Family hikers on a rocky path with mountain views — Day One · Photograph 13 of 17

Villages and fields in the valley below the Day One trail — Day One · Photograph 14 of 17

Wide valley views from the wooded hillside on Day One — Day One · Photograph 15 of 17

Two family hikers admiring the countryside from a village viewpoint — Day One · Photograph 16 of 17

Family enjoying the view from the village on Day One — Day One · Photograph 17 of 17

Day Two

Tuesday 15 March 2022

Start: Le Barroux → Finish: Vacqueyras

Dentelles de Montmirail

Day Two took us from Le Barroux to Vacqueyras, a village renowned for its wine production. The route wound through rolling vineyards and olive groves, with the jagged peaks of the Dentelles providing a dramatic backdrop throughout the day.

The trail was slightly less steep than the previous day but still offered plenty of variety. We paused at several viewpoints to admire the scenery and take photographs before arriving in Vacqueyras, where its characterful streets—and the opportunity to sample the local wine—provided a fitting welcome.

Day Two photograph 1 from the 60th birthday hike — Day Two · Photograph 1 of 16

Day Two photograph 2 from the 60th birthday hike — Day Two · Photograph 2 of 16

Day Two photograph 3 from the 60th birthday hike — Day Two · Photograph 3 of 16

Day Two photograph 4 from the 60th birthday hike — Day Two · Photograph 4 of 16

Day Two photograph 5 from the 60th birthday hike — Day Two · Photograph 5 of 16

Day Two photograph 6 from the 60th birthday hike — Day Two · Photograph 6 of 16

Vineyards beside the trail from Le Barroux to Vacqueyras — Day Two · Photograph 7 of 16

Family hikers following the vineyard track on Day Two — Day Two · Photograph 8 of 16

Quiet lane between vineyards and trees on Day Two — Day Two · Photograph 9 of 16

Weathered rock face beside the Day Two route — Day Two · Photograph 10 of 16

Country lane beneath the rocks with vineyards alongside — Day Two · Photograph 11 of 16

Open views across the fields and villages of Provence — Day Two · Photograph 12 of 16

Wooded hills and vineyards along the Day Two route — Day Two · Photograph 13 of 16

Family walking beside the vines on Day Two — Day Two · Photograph 14 of 16

Family selfie during the second day of the birthday hike — Day Two · Photograph 15 of 16

Hilltop village and castle with a mountain backdrop on Day Two — Day Two · Photograph 16 of 16

Day Three

Wednesday 16 March 2022

Start: Vacqueyras → Finish: Sablet

Dentelles de Montmirail

On the third day, we continued from Vacqueyras to Sablet, another picturesque village surrounded by vineyards. The route alternated between forest trails and open countryside, with occasional glimpses of Mont Ventoux in the distance.

Gentle climbs and descents kept the walking varied while the peaceful surroundings gave us time to enjoy the wildlife, including birds and butterflies. Sablet’s stone houses and lively village atmosphere offered a warm welcome at the end of the day.

Day Three photograph 1 from the 60th birthday hike — Day Three · Photograph 1 of 23

Day Three photograph 2 from the 60th birthday hike — Day Three · Photograph 2 of 23

Day Three photograph 3 from the 60th birthday hike — Day Three · Photograph 3 of 23

Day Three photograph 4 from the 60th birthday hike — Day Three · Photograph 4 of 23

Day Three photograph 5 from the 60th birthday hike — Day Three · Photograph 5 of 23

Day Three photograph 6 from the 60th birthday hike — Day Three · Photograph 6 of 23

Day Three photograph 7 from the 60th birthday hike — Day Three · Photograph 7 of 23

Day Three photograph 8 from the 60th birthday hike — Day Three · Photograph 8 of 23

Day Three photograph 9 from the 60th birthday hike — Day Three · Photograph 9 of 23

Limestone ridge and valley views on Day Three — Day Three · Photograph 10 of 23

View towards the jagged Dentelles limestone ridge on Day Three — Day Three · Photograph 11 of 23

Family group beneath the limestone cliffs on Day Three — Day Three · Photograph 12 of 23

Family hikers resting beside the limestone rocks on Day Three — Day Three · Photograph 13 of 23

Family photograph among the rocky Dentelles landscape — Day Three · Photograph 14 of 23

Family hikers standing beneath a natural rock arch — Day Three · Photograph 15 of 23

Family pausing on a woodland path during Day Three — Day Three · Photograph 16 of 23

Family group resting on the rocky ridge during Day Three — Day Three · Photograph 17 of 23

Family descending a rocky woodland path on Day Three — Day Three · Photograph 18 of 23

Limestone ridge seen through the trees on Day Three — Day Three · Photograph 19 of 23

Panoramic view across the ridges and terraced vineyards — Day Three · Photograph 20 of 23

Family selfie during a break among the limestone rocks — Day Three · Photograph 21 of 23

Family stopping for a picnic beside the rocks on Day Three — Day Three · Photograph 22 of 23

Rock pinnacle and sweeping views on the Day Three trail — Day Three · Photograph 23 of 23

Day Four

Thursday 17 March 2022

Start: Sablet → Finish: Vaison-la-Romaine

Final day and celebration

Our final day brought us full circle as we walked from Sablet back to Vaison-la-Romaine. This last leg combined familiar landscapes with fresh perspectives on the Dentelles, passing through vineyards, small farms and peaceful country lanes.

Completing the loop brought a real sense of achievement and an even stronger connection to this beautiful region. Back in Vaison-la-Romaine, we celebrated with a meal featuring local specialities and reflected on four memorable days of shared adventure in the Dentelles.

Day Four photograph 1 from the 60th birthday hike — Day Four · Photograph 1 of 19

Day Four photograph 2 from the 60th birthday hike — Day Four · Photograph 2 of 19

Day Four photograph 3 from the 60th birthday hike — Day Four · Photograph 3 of 19

Day Four photograph 4 from the 60th birthday hike — Day Four · Photograph 4 of 19

Day Four photograph 5 from the 60th birthday hike — Day Four · Photograph 5 of 19

Day Four photograph 6 from the 60th birthday hike — Day Four · Photograph 6 of 19

Day Four photograph 7 from the 60th birthday hike — Day Four · Photograph 7 of 19

Day Four photograph 8 from the 60th birthday hike — Day Four · Photograph 8 of 19

Day Four photograph 9 from the 60th birthday hike — Day Four · Photograph 9 of 19

Day Four photograph 10 from the 60th birthday hike — Day Four · Photograph 10 of 19

Day Four photograph 11 from the 60th birthday hike — Day Four · Photograph 11 of 19

Day Four photograph 12 from the 60th birthday hike — Day Four · Photograph 12 of 19

Day Four photograph 13 from the 60th birthday hike — Day Four · Photograph 13 of 19

Day Four photograph 14 from the 60th birthday hike — Day Four · Photograph 14 of 19

Day Four photograph 15 from the 60th birthday hike — Day Four · Photograph 15 of 19

Family birthday meal after completing the final day of the hike — Day Four · Photograph 16 of 19 · A well-earned family celebration

Stone village buildings with a dramatic mountain backdrop — Day Four · Photograph 17 of 19

Birthday fruit cake with 60 decorations and bottles for the celebration — Day Four · Photograph 18 of 19

Hilltop landmark photographed through a vehicle window — Day Four · Photograph 19 of 19

Where we walked

The four-day route

The four-day trip linked vineyards, villages, wooded slopes and the distinctive ridges of the Dentelles de Montmirail.

Day One · Monday 14 March: Vaison-la-Romaine to Le Barroux.

Day Two · Tuesday 15 March: Le Barroux to Vacqueyras.

Day Three · Wednesday 16 March: Vacqueyras to Sablet.

Day Four · Thursday 17 March: Sablet to Vaison-la-Romaine.

A birthday to remember

Four days of views, laughter and family

The Dentelles made a magnificent setting for my 60th: a shared adventure with my brothers and sisters that I will always remember.

Explore more hikes

Location & getting there

Dentelles de Montmirail, Vaucluse, France

Find Vaison-la-Romaine on a map

This map locates the place named above; use the report’s route links to follow the walk.