A nine-day tour of the south of France in July taking in the lavender fields of Provence which are at their blooming best…
Medieval villages, magnificent castles, cafés with tables and chairs spilling out onto cobbled streets and little squares. Narrow streets lined with pastel coloured houses, shops and galleries. Gastronomic food, wonderful wines and vineyards, glorious beaches and the Mediterranean Sea. 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. One 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 in July. The village of Sault is one of the best places 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. Well known for being a sanctuary for Vincent Van Gogh in his troubled time. In July, the beautiful Provençal Romanesque style architecture of the monastery is enhanced by the fields of lavender that surround it.
South of France tour
On this tour, you’ll be transported everywhere in comfort, accompanied by your guide Julia Girard-Gervois who lives part time in America. Everything is organised for you. From hotels and meals to entry fees, and of course you can simply sit back and enjoy the wine tastings!
You’ll visit some of the officially most beautiful villages in France. Gordes which you might recognise from the film A Good Year with Russel Crowe. Pretty Les Baux de Provence, St Guilhem Le Dessert and ravishing Roussillon with its ochre cliffs. Captivating Carcassonne and the majestic Roman Pont du Card, Avignon and its historic Palace of the popes, Montpellier and the little-known but utterly exquisite towns of Aigues Mortes Palavas-les-Flots are also on your itinerary. And no visit to the south of France is complete without a trip to Arles. With its Roman amphitheatre and traces of Van Gogh it’s magical.
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 visit to an oyster farm and wine tasting in the grounds of majestic chateaux. Strolling through the French markets is a cultural experience in itself. You’ll join a picnic with Julia’s mother who lives in the area, and learn how to play petanque – guaranteed to make you feel like a true local. And you’ll join a cooking class with a French chef – on this holiday you’ll take home memories as well as new skills!
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.
Discover authentic and beautiful Provence on this fabulous tour: tripusafrance.com/special-lavender-09-day-southern-france-tour/
