Autumn in Provence plus Marseille

We depart for Marseille via Paris.   

We arrive in Marseille and transfer to Avignon. The rest of the day is free until our Welcome Dinner.

We begin our tour at Les Galles - Avignon’s quaint food market, where a local chef will offer a cooking demonstration and tasting of Provencal specialities. Then our walking tour will show us the highlights of Avignon; the Pont D’Avignon, the lively “Place de L’Horloge” and the pedestrian streets.  We conclude with a visit of the Palace of the Popes - an imposing Gothic structure where several popes resided in the middle ages. 

A free day to explore the town, its quaint streets, museums and vibrant markets.

We begin with a visit of Arles, once Julius Caesar's capital of Gaul. Here we follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh to the sites immortalized in his many paintings. We will see the remarkable Roman and typical Provencal architecture. We then travel to Camargue – a national wildlife reserve of exceptional beauty. See the immense plain of marshes and lagoons -  refuge to over 300 species of birds (including pink flamingos). We will enjoy a special lunch at a typical “Manade” specializing in the breeding of bulls, with “cowboys” working with the famous Camargue Horses. We end the day with a visit of Carmargue’s capital, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, a city of traditions superbly situated at the mouth of the Rhone River and Mediterranean Sea. 

This full-day excursion begins with a walking tour of Uzes - the premier duchy of France. This dazzlingly beautiful commune has shaded boulevards, medieval streets and handsome houses. Then we discover the Pont du Gard, built in the 1st century AD - a technical and artistic masterpiece. We finish the day in Nîmes, which boasts some of the world’s best preserved Roman monuments. We will visit the impressive amphitheater and Maison Carrée (square house) followed by some free time in the historic centre. 

Scattered across the countryside are the wonderful villages of the Luberon - known as "the most beautiful villages of France". We see Rousillon, with its ochre landscape, Gordes - a hill top village with narrow alleys and passageways that wind between medieval buildings, Bonnieux with its amazing view across the valley with its patchwork of orchards and vineyards, and Coustellet for a most interesting visit of the lavender museum.  

First we visit Vaison-La-Romaine, a small Provencal town nestled in a valley. Once a prosperous Roman city, it is known today for its fabulous Provencal market - the largest in Provence! Next is the summit of Mont Ventoux for a breathtaking view of the Toulourenc Valley. We finish this amazing day with a visit of a local winery, enjoying a stroll through the grounds and a taste of the wonderful wines produced in this region. 

We first visit Orange - the “Gateway to Southern France”.  Founded in 30 BC, Orange remains marked by the dynastic seal of William III of Orange, who became King of England in 1689. We will see the famous Triumphal Arch and visit the Roman theatre. Then we proceed through the countryside to meet a warm-hearted family and discover the mysteries of one of the world’s most coveted culinary treasures - the truffle. These “Black Diamonds” are known for their subtle aroma and earthy flavour. A delicious lunch of finely prepared truffle dishes awaits following our “cavage” demonstration with the family dogs. 

We travel to Aix en Provence (fondly known as “X”). This is one of France's most popular cities, with its majestic public squares, shaded avenues, graceful fountains and elegant Baroque style buildings built with the distinctive Provencal yellow stone. On our walking tour we see the Cours Mirabeau and the market where locals shop for fresh produce and flowers. We then proceed to visit Cassis - a former fishing village and today a resort town picturesquely located in a niche on the Mediterranean Sea at the foot of steep cliffs. We end up in Marseille for a 2-night stay by the quaint old port. 

Highlights of our Marseille city tour include the Esplanade J4, Promenade Laffond, Notre Dame de la Garde and a walking tour through the ancient Le Panier neighbourhood. The afternoon is free to visit one of the famous museums or go shopping in the stylish boutiques of the Republic Quarter. Tonight is our Farewell Dinner. 

Air France takes us home via Paris.