Gardens and Charming Villages a Visit to Provence

Emily Durand, the founder of Your Private Provence, decided to turn her Covid-19 lockdown experience from lemons into lemonade. She refined her ideas for small-group tour itineraries in Provence, resulting in a delightful combination of charming villages, gardens and comfortable accommodations.

Vaucluse Vineyards and Views

The eight (8) night trip starts at the Avignon TGV, where Emily greets the group. Once settled in her spacious Mercedes van, your Provencal immersion begins. Since this is France, the first stop involves food, a picnic in the gardens of Abbey Saint André with beautiful views of the Papal City across the Rhône River.

After lunch, it’s time to head to the first handpicked Bed & Breakfast (B&B) and an introduction to the Vaucluse. The magic begins with views of the iconic Mont Ventoux, Southern Rhône vineyards and fruit trees. During the next two days, you explore artist’s studios, vineyards, lavender fields (not blooming yet) and even the Mont Ventoux summit at ‎1,909 m (6,263 ft). Read about Mont Ventoux a Cycling Challenge: Taming the Beast.

Luberon Gems

Now, it’s time to leave the Vaucluse for the Luberon Valley and settle into the next charming B&B for three nights. Known for its perched villages, including Ansouis, Bonnieux, Gordes, and Lacoste, the Luberon is Provence’s jewel. With Emily at the helm, it’s time to enjoy some of the famous spots, such as the Friday morning market in Lourmarin and Roussillon’s ochre cliffs, along with many hidden secrets. Spring is an excellent time to visit the region as the weather is excellent, at times fresh, and there are few crowds.

@PaulSahwcrossUK

Alpilles Highlights

Seduced by the charms of the Vaucluse and the Luberon, it’s time to move to the other side of the Durance River to the Alpilles (Provence’s small Alps). This 30-kilometre mountain range is a protected national park surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, fruit orchards and attractive villages. The chic town of Saint Remy de Provence is home base for the final two nights of the trip in another charming B&B. In this place where jagged limestone peaks reach for the cobalt sky, and that inspired countless Vincent Van Gogh canvases, it won’t take long for the Alpilles to steal your heart.

Additional reading:
Soaring in the Alpilles
Our 7 Favourite Villages and Vineyards of the Alpilles
Eygalières the Alpilles Village You Want to Get to Know

Tour Details

Dates:
April 25- May 3, 2021
May 30 – June 6, 2021

Included:
All transportation from pick-up to drop-off
Eight (8) nights of accommodation
Breakfasts and lunches are all included
All dinners except for one free night in St. Remy de Provence
Entry fees

Pricing (USD):
$3,600 per person – shared room
($700 single room supplement)

Here is the full itinerary for the Your Private Provence Spring Gardens and Villages tour.

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).