The Charming Villages of Provence

We'll gather at 8:50 am at a cafe near Paris' Gare de Lyon station. A Girls' Guide representative will meet us there and escort us to our train platform, where we'll board our first-class seats. The train leaves at approximately 9:38 am. We'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, departing almost every hour. We'll ensure you get on the right one!

In Avignon, our driver will pick us 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 spa appointments to help alleviate jet lag.

We'll have a welcome drink at 6:30 pm, followed by dinner at the hotel's restaurant, where our trip leader will review the week's plans.

After breakfast, we’ll start our morning with a captivating light show at the Quarries, immersing ourselves in an unforgettable display of colors and sounds. 

Afterward, 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. 

As the afternoon approaches, we’ll settle in to enjoy a leisurely seven-course lunch at Le Bistro du Paradou in the quaint medieval village of Le Paradou.

Our next destination is Pont du Gard, a remarkable example of Roman engineering in France. This grand aqueduct, constructed in the 1st century AD, is the tallest Roman aqueduct bridge in the world, reaching 160 feet in height.

After a fulfilling day, we’ll unwind with a 3-course meal at Le Patio on their stunning shaded terrace. What a perfect way to end our first full day in Provence. 

Today, after breakfast, we’ll start with a 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 on your own at one of the many delightful eateries.

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 tasting by the family pool, complete with champagne. We will also indulge in Charcuterie, fruit, cheese, & vegetables. 

After this uniquely local experience, we’ll return to the hotel ready to unwind for the evening. If you are still hungry, there's a Chinese place and a casual French place that are both walkable from our hotel. 

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. 

After a bit of time to shop in lovely St. Remy in the afternoon, we’ll take a thoughtful stroll through St. Paul de Mausole, the former asylum where Van Gogh found solace and inspiration. 

We’ll head over to Eygalieres, a lesser-known but beautifully charming village nearby. After a stroll, we'll savor a delightful dinner at Chez Paulette and toast one another to another fabulous day in Provence! 

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. Then we'll meet up with expat blogger Deborah Bine, also known as the Barefoot Blogger, for a guided stroll where she'll share her insights about this ancient market town.

Lunch will be at Villa Curti known for its fresh organic food and wines. It's time for us to relax and enjoy the region's flavors. 

Tonight, we'll enjoy a meal back in Fontvieille at Le Bel Oustau where we'll relish a cozy, Provençal setting while savoring dishes that highlight the best of southern French cuisine.

Today, we’re off to explore the historic Roman city of Arles, renowned for its impressive Roman amphitheater, and as another stop in Van Gogh's life. 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 best organic wine production in a relaxed setting. Afterward, a local guide from Arles will take us on a tour of town, focusing on the Roman arenas and Van Gogh's life. 

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

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

We’ll then be transferred as a group to the train station, ready for a smooth train ride 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 arrange this option for you at an additional cost.

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