Provence off the beaten path

Spend your holiday in the South of France exploring Provence off the beaten path with an English-speaking local. This Private Wine Tour will immerse you in the unique culture of Aix en Provence.

Day 1: Arrival in Aix en Provence

Welcome to Marseille Airport or Aix en Provence TGV railway station.

During a 1 hour drive on the roads of Provence, pass by Salon de Provence, the city of Nostradamus. In the middle of vineyards and olive groves, reach your luxury hotel in Les Baux de Provence. Spend the day at this “Relais & Châteaux” walking in the gardens and refreshing yourself the three swimming pools. Experience an excellent lunch and dinner in this secluded place.

Day 2: Discover Authentic Provence Villages

Morning : Begin your day in Les Baux de Provence, classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France. After exploring the village on your own, you will attend a unique art exhibition at the Carrière de Lumières, in the heart of Alpilles. You may take lunch at a charming brasserie in the village your guide will recommend.

Afternoon: Travel to the village of Saint Rémy, which Van Gogh fell in love with. As you walk down the streets of this village known for it’s beauty and quality of life it provides, you will find art galleries and local products. In the late afternoon, experience a private wine tasting at a famous winery nearby.

You will round off your day at a Oeno Touristic Complex in Aix en Provence countryside.There you may visit a garden full of artworks, have dinner in one of the three restaurants and spend a restful relaxing night in a room of the Boutique Hotel.

Day 3: Wine tasting and Visit to Aix en Provence

Morning: Get off on the right foot strolling through the grounds of this marvelous property among hills and olive groves. Taste the various wines the Chateau produces.

Lunch at your leisure in Aix en Provence.

Afternoon: Explore Aix en Provence beautiful and historic architecture, fountains, and mansions, as well as Paul Cezanne’s studio. Later drive along the foot of the picturesque Montagne Sainte-Victoire, a permanent inspiration for Cézanne.

End your day in a charming residence nestled among vineyards, in Var department. This wonderful haven managed by Alain Ducasse provides you a gourmet dinner and a top-notch accommodation for the night.

Day 4: Cotignac Village & the Abbey of Thoronet

Morning : Start your day with a wine tasting at a luxury wine estate, followed by a carriage ride through the vineyard. You will then visit the charming village of Cotignac, the village at the foot of the rock, the only one in the world where the Holy Family appeared.

Enjoy lunch at an original restaurant in Cotignac, which offers authentic cuisine

Afternoon: Visit the Terra Rossa Museum in Salernes. This museum offers several architectural, industrial and craft history exhibitions. Later, visit the Abbey of Thoronet, one of the three Cistercian abbeys of Provence. Restored in 1841, its architecture is remarkable.

Enjoy an authentic Provencal dinner at the fine-dining restaurant in a world renowned wine estate. This property provides as well luxurious and cosy rooms to spend the night.

Day 5: What a wonderfull Place

Morning: Enjoy a wine tasting at this luxury wine estate. You will then walk through the Parade in Arcs sur Argens, discovering the castle, the Saint-Pierre Chapel and Saint Jean The Baptiste church.

Ask your guide to recommend a famous local restaurant which beautifully incorporates truffles in their Provencal cuisine.

Afternoon: You may visit the whole property. This wine estate lies within the the famous Esclans valley, where the Romans used to grow grapes 2500 years ago. The 70 hectare vineyard is surrounded by more than 200 hectares of beautiful forest. The techniques utilized at this vineyard are certified “integrated farm management.” You will have the opportunity to taste the wines produced here. Afterwards, you may stroll through the grounds or take a ride on a quad bike, if you prefer.

In the evening, you dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant, which we have carefully selected for you. The restaurant offers fresh and contemporary Mediterranean cuisine. Following dinner, enjoy your last night in this marvellous place

Day 6: Wine Tasting

Morning: After a gourmet breakfast, visit one of Provence iconic domain, which is a Grand Cru. This vineyard is ideally situated, a paradise for the lovers of wine and the landscapes of the South of France. Here you will taste their magnificent wines while appreciating the surrounding sites and architecture.

Following your final wine tasting, your guide will bring you to the airport.

Your Private Provence off the Beaten Path Tour

Included:

Five nights in luxurious accommodations, including breakfast; Pick-up/Drop-off at the airport or railway station; in-country transportation; entrance into vineyards; entrance into the Carrières de Lumières exhibition, ceramic factory, and Abbey of Thoronet; carriage and quad bike rental; tourist taxes.