EH Provencal Journey

Gordes, Provence, France

Tour Details

Visit: Aix-en-Provence, Luberon, Bonnieux and Lourmarin, Avignon

Delight your senses with the fragrant lavender fields, sumptuous wine, and natural wonders of Provence.

In contrast to cosmopolitan Paris, Provence is the centre of France’s natural beauty. Boasting candy coloured and fragrant lavender fields, rugged beaches, and the spectacular Verdon River with its breath-taking gorges and caves, it’s a perfectly relaxed destination for holiday makers wanting to experience “la vie en rose.” As well as these dazzling doses of mother nature, Provence is also home to a variety of villages and towns that are seemingly unchanged since their formations. Key examples include the photogenic commune of Gordes with its 12th Century monastery, the majestic medieval walls of Aix en Provence, the sleepy, dilapidated monastery of Châteauneuf du Pape, and the ancient Roman remains of the city of Orange. These romantic backdrops are the perfect locations to sip a glass of local wine, allowing vision, taste and smell to come together in one overwhelmingly beautiful feast for the senses.

Day 1 (Friday): Arrival in Aix-en-Provence

Bienvenue en Provence! Independent arrival in Aix-en-Provence. Make your own way to the hotel. Overnight stay in Paris.

Day 2 (Saturday): Discovering the Luberon

Spend the day discovering the small, charming villages of the Luberon. Meet your guide at a meeting point in the heart of Aix-en-Provence and drive along the scenic roads of Provence countryside roads to reach Isle-sur-Sorgue. Here you can walk along the canals (Isle-sur-Sorgue is called the Venice of Venaissin County) and stop at the many antique shops looking for rarities. Go up the river Sorgue and find its source at Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, where you can visit the caves where the river emerges. Continue to Gordes, one of the most beautiful villages in the whole of France. During the summer, when the lavender is blooming, there will be a stop at the Senanque Abbey, one of the most photographed attractions in Provence. Conclude your excursion with a visit to the villages of Bonnieux and Lourmarin. Overnight in Aix-en-Provence.

Day 3 (Sunday): Verdon Gorges and more

Today, visit the stunning Verdon river, with its breathtaking gorges, one of the must-see natural wonders in Europe. Meet your guide at a meeting point in the heart of Aix-en-Provence and drive to Manosque were you will have the chance to visit the Occitane cosmetic factory, whose products are all made from local flowers and plants. Driving through the Valensole plateau (between mid-June and mid-July you will have the chance to see the lavender fields in bloom here), you will reach the Moustiers-Ste-Marie, a small village perched between two scenic rocky cliffs. Continue to the Lake Saint Croix for a relaxing stop at the beach before coming back to Aix-en-Provence. Overnight in Aix-en Provence.

Day 4 (Monday): Aix-en-Provence - Avignon

Meet your private driver at the hotel lobby and transfer to your accommodation in Avignon. Residence of the Popes for almost a hundred years in the 14th century, its city centre is packed with historical attractions, from the World Heritage-listed Palais du Papes to the majestic Medieval walls.

In the afternoon there is an optional private guided visit of the town and Palais du Pope. Overnight in Avignon.

Day 5 (Tuesday): Orange and Châteauneuf du Pape

Today, discover the hidden gems of Provence, Orange and Châteauneuf du Pape. Meet your guide in the heart of Avignon and reach the city of Orange for a panoramic tour to see its numerous Roman monuments. The Ancient Theatre (entrance fees and audio guide included) is one of the best preserved in the world. Continue to Châteauneuf du Pape and admire the ruins of the Pope’s formal summer residence which dominate the medieval village. Enjoy a wine tasting in one of the local cellars before going back to Avignon. Overnight in Avignon.

Meals: Wine Tasting

Day 6 (Wednesday): Departure

After breakfast, independent transfer to your departure point. Au revoir Provence!

Independent Package Includes:

3 nights in Aix-en-Provence
2 nights in Avignon
Small Group Discovering the Luberon Tour - Full Day
Small Group Verdon Gorges - Full Day
Private transfer: Aix-en-Provence - Avignon
Small Group Orange and Châteauneuf du Pape - Full Day

Not Included:

Arrival and departure transfers

Hotels (or similar):

Aix-en-Provence: Cezanne
Avignon: L'Horloge

Please note: Hotel may be substituted with similar category.

Tour Prices are per person twin share in Australian Dollars. Conditions apply and group tours are subject to change and availability. Prices are subject to currency fluctuations. (vit)