Flavours of Provence

Day One - Paris

Arrive Paris. Transfer to our centrally located hotel in the heart of Paris, close to galleries, museums, monuments and shopping. This afternoon enjoy a relaxing half day orientation tour of Paris.

Day Two – Paris to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

Today we travel to Provence by TGV (fast train) to our home for the next nine nights, an exquisite hotel located in a charming riverside village. The hotel is furnished in beautiful Provencal style, and providing all conveniences including private facilities, swimming pool, relaxing outdoor areas and lovely streams from the river. This evening we dine in a village restaurant with a beautiful courtyard garden setting. (B, D)

Day Three – Avignon

Today we explore Avignon. Our tour encompasses the Palais des Papes, once home of the Papal Court; the Pont d’Avignon, made famous in the French nursery rhyme; and takes in the Place de l’Horloge, the charming square full of cafes nestled in the shade of the plane trees, overlooked by the nineteenth century Town Hall and Avignon Theatre. Then plenty of time to wander and take in the ambience of this wonderful city, and of course to explore the shops! Later in the afternoon a visit to Villeneuve-Les-Avignon, to see the 13th century fortifications and beautiful rambling gardens of Fort St Andre. (B)

Day Four – L’Isle sur la Sorgue, Fontaine de Vaucluse

L’Isle sur la Sorgue is a delightful village in a picturesque setting on the banks of the River Sorgue, which still retains a handful of charming ancient water wheels. Today is market day, well known not only for produce but considered to be one of France’s finest open air antique markets.

After the market we return to our charming riverside village of Fontaine de Vaucluse, where we also find the Musee 1939 – 1945, which gives an extremely informative presentation of the Nazi Occupation and French Resistance which was centred in this area. We also discover the source of the River Sorgue, exploding from the cliffs at certain times of the year and tumbling through a rocky gorge through the village. You can also visit the old mill which still produces beautiful paper stationery, maps and posters in old fashioned style. (B)

Day Five – Les Baux, L’Oustau de Baumaniere

Les Baux de Provence is a unique medieval Provencal village sitting high on a rocky spur overlooking a valley. After wandering through the village, discovering the many quaint shops and cafes, we arrive upon a sweeping plateau at the top of the hill, where we explore the many extraordinary ruins and archaeological sites of the ancient village.

Next, one of the gourmet highlights of your tour is L’Oustau de Baumaniere, the famous restaurant renowned in gourmet circles throughout the world. Our long relaxing lunch at this outstanding restaurant is an unforgettable experience as much as a meal! (B, L)

Day Six – Gordes, Abbaye de Senanque, Roussillon, Lacoste

An unforgettable day visiting the famous and picturesque hill villages of the Luberon – Gordes (market day today – one of the most picturesque of the region!), the Cistercian monastery Abbaye de Senanque, ochre toned Roussillon, and the ancient home of the infamous Marquis de Sade, Lacoste; each offering a unique and diverse view of the culture and history of the region that Peter Mayle made famous in “A Year in Provence”. (B)

Day Seven – Cassis

Today we give you a glimpse of the Mediterranean with a trip to the stunning seaside fishing village of Cassis. We are at leisure to spend the whole day here, to wander around the tiny port, shop in the gorgeous boutiques, or sit in a café by the water and “watch the world go by”. Cassis is known for its great seafood, particularly the local specialty, bouillabaisse. Weather permitting, you may wish to take a trip on a small boat out to the calanques, the magnificent limestone fjords that this part of the coast is famous for. (B)

Day Eight – Orange, Chateauneuf-du-Pape

Our relaxing day today includes a visit to the historic Roman town of Orange and the wonderful Roman Theatre, one of the most intact ruins of its type in the world, which is still used for concerts and performances to this day. This is one of our favourite historic visits as this UNESCO world heritage site is absolutely fascinating.

The village of Chateauneuf-du-Pape is a name synonymous with great French wines, and we will stop here on the way home for a tasting at our favourite winery. (B)

Day Nine – Chateau Val Joanis

A fabulous day trip today to visit Chateau Val-Joanis. Val-Joanis and its outstanding surroundings was used as the location for the film “French Kiss”, and its privately owned gardens are famous throughout Europe. We enjoy a tour of the winery and explore the stunning gardens, before enjoying a lunch of local Provencal specialties, tasting a different wine with each course, plus the opportunity to try some of the chateau’s own olive oil with freshly baked, crusty French bread.

*On the way to Chateau Val Joanis we stop in the village of Lourmarin, site of a fascinating chateau. You may choose to visit the chateau, or explore the local market which is on this morning. (B, L)

Day Ten – St. Remy-de-Provence

We begin today’s memorable itinerary with a visit to the historic town of St Remy-de-Provence, famous for its connection with Vincent Van Gogh. Modern day St Remy boasts beautiful chic boutiques and buildings.

A very special lunch today with local hosts David and Nito Carpita at their unforgettable Provencal farmhouse, the Mas Cornud. Aperitifs by the pool, tour of the kitchen gardens, orchards and farmhouse, followed by a wonderful lunch outdoors under the plane trees, cooked for us by Nito who is a renowned local chef. (B, L)

Day Eleven – Pont du Gard to Avignon This morning we begin with a visit to the 2000 year old Pont du Gard, the spectacular Roman aqueduct spanning the Gard River in some of the most picturesque countryside in Provence. We then transfer to Avignon where we stay this evening in order to appreciate the ancient buildings illuminated to create an unforgettable sight. (B)

Day Twelve – Avignon to Paris

Today we leave Provence, for our return to Paris on the TGV. This evening a farewell dinner on the Bateaux Parisiens river boat, cruising the Seine, enjoying delicious food , wine and entertainment as we pass the historic monuments of Paris. (B, D)

Day Thirteen – Paris

After breakfast the “Flavours of Provence” tour ends.

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

• Accommodation for 2 nights in a first class hotel in central Paris, close to museums, shops, restaurants and cafes
• Welcome drinks at your Paris hotel
• Continental breakfast each day throughout the tour
• A half day guided tour of Paris in our private bus
• Transfers to the station from our hotel and back again on our return to Paris
• First class train travel Paris-Avignon-Paris on the TGV (Fast train)
• Return transfers to our hotel in Provence by private minibus
• 9 nights accommodation at our delightful hotel in Provence, 1st class standard, with private facilities, charming gardens and swimming pool
• 1 night accommodation at a first class hotel in Avignon, near Palais des Papes and city centre
• Welcome dinner at village restaurant (Drinks not included)
• Four course gourmet lunch at the world-renowned restaurant, “L’Oustau de Baumaniere” (Drinks not included)
• Lunch of regional specialties at Chateau Val-Joanis (wine included)
• Lunch of regional specialties at Mas de Cornud (wine included)
• Winery tastings and tours at Chateau Val-Joanis and Chateauneuf-du-Pape
• All day tours in small, comfortable private bus with local driver
• Entry to all monuments and museums
• Evening cruise on the River Seine in Paris, including dinner & wine
• The full time services of your professional tour director, including history, local lore and comprehensive information about each location we visit on the tour.