Lavender & Provence’s best heritage sites
June 17 – 24, 2027 – (this tour is not running is 2026)
7 nights / 8 days
Limited to 7 guests
4,800€ EUROS (provisional price) per person based on double occupancy
700€ EUROS supplement for single occupancy
*Prices converted to USD three months prior to tour date
This tour is designed to immerse you into the historical past of Provence, taking you to the most captivating sites for both their cultural heritage and stunning architecture. Along the routes, you’ll plunge into the beauty of 3 different regions, marvel at the blooming lavender, stroll the markets abundant with local produce and artisan craftsmanship, and taste the exquisite flavors of Provençal cuisine and wine.
Tour Notes
Tour before the summer crowds arrive – this tour is the perfect timing to get in your lavender viewing (and cultural sites) before the official French school holidays start.
New tour – Emily has combined her favorite spots to create a new tour giving you the best of the amazing heritage sites, the popular villages but also the quieter and less touristy villages. A day to High Provence to experience the Alpine terrain. And as always, amazing cuisine and exclusive lodging.
Lavender blooms from mid-June to mid-July. Depending on the spring (warmer or colder) there can be a slight variation to the blooming season. With the climate change, lavender tends to be earlier than the traditional past dates of July.
Arrival – You may want to arrive in Avignon the day before the tour starts (or maybe even a couple of days before). The packaged tour does not include any monuments or walking tours in the center of Avignon. Day 1 gives us an understanding of Avignon…but we do so from the town opposite of Avignon, Villeneuve-les-Avignon at the Abbaye Saint André.
Itinerary
NOTE: This is a working itinerary; the final itinerary will be posted and provided to guests closer to the tour date.
Today is arrival day…pick-up at the Avignon TGV (or Avignon hotel should you arrive before the tour starts) around 10:30 am. We’ll embark on a journey to the 14th century to get the full story of why the Popes came to Provence region. Our first visit is at Abbaye Saint André across the Rhone River from Avignon. Lunch at Hortus café in the peaceful abbey gardens. We then make our way to Saint Remy. After check-in, join Emily for an orientation tour of Saint Remy. We will also visit the Asylum where Van Gogh stayed for a year. The hotel is conveniently located near the town center so you can enjoy boutique browsing at your leisure. Group dinner in the center.
Lunch & dinner included
We drive south to the Camargue region (classified as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO) to connect with nature and wildlife. The fresh water from the Rhone and the saline waters from the Mediterranean Sea create a mosaic of ecosystems unique to the area. Flamingoes, herons, white Camargue horses & bulls along our off-the-beaten-path routes. We discover all this on a private manade (ranch) tour. An unforgettable lunch awaits us at a tiny restaurant in the middle of the Camargue. Then on to Arles for a 2-hour walking tour to explore both the Roman era and trace the footsteps of Van Gogh. Dinner together in Saint Remy.
lunch & dinner included
We start the day at the remarkable Arc de Triumph in Orange then continue on the Roman road to the Antique Theatre of Orange. We might be wearing togas at the end of the day, because the Roman masterpieces don’t end there…The Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct will also be fully admired today. Lunch will be in a small Medieval village…that gives a little sneak preview of the Pont du Gard from its hilltop location. Some R&R back in Saint Remy until we meet for our dinner outing.
Lunch & dinner included
Today we change regions – bags packed. First stop is at the charming Provencal & antique market in L’Isle sur la Sorgue. You have the morning to roam the market & boutiques at your leisure. On to Gordes, with our first stop at the unforgettable view point for some pictures and then to a secret garden nestled on the slopes of the village for a wine & cheese pairing lunch. Our B&B is not far away, but before we settle in, we’ll visit one of Provence’s most photographed images…L’Abbaye de Senanque. The evening is yours at the B&B to soak up the luxury atmosphere. Catered dinner at the B&B by talented local chef.
lunch & dinner included
The Sorgue River is just a valley away and begins its journey at Fontaine-de-Vaucluse… and so our morning starts with a lovely stroll along the river to its mysterious water source. We continue on the beautiful route through the Mont de Vaucluse mountains to arrive at our Renaissance chateau. The privately owned chateau has recently opened its doors for a unique glimpse back to both the Middle Ages and Renaissance period. Our village lunch today is in Venasque, a true gem, classed as « one of the most beautiful villages » yet with less of the touristy vibe. Some R&R time back at the B&B. This evening we take off for exploring the Ochre village Roussillon and then a lovely dinner in the quaint village Goult. Lavender field photoshoots along the evening routes.
lunch & dinner included
It’s hilltop village hopping day. On the flanks of the Luberon mountain chain we’ll visit the best of the lesser visited villages in the Luberon. Starting with Saignon then on to Menerbes and last but not least Oppede-le-Vieux. Lavender will be with us once again so we’ll make some stops to sniff and take pictures. Lunch will be a catered picnic at the oldest Luberon winery estate (winery tour & tasting as part of the experience). Some R&R back at the B&B before our dinner outing near Gordes.
lunch & dinner included
We embark on a mountain drive to High Provence, crossing the lavender region where the fine lavender grows (Lavandula angustifolia – the essential oil used in the high end perfume industry). We arrive at the remarkable village Brantes, sitting on the the northern side of the legendary Mount Ventoux. Here we begin our foraging walk in an atmosphere that is both Alpine and Mediterranean. Laurie will guide us in our foraging and Odile will lead us in the kitchen to make the most beautiful (and yummy) lunch you have ever made! Before leaving High Provence, we’ll stop in the village Sault where you can get some local lavender products and perhaps a gourmet treat at the famous Confiserie André Boyer – if you can’t resist. Our last evening together…we’ll make the most of the lovely B&B property (with amazing sunsets) and enjoy a catered buffet style dinner. Sunset, Provencal buffet, rosé wine, good memories to share…La vie est belle!
lunch & dinner included
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred back to the Avignon TGV train station.
