Embark on an unforgettable 8-day private tour through the enchanting landscapes and rich history of Southern France. Starting in the captivating city of Avignon, known for its stunning Palais des Papes, you’ll explore charming villages and vibrant markets. Discover the artistic heritage of St. Remy and the ancient ruins of Arles, where the spirit of Van Gogh lingers. Wander through the picturesque Luberon region, with its hilltop villages like Gordes and Cavaillon’s fragrant fields of lavender. Enjoy the serene beauty of Mane en Provence and the breathtaking Gorges du Verdon, often called Europe’s Grand Canyon. Conclude your journey in Aix en Provence, a city filled with culture and stunning architecture.
Itinerary Highlights
Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites
Localised Food Tours
Visit L’Occitane Factory
Go wine and olive oil tasting
Explore the rich history of Provence
What’s included
Private tours for most included activities
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
07
Nights
Price Guide
$5,500 – $10,000 pp
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
Arrive by train to Avignon
Day 2
Avignon & Chateauneuf du Pape
Today meet your expert local guide for a half-day walking tour (3 hours) in the magnificent papal stronghold of Avignon. Visit the Clock Square before entering the huge Palais des Papes, where seven exiled popes lived between 1309 and 1377 and where the main rooms are decorated with some excellent 14th-century frescoes. In the afternoon, travel north to Chateauneuf du Pape with your driver-guide. The town is renowned for its fabulous wines and is set in the hills overlooking its famous vineyards. There are now 35 Chateauneuf du Pape domains strictly controlled by the government. Visit a famous Domaine and enjoy a wine tasting, before being driven back to your hotel.
Day 3
Les Baux-de-Provence & St Remy-de-Provence
Today, meet your local English-speaking driver-guide and private vehicle for a full-day (8 hours) sightseeing tour to Les Baux-de-Provence and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Spend time in the medieval village citadel of Les Baux, which sits high above the surrounding countryside. You will also be able to visit St-Rémy-de-Provence with its Roman antiquities.
Day 4
Lubéron & Olive Oil Tasting
The Lubéron, inspiration for the book “A Year in Provence”, is a region of rolling hills and verdant nature dotted with churches and rural communities. Your driver-guide takes you to the great 12th-century Cistercian Abbey of Sénanque and to the enchanting village of Gordes.
Provence has long been associated with the finest quality olive oils. Today visit a historic mill where olive oil has been produced since 1520, deep in the Baux Valley. Here you are given a guided tour of the mill and surrounding groves, and gain a real understanding of all stages of the growing and harvesting of the olives, as well as the pressing, blending and bottling processes. You also have the opportunity to sample some of the oils with your expert guide. Tasting of the local delicacies is a must, before heading on to the Luberon and upper Provence.
Later this afternoon settle into the Couvent de Minimes, a former convent that has been transformed into a hotel, nestling below the Alps mountainside.
Day 5
Forcalquier
Today, with your driver-guide, you travel further into the lesser-known upper region of Provence, and, in Forcalquier, visit an old distillery that makes pastis, the signature aperitif of Provence, which you get to try for yourself with a tasting session.
Day 6
L’Occitane Factory, Moustiers Sainte Marie & Gorges du Verdon
This morning your driver-guide takes you to the factory of L’Occitane for a private visit of this most famous of Provence’s bathroom and toiletry products, and continue to the charming village of Moustiers Sainte Marie, wedged in between two rocky bluffs and famous for its “faïence” potteries.
Afterwards, drive the spectacular road above and along the awesome Gorges of Verdon, considered one of the great natural wonders of France, and indeed of all Europe, with breathtaking views of the river cascading along its course thousands of feet below. Later this afternoon, return to the delightful Couvent des Minimes.
Day 7
Aix en Provence
Meet your driver this morning for the transfer to Aix en Provence. After checking in and lunch at leisure, meet your local guide for a half-day (3 hour) walking tour of Aix, once the capital of the Provence region. Enjoy the bustling Cours Mirabeau, the heart of the town, and a visit to Cézanne’s studio. It was here that Cézanne painted some of his most well-known works. There is also a striking collection of simple objects which once featured in his still life paintings.
Day 8
Depart from Marseilles Airport
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide $5,500 – $10,000 per person
When to travel
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France is a popular tourist destination throughout the year, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences and the region you plan to visit. Generally, the best time to travel to France is from April to June, or September to November when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. Summer months from July to August are the peak tourist season, with high temperatures, crowded attractions, and higher prices. Winter months from December to February can be chilly, but there are many indoor attractions to visit. The weather in France varies from region to region, so it is best to check the weather forecast for your destination before you travel.
January is one of the coldest months in France, with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 7°C on average. Northern regions like Paris and Normandy tend to be colder, while southern regions like Nice and Marseille have milder temperatures. It's important to pack warm clothing and layers when visiting France in January, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors. Despite the chilly weather, there are still plenty of indoor attractions to enjoy, such as museums, galleries, and cozy cafes.
February is still a chilly month in France, but temperatures begin to rise slightly compared to January. The average temperature in February ranges from 3°C to 9°C, depending on the region. Northern regions like Paris and Normandy tend to be colder, while southern regions like Nice and Marseille have milder temperatures. It's important to pack warm clothing and layers when visiting France in February, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors. Despite the chilly weather, there are still plenty of indoor attractions to enjoy, such as museums, galleries, and cozy cafes.
March marks the beginning of spring in France, and temperatures start to rise again. The average temperature in March ranges from 5°C to 12°C, depending on the region. Northern regions like Paris and Normandy tend to be slightly colder than southern regions like Nice and Marseille. March can still be a bit chilly, so it's best to pack some warm clothing and layers. However, the weather is generally pleasant and perfect for outdoor activities like sightseeing and strolling through parks and gardens. It's a great time to visit France before the peak tourist season begins in April.
April is one of the best months to visit France, with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine. The average temperature in April ranges from 8°C to 16°C, depending on the region. Southern regions like Nice and Marseille tend to be warmer than northern regions like Paris and Normandy. April is a great time to visit France if you want to avoid the crowds and higher prices of the peak tourist season in summer. It's a perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities like picnicking, hiking, and exploring gardens and parks. However, it's still a good idea to pack some layers for cooler evenings and occasional rainy days.
May is a wonderful time to visit France, with mild and pleasant temperatures that are perfect for outdoor activities. The average temperature in May ranges from 12°C to 20°C, depending on the region. Southern regions like Nice and Marseille tend to be warmer than northern regions like Paris and Normandy. May is a great time to explore France's stunning countryside, with blooming flowers and greenery everywhere. It's also a good time to visit popular tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum before the peak tourist season begins in June. It's recommended to pack light clothing and layers for cooler evenings and occasional rainy days.
June is the beginning of summer in France, with warm and sunny weather throughout the country. The average temperature in June ranges from 15°C to 23°C, depending on the region. Southern regions like Nice and Marseille tend to be warmer than northern regions like Paris and Normandy. June is a popular time to visit France, with long days and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. It's a great time to explore the beaches, parks, and gardens in the country. However, it's important to pack sunscreen and light clothing to stay cool and protected from the sun. It's also recommended to book accommodations and attractions in advance due to the high demand during the peak season.
July is the peak of summer in France, with high temperatures and plenty of sunshine throughout the country. The average temperature in July ranges from 17°C to 25°C, depending on the region. Southern regions like Nice and Marseille tend to be warmer than northern regions like Paris and Normandy. July is a popular time to visit France, with many tourists flocking to the beaches and tourist attractions. It's a great time to enjoy outdoor activities like swimming, sunbathing, and hiking. However, it's important to pack sunscreen, a hat, and light clothing to stay cool and protected from the sun. It's also recommended to book accommodations and attractions in advance due to the high demand during the peak season.
August is one of the hottest months in France, with high temperatures and plenty of sunshine throughout the country. The average temperature in August ranges from 17°C to 26°C, depending on the region. Southern regions like Nice and Marseille tend to be warmer than northern regions like Paris and Normandy. August is a popular time to visit France, with many tourists flocking to the beaches, parks, and tourist attractions. It's a great time to enjoy outdoor activities like swimming, sunbathing, and hiking. However, it's important to pack sunscreen, a hat, and light clothing to stay cool and protected from the sun. It's also recommended to book accommodations and attractions in advance due to the high demand during the peak season.
September is one of the best months to visit France, with mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and plenty of sunshine throughout the country. The average temperature in September ranges from 13°C to 22°C, depending on the region. Southern regions like Nice and Marseille tend to be warmer than northern regions like Paris and Normandy. September is a great time to explore France's stunning countryside, with blooming flowers and greenery everywhere. It's also a good time to visit popular tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum without the crowds of the peak season. It's recommended to pack light clothing and layers for cooler evenings and occasional rainy days.
October marks the beginning of autumn in France, with cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall throughout the country. The average temperature in October ranges from 9°C to 17°C, depending on the region. Northern regions like Paris and Normandy tend to be slightly colder than southern regions like Nice and Marseille. However, October is still a great time to visit France, with fewer crowds and lower prices than the peak season. It's a great time to explore the picturesque autumn foliage in the countryside and enjoy indoor attractions like museums and galleries. It's recommended to pack warm clothing and layers for cooler weather and occasional rainy days.
November is a transitional month in France, with cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall throughout the country. The average temperature in November ranges from 5°C to 12°C, depending on the region. Northern regions like Paris and Normandy tend to be slightly colder than southern regions like Nice and Marseille. November is a great time to visit France if you want to avoid the crowds and higher prices of the peak season. It's a great time to explore the picturesque autumn foliage in the countryside and enjoy indoor attractions like museums and galleries. It's recommended to pack warm clothing and layers for cooler weather and occasional rainy days.
December is one of the coldest months in France, with low temperatures and occasional snowfall in some regions. The average temperature in December ranges from 2°C to 8°C, depending on the region. Northern regions like Paris and Normandy tend to be colder than southern regions like Nice and Marseille. Despite the chilly weather, December is a wonderful time to visit France, with festive holiday markets and decorations in many cities and towns. It's also a good time to enjoy indoor attractions like museums, galleries, and cozy cafes. It's recommended to pack warm clothing and layers to stay comfortable during the cold weather.
Add on’s
There are a multitude of add on holiday options to this Provence Itinerary, for example with its rich culture, delectable cuisine, and stunning scenery, the surrounding regions and nearby countries offer a plethora of exciting options to extend your adventure. Whether you’re interested in exploring the artistic treasures of Tuscany, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of Barcelona, or relaxing on the stunning beaches of Santorini, there are countless possibilities waiting for you.
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