Discover Provence

We’ll spend our first full day exploring the timeless charm of Avignon, a city steeped in papal history and medieval grandeur. On our guided walking tour, our local expert will lead us through cobbled streets, along well-preserved city walls, and into the heart of this UNESCO-listed gem.

We’ll cross the iconic Pont d’Avignon, made famous by the traditional French song, and enjoy panoramic views of the Rhône River and surrounding countryside. Our tour continues with a visit to the Palais des Papes—an awe-inspiring Gothic palace that served as the seat of the Catholic Church in the 14th century. Inside, we’ll explore more than 25 rooms open to the public, including ceremonial halls, audience chambers, and the private apartments of the popes, richly decorated with period frescoes.

Next, we’ll visit the nearby Musée du Petit Palais, home to an exceptional collection of Italian and Provençal art, including sculptures and religious paintings from the renowned École d’Avignon.

This evening, we’ll gather for dinner at one of Avignon’s charming local restaurants, where we’ll enjoy the region’s celebrated cuisine accompanied, of course, by wine.

Today we’ll take a day trip to the elegant and artistic city of Aix-en-Provence, a place renowned for its fountains, refined boulevards, and its deep connection to the painter Paul Cézanne.

We’ll begin with a guided walking tour through Aix’s graceful streets and lively squares, where our local guide will share the city’s rich artistic heritage and architectural charm. Along the way, we’ll pass ornate 17th- and 18th-century townhouses, explore bustling markets, and discover the everyday rhythm of Provençal life.

Depending on group interests, we may visit Atelier Cézanne, the painter’s preserved studio just outside the center, or the Musée Granet, home to an impressive collection of European art, including works by Cézanne himself.

We’ll enjoy lunch at one of Aix’s vibrant squares, where café terraces spill onto the cobblestones and the Provençal sun lights up the pastel façades. Aix offers a lighter, more graceful counterpoint to Avignon’s medieval grandeur — a perfect pairing in your Provençal journey. There will be time for you to explore Aix on your own before we return to Avignon. This evening has been left free for you to shop, stroll or dine on your own.

This morning we’ll take a short train ride to nearby  L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, a town beloved for its picturesque canals, vibrant antique shops, and lively Sunday market. You’ll be free to wander the market stalls at leisure, capture postcard-worthy photos, and soak in the slower rhythms of life in the Vaucluse. We’ll meet and enjoy a riverside lunch together, followed by time for you to browse vintage stores or art galleries before we return to Avignon. This evening has been left free for you to shop, stroll or dine on your own.

Today we’ll follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh, who lived, worked, and ultimately died in Provence. We’ll uncover the top sites and places related to Van Gogh’s life and career, beginning in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where Van Gogh was institutionalized at the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum. Walk the serene grounds and tour the rooms where Van Gogh painted many of his masterpieces, including his moving Wheat Field series. Surrounded by the peaceful Provençal countryside, it’s easy to see how this setting served as both refuge and inspiration.

Next, we’ll travel to the charming riverside city of Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant locations in Van Gogh’s life. Enjoy free time to explore the sun-drenched streets that served as the backdrop for iconic works like Café Terrace at Night, The Yellow House, and Garden of the Hospital in Arles.

Upon our return to Avignon, the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure — feel free to relax, explore a bit more of the city, or find dinner on your own at one of Avignon’s many excellent restaurants.

After a leisurely morning in beautiful Avignon, we’ll meet our expert local guide and set off on a scenic drive through the rolling hills and vineyards of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine region — one of the most prestigious appellations in the southern Rhône Valley. We’ll be given an introduction to the region’s winemaking heritage as we explore the picturesque countryside, dotted with ancient vines and stone-built cellars.

We’ll be visiting two carefully selected wineries, where we’ll tour the cellars, learn about the production process, and, of course, taste a variety of fine Côtes du Rhône wines, including bold reds and elegant whites. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or simply want to experience French wine making at its finest, you’ll come away with an understanding of what makes Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines so celebrated among connoisseurs.

Upon our return to Avignon, we’ll gather for dinner at one of the city’s charming restaurants.

Our final day in Avignon offers a leisurely itinerary, beginning with a stroll through the vibrant Les Halles Market, where locals shop for regional produce, cheeses, tapenades, and more. It’s a great spot to pick up some edible souvenirs.

Next, a short walk brings us to two of Avignon’s most popular museums, the Louis Vouland Museum and the nearby Musée Calvet. Louis Vouland was a serious collector of decorative arts and the museum, housed in an 18^th century mansion, is comprised of the works he amassed over many years. The furniture on display represents different Renaissance styles of the 18th century. The collection is rounded off with sets of earthenware and porcelain, and decorative objects such as clocks, lighting and fine pieces by goldsmiths and silversmiths.

At the Musée Calvet, Avignon’s Museum of Fine Art, we’ll view collections of art objects, drawings, sculptures and paintings from the 16th to 20th centuries. Formerly a hôtel particulier (private townhouse), the collection not only enables you to travel through centuries, but also to travel between countries – from France to the Netherlands, to Spain and Italy.

Afterwards, the rest of the day has been left free for you to decide whether to head back to our hotel to rest, pack and prepare for your onward travels without rush before we meet again this evening for our celebratory Farewell Dinner.