UNESCO World Heritage Sites & Lavender
June 16 – 23, 2023
7 nights / 8 days
Limited to 7 guests
4,300€ EUROS per person based on double occupancy
900€ EUROS supplement for single occupancy
*Prices converted to USD two 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.
Tour Notes
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. This tour takes place at the earlier end of blooming. Some of the high Provence lavender fields could be a little « timid » in showing their hues. The lower elevation fields around our Luberon B&B will be fuller with color.
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 around 10:30 am (or at your Avignon hotel should you arrive the day before). We’ll embark on a journey to the 14th century to get the full story of why the Popes made the biggest Gothic palace in Europe here in Avignon. After our historical tour (and gourmet lunch in a lovely courtyard) we make our way to our B&B in Saint Remy. You have time to relax in your private courtyard or at the pool. The center of Saint Remy is just a short walk should you feel like boutique browsing. Dinner this evening together in the center.
Lunch in Avignon & Dinner in Saint Remy 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.
Camargue lunch & dinner included
We start the day at the unbelievable construction of the Roman aqueduct known as the Pont du Gard. Then on to the legendary wine appellation, Chateauneuf-du-Pape. At the top of the hill, where the Pope’s castle ruins still stand, we can admire the views of the Rhône Valley before making our way to our lunch venue with a view. Next is a special tasting of the wines representing the different Chateauneuf-du-Pape styles. Back at the B&B, you have time to relax before our dinner outing.
Lunch & dinner included
Today is market day in Saint Remy. You have the morning to roam the market and the boutiques at your leisure. We meet up for sharing a picnic lunch with your market goodies in the countryside Van Gogh painted. Then we’ll tour the asylum (Saint Paul de Mausole) where Van Gogh stayed for a year after his time in Arles. Relaxing time back at the B&B (or choose to boutique shop in the center of St Remy). Later afternoon we’ll take off for our evening events. First the multi-media show at a former rock quarry near Les Baux de Provence, then a stop at the village for a stroll…with fewer tourists in the evening. Dinner outing near the village Les Baux.
Picnic lunch (sharing our market food) & dinner included
We’ll be changing regions and lodging today (bags packed). Our first stop will be in Isle sur la Sorgue known for its canal-lined streets and antique shops. There’s a farmer’s market today that will add some color to our tour, weaving through antique shops and heritage sites. We’ll have lunch at a casual bistro next the the Sorgue River. On to the charming village Fontaine-de-Vaucluse and then the stunning hilltop village Gordes before making our way to our B&B right next to Gordes. Relaxing time until our dinner outing at one of Emily’s favorite countryside restaurants.
Bistro lunch & dinner included
We embark on a mountain drive to the high lavender region near the village Sault. After a couple of stops for pictures we make a stop at a small lavender farm to learn about the cultivation, harvesting and different products sold around the world. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch at the lavender farm.. Next door is the local distillery where we’ll have a guided tour to see how the oils are extracted from the plants. On our way back to the B&B we’ll stop to explore Roussillon, the ochre village. A full day out requires a little pampering at the B&B…relax by the pool while our personal chef prepares us a gourmet dinner.
Lavender picnic & dinner included
This morning we meet a local chef at a nearby farmer’s market where we’ll do our shopping for making lunch. Learn the tips and tricks of French cuisine during a cooking lesson at the chef’s house followed by lunch. Digestive walk in the charming village Oppede-le-Vieux with return to B&B later afternoon for some R&R before gathering in the garden to share a simple Provencal meal and a champagne toast to our magical week in Provence.
Cooking lesson lunch & alfresco meal at the B&B
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred back to the Avignon TGV train station.
