10 Days

Summer in Provence

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Trip Overview

Experience the slow and rewarding Provencal life and take on the region’s medieval villages, art scenes, and gastronomic offers in this ten days journey. We will start in Arles, a city that has recently become a global contemporary art hub. From there, trace some of Van Gogh’s past life and artworks in Alpilles villages before continuing to spend the next three nights in Luberon. Let a professional photographer capture your moments with a lavender field background and rise above the landscape on an unforgettable balloon flight. Finish your journey by visiting estates and chateaus around Aix-en-Provence that produce some of the region’s finest wine.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - 4

Arles

Private transfer to Arles' hotel

A day with an Arles Photographer guide

Arles isn’t a stranger to art lovers; Van Gogh painted some of his greatest works here, and the Recontres D’Arles festival has attracted photography enthusiasts for half a century. Yet, the recent opening of LUMA Foundation brings a new creative wave into the city along with the title Provence’s capital of culture. With your guide, who is also a long-time photographer, discover the city’s architectural richness, narrow streets, galleries, remarkable photograph collections, and hidden workshops that are not open to the public. If you’d like to see more, there are also extraordinary Roman ruins, most notably the 2,000-year-old amphitheater.

4 x 4 Safari in Camargue Wetlands

The Camargue wetland is western Europe’s largest river delta and home to wondrous flora and fauna. Enjoy a classic safari on a 4 x 4 to spot indigenous wildlife that calls the area home, including the beautiful Camarguais white horses, bulls, pink flamingoes, and hundreds of other bird species. On the return journey, we will stop at Aigues-Mortes, an old and fortified city with a lovely town square perfect for an afternoon stroll.

The Alpilles villages: Saint Remy

We drive to the Alpilles Mountain range to discover two of the most iconic villages in Provence: St Remy and Les Baux de Provence. The former is a compact and stylish town with restored houses and narrow winding streets – all sitting on one of the world’s oldest archeological ruins. You will find an artisan shop by a legendary chocolatier just off the main square while the ruins are on the outskirts of town, along with the Monastery where the ever-volatile Vincent van Gogh enjoys his most productive year.

The Alpilles villages: Les Baux de Provence

Driving through a stretch of olive trees and vineyards, we will reach the much smaller Les Baux de Provence. It is a charming medieval village that makes a perfect venue for an afternoon stroll. The lower streets near the entrance can be touristy – but further up, there are chapels, churches, and magnificent castle ruins to seek out. Then, carry on with a visit to Carrieres de Lumieres, an immersive light and art exhibition inside a limestone quarry.

Road transfer to Luberon Valley

Day 4 - 7

The Luberon

Guided tour of Avignon

In Avignon, we will visit the grandiose Palais des Papes, the official residency for seven different popes during the short Avignon papacy in the 14th century. From there, slowly walk past the Cathedral and lush palace garden to reach the famous Pont d’Avignon, a medieval bridge that was once the only link over the Rhone River between Lyon and the Mediterranean Sea

Wine tour in Châteauneuf-du-Pape

One of the most celebrated and protected appellations, Châteauneuf-du-Pape produces some of the best wines in the Provence region. We will walk the unusual terroir responsible for the grapes and visit one or two local winemakers to understand their wine-making philosophy. Round up your experiences by tasting some of the estate’s award-winning vintages and blends

Lavender Fields with private photoshoot

From mid-June to August, Provence’s higher plateau turns into a breathtaking garden of purple and gold. Depending on the season, your guide will help you find the ideal spot where the lavenders are in full bloom, which may include the Senanque Abbey, Sault, or Valensole. Joining us is a private photographer who is always ready to snap your unforgettable moment. If time permits, pay a visit to the L’occitane factory to enjoy a sense-awakening experience with the leading fragrance brand.

Gordes at leisure

There are so many gorgeous hilltops villages across Luberon, but Gordes has always been on top of the list. The medieval town stands on a steep slope descending from the Plateau de Vaucluse to the Coulon Valley, and it looks like things haven’t changed much here since the Middle Ages. Dominating the village is the 16th-century Gordes castle and a lively town square with many cafés, restaurants, art galleries, and shops.

Hot air balloon flight over the Luberon Valley

Make an unforgettable impression of Provence by taking a hot air balloon flight over the gorgeous landscape. We will fly for about one hour over panoramic valleys, enchanting villages, and lavender or sunflower fields when in season. Enjoy a classic champagne breakfast upon landing before being transferred back to your hotel.

Road transfer to Aix En Provence

Day 7 - 10

Aix En Provence

Walking tour of Aix En Provence

Walking in Aix-en-Provence is delightful; there’s a surprise at every turn, from the city square bursting with flowers and fountains to 18th-century mansions and cafe-laced Cours Mirabeau. Our local guide will design a route that suits your interest, which can be anything from a peek inside painter Paul Cezanne’s studio, a local market visit, an introduction to  Provençal specialty candy (Calissons), or beauty brand shopping at Bastide.

Art, wine, and gastronomy

Discover Provence’s most exquisite wine and gastronomy as we set out to visit two award-winning estates of the region. First, at the Villa Baulieu, we will meet a truffle farmer and his dog and go on a truffle hunt while learning the ins and outs of farming truffles. Finish your morning with a mouth-watering truffle lunch with pairing wines from the estates. Then, proceed to Chateau La Coste for your second tasting and learn more about organic and biodynamic wines from Provence. You will also enjoy a stroll in the Chateau’s garden and marvel at fascinating artworks by the likes of Tadao Ando, Louise Bourgeois, and many more.

Private transfer to Marseille's Airport

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