Secret Provence is here on this tour…retreat to nature & authentic small villages off-the-beaten track
July 10 – 16, 2026
6 nights / 7 days
Limited to 8 guests
Price to be announced
No single room supplement
*Prices converted to USD three months prior to tour date
The region explored on this tour is not one you find in many guide books on Provence…and that’s what makes it so special. It’s almost like going back in time…before all the tourist came. I won’t say much more so as not to have everybody flock to this hidden area of Provence. Just know that from the lodging, the local chefs catering many of our meals, and the magical lavender spots next to charming villages unspoiled by mass tourism…your pictures will tell a magical story of the « other » Provence. There’s a retreat feel to this tour.
Tour Notes
The tour has been designed to give rest time at the B&B every day. Summers in Provence can be quite hot. The advantage in High Provence is the cooler temperatures – but nevertheless, it can get hot.
People have enjoyed the past tours for its design of combining nature, off-the-beaten-track routes, R&R every day at the lovely accommodations, local food experiences and one of the best places in the world to unwind and breathe in the fresh air.
This tour covers a part of Provence many tourist have yet to discover. A popular tour for those who have done « lower » Provence and want to come back to see the « other » Provence. Also, a perfect tour for the traveler who loves to immerse into the local community, use photography to tell stories of the way of life in slow Provence and resource their spirits in the beauty of nature.
Itinerary
NOTE: This is a working itinerary; the final itinerary will be posted and provided to guests closer to the tour date.
The pick-up place for the tour is at the train station in Avignon. Pick-up time at 10:30 am. Our first stop, en route to our retreat location, is a tiny village (off the tourist track). This quiet village is our opportunity to immerse into our surroundings, being present with the life of the village, both past and present. Using our iPhones (or other camera) we will be drawn into the details, the light, shadows, textures, the story of the village. All this is part of the process of settling into the moment…what a retreat is all about. Then a climb up the mountain (in the van!) for a memorable lunch at gourmet countryside bistro. After lunch, and some lavender photo shoots, we’ll settle into our accommodations. Free time to enjoy the amazing pool and contemplate the nature surrounding us. Dinner this evening at a casual village bistro.
Lunch & dinner included
After breakfast, the journey to wide open lavender fields and authentic Provencal villages begins. We will be capturing lavender fields, Medieval village (Simiane-le-Rotonde), ancient doors, colorful shutters, and so much more. Lunch today will be at small village café. At 2 pm we will step into a unique workshop and be guided by Theo to make our Provencal Gin infusing it with herbs from Provence (make your own creation!). Later afternoon, back at the B&B, refresh by the pool before a workshop with Raina to go over the editing of your pictures. We will not venture out again so you have plenty of time to unwind (rest, swim, nature walks). This evening you will enjoy a catered dinner at the B&B by local chef.
Lunch & dinner included
Our day will begin in a stunning mountain village, Brantes. We will meet Laurie & Odile who will guide us on a foraging walk. We will need some flowers and herbs in order to make our farm-to-table lunch. The whole setting is one photographic moment after another. From the quaint village house where we make lunch to the table set out on the patio, not to mention all the food prepared with beautiful herbs and flowers. Back at the B&B for some relaxing/pool time until our dinner outing. 6:30 pm — departure for our restaurant outing in small village called Ferrassières. The retro restaurant is casual but not lacking unique charm. We want to finish dinner by 8:30 pm so we can make it to the nearby lavender fields for our sunset lavender prize photos!
Lunch & dinner included
The morning excursion starts in the village Montbrun for a photo and history tour. Then we move on to a nearby lavender distillation plant: learn more about this aroma plant, how the oils are extracted, how it is harvested, and the uses. We’ll also be making a couple stops for pictures of stunning lavender fields.
Lunch will be picnic style by the lavender farm and then we’ll make a stop for the best ice-cream ever in the village Sault before going back to the B&B. Free time back at the B&B. This evening we go to a quintessential village called Savoillans for dinner.
Lunch & dinner included
Gourmet day – truffle hunt and exploring the backcountry. More information coming soon.
Lunch & dinner included
This morning we’ll venture into the larger town in the area; Vaison-la-Romaine. Here, we will be taken back to the Roman era. The town is known for one of the largest open air Roman archeological sites in France. It is also market day…quite a large market and rated as one of the most authentic markets in Provence. Lunch in the town together at wine bar for Provencal tapas food. Later afternoon will be free time at the B&B to make the most of your lovely B&B surrounding before the end of the tour. A time for sharing our five favorite pictures from the week – always a memorable way to end a tour. Farewell dinner to remember…
Lunch & dinner included
Enjoy your last leisurely breakfast nestled in the mountains of High Provence. Drop-off at Avignon TGV train station at 12 pm (departure around 10:30 am)
- Transfers to Marseille airport can be arranged should you have a flight out later evening (price supplement).
