Southern France from West to East

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

the Basque Country : surf, gastronomy and Pyrenees foothills

• Your trip starts in the Basque Country where you will stay for 5 nights in a comfortable house located 5 miles to the Ocean, between Biarritz and Saint-Jean de Luz. From the Atlantic coastline, its waves and tanned surfers to the rugged Pyrenees Mountains. From the peacefulness of the Basque untouched villages to the lively nightlife in Saint Jean de Luz, the Basque Country will not disappoint.
• We will craft your days so you get a feel of everything the Basque culture has to offer, and there is a lot: taste the local “Bayonne hams” after strolling a valley discovering the traditional and still alive mountain pig farming, get acquainted with the Basque weaving tradition, try to make your own Basque cake or stroll one of the many farmers markets.

• Several “most beautiful Villages of France” will be on your scenic drives – and you may witness there some locals playing the Basque Pelote game at the town’s fronton. Nature and outdoors lovers will enjoy endless walks and hikes in the Pyrenees foothills, occasional walkers will relax on the walks along the beaches and enjoy a coffee at a terrace watching surfers.
• You will also follow a local guide in Biarritz. He will give you the keys to the Basque culture: so you will understand about the Basque language and the traditions and festivals such as Pelote or Basque Force. You will end this tour at the covered market, tasting some Basque produces.

Carcassonne Medieval city & the cathar country

• Carcassonne and the Cathar country are the perfect stop over on the way to Provence. Carcassonne medieval “Cité” will amaze you by its size and conservation. You will reside in a cozy B&B, by the walls of the cite, walking distance to all sightseeing and restaurants – but away from the tourist crowds.
• In the Cathar country, walkers/hikers will be rewarded with breath taking landscapes and fortresses such as Quéribus or Perpeytuse. History lovers will be passionate by the Cathar history. Wine lovers may be surprised by the quality of the “Minervois” wines which have improved a lot in the past 10 years. They are now on the wine list of some of the most famous restaurants in the world.
• On the 8th day, you will drive about 2hr30 along the Mediterranean Sea to get to Provence.

Provence away from the beaten paths

• Your Bed & Breakfast for 5 nights lies just outside a lovely village on the slopes of Mont Ventoux. This Mas house belongs to your hostess’s family for 4 generations and is surrounded by olive and cherry trees. One night, your host Chris will cook a delicious Table d’Hôtes dinner you will enjoy under the arbor together with fellow travelers in a very convivial ambiance.
•  Mont Ventoux remains the most authentic part of Provence, with little villages such as Vaison la Romaine, Malaucène and Bedoin and dramatic landscapes like “les Dentelles de Montmirail”.One day, we will take you to a place you could not find on your own…lost in Provence mountains, in a very private wine estate. There, you will take a tour to the winery, then enjoy a wine tasting followed by a nice picnic in the vineyards. A very romantic time.
• So many things to see in less than an hour's drive from your B&B: beautiful Avignon, also referred to as “the City of Popes”, where you can visit the palace of the Popes, the well-preserved ramparts and the famous “Avignon Bridge”. Strolling hilltop villages on market day, walking on the footsteps of famous painters such as Cézanne or Picasso. We will also tell you about some hidden jewels - villages, off the beaten track where you will stroll around charming streets or have a drink at a provencal café with locals. We can also recommend a farmer’s market and wine cellar for each day of the week!
• Speaking of gastronomy, let a local lady who was born and raised in Avignon, take you on a walking tour to discover the Provencal food specialties: very important to get acquainted to the local culture: from the Pompe à l’huile to the thyme chocolates.
•  If you are interested in history, don’t miss the Roman ruins at Arles, Orange and the Pont du Gard. We will also take you to smaller sites – less famous and much quieter. You will also explore the salt marshes of the Camargue and visit the Alpilles region, where you will find beautiful Saint Remy de Provence…

From the Basque Sheeps to the Provençal cicadas, from the Irrouléguy wine to the Chateauneuf-du-Pape, from the Basque language to the old Provençal…you will experience a lot!