Itinery 1 - three day road-trip from Avignon & Châteauneuf-du-Pape to discover all the beautiful villages of the Vaucluse & Luberon. From historic hilltop Gordes, the abbey de Sénanque, the French brocante & antique shops of L'Isle Sur la Sorgue to the extraordinary Alpilles villages of St Rémy de Provence, Les Baux de Provence & les Carrières des Lumière. It's a spectacular journey to discover Provence.
The day begins at your hotel or villa and each morning, time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast before we begin
Day 1
Drive to Avignon, walking tour of the old town, discover Les Halles food market and be inspired by the flavours & tastes of Provence. Rue des Teinturiers, hidden gem off the main tourist area of the town, guided tour of the Palais des Papes, the largest gothic monument in Europe, once home to the Popes of Avignon. Lunch then a short drive to Châteauneuf du Pape village & castle and on to two excellent vineyards to discover what makes these wines so exceptional, wine tasting and on our way back, a short stop to visit a local artisanal chocolate maker.
Day 2
Drive to the village of Villeneuve-les-Avignon and learn all about the connection with the Popes of Avignon, visit la Chartreuse, an exceptional ancient monastery and abbey gardens with sweeping views across the river Rhône valley towards Avignon. Lunch and the drive to the iconic Vaucluse town of L'Isle sur la Morgue, famed for its numerous brocante & antique shops. Visit to the hilltop village of Gordes and marvel at the splendour of the magnificent abbey de Sénanque, synonymous with absolutely everything that says Provence.
Day 3
Drive through the Alpilles national park to discover the quintessential Provençal towns and villages of St Rémy de Provence, birthplace of Nostradamus and filled to the brim with beautiful local shops and sample all the flavours of Provence. Lunch and drive on to Les Baux de Provence, medieval village & castle ruins before heading towards the ancient quarry of Carrières des Lumières, to experience the exceptional sound and light show projected on the interior of the once limestone quarry and immerse yourself in art associated with Provence.
Road trip includes:
We pick you up from your hôtel, villa or guest house within a 15km radius of Aix-en-Provence, Avignon & Marseille and return at the end of the day. Dedicate driver/guide throughout - air-conditioned SUV vehicle with phone chargers & bottled water throughout the day. Admission to all historic sites including skip the line.
Meals & refreshments:
Chilled bottled water. A three course lunch with coffee, half bottle of wine per person at a local bistro/restaurant each day of the three days.
Highlights:
Visit to the food market in Avignon, guided walking tour of the old town and an audio guide visit to the Palais des Papes, Pont St Bénezet. Visit to the village of Chteauneuf du Pape & two renowned vineyards, with tastings and visit to an artisan chocolate maker.
Villeneuve les Avignon, visit to the abbey gardens, village & la Chartreuse, historic monument. L'Isle sur la Sorgue, village markets & iconic brocante shops. Hilltop medieval village of Gordes and the world famous l'Abbaye de Sénanque.
St Rémy de Provence village, Les Baux de Provence, village & castle, Carrières des Lumières exhibition, set inside an ancient limestone quarry.