An Unexpected Tour of Southern France -

An Unexpected Tour of Southern France

10 Days | History & Culture, Wine & Food

Experience the best and unexpected Southern France's delight

Premium | From $6,299 pp

This tour takes you across Southern France to discover unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences. You'll visit a photographer's atelier normally closed to the public in Arles, go kayaking and canoeing in the Gorges du Gardon, and visit the ancient Roman city of Nîmes. Next, you'll head towards Montpellier where you'll discover the city with a private walking tour. Finish your trip with a fabulous picturesque day seeing Sète, the Etang de Thau, Pézenas and St. Guilhem Le Désert.

Day by Day

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Day 1: Marseille

Transfer from Marseille Airport to your Accommodation

A private driver will pick you up from the airport and drive you safely to your accommodation.

Welcome to 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.

Restaurant Booking – Le rendez vous des amis – Lunch or dinner

Relax and enjoy the delicious parfait, and tasty tapas with a large variety of wine pairings in a charming atmosphere at the restaurant Le Rendez Vous des Amis in Marseille. Desserts like Fondant au Chocolat and Coupe de glace du glacier du roi must be tasted for a worthwhile experience.

Paris-lunch-dinner

 

Day 2: Marseille

Half-day Private Tour of Marseille’s Best Farmers Market

Meet your guide for a tour of the Farmers Market in Marseille’s Cours Julien. Walk through this dynamic neighborhood discovering local specialties and meeting local producers. You’ll get to taste three cheeses, organic bread, and Provençal wine on a sunny terrace. You’ll also learn about Marseille’s artisan soap

Afternoon at leisure: Marseille and the Seaside

The beautiful city of Marseille, one of the oldest in France and in Europe has been a large trading port since ancient times and was founded by the Greeks around circa 600 BC. This historic city is a haven for tourists where one can explore diverse places, from beaches to monuments, from architecture to the large port.

The pristine and breathtaking beaches of Calanque Port Pin and the beaches of Calanque d’En Vau with their vivid turquoise waters are some of the important places to visit without fail. Climb the steep and jagged cliffs or go hiking to the beach from Cassis or take a swim in the beautiful waters. The serene surroundings are perfect for adventure.

The charming little fisherman’s village of Les Goudes is a perfect place to unwind. Littered with huts, restaurants and fortifications, the village is perfectly located near the dream spots of Callelongue or Cap Croisette. On Sundays, people come from the city center and visit the Cabanons (basic houses built by workers), as Massilia Sound System says in its song “Dimanche aux Goudes”.

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.

Restaurant Booking - Restaurant Peron - Lunch or dinner

 

Day 3: Marseille

Castles, Villages, and Vineyards in the Southern Luberon

No trip to Provence would be complete without seeing medieval villages and their castles. The southern Lubéron region is packed full of them. Join your guide for a series of postcard perfect villages from Lourmarin, Cucuron, Ansouis, and La Tour d’Aigues. Walk through winding alleys past centuries-old buildings. Drive through scenic country roads, up and around the rolling hills, and past vineyards. This private tour includes a shared visit and tasting at one of the vineyards.

Castles, Villages, and Vineyards in the Southern Luberon

Day 4: Marseille - Arles

Transfer from Marseille to Arles 

A chauffeur will meet you for a transfer between Marseille and Arles.

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, amphitheatre, 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.

Restaurant Booking – Galoubet – Lunch or Dinner

In the heart of the old town, this pretty bistro with vintage decoration draws a crowd of regulars who can be sure of what they will be getting: ingredients sourced at the market and transformed into delicate dishes, pleasant terrace under the climbing vine.

Restaurant Booking - Galoubet - Lunch or Dinner

 

Day 5: Arles

Private driver-guide for the day

Enjoy a custom-built private tour from Arles with an English-speaking driver-guide.

Private visit & tasting at Clos du Calvaire

In this tour, you will discover the history of appellation and the famous terroirs of Châteauneuf du Pape through a private guided tour of the organically grown vineyard.

You will visit the wine-making cellar and the underground ageing cellar where you will be able to immerse yourself in the history and know-how the process of production & maturity which has made the reputation of the estate since its creation in 1923.

To conclude, you will have a tasting session of 4 vintages that will complete the discovery of the domain.

bottles of wine in Burgundy, france

Domaine de la Mordorée – Visit the Vineyard and Wine tasting

During your visit, walk through the vineyards and listen to the guides’ passionate explanations of the Domaine de la Mordorée’s values, learn about organic farming principles and learn about the vineyard work.

You’ll be taken to the Plateau de Vallongue to take in the view of the Cru de Tavel vineyards, the village, and the surrounding reliefs.

After a 3km walk, you will end with a tasting at the Domaine de la Mordorée of several vintages produced from the vineyards visited, particularly the rosé wines of Tavel.

aireal view of champagne vineyards and village

 

Day 6: Nîmes - Montpellier

Full-Day Tour of Roman Provence

History-aficionados will love this tour. Provence was the first region beyond the Alps to be assimilated into the Roman empire. The Romans certainly left their mark on this corner of France from the language, to the roads, to the wine, and beyond. Even the name of the region comes from the Latin Provincia Romana.

The ruins they left are immensely impressive. While visiting Orange, you can visit Orange’s Antique Theatre, one of the best preserved in the world (entrance not included).

Your day continues toward the Pont du Gard aqueduct. It was the highest aqueduct in the Roman world reaching a soaring 160-feet high (48m). It once brought spring water to the city of Nîmes winding over 30 miles (50 kilometers) through the mountains between Uzès and Nîmes. It is the name of the section that spans the Gardon river. Built around 50 AD, the aqueduct is a testament to Roman engineering. This spectacular section is a technical and artistic masterpiece.

Next step, according to your wishes and desire, you can head to Nimes or Vaison la Romaine.

 

Day 7: Montpellier

Private transfer from Arles to Montpellier

Half-Day Private Walking Tour Through Montpellier

The focus of the city is around the beautiful Place de la Comedie and the adjoining large open, tree-lined areas of the Esplanade Charles de Gaulle, and in the narrow streets of the old town to the north and west of these boulevards. A large part of the city centre is pedestrianized. Montpellier is one of the most beautiful cities in France.

A visit will usually start from Place de la Comédie, the so-called “egg” and the main square in Montpellier – 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.’

The square is dominated by the facade of the Theater (late nineteenth century), artistically interesting and very spacious inside with a bell shape and a series of galleries with wide corridors. The theater, which was inspired by the Paris Opera, is by Cassien Bernard (1848-1926).

It is perhaps inevitable that a city like Montpellier, traditionally a regional wine capital, has a particular focus on cuisine and local produce. Each morning the visitor 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.

montpellier-travel-vacations-france

Restaurant Booking – Ebullition – Lunch or Dinner

Enjoy traditional and authentic gourmet cuisine in an ancient house or on the terrace at the gastronomic restaurant Ebullition in the historic city of Montpellier.

The delicacies are prepared using fresh and local products grown in the Mediterranean region. Two types of menus are served to the guests i.e; Fizzling menu and the Degustation menu. Swordfish with squid ink, Veal as a crunchy ballotine, and Zucchini sautéed with pesto are available. A surprise tasting menu accompanied by wines can also be tried.

Restaurant Booking - Ebullition - Lunch or Dinner

Day 8: Aigues-Mortes - Montpellier

Full day private tour Carcassonne – Canal du Midi – Sète

Walking tour of the largest walled city in Europe, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Ramparts, Saint Nazaire basilica, and free visit inside the City. Then, the Canal du Midi, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, where we will observe the barges passing through the 9 locks at Béziers. Finally, panoramic visit of Sète, between sea and pond, its port, its canals, the Mont Saint Clair.

Day 9: Sète - 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 10: Montpellier

Private Transfer in Montpellier

A private driver will pick you up at Montpellier (airport, train station or hotel) and take you safely to your destination.

Map

 

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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