Nature and Culture in Southern France -

Nature and Culture in Southern France

10 Days | History & Culture

Experience the best of nature and culture in Provence and the Riviera

Luxury | From $12,399 pp

Experience the best of nature and culture in Provence and the Riviera with this unique trip. In Provence you'll see the famous lavender fields, hike along a scenic botanical path through the heart of the Alpilles Mountains, where on a clear day the Mediterranean Sea is visible. Experience a full-day wine, beer, and pétanque tour in Cézanne’s country. You'll go on a safari to observe three packs of wolves and begin to understand the complexity of life in the Alps. Finish the tour exploring the stunning perched balcony villages on the Riviera and with a private sunset cruise on a yacht from Nice.

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.

Avignon Private Walking Tour

Explore Avignon’s most charming corners and unmissable attractions on this 3-hour private walking tour. You’ll learn about the Papal city’s fascinating history. Enjoy vistas over the Rhône River Valley, pass through the cobblestone streets and past the medieval ramparts, and visit the vibrant Place de l’Horloge.

Day 2: Avignon

Luxury Transfer from Avignon to Alpilles and back

A chauffeur will meet you for a private transfer in a luxury vehicle between your hotel to Saint-Rémy. At the end of your day, your driver will drive you back to your hotel.

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 Alpilles Mountains. You’ll then 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 week and the season, we will taste some of the region’s prized olive oil.

 

Day 3: Avignon - Fontaine-de-Vaucluse - Aix-en-Provence

Transfer to Aix en Provence with a stop along the way

Enjoy a custom-built tour from your hotel in Provence with an English-speaking driver-guide. He will drop you off at your hotel in Aix en Provence

Suggestion along the way: visit of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

Visit the village of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, a village famous for its impressive spring which flows out of a 230m cliff. Fontaine-de-Vaucluse gave its name to the departement, and inspired the poets Frédéric Mistral, Francesco Petrarca and René Char. They were seduced by the beauty of the place and enchanted by walks along the verdant banks of the River Sorgue .

Aix-en-Provence Private Walking Tour

Aix-en-Provence was once the capital of Provence. Wealthy merchants and local dignitaries helped turn this city into the charming beauty that it is today complete with 17th and 18th-century architecture, gorgeous mansions, city squares bursting with flowers, and fountains. Walking through Aix is like visiting a great museum. There’s a masterpiece at every turn!

 

Day 4: Gorge du Verdon - Aix en Provence

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

North east 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 dreamy frame.

Your driver-guide will pick you up at your hotel and drive you to unique points of views on Sainte-Croix Lake, typical Provencal villages with their pink tiles roofs and colorful street markets. On the way, during the lavender season (from July to mid-August), 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 or your Packraft (an inflated canoe that you can fold and put in your bag when you want to discover the inlands). 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 drive you back to your hotel.

Day 5: Aix-en-Provence

Full-Day Wine, Beer, and Pétanque Tour in Cézanne’s Country with a Wine Expert

Far away from touristic places, your guide and Provence wine expert will drive you to two wineries to meet the winemakers in Cezanne’s country.

You’ll discover winemaking processes and taste red, white and rosé wines. You’ll also visit an artisanal brewer to learn more about the process of making beer.

Lunch will be served in a vineyard, weather permitting, or in a Provençal restaurant.

After lunch, you will experience a Pétanque class, a traditional ball game in Provence.

couple in winery, France

Day 6: Aix-en-Provence - Nice

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.

Direct High-Speed Train from Aix-en-Provence TGV to Nice in First Class

Luxury transfer in Nice

Your chauffeur will pick you up in Nice in a luxury vehicle and drive you to the airport, the train station, the harbor or your hotel according to your needs.

Restaurant Booking at Restaurant JAN – Dinner

This Restaurant is a beautiful fine-dining 1-Michelin stared restaurant in the Bohemian district of Nice port.

Restaurant JAN embraces South African food and culture and serves authentic regional food inspired by local produce. The vegetables, fruits, and herbs are also grown on their own, but the commitment to use fresh, seasonal ingredients of uncompromising quality is what makes preparing special dishes to relish your hunger and taste so special.

Restaurant Booking at Restaurant JAN - Dinner

Day 7: Biot - Grasse - Valbonne - Mouans-Sartoux - Nice

Around Perfume: Private Full-Day Tour with a Licensed Driver-Guide

Your private driver-guide will pick you from your accommodation for a full-day tour in a luxury vehicle.

The fragrance is only the starting point. Through it, discover one of the most beautiful landscapes of the Riviera. Encounter villages that keep the passion for antique traditions alive, and experience the opportunity to be part of the creation process yourself!

Enjoy a day trip around the world’s perfume capital customized just for you. Highlights include Biot, Grasse and a perfume workshop, Valbonne, and Mouans-Sartoux.

On Fridays, you may also enjoy a visit to Valbonne’s Provençal market.

Day 8: Nice

Suggestion for the day: 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.”

Private Sunset Cruise on a Yacht from Nice

Rent a Superhawk 34 boat for up to seven passengers and discover the Mediterranean Sea at sunset.

You can cruise to one of the following destinations:

  • Monaco, Roquebrune Cap Martin
  • Les Baies de Beaulieu et Èze
  • St Jean Cap Ferrat
  • La Baie de Villefranche-sur-Mer

Private Sunset Cruise on a Yacht from Nice

Day 9: Gourdon - Tourrettes-sur-Loup - Cagnes-sur-Mer - Nice

Lu Nustral Balcony Villages of the Loup Valley – Private Tour with Licensed Driver-Guide

Your licensed driver-guide will pick you up in a luxury vehicle from your accommodation for a full day tour of some of the beautiful perched villages of the south of France.

Villages are attached like balconies to the sides of the mountain, combining all the elements you would expect to find on a visit to the south of France: timeless beauty, a local authenticity, French flavor, breathtaking panoramas, and the opportunity to forget about the modern world.

For lunch, enjoy a picnic made with local products and tasted in a panoramic place.

According to your wishes, interests and desire you can visit one or two villages, or more. It’s up to you and your guide to make the most of your day.

Possible highlights include: Gourdon & Loup Canyon, Tourrettes-sur-Loup Village, Saint-Paul-de-Vence Stronghold, Old town of Cagnes or Vence.

Day 10: Nice

Private Transfer in Nice

A private driver will pick you up in Nice and drive 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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