Itinerary 2 – Three-Day Road Trip
From Aix-en-Provence to the Luberon, Cassis & Marseille
Experience the diversity and beauty of Provence on an unforgettable three-day private road trip, where elegant historic towns, celebrated vineyards, picturesque villages, and the spectacular Mediterranean coastline combine to showcase the very best of the region.
Your journey begins in Aix-en-Provence, exploring its vibrant Provençal markets, graceful squares, elegant architecture, and rich artistic heritage before discovering the acclaimed wineries of the Mont Sainte-Victoire appellation, where exceptional wines are produced beneath the mountain that inspired Paul Cézanne.
Continue into the heart of the Luberon, where you'll visit some of Provence's most beautiful villages, including Lourmarin, Cucuron, Bonnieux, and Roussillon. Wander their charming streets, browse artisan boutiques and galleries, savour authentic Provençal cuisine, and discover the timeless atmosphere that has captivated travellers for generations.
Your adventure concludes on the Mediterranean coast in the charming fishing port of Cassis, with its colourful harbour, dramatic limestone calanques, and breathtaking scenery, before returning to Marseille to explore France's oldest city. Discover the magnificent Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, the historic Old Port, and the city's rich maritime heritage.
Combining outstanding wines, iconic villages, spectacular coastal landscapes, vibrant markets, and exceptional gastronomy, this carefully curated three-day journey offers a wonderful introduction to the authentic beauty and timeless elegance of Provence.
Your private journey begins each morning with collection from your hotel or villa, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely breakfast before setting off on another day of discovery. Thoughtfully paced and carefully curated, each itinerary invites you to experience the finest wines, picturesque villages, outstanding gastronomy, and timeless beauty that make Provence so unforgettable.
Day One – Aix-en-Provence & the Wines of Mont Sainte-Victoire
Begin your journey in the elegant city of Aix-en-Provence, where you'll explore its vibrant street markets, charming old town, and one of the oldest Provençal food markets in the region. Wander through graceful squares, admire the city's beautiful fountains and architecture, and discover the authentic flavours and aromas that have made Aix one of Provence's most celebrated destinations.
Leaving the city behind, enjoy a leisurely drive through the spectacular landscapes of the Mont Sainte-Victoire National Park. Immortalised in the paintings of Paul Cézanne, the mountain's distinctive silhouette rises above vineyards, olive groves, and rolling countryside, creating one of the most iconic landscapes in southern France.
Visit two exceptional wineries nestled at the foot of the mountain, where guided cellar tours and expertly hosted tastings reveal the distinctive wines of the Mont Sainte-Victoire appellation and the passion of the winemakers who craft them.
Domaine Saint-Ser is a remarkable biodynamic estate set against the dramatic limestone slopes of Mont Sainte-Victoire, where the unique terroir produces elegant wines of exceptional character. Domaine Terre de Mistral, a family-owned winery, is renowned for its award-winning wines, warm Provençal hospitality, and generations of winemaking expertise. Guided cellar tours and expertly hosted tastings at both estates offer a wonderful introduction to one of Provence's most distinctive wine regions.
Midday, savour a leisurely lunch at a vineyard restaurant, where seasonal Provençal cuisine is perfectly paired with locally produced wines. Simple, authentic, and beautifully prepared, it is a memorable celebration of the region's gastronomy and relaxed art of living. A day combining elegant towns, breathtaking scenery, exceptional wines, and outstanding local cuisine..
Day Two – The Villages of the Luberon
Today's journey takes you through the spectacular landscapes of the Petit Luberon, discovering four of the region's most beautiful and characterful villages, each offering its own unique glimpse into the timeless art of Provençal living. Begin in the elegant village of Lourmarin, widely regarded as one of the most charming villages in France. With its boutique shops, independent art galleries, inviting cafés, and relaxed sophistication, Lourmarin perfectly captures the effortless elegance and atmosphere for which Provence is renowned.
Continue to the picturesque village of Cucuron, one of the Luberon's hidden treasures. Rich in history and surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, the village retains an authentic Provençal character and is closely associated with the region's long tradition of olive oil production. Its broad village square and ancient water basin shaded by majestic plane trees create one of the most idyllic settings in Provence.
The journey continues to Bonnieux, one of the Luberon's iconic perched villages. Clinging to the hillside, its winding cobbled streets, historic stone houses, and breathtaking panoramic views across vineyards, lavender fields, and the surrounding countryside make it one of the region's most memorable destinations.
Your final stop is the vibrant village of Roussillon, famous for its extraordinary ochre cliffs and rich palette of reds, oranges, and golden yellows. Built above one of the world's largest ochre deposits, the village's colourful façades and dramatic natural surroundings create a truly unforgettable finale to your day.
Combining spectacular scenery, historic villages, artisan culture, and the timeless beauty of the Luberon, this immersive journey offers an authentic experience of one of Provence's most enchanting regions.
Day Three – Cassis, the Calanques & Marseille
Your final day is devoted to the breathtaking Mediterranean coastline, where spectacular scenery, charming fishing villages, and exceptional wines combine to create one of Provence's most memorable experiences.
Begin in the picturesque harbour town of Cassis, a former fishing village nestled beneath the dramatic cliffs of Cap Canaille, Europe's highest sea cliffs. Overlooked by its historic château, the colourful old port is lined with cafés, restaurants, and elegant waterfront terraces, making it one of the most beautiful seaside destinations in Provence.
From the harbour, embark on a boat cruise to discover the magnificent Calanques National Park, where towering limestone cliffs plunge into the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean. The hidden coves and extraordinary turquoise waters create one of France's most spectacular coastal landscapes.
Returning to Cassis, enjoy a leisurely lunch overlooking the old fishing port before visiting one of the village's renowned wine estates. Discover the distinctive wines of the Cassis Appellation, celebrated for their elegant whites and expressive rosés, during a guided cellar visit and tasting.
In the afternoon, follow the spectacular coastal route back to Marseille, France's oldest city and its vibrant Mediterranean capital. Conclude your journey with a visit to the magnificent Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, perched high above the city, where breathtaking panoramic views stretch across the Old Port, the coastline, and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Combining dramatic coastal scenery, exceptional wines, Mediterranean gastronomy, and centuries of history, this unforgettable final day provides the perfect conclusion to your journey through Provence.
Your three-day private road trip includes collection from and return to your hotel or villa each day. We offer pick-up throughout Provence, including Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Arles, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Gordes, Lourmarin, and the surrounding areas, ensuring a seamless and relaxing experience from beginning to end.
Your Road Trip Includes
- Private collection from and return to your hotel, villa, or guest house each day.
- The services of your dedicated private driver-guide throughout your three-day journey.
- Travel in a luxury air-conditioned SUV with complimentary bottled water and USB phone charging facilities.
- Admission to all scheduled historic sites and attractions.
- Priority skip-the-line entry wherever available, allowing you to make the most of your time.
- A scenic boat cruise from Cassis to discover the spectacular Calanques National Park.
- A thoughtfully curated itinerary showcasing the finest villages, vineyards, coastline, and cultural treasures of Provence at a relaxed and enjoyable pace.
Meals & Refreshments
- Complimentary chilled bottled water throughout your journey.
- A leisurely three-course lunch each day at one of our carefully recommended Provençal bistros or restaurants.
- Coffee served with lunch.
- Half a bottle of local wine per person with each meal, showcasing the distinctive flavours of Provence.
Each dining experience has been thoughtfully selected to complement your journey, celebrating seasonal cuisine, regional specialities, and the authentic art of living that makes Provence so memorable.
Tour Highlights
Day One – Aix-en-Provence & Mont Sainte-Victoire
- Explore the vibrant street markets and elegant historic centre of Aix-en-Provence.
- Discover one of Provence's oldest food markets and sample the region's finest artisan produce.
- Scenic drive through the spectacular Mont Sainte-Victoire National Park.
- Guided visits and wine tastings at Domaine Saint-Ser and Domaine Terre de Mistral, two exceptional wineries of the Mont Sainte-Victoire appellation.
- Leisurely lunch in the charming Provençal village of Puyloubier.
Day Two – The Villages of the Luberon
- A full-day journey through the heart of the Luberon, discovering the authentic rhythm of Provençal life.
- Explore the elegant village of Lourmarin, with its Renaissance château, boutique shops, cafés, and art galleries.
- Visit the picturesque villages of Cucuron and Bonnieux, each rich in history and timeless Provençal charm.
- Discover the vibrant ochre village of Roussillon and walk the famous Ochre Trail, where spectacular natural colours create one of Provence's most iconic landscapes.
- Leisurely lunch at a carefully selected local restaurant.
Day Three – Cassis & Marseille
- Scenic drive to the picturesque fishing port of Cassis.
- Boat cruise through the magnificent Calanques National Park, renowned for its towering limestone cliffs and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
- Leisurely waterfront lunch overlooking Cassis harbour.
- Guided visit and wine tasting at a local Cassis Appellation wine estate.
- Scenic coastal drive to Marseille.
- Visit the magnificent Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde for breathtaking panoramic views across the city and Mediterranean.
- Guided walk through Marseille's historic Old Port and oldest quarter, discovering the rich maritime heritage of France's oldest city.