Experience the best of Southern France's delightful gastronomy and culture
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Day by Day
Day 1: Arles
Pick Up Rental Car
At your arrival, a rental car will be at your disposal for the length of your stay (8 days). Thus, you can move freely and comfortably. On the day of departure, you will drop off the vehicle.
Suggestion: Visit Arles
Arles is a city with an antique past that has been recognized by UNESCO for its Roman and Romanesque monuments, its pilgrimage routes (Santiago de Compostela, Rome and Jerusalem), and also for the world-renowned Camargue Regional Nature Park – a member of the World Biosphere Reserves network.
Arles is the gateway to the Camargue at the delta of the Rhône River, among some of Europe’s most beautiful natural sites. Its flora and fauna – protected by the Camargue Regional Nature Park – are exceptionally rich and varied.
To the north of the city stretches the Alpilles Regional Nature Park, with agricultural land and Mediterranean forests, which is a habitat for more than one hundred rare or protected species.
The city of Arles is closely connected to the Post-Impressionist artist Vincent Van Gogh whose stay in Arles was one of the most productive periods in his career, with over 300 paintings and drawings completed in 15 months.
Day 2: Saint Remy de Provence - Fontvieille - Les Baux de Provence
Private Guided Walking Tour of Saint Remy de Provence
Saint Rémy de Provence is the ultimate Provencal village. Nestled in the Alpilles mountains, away from the bustle of the coast, it retains all its authentic charm. Enjoy a walking tour of the city center with a licensed guide.
Your private guide will show you all the secrets of this lovely village !
Provençal Cuisine Private Cooking Class with Early Dinner
You will first meet the chef who will welcome you with coffee and take you for a guided tour of the garden of the farmhouse. Based on the model “from farm to table”, with a permaculture vegetable garden and olive groves, this place is the perfect place for a peaceful return to nature.
During this cooking class, you will learn how to prepare local specialties like tapenade, basil pesto, arugula pesto, tomato pesto, anchoïade en bagna fredda (anchovy dip), cod aïoli, papeton d’aubergines (eggplant mousse), fried zucchini flowers, ratatouille, and chilled strawberry soup. Most of the vegetables and herbs used during the course come from the surrounding garden. As well as the olive oil, of course!
After that, you will enjoy the dinner you prepared, with local wine.
Day 3: Les Baux-de-Provence
Tasting in a Provençal Country House
Situated at the foot of the mythical village of Les Baux de Provence on the southern slopes of the Alpilles, Domaine Mas de la Dame is a pioneering wine estate producing wine and olive oil for four generations. This property covers three hundred hectares, including 58 hectares of vines and 28 hectares of olive trees. The vines grow harmoniously with the surrounding garrigue on a highly draining soil composed of stony scree of clay-limestone origin.
In this shared tasting session, you will stroll around the vineyard with the house’s sommelier, who will interact and narrate the manufacturing process of wine and show you the several types of green olives and olive oil. At the end of the tour, you will be offered wine, olive oil, and tapenade tastings for an appealing culinary experience.
Suggestion: Visit Les Baux-de-Provence
Clinging to an ancient limestone, Les Baux-de-Provence is a typical Provencal fortified hilltop village situated in the Regional Natural Park of the Alpilles. It was mainly built between the 15th-16th centuries and is listed among the “most beautiful villages of France.”
Nestled in the Alpilles mountains, it offers great views of the plains, the Mediterranean Sea and the stunning rocky landscape of the Alpilles. Narrow cobbled streets wind car-free past ancient houses, up to splendid castle ruins sitting on top of a rocky outcrop above the village. The small chapel was built in the 12th century.
The Carrières de Lumières are an ancient quarry now used for regular exhibitions with artworks projected against the quarry walls – a real spectacle of light and sound! The theme of the spectacle changes every year.
Day 4: Aix en Provence
Private guided visit of the goat farm and cellar with wine and goat cheese tasting
In this private guided visit, you will have an opportunity to visit the beautiful vineyard, its magnificent cellar, and the rustic goat farm. The scents of the vines, the charming presence of the goats, and the tranquil atmosphere offer a sensory escape where you can experience a unique visual and olfactory experience.
During the session, your guide will interact and narrate to you about the AOC Palette vineyards, its rich history, and the breeding of Rove goats in a bucolic setting.
At the end of your visit, to satisfy your taste buds, you will indulge in an exceptional tasting of the castle’s wines – Rosé, White, Red AOP Palette, and goat cheese.
Suggestion: Explore Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence’s city center is a lively maze of narrow streets, shaded squares, and elegant architecture. At its heart lies the Cours Mirabeau, a tree-lined avenue perfect for strolling and people-watching at one of its many cafés.
The old town is filled with colorful markets, boutique shops, and artisan bakeries. Discover the majestic Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, explore the Musée Granet’s impressive art collections, or follow in Cézanne’s footsteps to his preserved studio. Fountains decorate nearly every square, adding charm and a sense of calm. With its vibrant atmosphere and cultural richness, the city center offers an unforgettable Provençal experience.
Day 5: Saint Raphael
On your way to the French Riviera, enjoy a stop for a cooking class
Shared cooking class with a Michelin-star chef
Learn to cook like a Chef at the Chateau de Berne. There, you can explore a traditional kitchen worthy of the greatest bourgeois houses: glazed tiles and glittering copper, polished wood, and fresh stone. You can benefit from the expertise of a Michelin-star chef and discover wonderful recipes.
Cooking classes are held every Thursday at 10 a.m. and are followed by a tasting of your dishes with wines from the estate. The menu is based on the Chef’s inspirations and the produce from the garden.
Suggestion: Explore Saint Raphael
Saint-Raphael is a seaside resort a few kilometers southeast of Frejus on the French Riviera. The town is one of the oldest resorts on the coast – there is evidence that wealthy Romans used to pass their summers here 2000 years ago!
Nowadays Saint-Raphael is one of the calmer resorts on the French Riviera, standing in the shadow of the rugged Massif de l’Esterel. It is a very clean, well-maintained resort with a small harbor, and beaches on either side of the harbor. It is one of our favorite resorts in this part of the Cote d’Azur. The Corniche d’Or is ideal for lovers of driving and magnificent landscapes. Stop to admire the panorama and its flamboyant colors!
Located in the heart of the harbor of Agay, the Port of Agay enjoys an exceptional setting. Its pointed quay, an ever-flowering garden and the red rocks that border the Rade, delight artists, summer visitors and toddlers alike.
Day 6: Cagnes sur Mer
Suggestion: Discover the beach of Cagnes-sur-Mer
Cagnes-sur-Mer offers everything you would expect from a holiday in the French Riviera: summer, sun, and a beautiful Provençal beach.
If you want to spend your holiday relaxing, Le Cros de Cagnes, a district right by the sea, offers everything you need for a great summer holiday: a beach, pretty beach bars, plenty of water sports, and a picturesque harbor with fishing boats swinging peacefully in the water.
The illuminated promenade invites you to take a stroll.
An Evening of Rosé tasting with Nice Street Food
The crisp rosés of southern France, in all shades of pink, have conquered even the most skeptical wine lovers. This tour will be conducted by sommelier and cookbook author Viktorija Todorovska to discover the rosés of Provence and the French Riviera and learn to identify your preferred style. She will introduce you to the art of tasting any wine and tell you the story of rosé and the region, illustrating her points by uncorking bottles from her favorite producers. You will also be provided with a list of rosés available outside France so that you can continue to build your knowledge at home.
Because rosé wine is an integral part of “la merenda,” Nice’s street food tradition, a selection will be served during this tasting. You will also learn how to pair rosé with foods from the Mediterranean and other parts of the world.
Wine is a casual affair in the south of France, and this tasting will also provide an opportunity to meet fellow travelers and enjoy an apéritif in Les Petits Farcis’ beautiful studio in the heart of Nice’s Old Town before you head to dinner.
Day 7: Nice
Panoramic E-bike private Guided Tour
This tour will bring you to Nice’s most beautiful and often unreachable but absolutely magnificent panorama spots. You will easily get there thanks to your powerful, modern and high-quality electric bikes.
Starting from the Port of Nice, you will ride uphill on the “Castle Hill” from where you can admire the beautiful panoramic views of the City and the Italian Alps. Next, you will pass on the Massena Place, the most beautiful place of the city, located just at the gates of the old town, then off to the Garibaldi place and its Italian general statue. You will then go back to the Port of Nice.
Suggestion: Visit Nice – The Pearl of the French Riviera
The elegant city of Nice is set against an impressive backdrop of soaring hills and the famous blue waters of the French Riviera. The “Place Rossetti” is at the city’s heart, surrounded by brightly colored buildings, the cathedral, and a large fountain lending the square a unique flavor. Nice is a city for all seasons.
The Cours Saleya is the main street in the old town and hosts a daily flower and vegetable market (except Mondays). You can find top-notch seasonal produce here, and there is a good selection of other local souvenirs if you’re eyeing some Marseille soap or lavender to take home with you.
Spend some time by the beautiful harbor, where the sun shines from the west in the evening. It’s a popular restaurant area if you’re looking for a special dinner by the water.
From the harbor, you can climb to the Colline du Château for great views of the city. Despite the name, there is no longer a castle on the hill, as it was destroyed in 1706. Now there is a beautiful park with views of the beach stretching along the Baie des Anges (“Angel Bay”).
The beach might be Nice’s most famous attraction. The famous “Promenade des Anglais” boardwalk follows the Mediterranean seafront for 3 miles (5 kilometers). It was built in the early 19th century when the English upper class began coming to the French Riviera to spend their winters in a mild climate. This gave the boardwalk its name, which translates to the “Walkway of the English.”
Day 8: Nice
Drop off Your Car Before Heading Home
End of Our Service
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About This Trip:
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- 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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