Highlights
- Spend the day sailing the natural wonders of the Calanques de Cassis
- Master Provençal gastronomy with Michelin-starred chef Xavier Mathieu
- Sip Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines and rosé from Tavel in the beautiful Rhône Valley
- Venture into the wild Camargue landscapes with a private Jeep tour
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Marseille, Transfer to Aix-en-Provence, Guided City Tour | Aix-en-Provence |
| Day 2 | Calanques de Cassis Full-Day Private Cruise | Aix-en-Provence |
| Day 3 | Parc du Luberon Tour, Transfer to Gordes, Dinner at L'Orangerie | Gordes |
| Day 4 | Côtes du Rhône E-Bike Tour, Michelin-Starred Gastronomy Experience | Gordes |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Les Baux via the Alpilles, Wine Tasting in the Rhône Valley | Les Baux-de-Provence |
| Day 6 | Parc de Camargue Jeep Safari, Relax at Domaine de Baumanière | Les Baux-de-Provence |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Marseille, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Marseille, Transfer to Aix-en-Provence, Guided City Tour
Bienvenue en France! Your flight lands in Marseille, where you'll meet your driver and take a private one-hour transfer north to Aix-en-Provence. Located in southern France's Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, Aix (as the locals call it) is adorned with café-lined streets, leafy boulevards, and fountain-filled squares. With more than a whiff of Paris' chic elegance, the city combines laid-back Provençal charm with top-notch gastronomy and a rich artistic heritage—it was once the home of painter Paul Cézanne.
Your hotel for the next two nights is the 5-star Château de Fonscolombe, set in an 18th-century estate once owned by the renowned Marquis de Saporta and elegantly furnished in Chinese wallpaper from the same era and timeless Genoa leathers. Settle into your sumptuous suite, located in the historic part of the castle, and explore the facilities, which include a heated outdoor swimming pool, luxury wellness center, gym, and acres of beautifully manicured gardens. When you're ready, meet your driver and head out for a private afternoon walking tour of Aix.
Stroll through the labyrinthine streets with your guide and stop at the Saint-Saveur Cathedral, a Romanesque/Gothic church built on the site of an ancient Greek temple dedicated to Apollo. You'll pass plenty of historic churches and atmospheric squares as you wander over to the 14th-century Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall), one of the town's landmarks. Hear tales from your guide about the city's famous and hidden gems as you continue to the elegant Cours Mirabeau, a thoroughfare lined with shops, markets, and cafés—it's the perfect spot to relax with a predinner apéritif.
Day 2: Calanques de Cassis Full-Day Private Cruise
Spend today cruising the Mediterranean coast as you head out on a private tour of the fjord-like Calanques de Cassis. Meet your driver for a scenic transfer to the small Provençal port town of Cassis, where your captain and crew will meet you. The following eight hours are yours to relax at sea as you sail out of the bay and pass Port-Miou, Port-Pin, and En-Vau, the region's famous white limestone cliffs formed over 120 million years ago.
Your captain will make several stops along the way at the Oule and Eissadon creeks to see the caves and faults carved into the limestone before sailing on to the islet of the Dromadaire at the foot of the towering Calanque de Devenson, which reaches an impressive 656 feet (200 m). Enjoy a delicious lunch onboard, prepared by your crew, and relax on deck as you pass the vast Mont Puget, one of the most prominent landmarks of the Massif des Calanques, named after Pierre Puget, a renowned French painter, sculptor, and architect.
Toward the end of the afternoon, you'll arrive back in Cassis, ready for your private transfer back to Aix. Cool off in the château's pool or book a treatment in the spa before sitting down to dinner at the excellent on-site restaurant.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Parc du Luberon Tour, Transfer to Gordes, Dinner at L'Orangerie
You'll wave goodbye to Aix this morning and meet your driver for a private tour of the Parc du Luberon, whose famous lavender fields and typical Provençal hilltop towns have charmed visitors and artists for centuries. Wind your way through undulating hills until you reach the village of Roussillon, known for its vivid red cliffs and ocher quarries that stand out against the lush pine trees and blue skies. Wander the cobblestone streets, and depending on the light, you'll see the village's stone walls and architecture in hues ranging from soft yellow to rich orange to burnt red.
Continue to Lourmarin, where you'll have a few hours to immerse yourself in village life. Visit the town's striking Renaissance castle, or nab a shady spot for an al fresco lunch at one of the restaurants that line the picturesque alleyways. Your final stop and base for the next couple of days is Gordes, a hilltop town with an enviable position whose reputation as one of France's most beautiful villages has attracted famous painters, including Marc Chagall. Jean Deyrolle, and André Lhote.
Arrive at your hotel, the luxurious Airelles Gordes, La Bastide, an 18th-century stately home perched above the village, with elegant terraces that offer sweeping views of the surrounding lavender fields and olive groves. Check into your deluxe room or suite furnished with antique pieces, portraits, and sumptuous fabrics. You'll have a couple of hours to explore the facilities, including a spa, gym, and indoor and outdoor pool, before tonight's dinner restaurant at the on-site L'Orangerie restaurant, where you'll be greeted by exceptional views of the valley.
Day 4: Côtes du Rhône E-Bike Tour, Michelin-Starred Gastronomy Experience
Get ready for an exceptional day of scenery, wine tasting, relaxation, and gastronomy that starts with an e-bike tour of the Dentelles de Montmirail and Côtes du Rhône area. Spend a leisurely morning cycling through the appellations of Gigondas, Vacqueyras, and Beaume de Venise, then break for lunch at a local winery where you'll sample several of the region's top varietals, paired with a gourmet lunch.
The culinary theme continues in the afternoon with a private cooking class hosted by Michelin-starred chef Xavier Mathieu at the Mathieu family's 5-star hilltop hotel, restaurant, and spa, rebuilt on a site belonging to medieval knights. Under the tutelage of Chef Mathieu, you'll spend the next three hours immersed in creative Provençal cooking, after which the hotel's acclaimed spa and large heated pool are yours to unwind in.
After several hours of relaxation, there's one last treat in store: a dinner reservation at La Table de Xavier Mathieu, where you'll indulge in a seven-course tasting menu and wine flight, tasting dishes such as leg of lamb baked in hot Garrigue sand. At the end of the evening, your driver will drop you back at your hotel.
Day 5: Transfer to Les Baux via the Alpilles, Wine Tasting in the Rhône Valley
Today is dedicated to discovering the culture, landscape (and wine!) of the Alpilles region. Situated between Arles and Avignon, this mountainous area is filled with charming, historic villages amid lush forests and limestone peaks. After breakfast, you'll meet your guide and driver and transfer an hour southwest toward Les Baux-de-Provence (Les Baux), a medieval village perched on a rocky outcrop surrounded by sweeping views of the Chaîne des Alpilles. Considered one of France's most beautiful towns, you'll spend a few hours exploring the historic pedestrianized center.
After lunch, you'll hop back in the car for a drive through the celebrated wine terroir of the Rhône Valley. Your first stop is Tavel, a picturesque village notable for its rosé wines, where you'll have plenty of time to sample the local vintages. Red wine fans are in for a treat with your next stop, a visit to the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards, where you'll taste several varietals. The final stop on your tour is Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a gem of a city where you'll discover 18th-century mansions, shaded boulevards, and a labyrinthine Old Town lined with chapels and convents.
After a full day of exploring, you'll transfer to your hotel in Les Baux, the beautiful Domaine de Baumanière. Occupying an enviable position at the foot of the village, the Baumanière combines impeccable service with first-class facilities, including a 3-star Michelin restaurant, spa, hammam, fitness room, and three outdoor pools. Check into your prestige room or suite, attentively furnished with furniture sourced from Isle sur la Sorgue and paintings from the family's private collection. The rest of the evening is yours to relax at leisure.
Day 6: Parc de Camargue Half-Day Jeep Safari, Relax at Domaine de Baumanière
Spend your last full day in France on a half-day Jeep day safari to the Parc de Camargue, an area known for its semi-wild gray horses and hundreds of thousands of migrating birds, including swathes of pink flamingoes wading in the shallow marshes. Set out with your driver and guide and spend the morning driving through the park's wetlands and rice fields in search of the reserve's famous free-roaming Camargue horses. Your tour concludes with a visit to a nearby ranch where you'll learn about the traditional way of life of the Carmague's gardians (cowboys).
Return to your hotel for lunch, and the rest of the day is yours to enjoy the facilities at Baumanière. Book a treatment or massage, relax by the pool, or arrange a tasting at the hotel's on-site chocolate factory. Alternatively, head into the village to see the Carrières des Lumières (Quarry of Lights), an annual immersive light show where vast images are projected onto the quarry walls with a new art theme every year. In the evening, round out your trip to France with a gastronomic feast at the hotel's acclaimed Oustau de Baumanière restaurant and raise a toast to your trip.
Day 7: Transfer to Marseille, Depart
It's time to say goodbye to France. At the appropriate time, your driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport in Marseille. Au revoir!
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