Join a Small Group Tour Provence in October

Fall in Provence is a magical season.

With the summer holidays over, the region feels calmer, and the seasonal colours make for stunning backdrops. Emily Durand, the founder of Your Private Provence, a small group tour operator, has designed an exceptional autumn adventure called “October in Provence,” which strikes a flawless balance between sightseeing, authentic experiences, and relaxation under sunny fall skies.

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Provence in the Fall

Join Your Private Provence in October to discover the vineyards, orchards, and ivy-covered stone facades in brilliant autumn colours. Like many places in the northern hemisphere, the fall weather in Provence brings a range of conditions from cool mornings to warm days. One moment you might be in a t-shirt feeling overdressed, and the next, you need a sweater. However, the season’s natural hues make up for the necessary wardrobe adjustments. Early mornings are often veiled in fog, but once the humidity dissipates, the vines shimmer in shades of yellow, orange, and red. In addition, the season’s harvest of pumpkins, mushrooms, carrots, walnuts, chestnuts, and turnips makes for colourful scenery at the Provencal markets.

Immersive Experience

When creating Your Private Provence (YPP) small group tours, Emily Durand wants her guests to experience the region’s matchless variety. So, from arrival at the Avignon TGV station until drop off nine (9) days later, this YPP trip is a collection of the highlights of Provence. Your visit includes UNESCO sites, enchanting villages, famous cities, and Mediterranean seascapes.

During the trip, you will discover some of the famous hilltop villages in the Luberon Valley and appreciate how the agricultural lands still support the region. For the first four nights, the group will stay in a B&B selected for its proximity to the centre of Saint-Rémy de Provence and the soaring peaks of the Alpilles. From here, you will visit the Camargue, which is the Rhône River delta and home to Provence’s ranching culture.

The second portion of the tour takes you to historical, cosmopolitan Aix-en-Provence and sublime 5* accommodation. Founded by the Romans, Aix has long played a significant role in the region’s development. The markets of Aix are some of the region’s best, where chefs shop for their daily menus as you will before a cooking class. Finally, one day the group will visit the seaside village of Cassis with its famous vineyards, marina on the Mediterranean and stunning cliffs surrounding the Calanques (fiords).

YPP tours explore at an unhurried tempo, and along the way, Emily creates opportunities to meet the locals. You will encounter ranch (manade) owners and the gardians in the Camargue, who share a passion for horses and raising black bulls. Converse with a local chef while he teaches practical skills in the French kitchen. Finally, enjoy the menus in the carefully selected charming restaurants and discover artisanal business owners who promote traditional craftsmanship.

Your Guide

Emily Durand, the founder of Your Private Provence, has lived in Southern France for over two decades. Originally from America’s west coast, Emily lives in Provence with her family. During the quieter times of the year, it’s her objective to explore the out-of-the-way places and roads less travelled for clients who want to experience Provence at its best. Founded in 2013, Your Private Provence is a boutique travel company offering tours in Provence with a focus on lifestyle and well-being. Fully bilingual and well acquainted with the region, Emily arranges for single-day tours or complete itineraries.

Details: October in Provence

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October 12 – 20, 2023 (8 nights/9 days) Sold Out!
Taking 2024 bookings now.

All-inclusive pricing $4,200 USD per person (double occupancy)

Small Group Tour – eight (8) spots maximum

Lodging during the trip includes a cozy B&B in Saint Remy and a luxurious boutique Hotel and Spa near Aix-en-Provence with amazing views of Mont Sainte Victoire, the mountain that Cezanne painted hundreds of times.

Image credits: All the photos in this article were provided and published with Emily Durand’s permission at Your Private Provence.

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).