Provence
Its colorful scenery, beneficial climate, blue sky, hilltop villages, chirping cicadas, beautiful landscapes, a remarkable heritage (1800 sites are classified «monuments historiques» ), local traditions as well as the perfumes of lavender, rosemary and thyme make Provence the most visited region in France.
Besides cities as Avignon, Arles, Orange or Aix-en-Provence and monuments like the Pope’s Palace, the Abbaye de Sénanque or proofs of roman culture like the vestiges of Glanum you will find an incomparable diversity of landscapes: mountains (Luberon, Dentelles du Montmirail or Saint Victoire), natural reserves and rivers.
During your round trip to Provence you will discover the inspiring way of life, the lavender bloom end of June, the wild horses in Camargue, unusual places and backroads, taste the delicious products or local wines like Châteauneuf du Pape or Côtes de Provence – and eventually take a hike and relax. A wide selection of the most famous painters have been inspired here: Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Cézanne, Braque, Picasso or Matisse. Founded in 1947 by Jean Vilar, the Avignon Festival is today one of the most important contemporary performing arts events in the world (taking place every year in July)
Sample Tour
Here is how we could organize the program for this tour
1
day
Avignon
Arrival at Marseille airport (MRS).
Drive to Avignon and walk through the historic city, the Popes’ Palace and the Pont Bénezet. The bridge was built in the 12th century and partly destroyed several times by the raging floods of the river Rhone.
Check in at your hotel in Avignon (for 6 nights)
2
day
Arles and Camargue
Arles is counting the most Roman monuments after Rome itself and a seductive stepping stone into the Camargue. Arles was an archbishopric from the 4th century until 1790. Pass by the "Pont van Gogh" in Langlois, a little bridge that became famous through Vincent van Gogh’s paintings. Typical local lunch at a bull farm (Manade) in the Camargue.
Drive to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer passing the typical landscape: wild white horses, pink flamingos, bulls and the rice fields
3
day
Nimes and Pont du Gard
Nîmes dates back to the 6th century BC.: Arena, the Tour Magne, Diane's temple, the Jardins de la Fontaine, Maison Carrée are some of the most important sights. Stroll through the old town with its squares and numerous fountains.
A true masterpiece of ancient architecture, the Pont du Gard aqueduct is one of the most beautiful Roman constructions in the region and one of the world’s best-preserved examples of Roman ingenuity.
4
day
Orange and Châteauneuf-du-Pape
In Orange you discover two major monuments of the roman time: The Arc de Triomphe and the Roman Theater, one of the finest remnants of the Roman Empire. Its magnificent stage wall is entirely preserved and unique in the Western World.
Continue to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, famous vineyard where you visit a producer and enjoy a wine tasting.
The rest of the day is at leisure in Avignon.
5
day
Les Alpilles: Fontvielle, Les Baux, Saint-Remy, Eygalières
Departure to the Alpilles - the authentic Provence as described by so many writers and authors. Drive by Fontvieille, Maussane-les-Alpilles, visit an olive oil mill with tasting in Les Baux-de-Provence.
The Carrières de Lumieres, a themed audiovisual show in the former stone quarry is a great experience.
In Saint-Remy-de-Provence you can visit the roman vestiges of Glanum or just enjoy Provençal living on one of the shady terraces. Drive back via Eygalières.
6
day
Lubéron: Roussillon, Gordes, Fontaine de Vaucluse
In the mountains of Lubéron visit Roussillon situated in the biggest ochre deposit worldwide. On the ochre path you wander through these orange rocks and enjoy the extraordinary colors of Provence. In Gordes the Cistercian Abbey Notre-Dame of Sénanque is surrounded by Lavender Fields blooming end of June until mid-July.
On your way back to Avignon discover Fontaine de Vaucluse, the enchanting source of the river Vaucluse.
7
day
Petit Lubéron
Check out and leave to “Petit Luberon”. Pass by typical Provencal villages like Oppède le Vieux, Ménerbes and Bonnieux. Visit the Castle of Lourmarin and discover La Roque-d'Anthéron with the Silvacane Abbey, another Cistercian Abbey of Provence.
The day ends at your hotel in Aix en Provence.
8
day
Aix en Provence, Marseille, Departure
In the morning, visit of Aix en Provence, where you can feel the pulse of Provençal living on the Cours Mirabeau and where Paul Cezanne painted many of his famous works.
Drive to Marseille, the oldest city of France. During a city tour by coach you discover the most important sights to finish tour trip: the Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde, the old Port and a modern architectural masterpiece the MuCEM.
Transfer to the airport and departure from Marseille (MRS).
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