Tour Overview
This popular and scenic region in the southeast corner of France has come to worldwide attention thanks in large part to the books of Peter Mayle, the British expatriate who chronicled its charms and curiosities so warmly. True to his description, the Luberon section of Provence is breathtaking: purple lavender fields, craggy olive trees, multicolored vineyards, cliffs, gorges and ancient villages. But Provence's appeal goes much further back, and artists over the centuries have been captivated by the quality of the light in the countryside. You really have to see it to believe it. The larger cities and towns of Provence – notably Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, Avignon and Arles – all have their merits, but it's the region's small towns where the true colors of Provence really shine. Take note, however, that it can be very hot (and touristy) in summer, and the famous mistral wind can be vicious in winter. Spring and fall are the best times to visit. Food in Provence is superb – this, after all, is the country's prime fruit and vegetable-producing area. Regional specialties are tapenade (an olive-and-herb paste), bouillabaisse (an outstanding fish and shellfish soup flavored with tomatoes, saffron, thyme and garlic), anchoiade (anchovy, oil and garlic paste), daube (braised meat, poultry, fish or game), marcassin (young wild boar) and panade (fruit tart). Even the common potato chip, fried in oil and spiced with various herbs, is elevated to an art in Provence.Day by Day Itinerary
Sample itinerary Day 01: Nice, FranceUpon arrival at the Nice airport you will be welcomed to France by your local representative, and transferred to your hotel where you will be assisted with check-in procedures. Your local representative is part of a unique network of over 75 representatives throughout Europe who ensure your vacation operates smoothly and to your absolute satisfaction. They are on the ground to ensure that your travel arrangements run perfectly. He/she is on the end of the phone for you should you have any queries and is there to assist you. You will be confirmed for three nights at the Hotel La Perouse in a seaview room with balcony, inclusive of continental breakfast. La Perouse Day 02: Nice
Meet your qualified English-speaking guide for a half-day walking tour of Nice’s stunning old town today. In marked contrast to the rest of Nice the ancient old town dates from Venetian times and was developed around the harbor. It is a labyrinth of cobbled streets and vast plazas such as the Cours Salaya with its colorful open-air flower market in the mornings. Ascend up to the castle hill by elevator to enjoy fantastic views across the Baie des Anges. La Perouse (B) Day 03: Nice - St. Paul de Vence - Nice
Today meet your local English-speaking guide and private vehicle for a further half day (4 hours) to the beautiful village of St Paul de Vence. Perfectly preserved within its medieval ramparts the village has been a mecca for artists since the 19th century. Located just outside the village is the Fondation Maeght, world renowned for its collection of 20th century paintings, sculptures and ceramics. You will then be transferred back to your hotel where the remainder of the day will be at your leisure. La Perouse (B) Day 04: Nice - Avignon
Today you will be met at your hotel and privately transferred with your local representative to the Nice railway station to begin your rail journey. Here you will be shown to your pre-reserved 1st class seating. Upon arrival at the Avignon railway station you will be met from the door of the train and privately transferred to your hotel. You will be confirmed for three nights at the Le Prieure Hotel in a standard room, inclusive of buffet breakfast. Le Prieure (B) Day 05: Avignon - Arles - Lex Baux - Avignon
Today you travel to the former Roman city of Arles, with a visit to the Musée de l'Arles Antique and learn from the curator about all the aspects of Arles in its heyday of the Roman Empire. Seven superb Roman floor mosaics can be viewed from an elevated platform. You then wander the very streets which Van Gogh would have known when he lived and worked in Arles, enjoying a coffee in the cafe which he used for his painting 'Starry Night'. Other highlights of your visit to Arles will include its Romanesque cathedral and Roman ampitheatre. Driving through the countryside which Van Gogh painted you will have time to visit the medieval citadel of Les Baux with its narrow cobbled streets lined with arts and crafts shops. Afterwards you visit the asylum of St Paul to which Van Gogh was admitted. There is time to sit and contemplate in the beautiful cloisters and chapel and to stand at the exact spot where Vincent painted his many pictures. Le Prieure (B) Day 06: Avignon
After breakfast today, you will depart for Hotel de la Mirande in the heart of Avignon. The hotel is reputed for its cookery classes and it is here that you will spend the morning in the company of their top chefs learning the art of Provencal cuisine. This hotel was originally the private residence of one of the leading families of Avignon for over 200 years. Its 18th-century interiors have now been meticulously restored with magnificent antiques and a fine collection of old master paintings and china. The restaurant, an impressive room with 15th-century wood-beamed ceilings, features classic French cuisine, opening onto a delightful and secluded garden with a terrace for outdoor dining (subject to the scheduling of English-language courses and enough participants for the course to run.) After lunch, you will take a walking tour with your local English-speaking guide around the ancient city of Avignon, wrapped in a crenellated wall punctuated by Gothic slit windows and visit the Palais des Papes. In the 14th-century, this luxurious palace used to be the Capital of the Christian world. It witnessed nine popes in succession and its bold architecture and rich paintings still remain as signs of this glorious past. Le Prieure (B) Day 07: Avignon - Lyon
Today you will be met at your hotel and privately transferred with your Guardian Angel to the Avignon railway station to begin your rail journey. Here you will be shown to your pre-reserved 1st class seating. Upon arrival at the Lyon railway station you will be met from the door of the train and privately transferred to your hotel. Later, take a walking tour (3 hours) through 'Vieux Lyon' which has narrow cobblestone streets, 17th and 18th century mansions, small museums and the City's Cathedral. Above Vieux Lyon are the remains of Roman theatres and the Basilique de Notre-Dame, visible from all over the city. Also visit Les Halles de Lyon, the famous covered market where you will see the renowned Charcuterie Sibilin described as a 'temple of sausages' and the cheese-merchants Elenore Maréchal and Renée Richard. Here too is Rolle, the foie-gras specialist. There are a handful of stalls selling fish, catches from the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. There are restaurant counters where you will be able to slurp oysters and chilled glasses of white wine (payable upon consumption.) You will be confirmed for two nights at the Cour des Loges Hotel in a classic room, inclusive of continental breakfast. Cour des Loges Day 08: Lyon - Beaujolois - Lyon
This morning you will travel North of Lyon along the Saone River and visit the vineyards of Beaujolais, an ideal area for wine tasting, offering delicious wine in a glorious countryside. Lunch is at leisure on your own arrangements in the village of Juliénas, famous for 'Coq au Vin. Later this afternoon, you will visit Beaujeu and enjoy wine tasting. Visit the Moulin-à-Vent, a 17th century windmill and enjoy a tasting of a 'cru' from the region. Return to Lyon from here. Cour des Loges (B) Day 09: Lyon - Depart
Today you will be privately transferred to the Lyon Airport. (B)
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