Of course, one day in Provence is never enough but, for those who really only have one day – it can still be super special and leave with you with memories that last forever. Beware, you’ll want to return and stay for a lot longer!
We asked Emily Durand of My Private Chauffeur Provence how she’d spend just one day in Provence, starting from Avignon:
It depends on the time of the year for some things – in June through early August, you simply must go and see the lavender fields. In fact, you could spend your whole day based around the lavender fields drinking in the sights, soaking up the aroma, taking in a distillery visit and boutique shopping in the prettiest little towns for souvenirs.
And in May and early June – the poppy fields are in full bloom, it’s a sight you’ll never forget. In Autumn the vineyards are at their most beautiful with flashes of red, gold and yellow and the mellow sunlight just makes all the colours pop.
But there are some things that you can do year-round that will make your one day feel like the most special day ever.
Authentic Provence Day Tour
If you want to see authentic Provence in just one day, I’d take you to the area behind the Giant of Provence, the legendary Mont Ventoux. We’d visit an Olive farm, and unspoiled villages like Nyons where you’d have time to walk the pretty streets for the best views. We’d drive along one of the most scenic roads in Provence and visit the region’s biggest Renaissance castle in Grignan after a Provencal lunch in the village – which could be at the Michelin restaurant, Le Clair de la Plume or picnic style in the valley below the hilltop village.
Wine Lovers Day Tour of Provence
So, you love wine, or you just want to know more about the famous nectar of Provence? As I’m driving, you can sit back and enjoy the ride – and the wine! In one day you could visit somewhere like Chateauneuf-du-Pape or Seguret, Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Beaumes-de-Venise where you can visit cellars and do tasting. Many of the wine domains offer a Provencal picnic in the vineyards or a uniquely catered gourmet winery lunch.
Secret southern Provence in a day
There’s just so much to discover you’ll need to figure out in advance what you really want to see but for me, it would involve discovering a beautiful chateau like the one in Ansouis (where the owner herself will show you around), enjoying local dishes, perhaps a picnic or lunch in a pretty hilltop town like lovely Lourmarin. And as some of the most beautiful villages in the south of Provence are so close together you could easily visit a few to get a real flavour of Provence. You could follow in the footsteps of Peter Mayle visiting Cucuron (it’s where quite a bit of the film A Very Good Year was located), or lesser known but lovely Vaugines with its 12th century chapel and a little trail hike that can take you to a lookout point above the village.
Discover Emily’s day tours of Provence at Your Private Chauffeur Provence…
