Provence: La Belle Vie

Arrive in Avignon and settle into our hotel in the historic center. This evening, gather with your Expedition Leader and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner and an introduction to the days ahead.

Our exploration begins at the Pont du Gard, the monumental Roman aqueduct that has stood across the Gardon River for nearly two millennia. Special upper-level access offers a perspective beyond the standard visit. Continue into Châteauneuf-du-Pape for lunch and a wine tasting at Château La Nerthe before returning to Avignon. This evening, experience the city’s imposing Palais des Papes on a private visit.

Begin with an early walk through Avignon before continuing to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a town closely associated with Vincent van Gogh and the landscapes that inspired some of his best-known work. After time to explore the town and its artistic heritage, travel into the Luberon and settle into our countryside accommodations at Domaine du Castellas.

Today offers a closer look at the traditions and village life of the Luberon. Begin with a hands-on bread-making experience at Le Fournil at Domaine des Davids. Later, explore Lourmarin, with time to discover the village and visit its historic château before returning to our countryside retreat.

Spend the day exploring the landscapes and historic sites of the Luberon. Visit the Ancienne Abbaye Saint-Hilaire before continuing to Roussillon, renowned for the vivid ochre earth that colors its cliffs and village surroundings. Walk the ochre trail for a close-up look at one of Provence’s most distinctive landscapes.

Travel to Aix-en-Provence for a perfumery workshop and lunch before continuing to Cotignac, our home for the next two nights. After checking in at Lou Calen, enjoy time to settle into our village surroundings. Later, gather for a friendly game of pétanque followed by a private tasting of pastis, one of Provence’s most characteristic aperitifs, and dinner at the hotel’s bistro.

Spend our final full day getting to know Cotignac through the people who call it home. Share coffee with Huguette, a 90-year-old former hotel owner known as an engaging local storyteller, then explore the village and its distinctive cliffs with local resident John. Our day also includes a tasting centered on rose and olive oil and lunch at Picotte. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner in the garden, celebrating our time together in Provence.

After breakfast, transfer to Marseille Airport for departing flights.