Provence Sample Itinerary

Day 1

We’ll await you in the lobby of our hotel. Check in and make yourself comfortable, then meet for a leisurely introductory stroll through historic Aix before a marvelous welcome dinner (included) at Aix’s number one celebration restaurant, Le Formal.

Day 2

Breakfast (included daily)

Seaside Explorations – the colorful fishing village of Cassis, and a visit by boat to the calanques, deep dramatic Mediterranean fjords, followed by a delicious lunch (included) by the sea. Return to Aix.
The evening begins in our neighbors’ antique and treasure filled apartment for a pre-dinner aperitif.

 

Day 3

The lovely medieval village of St. Remy awaits us today, with its lively Wednesday market – more treasures to discover. Down one lane an accomplished watercolor artist often sets up a display, offering charming mementos of picturesque Provence.
Then a leisurely, abundant, and delicious lunch (included) at one of our favorite country inns – the Bistro du Paradou, after which we’ll visit a nearby award- winning olive oil mill.
In the afternoon we’ll be surrounded by sight and sound in the Carrières de Lumières – a different artistic spectacle every year.
Return to Aix – free evening.

 

Day 4

The Aix market awaits, packed with marvelous treasures, from flowers, to produce, to artisanal soaps and honeys, to striking clothing. After choosing our fill of goods, we will assemble a lunch from the market bounty, and enjoy a picnic together in a lovely garden.
This evening we welcome you to our home in Aix AixObelisk– for an aperitif before walking to the Conservatoire for an evening concert.

Day 5

Today we’ll explore some of the “Most Beautiful Villages of France” in the Luberon, including colorful Roussillon and hilltop Bonnieux, where we’ll stop for lunch as we enjoy this lush and varied area of Provence.
Back in Aix, we’ll complete our day with a taste of Morocco  – dinner at Le Riad (included).

 

Day 6

Enjoy a leisurely morning, perhaps strolling through the Saturday market, before departing for an art and sculpture tour combined with a tasting at Chateau La Coste vineyard. We’ll enjoy lunch at the vineyard, then explore another delightful hilltop village or two before returning to Aix – a free evening.

 

Day 7

We’ll get an early start to the fabulous open-air antique and vintage market of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Wait ’til you see the hundreds of vendors that come each weekend, spreading out their treasures for us to ogle. We have several cherished finds from previous visits to this world-renowned market (you will have seen a few in our apartment earlier this week!)
Enjoy a typical French lunch at a charming waterside brasserie in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue before our return to Aix, where you’ll have a free hour or two to enjoy the town.
Our last supper – enjoy a leisurely meal of Provençal tastes with the artful cuisine of one of our favorite Aixoise restaurants (included).

Day 8

Farewell and departure