Group Tour Operator for holidays to Provence, France

Depart the UK

Travel to Dover and take the ferry across to Calais. Continue through France, making an overnight stop in the Reims area.  Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.

Travel to Provence

Depart after breakfast and continue south via Dijon and Lyon and on to Aix-en-Provence for the next 5 nights.  Dinner is at the hotel this evening.

Aix-en-Provence and Paul Cezanne (driver’s rest day)

Today explore the beautiful town of Aix-en-Provence. This elegant former Roman spa town has a genteel feel, thanks to its profusion of  beautiful squares, bubbling fountains, and upmarket boutiques and markets dotted along the labyrinth of narrow streets that spread out from the Cours Mirabeau. Perhaps enjoy a guided walking tour to provide further insight into the area?  Maybe visit the well-preserved workshop of artist Paul Cezanne where he worked daily from 1902 until his death in 1906 and where dozens of his great works were created.  Nearby is Mount Sainte-Victoire, which features heavily in Cezannes’ paintings and Lauves’ hill, where some of his most famous paintings of this landscape were painted from. Now converted into the ‘Land of Painters’ by the city, you can take in the same panorama which inspired the artist.

Pont du Gard and Avignon

Travel to the spectacular Pont du Gard, the 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  It is remarkable for its excellent state of preservation and it is the only example of an ancient three tier bridge still standing today.  There will be time to explore more of this amazing structure and even walk across it for some great views and photo opportunities!  Visit the museum or have something to eat or drink in the on-site restaurant. (Guided tours available)

From here, continue to the medieval walled city of Avignon to see several remarkable monuments.  For around 70 years, Avignon served as the centre of the Catholic world, and indeed the Pope resided here during the early 14th century. This has left a remarkable architectural impression on the town, mainly with the vast Palais des Papes and the Pont Saint-Bénézet, the bridge made famous in the song ‘Sur le Pont d’Avignon’. Only 4 arches now remain of the original 22 which spanned the River Rhone. Don’t miss the city’s ramparts which are also listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.

The Luberon – ‘Les Baux and Olive Oil

The Luberon is an area famous for its breathtaking lavender fields, olive groves and vineyards. At its centre is the medieval hilltop village, Les Baux-de-Provence, officially classified as one of France’s most beautiful villages. Stroll around the medieval cobbled streets and explore the many historic sites including the ruined castle which offers splendid views of the surrounding countryside.  On the return to our hotel,  a stop will be made for a Mill Tour and Olive Oil tasting at a local producer.

Alternative:  Luberon Lavender Museum near Gordes, a picturesque museum in the form of a traditional Provencal farmhouse and surrounded by a lavender field shaded by olive trees and pines.

Before you return to the hotel, you may wish to include a wine tasting which can be arranged.  Dinner is at the hotel this evening.

Arles and The Camargue – Horses, Bulls and Flamingos

Visit historic Arles, once the Roman capital of Gaul, Britain and Spain. At the heart of the small town is the huge, preserved amphitheatre. The town is remarkably well-preserved and Van Gogh lived here for two years and painted some of his most well-known works.

From here, travel into the Camargue, where the wild landscape of red salt lagoons teeming with flamingos and herds of wild white Camargue Horses contrast with ancient fishing villages and long, sandy beaches. Visit the popular and picturesque coastal town of Saintes Maries de la Mer.  Once a year, Gypsies from all over Europe make a pilgrimage to worship Sara the Black, their saint and patroness. You can see Sara’s statue in the crypt of the town’s little church. An optional cruise by boat or paddle steamer through the Camargue is available. Return to the hotel with a scenic drive around this stunning region, an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Enjoy dinner in the hotel this evening.

Depart Provence

Depart after breakfast and head north towards the Reims area for an overnight stop.  Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.

Return to the UK

Continue the homeward journey to Calais and take the ferry across to the UK.

Marseille and the Calanques

Extend your stay in this stunning region and visit France’s largest commercial port, Marseille, a city full of art and culture with 26 centuries of history combining tradition and modernity.  The city has a wealth of monuments, places of interest and museums to visit. In the afternoon, perhaps enjoy a boat ride along the coast from nearby Cassis to the Calanques – a series of limestone cliffs, inlets and rocky promontories plunging into the Mediterranean for about 20 km immediately to the south east of Marseille.

Historical Nîmes

Nîmes’ arena, one of the most famous amphitheatres, was used for animal hunts, gladiator contests and even executions. Other highlights include the Tour Magne – all that remains of an ancient hilltop fortification. A spiral staircase inside leads to a fantastic view over Nîmes. Although uphill, the walk up to the Tower through the public park of Jardins de la Fontaine is delightful.

Orange

Perhaps explore Orange, a town incredibly rich in history, from its Celtic fortifications to its Roman monuments. The Ancient Theatre of Orange is one of the best conserved Roman monuments in France and among the best-preserved artefacts of the Ancient World. It is used today for concerts. See the Arc de Triomphe Orange – built just north of the old city walls. The carvings show military themes such as Roman battles for supremacy. Orange also has lovely squares, shops and cafes with delicious cakes. Furthermore, make sure to sample some of the local produce, as much of Provencal life revolves around the food and wine of the region.