Discover the Best of Provence with OohProvence Multi-day Tours
Provence has it all: vineyards, lavender fields, ancient Roman cities, and hilltop villages. But with so much choice, it’s hard to know where to begin. So, whether this is your first time in the South of France or not, why not let someone else take care of the logistics? Christopher Curtis and Laurent Nurisso, the founders of boutique tour company OohProvence, invite you to join them on their multi-day tours of the region.
OohProvence Tours
A talented duo with experience in hospitality and design, Christopher and Laurent are both registered French tour guides. Moving to Marseille from London in 2013, they launched OohProvence in 2018. Designed exclusively for small groups, these are tours for people who want to experience Provence at a comfortable pace. OohProvence offers a variety of guided excursions to famous sites, perched villages, legendary vineyards and more. So, whether you have only half a day, a full day, or several days, OohProvence has a menu of alternatives. Read more about the company its founders, and discover why you should choose OohProvence for your Provence touring experience.
What to expect?
The tour starts when OohProvence arrives at your accommodation with a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Depending on the size of your group, your trip always includes either Christopher or Laurent and often both. Their goal is to introduce Provence’s authentic side and deliver an experience of the region beyond the conventional itineraries.
Provence Multi-Day Tours
OohProvence has two 3-day circuits covering different geography. Your hardest decision will be choosing between the two itineraries. While your trip may not allow enough time to experience both tours, don’t worry. Each one provides a sampling of Provencal highlights, including local vineyards, charming villages, significant sights, and iconic landscapes.
Option 1: Vaucluse and Bouches-du-Rhône
Over three days, relax and enjoy a collection of outings through the Vaucluse and Bouches-du-Rhône.
Popes and Wine (Day 1): Sit back and enjoy the drive to Avignon, where seven popes reigned between 1309 and 1376. There is much to see and do in this Papal city on the Rhône River. The morning begins with a walking tour of the old section to Les Halles, a dynamic food market. Following that, you will visit the awe-inspiring Palais des Papes, the largest gothic monument in Europe. After lunch, wine tasting in Châteauneuf du Pape is on the agenda.
Villages and Religious Sites (Day 2): Today’s journey begins by crossing the Rhône River to Villeneuve Les Avignon and la Chartreuse, an old monastery where it feels like time has stopped. The afternoon includes wandering the streets of L’Isle sur la Sorgue, a town known for many brocante and antique shops and its Sunday market. Before heading home for the day, you will visit Gordes, a village that many consider the jewel of the Luberon, and the magnificent Abbaye de Sénanque.
Magical Mountains (Day 3): The final day is discovering the Alpilles national park and some famous Provencal villages. The largest town, Saint Rémy de Provence, was the birthplace of Nostradamus and where Vincent Van Gogh painted some of his most recognized works. After a stop for shopping and lunch, the afternoon includes Les Baux de Provence – the medieval village and castle. Then, for the grand finale, a mesmerizing immersive light and sound show – Carrières des Lumières – where masterpieces of famous artists appear on the old quarry walls.
Option 2: Luberon and Seaside
Local markets, Mont Sainte Victoire, perched villages, and stunning views of the Mediterranean are all part of this OohProvence multi-day tour.
Around Aix-en-Provence (Day 1): The Romans founded the city we know as Aix-en-Provence today. The day begins in Aix’s old town at the Provencal food market and a stroll through the streets where Paul Cézanne once walked. From the city centre, it’s a short drive to the mountain – Mont Sainte Victoire – that was Cézanne’s muse, a subject he repeatedly painted during his lifetime. The mountain slopes are excellent terroir for growing grapes, and you will have a chance to sample some of the local wines along with a gourmet lunch.
Lovely Luberon (Day 2): Today’s drive includes four (4) of the famous villages in the Luberon Valley. Warning! The day ahead includes charming streets, tempting boutiques and galleries, ancient castles, shaded squares, and hilltop views. Pedestrian-friendly Lourmarin will reel you in with its charm. Although you will want to sit in Curcuron’s shady village square for hours, alas, the Luberon views from Bonnieux and ochre cliffs of Roussillon await.
Irresistible Seaside (Day 3): The sparkling Mediterranean holds your gaze today. From the Cassis marina, it’s a short boat ride to the Calanque national park, where limestone cliffs tumble into the aqua blue water. You will imagine that you are part of a movie set at one of the portside restaurants during lunch. Although it is hard to leave that scene, there are wines to be tasted and some fantastic sites in Marseille on the afternoon’s agenda.
Contact OohProvence
Website – independent travel with a WOW! Inspirational tours & custom-made travel itineraries.
Facebook: OohProvence
Instagram: @provence.ooh
Email: info@oohprovence.com
Available in English or French, the OohProvence excursions include:
Multi-day tours
Full-day tours of the region
Half-day walking circuits in famous Provencal cities
Customized itineraries
Transportation:
The rate includes daily pick-up and drop-off within a 25km radius of Aix-en-Provence, Avignon & Marseille.
OohProvence tours are always in air-conditioned, clean, luxury vehicles.
Larger groups of up to 20 people enjoy spacious minivans with licenced drivers.
Inclusions:
Driver/guide throughout the trip.
Admission to all historical sites, including skip the line.
Chilled bottled water, light refreshments, fruit, and snacks throughout the day.
3-course lunch at a restaurant each day, including coffee and half a bottle of wine per person.
Restrictions:
The OohProvence tours are open to anyone of any age. However, some walking tours are better suited to those without mobility challenges due to uneven surfaces and stairs.
Image credits: All the photos were provided by and published with the permission of OohProvence.
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