Culture and Gastronomy in Provence -

Culture and Gastronomy in Provence

6 Days | History & Culture, Wine & Food

Spend six days tasting the very best that Provence has to offer.

Luxury | From $7,099 pp

If you're looking for unique, cultural or gastronomic experiences in Provence, this tour is for you. Highlights include a full-day private Avignon and Chateauneuf-du-Pape food and wine tour, a cultural tour of Arles and the Alpilles, a helicopter flight over the stunning Calanques, as well as a full-day tour to the most beautiful villages of the Luberon. Truly the best of the best in Provence!

Day by day

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Day 1: Avignon

Private Transfer in a Luxury Vehicle: Avignon TGV Train Station to Avignon

A chauffeur will meet you for a private transfer in a Luxury vehicle between the Avignon TGV train station and Avignon.

Day 2: Avignon

Private Gourmet luxury tour to the Avignon country with a driver-guide

The region of Avignon, former home to nine successive popes during the 14th century, kept traces of this distant and glorious past. Among others, the prestigious vineyards of Chateauneuf du Pape, well known throughout the world for its fleshy and powerful red wines. Gastronomy is not to be outdone, especially in Avignon, where you can taste a number of Provencal specialties in the many stores in the city center.

Your driver-guide will pick you up at your hotel for Chateauneuf du Pape- the land of many great wines with the oldest protected wine designation of France. The best day to fully appreciate a tasting is indeed just before lunch, when you’re getting hungry and all your senses are fully opened. In this quaint village, you will meet with Guy, who gathers bottles and vintages from the surrounding producers to offer you a comparative tasting of this appellation. With lots of generosity and kindness, he is very keen to transmit and guide you through the art of tasting as a wine professional. A truly unforgettable moment in a quiet and vaulted cellar.

The day continues to Avignon. The city was the capital of the Catholic Church in the 14th century. The Popes’ Palace is one of the largest Gothic buildings in Europe. The medieval walls and the Pont d’Avignon are other can’t-miss attractions. You will walk through the charming streets while discovering the historical monuments, but also the artisans and delicious specialties of Provence.

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

Day 3: Arles - Aix-en-Provence

Private cultural luxury tour to the Arles and the Alpilles

The region of Arles and the Alpilles has seen many great civilizations, beginning with the Romans. History and art lovers will enjoy the historic city of Arles with its Roman and medieval ruins. Your driver-guide will pick you up at your hotel in the morning for a full day of sightseeing and experiences. Your guide will first introduce you to the history and secrets of this city. The ancient history mixes up with the more contemporary one as the city is closely connected to the Post-Impressionist artist Vincent Van Gogh whose stay there was one of the most productive periods in his career, with over 300 paintings and drawings completed in 15 months. 150 years later, the influence of the painter can still be felt in the artistic production of today. That’s what you will discover at the Fondation Vincent Van Gogh, where the works of the artist are set in a dialogue with contemporary creations.

To the north of the city stretches the Alpilles Regional Nature Park. Located in the heart of Provence, Les Baux de Provence is a must-stop. The village is set on a rocky spur which allows you to take in the surroundings and enjoy a breathtaking view. Wander through the narrow cobbled streets, have a look at the ancient rocky houses, and walk up to splendid castle ruins sitting on top of a rocky outcrop above the village. From there, the view stretches from the many olive tree fields and vineyards to the surrounding villages, and, when the sky is clear, even to the Mediterranean sea. Many art galleries, artisans, and souvenir shops can be found in the village. You can also pay a visit to the chapel, built in the 12th century, which is located in the middle of the village.

Just next to the village of le Baux, an ancient quarry is 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.

According to the time you want to spend and your interests, other villages can also be added to your tour. For instance, explore the pretty tree-lined central square and the surrounding streets of Saint Remy de Provence. The town is very attractive and everything a Provencal town should be with narrow streets, fountains, and boulevards often shaded by centuries-old plane trees. The shops here are quite good too with lots of small boutiques and art galleries and plenty of bars and restaurants to make your stay a pleasant one.

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

Day 4: Marseille - Aix-en-Provence

Full-Day Custom Tour with a Driver in a Luxury Vehicle

Enjoy a custom-built private tour from your hotel with an English-speaking driver in a luxury vehicle.

overlooking the port pin calanque boats on tourquise water

Visit Marseille with a Personal Shopper

A personal shopper will accompany you to Marseille’s hottest shops and department stores. You’ll be able to simplify your shopping thanks to a person who knows the city and its best stores perfectly.

Private Helicopter Flight Over the Calanques

You’ll be amazed at the natural beauty along the coastline from La Ciotat and Cassis to Marseille.

The Calanques National Park is a unique place in Europe. You’ll see deep bays and turquoise waters nestled between soaring cliffs. You’ll also fly over Marseille, Aubagne, Gemenos, La Ciotat’s bay, Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, and the vineyards of Bandol.

spring break in france 2023

 

Day 5: Lourmarin - Aix-en-Provence

Private luxury gourmet tour to the Luberon village

The Provence Region, and especially the Luberon part, offers a wide range of local products that you will be able to enjoy in one of the flourishing typical markets of the villages of the region. Your driver-guide will pick you up at your hotel in the morning for a full day of sightseeing and experiences. Every day of the week, it is possible to have a glance at the abundance of those Mediterranean products, ideally to prepare a tasty ratatouille: colorful peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, zucchinis… going along with different kinds and sizes of olives, fresh fish or organic chickens, not forgetting cheese merchants and special bread. You can be sure you will feel the French art gourmet thanks to this stroll in the street market. Why not take this opportunity to gather a few items for a fresh and local picnic?

For lunch, a great option is the village of Gordes. This lovely little hilltop village looks like the scene of a postcard or painting, with a dramatic setting. At the center of Gordes is a lively town square with many cafés, restaurants, art galleries, and souvenir shops. A few kilometers from the village, the Abbaye de Sénanque sits in a picturesque valley on the southern edge of the Vaucluse plateau. Surrounded by fields of lavender flowers, the scene is a profusion of vibrant purple when in full bloom in June.

In and around the Luberon National Park, vineyards and olive trees share the space to create a typical Provencal landscape. On the way back to your hotel, you will stop at a vineyard to discover the work of the vine and the local winegrowers. After a visit to the cellar, the tasting will allow you to discover high-quality vintages (3 tastings minimum) thanks to your passionate winemaker who will share with you part of its knowledge and secrets.

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

Day 6: Aix-en-Provence

Private Transfer in a Luxury Vehicle: Aix-en-Provence to the Aix-en-Provence Train Station

A chauffeur will meet you for a private transfer between Aix-en-Provence and the Aix-en-Provence TGV train station in a luxury vehicle.

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.

Customize this itinerary:

Every French Side Travel trip is custom-built for your unique needs and interests. Above is an example of what’s possible. If this isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, contact us today. Put together your dream trip with our travel experts. Handpick the accommodations, guides, activities, and meals that are right for you.

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Our Favorite Hotels in the Provence

La Bastide de Gordes
Villa Gallici
L'Hôtel Particulier
Baumanière

Our Product Lines

Excellence

VIP Unique Experiences | Concierge Services | Private Tours (driver + licensed guide) | Chauffeur Services (luxury vehicles) | Top Licensed Guides | VIP Meet & Greet | Jet, Helicopter & Yachting | Fine Dining | Luxury 5* Accommodation (palace hotels, exclusive villa rentals) | 24/7 On-Site Assistance.

Luxury

Unique Experiences | Private Transportation (luxury vehicles) | Private Tours | Top Licensed Guides | Meet & Greet | Fine Dining | Luxury 5* Accommodation (hotels, villa rentals) | 24/7 On-Site Assistance.

Premium

Unique Experiences | Private Transportation | Private Tours | Self-drive | Top Licensed Guides | Authentic & Boutique 4* Accommodation (hotels, apartment rentals) | 24/7 On-Site Assistance.

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