Active holidays in Provence - French Side Travel

Active holidays in Provence

8 Days | Skiing & Adventure

Discover Provence on an 8-day active escape blending nature, wine, and culture.

Luxury | From $11,999 pp

Discover Provence on an 8-day active escape blending nature, wine, and culture. Stay in elegant 5-star hotels while hiking the Calanques and the Alpilles, kayaking the turquoise Verdon Gorge, and cycling through vineyards beneath Sainte-Victoire. Taste legendary Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines, explore charming villages like Gordes and Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, and enjoy unforgettable moments with private guides. A perfect mix of adventure, landscapes, and Provençal art de vivre.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Provence

Private transfer from the airport or train station to your accommodation in Aix en Provence

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

Welcome to 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.

Sunset E-Bike tour with an aperitif

Set in the landscapes that inspired Paul Cézanne, enjoy a wine tasting with open views of the Montagne Sainte-Victoire as the sun begins to set. This serene moment in nature offers a memorable conclusion to your experience.

Three carefully selected Côteaux d’Aix-en-Provence AOP wines – white, rosé, and red – are served at the perfect temperature, uncorked on site. The tasting is complemented by a light aperitif of organic local products, including tapenades, charcuterie, goat’s cheese, nuts, with options suitable for vegan, lactose-free, gluten-free, and non-alcoholic preferences.

A refined celebration of Provençal flavors in an extraordinary natural setting.

Day 2: Hiking in the Calanques

Full-day private driver at disposal 

Private guided hiking tour of les Calanques

Discover the stunning coastline between Marseille and Cassis on a guided walking tour through the region’s iconic calanques. Your day begins in the charming seaside town of Cassis, before setting off toward the calanque of Port Miou and continuing on to the beautiful inlet of Port Pin.

Follow a rocky trail that climbs above the cliffs, then descend to the spectacular calanque of En Vau – an ideal spot to swim and relax in a breathtaking natural setting.

A picnic lunch, arranged by your guide, will be enjoyed along the way before returning to Cassis. With plenty of swimming opportunities, this excursion is a wonderful choice for families with children.

Day 3: Kayaking in the Verdon

Private luxury tour to the Verdon region with a driver-guide

Northeast of Provence is famous for its incredible scenery: Verdon River sneaks in between the plateau where olive trees and lavender fields are overlapping, and in the background, the Alps mountains launch into the horizon. During this day, you will be part of this dreaming frame.

Your driver guide will pick you up at your hotel and drive you to unique points of view on Sainte-Croix Lake, typical Provencal villages with their terracotta roofs and colorful street markets. On the way, during the lavender season (from June to mid-July), the Valensole plateau is vibrant with violet colors.

You will visit typical Provencal villages with their pink tiles roofs and colorful street markets like Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. From there, you will discover the Verdon Canyon in full autonomy, with your canoe. Between cliffs over 60 meters high and the turquoise water of the canyon, take time to observe the spectacular scenery with the sound of the water as a soundtrack.

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

Day 4: Biking and wine tasting in Chateauneuf du Pape

Full-day private driver at disposal

Châteauneuf-du-Pape E-Bike and Wine Tour

Set off on a scenic e-bike adventure from Avignon to the celebrated village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, following the tranquil cycling paths of the Île de la Barthelasse.

Glide through peaceful farmlands and orchards before arriving in this iconic wine region. Stroll through the vineyards and enjoy a wine tasting showcasing the area’s renowned vintages. Free time to explore the village or choose a lunch at a local bistro at your own pace. Combining the natural beauty of Provence with its rich wine heritage.

Day 5 : Hiking in the Alpilles

Private Hike in the Alpilles from Saint-Rémy

Meet your local expert English-speaking guide in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

Your guided (moderate level) hike begins in the center of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. You’ll climb up a scenic botanical path through the heart of the scenic Alpilles Mountains. You’ll head up to the picturesque crest of the jagged limestone hills. On a clear day, the Mediterranean is visible to the south, while Mont Ventoux paints the backdrop to the north. You then take a spectacular, narrow footpath that follows the top of the jagged limestone crags, with continuous stunning views in all directions. There is some light scrambling, though no danger is involved.

After a picnic in the middle of the Alpilles, you’ll start your return journey on another path. The olive and cypress trees lead you past magnificent villas and farmhouses and to Saint Paul de Mausole: the asylum that Vincent Van Gogh called home the last year of his life. We will visit the asylum, and then return to Saint-Rémy, where, depending on the day of the week and the season, we will taste some of the region’s prized olive oil.

Day 6: Biking and Kayaking in Isle sur la Sorgue

Full-day private driver at disposal 

Private Guided E-Bike and Kayak Tour in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

The bike ride starts in the charming town of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, the antique capital of Provence, also called Provencal Venice. Its quays are lined with ancient waterwheels, and the whole village is made a tiny island by the emerald waters of the Sorgue river, circling completely around it.

After the town’s picturesque streets, we ride into the heart of the countryside. Quickly, the town gives way to farmland: ancient farmhouses are set by apple and pear orchards, while table grapes are grown here too. Completely off the beaten path and devoid of hills, your guide will lead you on tiny country roads with very little traffic.

You will enjoy lunch at a restaurant in Fontaine de Vaucluse, a pretty village centered around a beautiful greenish-blue pool of the newly born Sorgue river. After lunch, you will ride to Lagnes and descend the clear, emerald-colored Sorgue river by canoe for 2 hours, back to Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

Day 7: Hiking in the Luberon

Private guided hiking tour to Senanques Abbaye

Your hiking tour will start in Gordes, a splendid village built above a rocky peak. It’s magnificent stone houses rising dramatically in concentric circles to its castle.

On your way to the picturesque Abbaye de Sénanque, you will cross over the lavender and thyme-laden fields which is scattered with old stone huts. You can take some time to explore the true gem of the Provençal Romanesque style, Sénanque Abbey, which is also one of the finest examples of primitive Cistercian architecture, built in the 12th century.

Luberon Gordes town in Southern France

Day 8: Departure day

Private transfer to the airport or the train station

A driver will pick you up and drive you safely to your destination, in a luxury 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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