Nature and Culture in Southern France - French Side Travel

Nature and Culture in Southern France

10 Days | History & Culture

Experience the best of nature and culture in Provence and the Riviera

Luxury | From $11,499 pp

Experience the best of nature and culture in Provence and the Riviera with this unique tour. In Provence you'll see the famous lavender fields, hike along scenic botanical path through the heart of the scenic Alpilles Mountains where on a clear day the Mediterranean Sea is visible, and experience a full-day wine, beer, and pétanque tour in Cézanne’s country. You'll go on a safari to observe three packs of wolves and begin to understand the complexity of life in the Alps. Finish the tour exploring the stunning perched balcony villages on the Riviera and with a private sunset cruise on a yacht from Nice.

Day by Day

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Day 1: Avignon

 Private Transfer in a Luxury Vehicle: Avignon TGV Train Station to Avignon

A chauffeur will meet you for a private transfer between the Avignon TGV train station and Avignon.

A Private Foodie Tour of Avignon’s Sweet Specialties

Spend an afternoon exploring Avignon’s old medieval city and tasting sweet Provençal specialties. You’ll get off the beaten path to meet artisans and try the best bites that the city has to offer.

Take in the local flavors while exploring the winding alleys and historical monuments with your guide. Sample artisanal ice cream, which is a great way to beat the summer heat! Try luxury chocolates. You’ll learn about the local food traditions and finish up your day with a glass of the celebrated local Côtes-du-Rhône wine.

Overnight and breakfast in a beautiful 5-star hotel in the center of Avignon

Day 2: Avignon

Full-day tour of the Lavender fields with a licensed driver-guide

Visit the high Provencal plateau and explore the magical wonder of the lavender fields with a licensed driver guide in a Mercedes Class V.

From mid-June to August the high plateau gets covered in the most picturesque and breathtaking purple gold. Extending to the horizon the lavender fields are sure to instill delight to anyone who looks at them. Follow the most scenic routes, away from the crowd and bustle to settle and nestle softly into an authentic village enchanted by the beauty of the Lavenders.

Visit the at L’Occitane en Provence Factory and the Albion and Valensole plateau, experience the rustic and rich life of Sault and Banon Villages and the beauty of the never-ending fields of purple.

Your driver will pick you up from the hotel and will drop you off at the hotel after the tour.

Overnight and breakfast in a beautiful 5-star hotel in the center of Avignon

Day 3: Saint Remy de Provence

Private Saint-Rémy Hike in the Alpilles

Meet your local expert English-speaking guide in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

Your guided (moderate level) hike begins in the center of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. You’ll climb up a scenic botanical path through the heart of the scenic Alpilles Mountains. You’ll head up to the picturesque crest of the jagged limestone hills. On a clear day, the Mediterranean is visible to the south, while Mont Ventoux paints the backdrop to the north. You then take a spectacular narrow footpath that follows the top of the jagged limestone crags, with continuous stunning views in all directions. There is some light scrambling, though no danger is involved.

After a picnic in the middle of the Alpilles, you’ll start your return journey on another path. The olive and cypress trees lead you past magnificent villas and farmhouses and to Saint Paul de Mausole: the asylum that Vincent Van Gogh called home the last year of his life. We will visit the asylum, and then return to Saint-Rémy where, depending on the day of the week and the season, we will taste some of the region’s prized olive oil.

Overnight and breakfast in a beautiful 5-star hotel in the center of Avignon

Day 4: Avignon - Aix en Provence

Full-Day Custom Private Tour in a Luxury Vehicle

Enjoy a tailor-made private tour from Avignon with a driver guide. He will drop you off in Aix en Provence in the afternoon

Hot air balloon ride over the Luberon

Ride above the colorful Luberon region in a hot air balloon at sunrise.

Your tour begins in beautiful Roussillon with a safety course from your English-spoken guide and pilot. The flight will last one hour and offers panoramic views of one of Provence’s prettiest corners. In the summer you’ll spot vibrant lavender, poppies, and sunflowers fields, enchanting perched villages, and the surrounding landscapes. Per tradition, Champagne is served at the end of the tour.

hot air balloon ride over champagne vineyards

Aix-en-Provence Private Walking Tour

Aix-en-Provence was once the capital of Provence. Wealthy merchants and local dignitaries helped turn this city into the charming beauty that it is today complete with 17th and 18th century architecture, gorgeous mansions, city squares bursting with flowers, and fountains. Walking through Aix is like visiting a great museum. There’s a masterpiece at every turn!

Overnight Stay with Breakfast at a 5-star Hotel in a Converted 18th-century Aix-en-Provence Mansion

Day 5: Aix-en-Provence

Full-Day Wine, Beer, and Pétanque Tour in Cézanne’s Country with a Wine Expert

Far away from touristic places, your guide and Provence wine expert will drive you to two wineries to meet the winemakers in Cezanne’s country.

You’ll discover winemaking processes and taste red, white, and rosé wines. You’ll also visit an artisanal brewer to learn more about the process of making beer.

Lunch will be served in a vineyard, weather permitting, or in a Provençal restaurant.

After lunch, you will experience a Pétanque class, a traditional ball game in Provence.

Overnight Stay with Breakfast at a 5-star Hotel in a Converted 18th-century Aix-en-Provence Mansion

couple in winery, France

Day 6: Aix-en-Provence - Nice

Private Transfer in a Luxury Vehicle from Aix-en-Provence to the Aix-en-Provence Train Station

A chauffeur will meet you for a private transfer between Aix-en-Provence and the Aix-en-Provence TGV train station.

Direct High-Speed Train from Aix-en-Provence TGV to Nice in First Class

Luxury Private Transfer in Nice

A chauffeur will meet you for a private transfer between Nice city and your activity in a luxury vehicle.

Overnight Stay with Breakfast in an Iconic 5-star Hotel on the Promenade des Anglais

Street view in Nice, France

Day 7: Biot - Grasse - Valbonne - Mouans-Sartoux

Around Perfume: private full-day tour with a licensed guide and driver

Your private driver will pick you up from your accommodation for an Art & Culture full-day tour with a licensed guide in a Mercedes Class V.

The fragrance is only the starting point. Through it, discover one of the most beautiful landscapes of the Riviera. Encounter villages that keep the passion for antique traditions alive, and experience the opportunity to be part of the creation process yourself!

Enjoy a visit to the MIP garden in Mouans-Sartoux

On Fridays, you may also enjoy a visit to Valbonne’s Provençal market.

Enjoy a day trip around the world’s perfume capital customized just for you.

Highlights: Biot & glass workshops, Grasse & perfume workshop, Valbonne, Mouans-Sartoux

Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel

Overnight Stay with Breakfast in an Iconic 5-star Hotel on the Promenade des Anglais

Day 8: Nice

A chauffeur will at your disposal during the day for 4 hours from Nice in a Mercedes V or similar vehicle.

Entrance to the Chagall Museum with Audioguide

The Marc Chagall National Museum in Nice, a monographic and thematic museum, was born of the artist’s desire to bring together in a single place his most important work on the Bible: the 17 paintings that make up the Biblical Message.

Private Sunset Cruise on a Yacht from Nice

Rent a Superhawk 34 boat for up to seven passengers and discover the Mediterranean Sea at sunset.

You can cruise to one of the following destinations:

Monaco, Roquebrune Cap Martin
Les Baies de Beaulieu et Eze
St Jean Cap Ferrat
La Baie de Villefranche sur Mer

Overnight Stay with Breakfast in an Iconic 5-star Hotel on the Promenade des Anglais

yatch and sea in Cannes, France

Day 9: Tourrettes sur Loup - Gourdon- Saint Paul de Vence

Balcony Villages And Loup Valley Private Tour with Driver-Guide

Your licensed driver-guide will pick you up from your accommodation for a full-day tour of some of the beautiful perched villages of the south of France.

Villages are attached like balconies to the side of the mountain, combining all the elements you were expecting to find on a visit to the south of France: timeless beauty, a local authenticity, French flavor, breathtaking panoramas, and the opportunity to forget about the modern world.

Highlights include: Gourdon & Loup Canyon, Tourrettes-Sur-Loup Village, Saint-Paul-de-Vence Stronghold, Le Vieux Cagnes Old Town

Overnight Stay with Breakfast in an Iconic 5-star Hotel on the Promenade des Anglais

Day 10: Nice

Private Transfer in Nice

A private driver will pick you up in Nice and drive you safely to your destination.

Map

 

About This Trip:

    • Enjoy 24/7 English-spoken telephone assistance while traveling
    • This itinerary includes transport, activities, guides, accommodations with breakfasts, and other listed services
    • Price is in USD per person, assuming double occupancy. Note that prices and availability are subject to change.

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