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If you’re only going to visit Provence once in your life, then here’s the perfect trip! This is “quintessential” Provence at its absolute finest, from the historic walled city of Avignon and Côtes du Rhône wine domains tucked under the white limestone peaks of the Dentelles de Montmirail, to the Lubéron’s pretty villages nestled against ochre cliffs and centuries-old olive groves sprawled beneath the Alpilles (“Little Alps”). Our adventure features leisurely walks through the sun-dappled countryside to picturesque villages where colorful markets burst with fresh produce, and to medieval abbeys, fortresses, and Roman ruins steeped in the history of the turbulent past. Throughout you’ll have a chance to visit wine cellars of worldwide repute (where wine tastings are de rigueur), sample the fruits of the land (this is where France’s best olive oil is produced), and enjoy the charming company of local guides who give you that certain je ne sais quoi perspective you’ll only get from a native of France.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Easy walks in the heart of France’s most celebrated region, where you’ll discover French provincial life at its best
  
• Experience Provence’s multiple attractions: hilltop villages, wine tastings, olive oil sampling, Roman ruins, farmers’ markets, medieval villages steeped in history
  
• An A-list of scenery: the limestone peaks of the Dentelles de Montmirail and Les Alpilles, the picturesque towns and village of the Lubéron

Day 1 - Meet in Avignon, in the Vaucluse departmente of France. Afternoon tour of this “city of popes.”

Day 2 - Transfer to the famous wine town of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where millions of bottles of wine are produced each year, and walk through vineyards to the Clément V Château. After a local wine tasting, visit the artists’ village of Séguret, then walk to Vaison-la-Romaine.

Day 3 - Hike in the heart of the Dentelles de Montmirail to Vacqueyras, and enjoy a wine tasting session at a local wine property.

Day 4 - Transfer to the Lubéron across the Comtat Venaissin, France’s “little Tuscany,” and hike to the 12th-century Cistercian abbey of Sénanque. After a guided visit, hike to Gordes, a typical village perché (hillside town).

Day 5 - Explore hilltop villages of the Lubéron, including Bonnieux, Lacoste, home to the ruins of the castle residence of the famed Marquis de Sade, and Ménerbes, considered one the most beautiful towns in France.

Day 6 - Explore Roussillon, a pretty village of magnificent red cliffs and ochre quarries. Transfer to a chapel near St-Rémy-de-Provence and walk to town, exploring the Roman ruins of Glanum en route.

Day 7 - Walk through vineyards and olive groves of the Alpilles to Maussane, where you can enjoy its cafés and morning market. The best olive oil in Provence is produced here and you’ll visit a local mill and taste some samples.

Day 8 - Hike from St-Rémy to the 14th-century hilltop village of Les Baux de Provence, once home to Celts, Romans, medieval troubadours, and kings, and now a showcase for local artisans and artists. Transfer to Avignon and depart.

Photo Credits
©Don Paulson