Self-Drive Adventure Through Provence: Vineyards, Culture & Cuisine - 10 Days

Highlights

• Picnic among the vines and sip robust reds in Châteauneuf-du-Pape
• See a former quarry turned brilliant light show at the Carrière de Lumières
• Learn the art of French cooking with a Provençal-style cooking class
• Travel the same paths as the great artist Cezanne on a guided e-bike tour
• Spend an evening among the jet-set in Monaco's Monte Carlo district

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Nice, Drive to Avignon, Bistronomic Dinner in Avignon

Welcome to France! Your flight lands in the city of Nice, which sits at the northern end of the French Riviera, near the Italian border. On arrival, your adventure begins right away as you pick up your rental car and make the roughly three-hour drive to Avignon, a picturesque city located in southeastern France's Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Get settled at your hotel, then step out to do some sightseeing on your own. 

This medieval city, once the seat of the Catholic popes, is home to sites such as the Palais des Papes—the largest Gothic palace in history and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A tour of the palace, which includes the popes' private apartments with their fabulous frescoes, is a must. Explore the city's lively squares and stroll its famous bridge over the Rhône, then head to Place de l'Horlog, the main square, and see City Hall, the 15th-century belfry, the theater, and the still-functioning Belle Époque style carousel. This is also a great spot to sit at a café and people-watch!

Tonight, experience dinner at a local "bistronomic" restaurant, where French gastronomy is combined with traditional bistro-style dishes. Enjoy a three-course meal that features all the elements of fine dining amid a friendly, casual atmosphere. Sample dishes such as Provençal beef stew, lamb confit, or zucchini stuffed with goat cheese, all using fresh, local ingredients. If you like, add a wine pairing to your meal to complement your experience. 

Day 2: Drive to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Vineyards & Wine Tastings

You're off to wine country today as you depart Avignon and make the quick 30-minute drive to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a region near Avignon known worldwide for its outstanding winemaking. The village sits at the foot of the ruins of the castle Châteauneuf, built in the 14th century for Pope John XXII, and is surrounded by more than 7,000 acres (3,000 ha) of vineyards, most dedicated to the famed Côtes du Rhône Châteauneuf du Pape wine. 

Arrive and get settled at your accommodations, then spend the afternoon exploring the village and surrounding countryside. Visit the Place de la Fontaine in the village center, where you'll find outdoor cafés, restaurants, and numerous tasting cellars, then make your way to the local museum, which contains an important collection of tools used by winegrowers throughout history. You also won't want to miss the Chappele Saint-Théodoric and its Romanesque architecture, which often hosts painting exhibitions from local artists.

Day 3: Biking Excursion in Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vineyards

Dive into the countryside of Châteauneuf-du-Pape today with a bike ride and picnic amid the vines. Rent bikes at a nearby winery and set out on a 10-mile (16 km) route that takes you along the vineyards, allowing you to discover the beauty of the region on your own. Stop for a pre-packed picnic lunch of bread, cheeses, cured meats, and light dessert, then return in time for a wine tasting at the Cellier des Princes. During the tasting, you'll learn more about the winemaking process and sample different varietals of regional wines. 

Day 4: Full-Day Châteauneuf-du-Pape & Gigondas Wine Tour

Continue your exploration of Châteauneuf-du-Pape with a full day of winery tours. Your private driver will collect you in the morning, and you'll meet with a local wine expert, learning more about the complex wines produced here. The pebbly soil in this region creates powerful reds, and you'll enjoy a tasting while your guide explains more about the grapes, how they're cared for, and how the wines are aged. 

Have lunch in the village, then head toward Gigondas, located just north of Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the Vallée du Rhône. Visit the vineyards here, which sit beneath the mountain range known as the Dentelles de Montmirail, part of the foothills of the highest mountain in southern France, Mont Ventoux. Sample more wine and tour the wineries, then have dinner at the restaurant of your choice before returning to your hotel for the evening.

Day 5: Drive to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Lights of Carrière de Lumières

Your next destination is Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a charming village located in the Alpilles, or "Chain of the Little Alps," a small mountain range in Provence. In the morning, hop in your car for the scenic, 40-minute drive, arriving and getting settled at your hotel. Spend some time wandering the cobbled streets of this typically Provençal village, which once served as inspiration for the works of Vincent van Gogh. This region is also abundant in natural beauty, with mountain views, oak forests, and rocky plateaus, making for a perfect hiking location if you desire. 

This afternoon, go to Les Baux-de-Provence, located about 15 minutes by car from Saint-Rémy, and visit the Carrière de Lumières, an underground light and sound show. Once a limestone quarry, the caverns have been transformed into a multimedia art and music exhibit, showcasing the works of famous painters, historic sites, and more. Using upward of 100 projectors, representations of masterpieces are projected onto the walls, floors, and pillars of the quarry, allowing you to wander for hours through these larger-than-life displays. End with dinner in Les Baux or return to Saint-Rémy. 

Day 6: Provençal Country Market & Cooking Class 

Discover the rich history and traditions of French cuisine today with a Provençal style cooking class. You'll meet up with your chef and host at a local market, assisting them in selecting ingredients and tasting some of the region's best products. Learn more about the different ingredients and how they work with the dishes you'll be preparing, then head to your instructor's country home for a hands-on cooking class. 

Using only the freshest seasonal ingredients, prepare dishes such as asperges aux truffles (asparagus with truffle), beignets de fleur de courgette (fried zucchini flowers), or a hearty beef and wine casserole. You also have the opportunity to make desserts such as tarte aux pignons (pine nut tart) or oreillettes (sweet fritters). Afterward, sit down with your host and family for a delicious meal prepared by your own hands, all accompanied by local wines. 

Day 7: Drive to Aix-en-Provence, Free Time to Explore

This morning you'll drive an hour southeast to Aix-en-Provence, a city rich in heritage, art, culture, and education, with landscapes that were the inspiration for painters such as Cézanne, Picasso, and Kandinsky. After you get settled at your lodgings, enjoy a free afternoon seeing some of the sights around Aix. 

Start with a stroll along the bustling thoroughfare of Cours Mirabeau, a great spot for shopping or grabbing a coffee at a café and watching the crowds pass by. Then, make your way to one of the city's most popular spots—the markets. You can visit the flower market and see the fresh-cut blooms and plants and the food market to find local specialties such as macarons, cheeses, olive oil, honey, and fantastic local wines. 

Art buffs will want to stop by Cezanne's studio and garden, where he painted some of his greatest masterpieces, and the Caumont Art Center, a cultural institution devoted to fine arts located in a gorgeous 17th-century building that was once a hotel. Check out the Granet Museum, home to more than 12,000 17th-to-21st-century paintings, and the adjacent Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, which houses the Tapestry Museum and was the former palace of the archbishops. End with a walk through the magnificent French gardens of Pavillon Vendôme, a museum that features contemporary and modern art exhibitions. 

Day 8: E-Bike the Cezanne Route, Drive the Luberon, Fine Dining in Aix

Spend the morning exploring the countryside around Aix on a three-hour e-bike tour. Meet your guides and hop on your e-bikes, following the Cézanne Route from Aix-en-Provence to Sainte-Victoire via Le Tholonet, traveling the same paths as the great artist and seeing the landscapes that inspired him. You'll find riding an electric bike easy and fun, as you can get a boost from the bike's engine if you tire. Along the way, you'll have the chance to visit small villages, ancient chapels, and if you happen to be in France during June or July, the gorgeous seasonal lavender fields. 

Later today, take a self-drive tour through the Luberon, located just north of Aix and known for its rolling green hills, vineyards, and cherry orchards. Perched atop the hilly landscape are postcard-perfect villages and small market towns, and you'll have a chance to visit them along the way. Start at the medieval village of Lourmarin, known for its winding streets, patio cafés, and 16th-century castle. Then head to Bonnieux, another hilltop gem that dates back to the 16th century, punctuated by a stunning church at the town's highest point.

Have lunch in Roussillon, notable for the vivid red cliffs that surround it, then continue to Gordes, easily the most beautiful town on this route, with a skyline dominated by a fortified castle and cobbled streets that offer expansive views of the valley. Before returning to Aix, stop at L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, nicknamed "Provençal Venice" for its riverfront canals. Tonight, visit one of Aix's top restaurants for a three-course dinner and wine pairing.

Day 9: Drive to Nice via the Riviera, Evening in Monaco

Depart Aix this morning for a leisurely drive along the French Riviera and back to Nice. Spend the day immersing yourself in breathtaking coastal landscapes, stopping in villages such as Sillans-la-Cascade, famous for its 140-foot (42 m) waterfall, and Villecroze, where you can visit the ancient troglodyte caves. You also won't want to miss Château de Berne, home to one of the French Riviera's top vineyards, with the estate producing some of the region's most acclaimed wines. Enjoy a wine tasting, take in the views, and discover the history and architecture of this incredible property.

Arrive in Nice in the afternoon and check into your hotel. This energetic city is known for its artistic spirit, grand plazas, and crescent-shaped pebble beaches, and is considered one of the region's most popular destinations. After the long drive, stretch your legs with walk along the narrow cobblestone streets of its colorful Vieille Ville (Old Town), which is lined with pastel-colored buildings and shops selling everything from soap to wine. 

This evening, discover Monaco, located just a few miles from Nice and one of the smallest countries in the world. This city-state is known for its Monte Carlo district and casino, and you can spend time trying your luck with the tables or have dinner at one of their premier restaurants. Their Old Town, which sits high above the city, is also worth exploring, and you'll learn more about the history of the city and the dynasty that has reigned here for decades.

Day 10: Morning Walk in Nice, Depart 

Make the most of your last morning in France with a walk through some of Nice's neighborhoods. Start on the Promenade des Anglais, or "La Prom." This 4.3-mile (7 km) stretch of shops and restaurants is a popular place to congregate, with wide walkways and bike paths that provide uninterrupted views of the sea. You can also visit the Greek Quarter, and see the Roman remains of an amphitheater in the Cimiez neighborhood. Cimiez is also the site of the Excelsior Régina Palace, where Queen Victoria once summered, and the Musée Matisse, which showcases the works of artist Henri Matisse.

This afternoon, it's time to say au revoir to beautiful France, as you make the drive to the Nice airport, where you'll return your rental car and take your flight home. Safe travels!

More Great France Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to France? Check out these other France itineraries, explore different ways to spend 10 days in France, or discover the best time to visit France.