Provence Tours: a Treat for all the Senses

Try as you might, you won’t be able to resist falling in love with the timeless landscapes bathed in sunshine and being amazed by the violet oceans of lavender fields.

Stroll through the most beautiful villages in France, such as Roussillon, Gordes, St Rémy de Provence or Les Baux de Provence. Discover the vineyards that produce the exquisite Cote du Rhone wines, including the world-renowned Chateauneuf du Pape. If you're interested in ancient history, we'll guide you to Roman ruins such as the Pont du Gard and other lesser-known monuments.

In the evenings, watch the sunset from the terrace of one of the region’s many bistros and embrace the warm breeze, filled with the gentle scents of lavender and olive groves.

Our self-driving tours of Provence will send you to many obscure places off the beaten track that most tourists don't know about. 

 

5.0
Earl
It's hard to know where to begin. We stumbled across France Just For You by accident when researching ideas for our three week visit to France. We made contact with Emily by email …
Duration
13 days
Price
US$ 4730
Region
in Provence & French Riviera

Enjoy the sweet scents, vivid colors, flavorful tastes, sunshine and warm wind of Provence & the Riviera. To save time and energy, we recommend you fly in and out of Marseille (or Nice) International Airport. Otherwise, we can also help with TGV train tickets.

Gourmet Food
Countryside
Art & Museums in France
Duration
13 days
Price
US$ 3680
Region
in Loire Valley, Dordogne & Provence

Let yourself be carried away by three of the most iconic regions of France. From the Vallée de la Loire's "sweet life" to Dordogne's castles and Provence's colorful landscapes, you'll have a most enjoyable and memorable journey!

Wine Tasting
Towns & Villages
Countryside
Duration
16 days
Price
US$ 4860
Region
in Loire Valley, Bordeaux, Dordogne & Provence

France Just For You has organized its own very special Tour de France. No need for a bike but be ready for a great deal of adventure! This itinerary will take you off the beaten path to all the must sees & dos in four of the most enthralling regions of France.

Wine Tasting
Towns & Villages
Gourmet Food
Duration
13 days
Price
US$ 4780
Region
in Provence, Burgundy & Paris

Explore Eastern France, from South to North . . . colorful Provence, Burgundy vineyards, and of course the city of lights: Paris! We recommend that our travelers fly into Marseille and out of Paris (which is not always more expensive and much more convenient than Paris on both ends).

Wine Tasting
Countryside
Art & Museums in France
Duration
10 days
Price
US$ 3780
Region
in Paris & Provence

Explore two very typical and stunning regions of France and get a real feel for our beautiful country.

Countryside
Art & Museums in France
Duration
20 days
Price
US$ 6130
Region
in Paris, Burgundy, Provence & French Riviera

For independent travelers who want to thoroughly explore la belle France - from Paris, through the vineyards of Burgundy, the charming landscapes of Provence, and on to the sunny Riviera!

Gourmet Food
Countryside
Art & Museums in France
Duration
16 days
Price
US$ 6250
Region
in Paris, Provence & French Riviera

This itinerary will take you from Paris, the city of lights, to Provence in two different locations, and end in the French Riviera. Perfect to relax & get some sun !

Heritage & History
Gourmet Food
Art & Museums in France
Duration
13 days
Price
US$ 5620
Region
in French Riviera, Provence & Paris

From the colors and fragrances of the South-East of France, to the beautiful monuments, restaurants and concerts in Paris, this trip will awaken all your senses.

Countryside
Art & Museums in France
Duration
10 days
Price
US$ 3350
Region
in French Riviera & Provence

Provence & the French Riviera are famous the world over, but they still have a lot of secrets, ready to be discovered if you are willing to get away from the beaten paths.

Towns & Villages
Gourmet Food
Duration
13 days
Price
US$ 4180
Region
in Dordogne, Carcassonne & Provence

Experience medieval France in three of the richest heritage regions in the South of France.

Heritage & History
Countryside
Duration
1 day
Price
US$ 500
Region
in Provence

This day is crafted for gourmet travelers only. Get acquainted with Provence gastronomy and gorgeous landscapes. How to Get There This day tour starts in Avignon, Provence and requires for travelers to have car. From Paris, you can take a high-speed train to Avignon (about 3hrs).

Gourmet Food
Countryside
Duration
13 days
Price
US$ 3980
Region
in Basque Country, Carcassonne & Provence

This unique self-drive itinerary will have you cross the South of France from its Western coast in the Basque Country to beautiful Provence, with its cicadas and lavender fields.

Wine Tasting
Heritage & History
Countryside
Duration
16 days
Price
US$ 5020
Region
in Basque Country, Carcassonne & Provence

From the rugged Atlantic coast to the azur-colored Mediterranean Sea – experience the diversity of the South of France.

Wine Tasting
Towns & Villages
Art & Museums in France
Duration
26 days
Price
US$ 7750
Region
in Paris, Normandy, Loire Valley, Bordeaux, Carcassonne, Provence & French Riviera

Spend about a month traveling from Paris to Nice on the French Riviera and get a real feel for the authentic France!

Wine Tasting
Heritage & History
Countryside
Duration
26 days
Price
US$ 7570
Region
in Provence, Basque Country, Dordogne, Loire Valley & Paris

This itinerary will take you from South to North, following some of the most typical and beautiful scenic roads in France. We recommend flying into Marseille airport.

Heritage & History
Towns & Villages
Duration
26 days
Price
US$ 7320
Region
in Bordeaux, Dordogne, Basque Country, Carcassonne & Provence

When the South of France is mentionned, many travelers think of Provence. But there is so much more to discover between the South-West and the South-East of France. This 26 day itinerary is designed to give you a very complete tour of the southern part of France, enjoying the gastronomy, heritage, wine, villages, and scenic roads . . . the best that France has to offer.

Wine Tasting
Gourmet Food
Duration
16 days
Price
US$ 6480
Region
in Paris, Alsace, Burgundy, Lyon & Provence

This itinerary takes you to Eastern France from North to South. After spending a few days in Paris, you will enjoy the Alsace region on the German border and then drive your way south all the way to Provence. The best itinerary to discover l'Est de la France !

Heritage & History
Countryside
Provence

How to Get to Provence

A trip from Paris to Provence only takes a couple of hours on the TGV (High Speed Train). TGV trains are very convenient and depart either from downtown Paris or Paris CDG Airport and take you to central Provence in Avignon, Southern Provence in Aix en Provence or Marseille. There are also direct trains to Nice on the French Riviera.

You can also fly in to Marseille (or Nice) International airports from Paris. We will arrange for you to collect your rental car from the airport or at a convenient place in town if you arrive by train, then start your self-driving tour of Provence !

 

Map of Provence

The Provencal region is situated in the South of France. Bordered by Marseille and the Camargue in the southern part, Provence spreads north along the Rhône river. From the Mount Ventoux area in the North, to the famous Roman city of Orange, the Chateauneuf-du-Pape vineyards and Avignon, the region boasts a vast array of delight just waiting to be explored. On the right bank you will find must-sees such as Pont du Gard or Uzès town while the left bank (our personal favourite) is home to much wilder and more dramatic landscapes as well as with the Dentelles de Montmirail and the vineyards surrounding Mont Ventoux. Depending on the duration of your tour, we can include many of these sites in your Provence driving itinerary.

 provence map

Avignon was and is still today one of the major cities in Provence, its charming streets and the bustling theatre festival that takes place every year attract a lot of visitors. The Palace of the Popes can also be found here and is well worth checking out. 

Following the river to the South is the Rhône river delta, which marks the border of the Alpilles region with Saint Remy de Provence, Les Baux and the olive oil production region. The Western part of the delta is made up of salt marshes, rice paddies and Camargue with its very particular landscapes and culture (with the gypsies in Saintes Maries). Arles is the proud capital of this unique area. Nîmes, its sister city is also worth a visit for its Roman heritage.

 

East of Avignon, lies the Luberon chain with its lovely hilltop villages and orchards – with some of the most sublime sunsets on the continent. Cross the Luberon chain and you will get to the famous Aix en Provence city. Continue another 20 minutes to the East and you will get to the top of the Sainte Victoire Mount (painted multiple times by Cezanne) and be able to enjoy a superb view over the whole area, right down to the Mediterranean Sea. From “Aix” as locals call it, you are only 30 minutes to the bustling port of Marseille.

Sea lovers, will especially enjoy spending an afternoon at one of the calanques creeks near Cassis - the ones that are more difficult to access are generally less crowded so we will let you decide what appeals to you more.

 

Where to stay in Provence?

From luxurious villas to camping sites, there is a wide choice of accommodation in the south of France. Away from the crowds and the tourist hotspots, we have handpicked a range of hotels that will offer you a great night’s sleep as well as the chance to experience a more authentic France.

 

Our selection process is very meticulous: we select comfortable accommodations in spacious mansions, with English-speaking owners so that you can interact with French people as well as other fellow travelers without too much of a language barrier.  Staying at a premium Bed and Breakfast in France is the best way to get to understand French culture and live like a local.

Bed and breakfast in Provence

You will fall in love with the cozy and welcoming maison de Provence (Provence house) or mas (a traditional Provencal farmhouse) and their friendly owners. 

 

Things to do in Provence

The Provence region is an explosion of colors and delicious smells that can be discovered by wandering through the farmers’ markets, tasting the exquisite Provencal cuisine as you go and admiring the numerous varieties of soaps and traditional pottery made in the South of France.

We will include some very special places in your Provence driving itinerary based on your wishes. The more active of you may enjoy kayaking through the milky aquamarine waters of the Gorges du Verdon, or simply marvelling at the views from the top of the gorge.

On quieter days you might play a few games of boules with the locals in the Provencal hilltop villages. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing glass of rosé wine at a local wine tasting, whilst sampling some savory tapenade (olive paste) on a fresh baguette.

 

  • Roman Ruins

Around the end of the 2nd century BC, the Romans invaded Provence. Over the next centuries, they established dramatic monuments, rebuilt cities and enriched the region. Nowadays, Arles and Nimes are the two most significant remains of the faded Roman glory age. Some of the most noticeable roman ruins that have survived through to modern times are the engineering masterpiece Pont du Gard (an ancient Roman aqueduct), the lovely town of Vaison la Romaine, the reputed Théâtre d’Orange (Orange Theater - see picture below) and the Glanum site in St Remy de Provence.

Orange Roman Theater Provence itinerary

 

However, the Provence region also has a number of exceptional monuments that are hidden away from the public. These include Le Pont Julien, La Maison Carré in Nîmes and the Barbegal aqueduct. We are happy to include these places in your self driving tour of Provence so you can see some of the region's hidden gems.

 

  • Mediterranean cuisine

The sunny weather of the region allows an abundance of fresh sun-ripened vegetables and fruits to grow. Our Provence tours will introduce you to the best of Mediterranean cuisine, including spices, seafood and a mouth-watering array of dishes. La cuisine du soleil (sun cuisine) is a type of cooking that focuses on fresh ingredients and is renowned for being fantastically healthy (recognized by the Unesco as an intangible world heritage). Farmers’ markets are a bouillabaisse of colors, flavors, and a feast for the senses. Omnipresent ingredients in Provencal recipes are the famous Herbes de Provence and olive oil.

mediterranean cuisine - Provence itinerary

 

Along your travels, you will discover many regional specialties and sites renowned for their production such as Cavaillon, which is famous for melons; St Didier, which produces nougat; Alpilles, home of olives; Venasque, which is surrounded by cherry and almond orchards and Apt, which is known for its candied fruit. You will also get your own personal guidebook, which contains some typical Provencal recipes that you can try out at home, including our tian de ratatouille recipe. If you would like to take a cooking class while visiting Provence, let us know and we can organise it for you. 

 

  • Stroll through villages & have a coffee on a terrace

Every Provence itinerary should allow enough time for some rest and relaxation to enjoy the ambience. Relax at your B&B, take a dip in the pool or in have a wander around the garden. You can also sit at a terrace café near the fountain in Luberon’s central square and indulge in a spot of people watching.

beautiful villages in your provence itinerary

 

Provence - and France in general - is renowned worldwide for its traditional, local farmers’ markets. In the Southern France Provencal region, the most famous ones are those in Avignon and Apt. However, we can recommend some smaller, more intimate markets if you’re looking to get off the beaten track. Markets only take place in the morning while the products are still fresh, most of the stalls close around noon. You can, however, also find non-perishable goods in the markets, such as Provencal fabrics and tablecloths, Provencal pottery as well as soap and beauty products from the South of France. For antiques lovers, l’Isle sur la Sorgue holds an antiques market which - even if extremely touristy – shouldn’t be missed. 

Farmers Markets in Provence itinerary

 

Enjoy dramatic sceneries

There are so many ways to discover the varied landscapes in Provence and we will help you explore the region either by walking through old cities or going on short, easy hikes in the countryside; driving along scenic roads in your rental car; or by doing something a bit more adventurous like biking or canoeing.

sceneries in provence itinerary

 

Provencal Pottery and Handicrafts

Due to its Roman heritage, Provence has a long history of making pottery using regional clay. Back in the day, the pottery was used to transport and store merchandise. Nowadays, you can still lay eyes on beautiful faience, a colourful, regional type of Provencal pottery.

provence handicrafts

The Santons of Provence are miniature characters that are traditionally part of the Christmas crèche (nativity scene). Today, very few artisans still hand-make them.

 

Many other handicrafts are famous in Provence such as hunting knives, olive wood and the famous Provencal dried lavender. Visitors will also be able to see glass blown products, authentic French soap, Provencal fabrics and more. We can recommend some very nice shops that sell good quality products for a reasonable price.

During your stay, why not learn a bit about the history of seven different Popes, the British author Peter Mayle and post impressionist artists such as Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Cézanne – all of whom called Provence their home at one point in time.

 

Wine Tasting in Provence

Provence wines might not be as famous as Bordeaux or Burgundy red wines, but there is still a lot of be excited about! From the simple table wines from Luberon, towards Rognes in the Aix en Provence area, you can then head North to the Chateauneuf-du-Pape Côtes du Rhône worldwide famous wineries. Continue all the way East to the Gigondas, Beaumes de Venise rosés or Côtes du Mont Ventoux. Whether you would enjoy a wine tasting as part of a day tour or would prefer to dedicate most of your trip to exploring the vineyards and wineries of Provence, we can craft your Provence driving itinerary entirely to your preferences.

wine tasting in provence, france

We know the best ways to discover the wines of Provence. These include having a picnic in a local winery; taking a sand buggy tour of the vineyards; spending a day with a French sommelier; or taking a cooking and wine pairing class with an oenologist. Allow us to create a bespoke Provence driving itinerary based on your interests to help you make the most of this beautiful region.

 

City Tours & Heritage

The region of Provence comprises several cities, which really deserve a visit. From Aix en Provence with its shops, fountain squares and art galleries to Avignon with its impressive Palace of the Popes, there is beauty around every corner. The Roman cities of Arles, Nîmes and Orange are also incredibly impressive. For those who like to wander, take photos and feel the ambiance of a shady street in the morning sun, this region is perfection. If you want to learn more of the history and culture of these places we personally know an English-speaking tour guide who can share local knowledge with you.

guided tour of avignon, provence itinerary

 

Truffle Hunting in the Luberon Hills

This experience is perfect for travelers with a taste for the gourmet. For about 2 hours, usually in late afternoon when the heat starts to subside, you will follow a local "trufficulteur" and his dogs and hunt for truffles with the gorgeous Luberon landscape as your backdrop. After that, you will have the chance to sample several appetizers made from Provence truffles. A true delight for the taste buds!

 Truffle Hunt Provence itinerary

 

 

FAQ about Provence

  • Is it difficult to drive in Provence ?

Provence is in the southern part of France, where people get more "excited" while driving, it's a Mediterranean driving style. As we plan our self-driving tours of Provence to take our travelers away from the beaten paths, you should enjoy the driving in these gorgeous landscapes without getting "excited" too. 

Also, Marseille is a very big city and thus it is a bit complicated to drive, but nothing you cannot do with a good GPS. In July & August, Provence region is very busy with tourists and traffic is heavier in some areas: we will do our best for you to avoid them if you come in summer. 

Driving is from far, the best way to discover Provence: getting lost on small scenic roads will be your best experience of your road trip to the south of France. 

 

  • What is the best time to visit Provence ?

Provence is a warmer region of France so we recommend avoiding July & August when it's very hot and crowded. A early as Easter and til the end of June, then in September & October, your experience of the self-drive tour in Provence will be much more relaxing and pleasant.

A violet lavender field to illustrate popularity of lavender field tours France
June is ideal for lavender field tours in France

© Pixabay CC0

 

Visit other French regions

Brittany

Alsace

North

Lyon

Somme

Champagne

Verdun

Normandy

Dordogne

Loire Valley

Paris

Bordeaux

Our Travelers’ Reviews

Janis
We are experienced travelers and spent about three weeks traveling the french countryside via Emilie’s arrangements. Her personalized guidebook provided everything we could have asked for and, when some unexpected issues came up, Emilie promptly responded with kind, thoughtful assistance. We spent days with detailed driving tours, truffle hunting …
Mervyn
My wife and I and two friends decided we would like to visit France and by chance I found Emilie's website and initiated an online conversation with her over a year ago. We really did not know what we wanted to do, nor where we wanted to go and so our planning became a moving feast, most ably supported by Emilie. How she ever put up with our …
Linda & Scott
This was our first visit to France to celebrate my 40th birthday. We started in Reims/Champagne region, Burgundy, Loire Valley Normandy and finished in Paris. Our 21 day trip was exceptional in every way! Emilie and her team thought of everything and their service from fist email to our return home could not be faulted. The only way I can describe …

Our Travelers’ Photos

Teri, Kennedy & Chris from the US
in Paris !
Peter
from Canada
Truffle Hunting in Dordogne
Patty
from the US
In Villeneuve les Avignon, Provence
Leslie & Family
from the US
A la Tour Eiffel, Paris
Kate & Jake
from the US
On their honeymoon in front of Chenonceau castle
Fred
from Canada
Truffle hunting in Burgundy with Thierry
Stéphanie & Vania
from the US
on the Aiguille du Midi peak in the French Alps (Chamonix)
..& the Oyster Guy !
in Biarritz Food Market with Maureen & Roy
Greg, Laurie, Laura & Jeff
From the US
With their B&B host near Mont Saint Michel
Amy & Louise
Wine tasting....
Patty & Tim
from the US
In front of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris
Carol from the US
Biking in the Luberon