A lovely Tour of Southern France -

A lovely Tour of Southern France

7 Days | Honeymoons & Romance

Enchanting Villages and Coastal Delights of Southern France

Premium | From $5,399 pp

Tour across Southern France to discover culture, nature, and gastronomy off the beaten path. Begin with a stroll through the historic streets of Marseille and Aix-en-Provence, then explore charming villages like Lourmarin and Cucuron. Visit Arles with a private guide and enjoy a unique oyster-picking experience near the Camargue. Discover Montpellier’s vibrant food and wine scene, before a full-day tour to Sète, Pézenas, and the medieval village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. A perfect mix of heritage, flavors, and stunning Mediterranean landscapes.

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Day 1: Marseille

Private Transfer

A driver will pick you up and drive you safely to your destination, in a premium vehicle.

Meeting point: The driver or the assistant will be waiting just after the customs exit, after the luggage delivery, and will be holding a placard with your name on it.

Suggestion: The old Marseille

The Greek settlers from Phocaea founded the ancient city of Marseille (then Massalia) around circa 600 BC. It is one of the oldest cities in France, the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe and a trading port since ancient times. The city is rich in historical and cultural heritage panning for centuries.

It will be a shame if you visit Marseille and do not see Le Panier. Settled on a hill in the center of the city, it is the oldest district with narrow interlacing streets leading to beautiful squares. Have a drink on any of the cafe terraces and go around the streets to discover craftsmen whose artistic concept will take you back to the olden days. It is like its own charming little idyllic village.

Nestled in the heart of the Panier district, The Vieille Charite Museum (a French national monument) is the historic center of the city. Standing tall from the 17th century it symbolizes both Marseille’s heritage and serves as its cultural center. The monument houses the Museum of African, Oceanian and Amerindian Arts, the Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology, and many other prominent research institutes.

The Cathedrale de la Major (Cathedral of Saint Mary Major) is a catholic church and a national monument of France. It is the seat of the Archdiocese of Marseille and was built in the 12th century. This enormous and majestic cathedral is built in the Byzantine & Roman Revival styles and is a stunning piece of architecture both inside and outside.

Day 2: Aix-en-Provence

Private cultural tour to Aix-en-Provence and the South Luberon villages 

The Provence Region, and especially the area of Aix and the Sainte Victoire mountain inspired many painters with brilliant light and magnificent colors. The passing clouds and the movement of the sun in the sky give the artist a glimpse of mountains and landscapes that are always changing. The city of Aix-en-Provence and its surroundings are well known for its lively art scene, mixing modern, classical and contemporary art, and also as the cradle of the work of Cezanne.

Your driver-guide will pick you up at your hotel in the morning for a full day of sightseeing and experiences, in a luxury vehicle. The first stop is the city center of Aix-en-Provence. The ancient capital of the region of Provence, independent until the 15th century, is surrounded by authentic Provencal houses, traditional French-style gardens, city squares bursting with flowers, ancient fountains, and shaded narrow streets.

For lunch, enjoy a restaurant in one of the many historic and beautiful squares of Aix. Your guide will help you find the perfect spot for you. Indulge in the vibrant atmosphere and gastronomy of Provence.

The afternoon continues toward the southern part of the Luberon Natural Regional Park. The 450 sq mile reserve encompasses limestone mountains, rolling hills, serene valleys, orchards, and farms. The picturesque villages of Luberon are some of Provence’s most charming, unspoiled tourist destinations. Among them, the attractive village of Lourmarin is a perfect example, full of narrow winding Provençal streets, centuries-old houses and a medieval castle. Explore some of the art galleries and shops in the village or enjoy a refreshing drink in one of the squares, while reflecting on the history that positively oozes from the town. You will then continue to the cute village of Cucuron. Its famous pond surrounded by huge plane trees is one of the most iconic places of Provence, the perfect spot to enjoy an espresso, a delicious ice cream, or why not a pastis, this yellow liquor with anise from the south of France…

At the end of this well-rounded day, your driver-guide will drive you back to your hotel.

Restaurant Booking – Restaurant Peron – Lunch or dinner

located on the Corniche, Restaurant Peron overlooks the sea and offers a spectacular view.

Restaurant Peron brings to life the magic of a table overlooking the sea in elegant and relaxed surroundings.

The menu features beautiful and refined local gastronomic cuisine with Mediterranean aromas.

A timeless setting that enhances this restaurant to a level of distinction.

Day 3: Arles

Private transfer

A driver will pick you up and drive you safely to your destination, in a premium vehicle.

Note: For transfers, a maximum of 1 checked bag and 1 carry-on bag per person is included. If you have more luggage, please let us know so we can provide you with the appropriate vehicle.

Private walking tour of Arles

Visit Arles with a passionate local. Learn about a fascinating city steeped in history and rich with secrets.

Arles is packed full of Roman and medieval sites, many included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Few cities offer so many spectacular sites in such a small place. This included the splendid Roman arena, amphitheater, the ruins of the forum, and more. Painter Vincent Van Gogh immortalized Arles, and you’re sure to spot a few familiar sites. The city’s cultural scene is vibrant with events and festivals that attract visitors from all over the world.

As you stroll along the bank of the Rhône River, your guide will show off the splendid Place de la République and the Saint-Trophime Cathedral. The old Hôtel-Dieu hospital was featured in many of Van Gogh’s paintings. Today it boasts a charming inner courtyard and is known as the Espace Van Gogh cultural center.

Day 4: Arles

Oyster picking and tasting with the local producer

You will start with a visit to the oyster shack where you will learn how to pick and open oysters and tell the difference between good and bad oysters.The producers will give you an in-depth explanation about the characteristics of the oyster farming in the Mediterranean.

The workshop will conclude with a tasting where you can taste 3-4 oysters and also includes a glass of white wine from a local winery.

Suggestion: Discover The Camargue Natural Park

The Camargue Natural Park area, which includes a large UNESCO designated biosphere reserve, can be visited at any time of the year. Visitors come to the area to admire its wildlife, and in particular the thousands of pink flamingos. These can be admired on many of the park’s shallow expanses of water, but most easily in the Camargue ornithological park, a bird park just north of Saintes Marie de la Mer. The center, with its kilometers of trails, is home to many varieties of waterfowl, including flamingos, white egrets and herons it also has a bird hospital.

While the flamingos are the Camargue’s most emblematic birds, the area is more historically famous for its white horses. The Camargue’s horses are a special breed, reputedly one of the oldest breeds of horses in the world, and they have lived in the very particular environment of the Camargues saline wetlands for thousands of years. While some live in semi-wild conditions, most are now used either by the Camargue’s traditional cowboys, for herding and rounding up the area’s distinctive black bulls, or else for pony trekking.

Apart from its bulls and its horses, the Camargue is also famous for its salt and its rice. Rice has been produced in the Camargue since the Middle Ages, and today there are some 200 rice producers and over 20,000 hectares of rice paddies in this small area, representing about 5% of rice production in Europe. Camargue’s unique “red rice” is a popular local souvenir.

On the western edge of the Camargue area lies the remarkable walled city of Aigues Mortes. In medieval times, this was the Mediterranean port from which the Crusaders set out, and it was on the coast. Since then, the Rhone delta has silted up, and Aigues Mortes is five miles inland, rising up out of the marshes.

Day 5: Montpellier

Suggestion – Montpellier

You can explore the city and its surroundings and see the beautiful Place de la Comedie and the adjoining large open, tree-lined areas of the Esplanade Charles de Gaulle.

A visit will usually start from Place de la Comédie, it is ovoid in shape because it was built along the perimeter of the ancient city ramparts. In the center of the Place stands the ‘Fountain of Graces’.

In Montpellier, you will explore the traditional wines as its also known as the wine capital. It has a particular focus on cuisine and local produce. Each morning you can find various markets in the city – try the Esplanade Charles de Gaulle in the Antigone district with its farmers market for a good selection.

Day 6: Montpellier

Full-Day Private Tour of Sète, the Etang de Thau, Pézenas and St. Guilhem Le Désert

Take a panoramic visit of Sète between sea and pond, its port, its canals, and the Mont Saint Clair.

Next you’ll discover the Etang de Thau, which is an important center of oyster and mussel production. You’ll stop in a shellfish farmers’ village.

Then, visit Pézenas, in the footsteps of Molière, with its 17th century hotels, craftsmen, and flea markets. On Saturdays, enjoy the Languedoc market.

The day ends with a walking tour of the medieval village of Saint Guilhem, the abbey and the Devil’s Bridge in the Hérault Gorges, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Day 7: Montpellier

Private Transfer
A driver will pick you up and drive you safely to your destination, in a standard vehicle.

End of Our Service

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About This Trip:

Enjoy 24/7 English-spoken telephone assistance while traveling
This itinerary includes transport, activities, guides, accommodations with breakfasts, and other listed services
Price is in USD per person, assuming double occupancy. Note that prices and availability are subject to change.
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