If you think it’s not possible to “do” southern France in 9 days in a truly meaningful, authentic and fabulous way – think again! If you know the right people and go to the right places, it really is possible to experience the very best of the south of France in just over a week. And of course you can always stay longer. Discover the food, the sights, culture, history, wine and customs… So many things go to making this part of France a very special place. And, at TripUSAFrance they really do understand what it takes to make sure you experience all those things. This is a south of France tour that’s not rushed. And, it’s not a 5-minute-tick-the-box race. This is a tour of the best of southern France, enjoyed the best way – relaxed, personal and authentic.
Julia and Stephane Girard-Gervois, a father and daughter team at TripUSAFrance, are two of the best guides in France. Their know-how, experience and contacts mean that you get to really know southern France in a very short space of time.
The very best of the south of France
TripUSAFrance’s south of France tours take in the main sites. From captivating Carcassonne which looks like a fairy tale come to life, to magnificent Montpellier (where Julia grew up before moving to the USA). But with this tour you’ll also discover less well known but incredibly special places. On the itinerary are Palavas-les-Flots with an enticing beachside hotel and the Maguelone Cathedral by the sea, once lived in by Popes. In just 7 days you’ll visit legendary sites as well as Provence’s jewels. Avignon with its incredible Palace of the Popes and the stunning Pont du Gard Roman bridge. St Guilhem le Desert, one of the most beautiful villages in France and St Paul de Mausole where a troubled Van Gogh took sanctuary. Plus the famous underground art gallery Carrières Lumières and much more.
Julia will reveal the best of Nimes with its amazing Roman architectures. And picturesque Aigues Mortes, plus wine tasting at the gorgeous Chateau Flaugergues and at Chateau Jonquières. You’ll visit the incredible Carrière de Lumières, an art venue in an old quarry as well at St Paul-de-Mausole monastery where Van Gogh stayed. If you tour in June you’ll also get to see the fabulous lavender fields. And there’s so much more.
You’ll have a real connection with the area, joining a French cooking class, visiting an oyster farm and visiting French markets. You’ll even be joining Julia’s mother for a delicious picnic by the water, where she’ll teach you to play the traditional French game of pétanque.
You’ll also visit the stunning Roman city of Arles, and the famous soap factory of Marseille (talk about the perfect souvenir to take home). And you’ll do a very special wine tasting at an abbey, enjoy a dinner cruise on the Canal du Midi and slurp oysters at an oyster farm.
See Southern France at a relaxed pace in a small group tour
Julia and Stephane like to keep their tour groups small so that they can really ensure that this is a journey you relish. You won’t be rushed on and off a bus, given 5 minutes here and 5 minutes there. That’s not the southern French way at all! You won’t spend all day on the road getting from one place to another to tick a box. The itinerary ensures you won’t spend more than a couple of hours being transported – meaning you have loads more time to really experience France. They’ve picked the best restaurants and know the chefs and the menus. If you’re a vegetarian, vegan or have food allergies then you won’t be suffering from a lack of choice here. Julia’s made sure that every chef on their itinerary can offer you something delicious.
Learn French as you go
If you don’t want to learn or practice your French – that’s fine, Julia and Stephane will be with you. And, if you do want to go off for some free time, they’ll give you a cell phone so you can contact them whenever you need to. But if you do want to learn French, Julia will be happy to help you. She’s a teacher in Washington DC when she’s not guiding in France.
Get to know real France as a temporary local
For a feel good, real good, stress-free, everything beautifully organized, authentic, fabulous experience of the real south of France, TripUSAFrance will absolutely deliver. As Julia says “on our tours, you’re temporary locals. You’re not average tourists bouncing around in a crowd. And you’re not waiting in long lines and getting stuck in tourist traps. We will help you make a deeper connection with the country and understand what it is like to live there, while fulfilling the desire to see amazing sites and make lasting memories”.
Travelers from all over the world are welcome on their English guided tours. Find out more about these fantastic south of France tours at TripUSAFrance
