The Charming Villages of Provence

We'll meet at 8:50 am at a cafe near the Gare de Lyon train station. A Girls' Guide representative will meet you there and escort you to your first-class train seats. The train leaves at approximately 9:38 am. You'll have a lovely, 3-hour ride through the French countryside to Avignon.

If you're arriving by plane today, there's a train station at Charles-de-Gaulle Airport (CDG). There are direct trains from CDG to Avignon, leaving almost every hour. We'll make sure you get the right one!

In Avignon, our driver will pick you up at the train station. It's a 30-minute drive to the 4-star La Régalido Villa and Spa hotel in Fontvieille, our home for the week. Check in, unpack, and relax. Upon arrival, we can help you make optional jet-lag-curing spa appointments.

We'll have a welcome drink at 6:30 pm, followed by dinner at the Bistro Les Canisses where your trip leader, Nancy, will review the plans for the week.

If you're traveling across an ocean to get to France, consider arriving in Paris a day early. Our concierge will happily help you with an extra night at the hotel.  

Today is all about immersing ourselves in the flavors and culture of Provence! 

We'll start our morning with a relaxed breakfast before heading over to Cuisine Provençale, where Jane Satow will guide us through a hands-on cooking workshop. Surrounded by the charm of St. Remy, we’ll discover the secrets of Provençal flavors. Once we’ve put everything together, we’ll savor our creations over a shared lunch.

In the afternoon, we’ll take a thoughtful stroll through St. Paul de Mausole, the former asylum where Van Gogh found solace and inspiration. Afterward, it's time for a classic Provencal pastime: a friendly game of pétanque, so get ready to join in on the fun!

This evening, we’ll gather for a delightful dinner at Le Patio. You can review the main course options beforehand, and when it comes to dessert, a tempting buffet awaits, allowing you to choose your perfect sweet ending right on the spot. Here’s to a day filled with taste, tradition, and togetherness!

Today, after breakfast, we’ll start with a leisurely stroll through the lively Lourmarin market, where you’ll have time to explore charming shops, perhaps finding a unique keepsake or local delicacy. We'll then make our way to Aix-en-Provence, where you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch at one of the many delightful eateries.

Later, we'll join Jennifer Dugdale for a guided tour of Aix, exploring the life and legacy of Cezanne, including a visit to his atelier, which still holds the essence of his creative spirit.

In the late afternoon, we’ll head to Cadenet to meet our truffle-hunting companions. On a picturesque Provençal farm, we’ll dive into the world of truffles, guided by experts and their well-trained dogs. The experience will end with a delicious truffle buffet by the family pool, complete with champagne. 

After this filling feast, we’ll return to the hotel ready to unwind for the evening.

Today, we’ll journey into the Luberon, beginning with a visit to the vibrant Uzès market, where you can explore the local stalls and lively atmosphere. 

Lunch will be at Villa Curti. It's time for us to relax and enjoy the flavors of the region. Afterward, we’ll have time for a final stroll around Uzès before stopping at the impressive Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct, for photos.

Tonight, let's have dinner at Le Relais du Castelet, a charming Provençal gem in a 12th-century lodge. With fresh, locally inspired cuisine and a cozy ambiance, it’s the perfect spot for a delightful dining experience. 

We’ll start our morning with a captivating light show at the Quarries, immersing ourselves in an unforgettable display of colors and sounds. Afterwards, we will be savoring a delicious lunch at La Reine Jeanne, a historic restaurant in Les Baux-de-Provence. With its rustic stone walls, shaded terrace, and breathtaking views, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy authentic Provençal flavors in a charming, relaxed atmosphere. 

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the olive oil mill, Le Moulin de la Coquille, in the heart of the Vallée des Baux. Known for its award-winning, extra-virgin olive oil crafted from five distinct olive varieties, this mill produces oil within 24 hours of harvest to capture its rich, green-fruit flavor. 

After a fulfilling day, we’ll unwind with a light dinner at our hotel, leaving the evening open for a stroll or relaxation.

Today, we’re off to explore the historic city of Arles, renowned for its impressive Roman amphitheater and as another stop on the Van Gogh trail. Upon arrival, you’ll have free time to wander through the lively market, discovering local treasures.

For lunch, we’ll gather at Mas de Valeriole for a charming picnic paired with a wine tasting, allowing us to savor the region’s flavors in a relaxed setting. Afterward, a local guide from Arles will take us on a tour focused on the Roman arenas and Van Gogh’s connection to the city.

This evening, we’ll cap off the day with a memorable farewell dinner at the elegant Château Estoublon, a perfect setting to toast to our journey together.

Our final morning begins with breakfast and a chance to share photos, stories, and the friendships you've made over these wonderful days. 

You’ll then be transferred as a group to the train station, ready for a smooth journey on a train that will bring you into Paris around noon. For easy connections, please schedule any flights home or onward plans after 4:00 pm.

If you’d prefer to fly back from Marseille, we’re happy to assist with arranging this option for you at an additional cost.

Bidding France a fond au revoir—until your next adventure!