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The Provence Philosophy
Arguably the most irresistible region in France, Provence thrills with charming hill-top medieval villages in the Luberon, exceptional cuisines and fascinating culture. Each adventure in Provence is defined uniquely to the individual seeking the most refined journeys in France.
HIGHLIGHTS
Experience a collection of charming medieval villages in the Luberon
Savour exquisite wines and gastronomy of Provence
Stay in refined hotels in the Luberon and the Alpilles
Enjoy an insightful experience with the local characters in Provence
ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVE MONTPELLIER / NIMES / PONT DU GARD / LES BAUX DE PROVENCE
Arrive into Montpellier Mediterranee Airport and a short drive later, we arrive into the ancient Roman city of Nimes where we take a step back in time to learn about it Roman lineage. Visit the Roman Amphitheatre, an exhilarating perfection of symmetry with its distinctive oval-shape and two levels of superimposed arches. Marvel at the Maison Carree, built in 20BC during the reign of Caesar Augustus and one of the best-preserved Roman temples in the world. Spend some time walking through the medieval streets and thereafter, we continue to the UNESCO-listed Pont du Gard - perhaps one of the greatest Roman aqueducts ever built supplying water to Nimes.
Finally, we officially leave behind the Languedoc-Roussillon region and into the region of Provence where we arrive at the picturesque medieval village of Les Baux de Provence - designated as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Check into the amazing Hotel Baumaniere Les Baux de Provence.
Overnight: Hotel Baumaniere, Les Baux de Provence
Meals: NIL
DAY 2: LES BAUX DE PROVENCE (AVIGNON & WINES OF SOUTHERN RHONE)
Begin the day with a short drive to the ancient Roman UNESCO-listed city of Avignon with its medieval streets and alleys and the ramparts where you will enjoy sweeping views of the city and Rhone River. We visit the unmistakable Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), the world's largest Gothic palace to gain an insight into the height of Christianity in the 14th Century.
Thereafter, continue into the beautiful countryside to begin our excursion of the Southern Rhone region visiting some of the most amazing and stunning wineries of Chateauneuf du Pape including the famed Domaine de la Vieille Julienne or the Clos Saint Jean and in Gigondas, the Chateau de Saint Cosme where we learn about the production, French "terroir" and sampling of the Grand Crus before returning to Les Baux de Provence. This evening, enjoy a degustation dinner at its 2 Michelin Star restaurant, L'Oustau de Baumaniere headed by renowned Chef Jean-Andre Charial.
Overnight: Hotel Baumaniere, Les Baux de Provence
Meals: Breakfast & Degustation Dinner
DAY 3: LES BAUX DE PROVENCE / THE LUBERON VALLEY
We leave Les Baux de Provence today and into the Luberon Valley - the true heart of Provence with inspiring perched hill-top villages, spectacular vineyards, organic markets and wonderful flora with the wonderful backdrop of Mount Ventoux. Our exploration today will be completely unique and tailored to your requirements where there will be interactive discussions pegged with your interests to uncover the real Provence with an assortment of villages and towns from the famous Gordes, Fontaine de Vaucluse, Roussillon, Menerbes, Bonnieux to the lesser-known ones such as Lacoste, Castellet, Murs.... Each village and town has its own character, charm and market that our specialist local guide will customize to suit your personality. (Remember, Provence is NEVER ABOUT ONLY LAVENDERS in July).
Our abode for the next few days will be the stunning Le Couvent des Minimes, surrounded by aromatic gardens and lavender fields in season with a superb combination of medieval architecture and contemporary comfort.
Overnight: Le Couvent des Minimes, The Luberon Valley
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4: THE LUBERON VALLEY
Spend another day in the Luberon Valley and together with your Provence native guide, be enthralled by the limitless opportunities of the Luberon Valley. Visit the lavender farms (in season) to learn about these amazing "purple gold", black truffles hunting (in season) and in-depth understanding of the "black gold" or maybe a saffron farm (in season) for the "red gold". Consider a visit to the L'Occitane Museum and gain insights on the harvesting process, behind the scenes in the factory production or perhaps, enjoy the stunning medieval villages or meet some of the most unbelievable artisans and farmers you never knew (That is our secret). The day is yours to create. This evening, we invite you for a degustation dinner paired with the marvellous wines of Provence and the Cotes du Rhone led by 1 Michelin Star Chef Jerome Roy at the Restaurant Le Cloitre.
NOTES:
While hiking in Provence is a good way to experience the Luberon Valley, the undulating terrain and slopes can prove daunting even for the most experienced of hikers or even cyclists and not suitable for everyone seeking to experience Provence in the most experiential and insightful way. We combine the experience with the comfort of a car with your native guide and brisk walking in the village or depending on your interests and level of fitness.
Overnight: Le Couvent des Minimes, The Luberon Valley
Meals: Breakfast & Degustation Dinner
DAY 5: THE LUBERON VALLEY / MARSEILLE
Today, we transfer to Marseille Provence Airport (1.5hrs drive) for your onward journey or into the heart of Marseille for your optional extension along the French Riviera.
Meals: Breakfast
HOTELS
The Hotel Baumaniere Les Baux de Provence is a magnificent country inn nestled in a magical setting in the town of Les Baux de Provence in the Alpilles with understated warm tones and elegant decoration. Enjoy a sensational gastronomic experience at the 2 Michelin Star and renowned L'Oustau de Baumaniere led by Chef Jean-Andre Charial.
Nestled on the hillside near the idyllic village of Mane in the Luberon Valley, the Le Couvent des Minimes was formerly home to nuns before it was converted into an amazing countryside hotel combining its medieval history and architecture with the current warm and inviting tones, design and comfort for the modern hedonist. Savour to 1 Michelin Star Chef Jerome Roy's exquisite degustation at its Restaurant Le Cloitre.
