Aix-en-Provence

Written by Emily Durand. Posted in VIP Itineraries

Aix-en-Provence –

 A very special Weekend in Provence 

September 15 – 17, 2018

Spend a fabulous weekend in Aix-en-Provence, a city of grand squares, sparkling fountains, art galleries galore, the Saturday night market and the Sunday morning farmers market plus the many café terraces. Wander the famous Cours Mirabeau stately avenue lined with plane trees, and weave your way through the streets of aristocratic grand houses in the footsteps of Paul Cezanne and Emile Zola. Enjoy an aperitif at the famous Café de Deux Garcons and dinner at the Le Poivre d’Ane at the Place des Cardeurs. Discover the elegance and magic of the city the locals call simply, Aix.

At around 2.5 hours from Paris by train, it’s the perfect weekend destination.

IDEAS TO FILL YOUR RELAXING WEEKND IN AIX-EN-PROVENCE:

Upon your arrival in Aix at Le Pigonnet on Saturday at around 3:30 pm, have a massage scheduled at the hotel spa (not included).

There’s lots to see and do but you could fill your Sunday morning by visiting the Musée Granet and the temporary exhibition, « Picasso Mediterranean ». Then, go to Hotel Caumont for the temporary exhibition on Nicolas de Staël and enjoy a delicious lunch in the gorgeous garden courtyard at Hotel Caumont.

In the afternoon we’ll depart for captivating Cassis on Sunday and enjoy its beauty and charisma – beautiful beaches, beachside cafés and the mesmerizing limestone cliffs known as the Calanques (Calanques boat tour can be arranged for you, price not included).

Includes:

• Pick-up Avignon TGV train station morning of Saturday, September
  15th (10:30 arrival time)
• Transfer to Avignon for a guided
  historical walking tour and lunch in this lovely city
• 2:30 pm – Transfer to Aix-en-Provence, Hotel Le Pigonnet
  Free time to discover the charms of Aix-en-Provence (some ideas for what to see and do above) on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning
• 2 nights lodging at luxury 5-star hotel Le Pigonnet in the center of Aix-en-Provence
• Transportation to Cassis on Sunday afternoon
• Transfer back to Avignon TGV train station on Monday, September 17th
  at 11 am (train departures back to Paris ideally around 1 pm)

Package Price:

600€ euros per person based on double occupancy
155€ single occupancy supplement

Does not include:

• Optional massage at hotel spa
• Optional boat ride in Cassis
• Museum entrance fees
• Gratuities

Reserve your spot today for a perfect weekend get-away in Provence

Email Emily at emily@yourprivateprovene.com to reserve your spot or inquire
for more information

Payment via PayPal or cash

South of France

Written by Emily Durand. Posted in Off The Beaten Path

South of France – Exploring the Mediterranean

The South of France incorporates a variety of scenic explorations.  Roman built cities, medieval hilltop villages, sumptuous valleys and even spectacular mountains are just the beginning of what you can explore.

One hour south, of what I call the central core of Provence (around L’Isle sur la Sorgue), is the Mediterranean. To truly explore all the facets of the South of France, I highly suggest at least one day along the Mediterranean.

lifestyles

Written by Emily Durand. Posted in Food & Wine in Provence, Lifestyles

Lifestyles in Provence

As a tour guide, I get to see people in their “lifestyles” as I go from one village to another.  I consider this a perk to my job.  Capturing simple life moments reminds me to enjoy my own simple moments.  It is also one of the perks of travel; to see different lifetstyles.  It opens up our senses, our awareness and, quite often, gives us inspiration when we go home to live the little things.

Whether it be a facial expression, a gesture, a look or even a bodily stance, there is a story behind the scene ready to be embraced.  There is so much to see when travelling, other than the sites marked out in the guide books (or your private guide).

Take a little journey in Provence through a few of my own shots.  This is my 2016/17 collection of “lifestyles” in Provence.