An eight-day tour of the south of France and lavender tour of Provence, taking in the lavender fields at their blooming best – and experiencing the culture and gastronomy of Provence.
Medieval villages, magnificent castles, cafés with tables and chairs spilling out onto cobbled streets and little squares shaded by ancient plane trees. Narrow streets lined with pastel coloured houses, shops and galleries. Gastronomic food, wonderful wines and vineyards, glorious beaches and the Mediterranean Sea. And lavender fields, a sea of perfumed blossoms. The south of France has it all. But how do you manage to experience all these wonderful things in a short while? That’s easy: Join a small group tour with a guide who knows it like a local, and who will reveal the best of Provence and the south of France in a way that makes memories you’ll always cherish.
Lavender field tour of Provence
Visit the lavender fields where the air is fragrant with thousands of the pretty purple aromatic herbs at the end of June, before the crowds descend and the intense summer heat arrives. The lavender fields of Valensole are one of the most exquisite areas to experience this wonderful, but short lived beauty. Fields of lavender and golden wheat spread over rolling hills like a magical patchwork with the great Mont Ventoux in the distance. Here you’ll visit a distillery at a family run lavender farm. You’ll learn about the history of lavender from local farmers. And, you’ll pick some lavender to take to the distillery to make your own oil which you get to keep.
You’ll also visit the 11th century Saint Paul de Mausole monastery, a sanctuary for Vincent Van Gogh in his troubled times. In July, the beautiful Provençal Romanesque style architecture of the monastery is enhanced by the fields of lavender that surround it. Tour host and guide Julia Gervois who divides her time between France and America says “from the top of the stairs at the monastery, you can see the wheat field that Van Gogh contemplated and painted during his year of confinement in the men’s pavilion, it’s an extraordinary connection to the past and to the artist.”
South of France tour
On this tour, you’ll be transported everywhere in air-conditioned comfort, accompanied by Julia. Everything is organised for you. From stunning hotel accommodation to meals and entry fees (no queueing), and you can simply sit back and enjoy the wine tastings, the fabulous meals and the wonderful destinations.
You’ll visit some of the officially most beautiful villages in France. Pretty-as-a-postcard Les Baux de Provence, St Guilhem Le Dessert, gorgeous hilltop Gordes, and ravishing Roussillon with its ochre cliffs and winding cobbled streets lined with colourful houses. Explore captivating Carcassonne and it’s wonderfully restored citadel, and the majestic Roman Pont du Gard aqueduct, a real wonder of the world. And discover the little-known but utterly exquisite towns of Aigues Mortes and Le Grau du Roi where Ernest Hemmingway and second wife Pauline Pfeiffer honeymooned.
Discover Avignon and its historic Palace of the popes. Explore elegant Montpellier which has a charming old district, once home to the Kings of Aragon. And Aix-en-Provence is a must-see in Provence, an authentic and breath-takingly gorgeous town with historic architecture, one of the most magnificent markets in France and traces of artist Cezanne who was born and lived here. No visit to Provence is complete without a trip to Arles. This historic and enchanting city has a wonderfully preserved Roman amphitheatre, and here you’ll find traces of Van Gogh on every corner.
Experience fabulous southern French joie de vivre
This region is famed for its gastronomy and wine and this will be a big part of your trip. You’ll enjoy a truffle hunt, a hands-on adventure with treasure hunting dogs and a welcoming host followed by a delicious dinner with, of course, truffles! You’ll visit an olive farm and enjoy wine tasting in the grounds of a majestic chateaux. Enjoy a tasting tour in Montpellier and go off the beaten track in the Camargue, a land of white horses, black bulls and pink flamingoes, where you’ll visit a ranch, meet French cowboys and cowgirls and enjoy a Provencal lunch on site – a really extraordinary experience. “Trust me” says Julia “this is one of the most popular tour activities, it’s just so special.”
Strolling through the French markets is a cultural experience in itself. Plus You’ll enjoy dinner with Julia’s parents at their home and learn how to play petanque – guaranteed to make you feel like a true local.
There’s no rushing about, no hurrying on and off a bus trying to cram everything in without enjoying it. This tour is about taking time to relax, to experience and feel the real south of France in all its wonderful glory. There’s time to smell the lavender, savour the food and wine, soak it all in and have those memories banked forever.
Discover authentic and beautiful Provence on this fabulous tour: tripusafrance.com
