ROMANTIC PROVENCE

The purple landscapes of the lavender fields in bloom are known and loved throughout the entire world.
They inspired famous painters, such as Van Gogh and Cézanne, and thrilled contemporary writers such as Peter Mayle, author of “A Year in Provence” and “A Good Year”, the book which inspired the film of the same name by Ridley Scott.
Provence invites you to follow in the footsteps of Peter Mayle by coming and experiencing the wonderful, romantic moments he described to you. You might even be lucky enough to bump into the writer and receive a signed book.
You will have the opportunity to visit some famous towns and sights, made famous by songs and books which are known all over the world and which you will certainly have heard of, for example «The Count of Monte-Cristo» by Alexandre Dumas.
The lavender is only in flower from mid-June to mid-August. So choose your dates wisely…

HISTORICAL GEM

Stroll around Avignon, the town in which the seven bishops of Rome resided during the Avignon Papacy, find the famous 13th century Saint Bénezet bridge, made famous by the nursery rhyme which became an international success from 1876, thanks to the operetta ‘Sur le pont d’Avignon’. Walk around the ancient historic core of Doms, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and discover one of the most beautiful places in the world. «Le Rocher des Doms» offers many exceptional sights including the Saint Bénezet bridge, «Remparts», the «Petit Palais», Doms Cathedral and the impressive walls protecting the four enormous towers of the «Palais des Papes».
Our english guide will take you visit parts of the Palace of the Popes, never opened before.
At noon, take a break tasting some of the best Provençal cuisine before taking part in an amazing tour of the region. For 30 minutes, within a 40 km radius, we are offering you an unforgettable ride on board a Cessna 182/172 to take in some of Provence’s most beautiful sites from the comfort of an aeroplane.

During the Avignon festival, one of the oldest and most famous theatrical festivals in the world, the streets come to life for 3 weeks from the 6th to the 28th July, with more than 40 shows, in approximately 20 places around the town. The programme will be available to you from May.

LAVENDER FIELDS AND PERCHED VILLAGES

The next three days, you will be immerse in the landscapes which inspired Peter Mayle’s work, between lavender fields and perched villages. Many of them have been ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, for example Ménerbes, where you may be lucky enough to bump into the author himself as he lives very close to this charming village. Depending on when you visit, you may leave with a signed copy of his book.
Reach the iconics lavender fields and take a break at some producers who will teach you their savoir-faire.
A romantic and unforgettable day.
Stroll in the Baux de Provence village, listed as the most beautiful village in France and St Remy de Provence, through its old alleyways, its sheltered plots of land and its elegant boutiques. Visit the numerous hotels, which have been converted into museums or art galleries, the convents, the chapels, and the beautiful 17th and 18th century homes. The scenery is so beautiful that it has inspired numerous artists, writers and painters, such as Van Gogh.

Perhaps you will want to seize the opportunity to discover the oldest archeological site in Europe, with relics of Comptoir de Glanum, founded in 3BC, the large thermal baths, the temple and the natural source of a truly Gallic-Roman city dating from 30-10BC.

CULTURAL IMMERSION IN MARSEILLE

Welcome to the bustling city of Marseille, named European Cultural Capital in 2013 where your getaway begins by a stroll along the ‘Vieux Port’ and its postcard airs, the birthplace of Marseille‘s history. It’s called «old» in comparison to the new Joliette ports which were created in the middle of 19th century. Until then, it was the only port that was used.
Every morning, on the banks of the ‘Vieux Port’, a fish market takes place from 7.30 till 12.30. This market is a truly Marseillaise tradition. Fishwives sell fishes caught the night before, which allows to cook the famous Provençal fish soup: the Bouillabaisse. It is also one of the last places where you can buy fresh, good quality fish. Lift your eyes and notice the medieval fortifications of the Saint Victor abbey, an unusual site dominating the South bank of the Vieux Port and facing the old town.
Stop for a drink on the Place aux Huiles which features many cafés and restaurants as well as art galleries or go to the Noailles district, near the old port, which has become, so to speak, the “belly of Marseille” where fooding madness has raged.

With our guide, visit the Panier district, one of the oldest and prettiest districts in the town. You can enjoy a pleasant stroll there and roam around a well renovated, and perhaps now even slightly fashionable area. There are artistic boutiques on every corner where you can find unusual pottery and paintings.
In the heart of this district you will find the Vieille Charité, which served as a hospice for children and the elderly until the end of the 19th century and which is home today to 2 of the most beautiful museums in the town.
To end your day, pay a visit to the Basilica Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, built in 1870. The statue of the Virgin Mary, which has been above the Basilica since this date measures 9.7 metres and weighs 10 tones !
Perched on a hill in the heart of the town, the Bonne Mère dominates all the town and offers an outstanding panoramic view of the town and the port, at 162 metres of altitude. The view of the Vieux Port, Panier district, the autonomous port, the islands of Frioul and If, the north of Marseille, the beach areas and the hills which surround Marseille is unique.
Then, dine in one of the best restaurants in Marseille of which we have sent you the secret address.

AMAZING SCENERY

To contemplate the charm of our Mediterranean coasts or to take a dip far from the city beaches of the big blue, we organised a boat trip in breathtaking landscapes. After a 20 minute boat ride from the Vieux Port, you will reach the island of If, which is home to If castle, made famous by the novel by Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo. Then, you access a real paradise for nature lovers, the Calanque National Park. Its creeks with turquoise waters and devastating views are the pride of the inhabitants of Marseille. Witnessing this wild beauty is the height of luxury.
In the evening, admire the sunset in the Frioul Islands. The light is incredible and offers you an end of the day in the image of the Mediterranean sweetness of life.
An unforgettable day where cameras and hats are an absolute must!

SEE THE FULL ITINERARY AND CUSTOMIZE THIS EXPERIENCE

We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itinerary is a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you. Contact us on +33 545 833 652 to start planning your holiday.