Magic red and spring revival
May 23 – 31, 2027
8 nights / 9 days
Limited to 8 guests
4,800€ EUROS per person
980€ supplement for single room occupancy
*Prices converted to USD three months prior to tour date
The red carpet of poppies is a sight not to miss. Little by little, poppies start popping up coloring the young vegetation in the vineyards and valleys. This Provence spring tour is designed to connect you to nature and the Provencal way of life. Throughout the week you will be immersed into the savoir-faire of local artisans, farm-to-table meals, and historical anecdotes. Four distinct areas in Provence are incorporated so you can explore the diversity in Provence and the different vibes in each place.
Tour Notes
The tour takes place during the season when poppies are in bloom. Poppies are not harvested. They grow in fields farmers have left vacant. Every year, the spectacular poppy fields change locations. Join me on the hunt to find the red carpet magic.
Itinerary
NOTE: This is a working itinerary; the final itinerary will be posted and provided to guests closer to the tour date.
Pick-up around 10:30 at the Avignon TGV train station (or at your Avignon hotel should you arrive the day before). We kick off the week of slow travel and inspiration with a garden tour at the Abbey Saint André across the Rhone River from Avignon. After our garden lunch we make our way to the Ventoux region (near the legendary Mont Ventoux mountain) stopping in a hilltop village with a castle (Le Barroux) and then on to our charming countryside B&B. Dinner this evening at a quaint restaurant tucked away by a river.
Lunch & Dinner included
A short drive from the B&B will take us to greet a talented chef and partake in an educational and fun cooking class, set in a beautiful provencal home. Our afternoon exploring will be behind the Mont Ventoux, in a village with an alpine feel (Brantes). This evening, back at the B&B, we’ll have pizza, fruit tarts and wine for a casual dinner.
Cooking lesson lunch & casual pizza dinner included
It’s market day in Vaison-la-Romaine. This market has been rated in France as one of the most authentic markets. You have the morning to browse, shop, and explore the town at your leisure. We’ll meet back up for a bistro tapas lunch in town before going to Nyons to visit the Scourtinerie: a local company who braved a crisis (1956 frost killing the olive trees). Their creativity saved the family business and still to this day, they produce coconut fiber mats (that were once used for pressing olives) Return to the B&B later afternoon and then our dinner outing at one of Emily’s favorite restaurants.
Lunch & dinner included
We change regions today. Before arriving at our Luberon region B&B, we’ll make a stop in what is sometimes referred to as the Provencal Venice due to the water canals meandering their way through the town. Emily will guide you on a historical tour of this charming town before we share a casual lunch with local cheese, charcuterie and homemade spreads at little « Epicerie ». Gordes is not far away…a stop at the spectacular view point and then some free time to meander the village. Arrival at our B&B early evening. You’ll have time to unwind and enjoy the dreamy property. Dinner this evening is catered onsite for us.
Lunch & dinner included
This morning we have a beautiful drive to a hilltop village called Simiane-la-Rotonde… sitting up high overlooking the lavender valley. While the lavender won’t be in bloom, you will be marveling over the flowers and roses laying a colorful backdrop to the 18th century doors and cobblestone lanes. The garden visit (next to the village) is on a site considered sacred since prehistoric times. Our guide will reveal its mysteries and the 500 varieties of roses. Lunch will be enjoyed on their terraced restaurant, but not before an acoustic surprise for you in the 17th abbey church. Dinner at another one of Emily’s favorite restaurants in an old farm house.
Lunch & dinner included
Today we venture south to the vibrant city of Aix-en-Provence. We’ll be greeted by a local guide who will walk us through the intriguing life of Paul Cezanne. Lunch after the tour in a charming 18th century salon de thé. Before going back to our countryside B&B, you’ll have some free time to absorb the city vibes as you wish (boutiques, cafés, museum, art shops). Our dinner outing is not far from the B&B, another quaint village atmosphere.
Lunch & dinner included
After yesterday’s Cezanne tour, we are all inspired to be painters ourselves. Our painting workshop is near Saint Remy where Van Gogh stayed for one year (no painting experience is necessary). Time to unwind with a casual lunch in the town center of Saint Remy – with free time to follow (boutique browsing, museum, art shops, or just a stroll to a absorb the ambiance). This evening we relax at the B&B with a catered alfresco dinner brought to us, poolside/summer kitchen.
Lunch & dinner included
Last day! A day to relax and enjoy the Provencal lifestyle.
Our morning village discovery is nearby at Le-Vieil–Oppède. Many anecdotes to reveal as we walk the road less traveled (part of the village was abandoned by the 19th century).
Next we meet Charlotte, professional in the olive oil business, who will lead us in an educational and fun workshop to know more about olive oils in the region and the world. A gourmet picnic to follow.
The later afternoon is yours to enjoy at the B&B. Perhaps you’l relax by the pool or play a game of Petanque. Packing is optional 😉
Our farewell dinner is in a tiny village close by with unique small church that we’ll visit before sitting down to toast to our week in Provence.
Lunch & dinner included
After breakfast, transfers to the Avignon TGV.
