The Perfumes & Colours Of Provence
- Duration: 9 days
- Board Basis: Mixed Board
- Tour Ref: D2TLEGFPA
Holiday Summary
- Travel Type: Coach
PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.
Itinerary
_day itinerary
Day 1
Local departure by coach then to northern France for an overnight stay.
Day 2
Continue to the historic town of Avignon, where we arrive this evening for a six-night stay.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Aix en Provence
We travel to the ‘City of Fountains’, Aix en Provence, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along shady tree-lined Cours Mirabeau. Here you can follow in the footsteps of the town’s favourite son, artist Paul Cézanne, and see the Brasserie Deux Garçons, where he was said to have been a regular visitor. Some of Aix’s many fountains can be seen around Cours Mirabeau or the nearby Mazarin district, with its 17th century town houses. Whilst in Aix, why not sample the local delicacy – almond paste sweets named ‘Calissons d’Aix?We return to Avignon for time at leisure this afternoon.
Meals - Breakfast
Day 4 - Pont du Gard and Nïmes
Today we visit the iconic Pont du Gard, a vast bridge and aqueduct built in Roman times to carry water to the city of Nïmes, and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Soak up the atmosphere of this ancient monument as you walk across the lower spans, or discover the local history and heritage by visiting the on-site museum. We continue to Nïmes, a pretty town, known for its Roman monuments – in the town centre see the ‘Maison Carrée’ a restored temple, or the atmospheric Roman arena still used as an events venue.
Meals - Breakfast
Day 5 - Free Time or Gordes and Isle sur la Sorgue
Join us for an optional excursion into the Luberon, a region known for its hill-top villages, the beauty of its landscapes, and for its association with the author Peter Mayle, who lived here, and whose books painted an entertaining picture for many. We call first at the Lavender Museum at Coustellet, to learn more about the lavender that is grown in this area of the Luberon. We continue to Gordes, a village seeming to cling to the hillside, and with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside – explore the historic cobbled streets of one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages.We continue to Isle sur la Sorgue, a small town situated on the River Sorgue, known for its abundance of antique shops, and for many ancient waterwheels – fifteen can still be seen, and some, although no longer working, are still turning.
Meals - Breakfast
Day 6 - Saintes Maries de la Mer and Pont de Gau Ornithological Park
Today we explore the Camargue, a region known for its marshlands, flamingos, flora, fauna, wild white horses, and gypsy traditions. We travel via the Camargue National Reserve to reach Saintes Maries de la Mer, an ancient seaside town which for hundreds of years, has been the place of festivals and local Camargue traditions.During the day, we will visit the Pont de Gau Ornithological Park, whose aim is to protect the Camargue and its nature. Here you can see bird species resident in the Camargue, such as Flamingos, Heron, or birds of prey, plus other nomadic species travelling around the wetlands of Europe.
Meals - Breakfast
Day 7 - Free Time or Orange
Enjoy more flavours of Roman Provence on an optional excursion to Orange, home to the Triumphal Arch and the well-preserved Roman Theatre. Absorb the atmosphere of the bustling, narrow streets, and admire the jaunty colours of the houses, or for a panoramic view of the town, St Eutrope hill, a former Roman look-out, is the perfect place. Or, why not discover the Cathedral of Our Lady of Nazareth, a 13th century catholic church embellished in the 19th century with stained glass windows and frescoes.On our return, we call at a wine co-operative, where you will be able to sample some of the region’s wines, and perhaps purchase your favourites to bring home.
Meals - Breakfast
Day 8
We leave Avignon behind this morning as begin our journey northwards. During the day we stop in the beautiful town of Vienne. Built around the Rhône river, you will have time at leisure to explore the narrow streets and discover the ancient monuments, many of which are still very well preserved today. We continue to northern France for an overnight stay.
Meals - Breakfast
Day 9
Return Home
Meals - Breakfast