2026 Daily Itinerary
8-Day Special Lavender - Small Group Tour
Provence, Languedoc, Camargue, Mediterranean
Day 1- Mediterranean Cost & Medieval Aigues-Mortes
Pick up at Montpellier's airport or one of the train stations is between 12 and 4 pm. From there, we’ll drive you to your seaside accommodation, the Splendid Hotel in Le Grau-du-Roi, a vibrant Mediterranean town where Ernest Hemingway spent his honeymoon. We will then all meet for a Welcome Drink at 5 pm where you will be able to meet the other travelers as well as your local guides!
Our first evening together will take us to the neighboring town of Aigues-Mortes, a remarkable medieval fortified port city from which the 7th and 8th crusades were launched. Surrounded by the striking pink waters of the salt marshes, this walled town is steeped in history and charm. After a short introduction, we’ll enjoy a festive Welcome Dinner at a local French restaurant and share our first delicious meal together.
Highly recommended: arriving a day early, especially for travelers coming from overseas, provides a buffer for travel delays and allows you to relax and overcome jet lag. It will also allow you to see the local market in the morning. Enjoy your room at the Splendid Hotel in Le Grau-du-Roi, with stunning sea views and breathtaking sunsets from your private balcony. Le Grau-du-Roi is a lively beach town full of cafés, restaurants, and shops to explore. Pick-up for early arrivals is available until 9:00 pm.
Good tip: If you book 2 extra nights, you can easily visit the nearby Roman city of Nîmes by train. From Grau-du-Roi, a direct train departs at 11:40 AM and arrives in about an hour. The return train leaves Nîmes at 5:36 PM, giving you around 5 hours to explore the city’s Roman treasures. Best of all, the ticket costs just 1 euro each way, making this a fun and affordable day trip. Read more about Nimes here.
Pick-up, Hotel Check-in, Le Grau-du-Roi, Welcome Drink, Welcome Dinner in Aigues-Mortes
Day 2- Camargue Discovery: Flamingos, Wine of the Sand, Pétanque & Dinner at Patrick's Home
This morning we’ll head into the heart of the Camargue to visit the Ornithological Park of Pont de Gau, a beautiful nature reserve where flamingos—the emblematic bird of the region—can be admired up close along with herons and many other species. With a guided visit, you’ll learn fascinating details about these birds and have plenty of opportunities to capture stunning photos.
From there, we’ll continue to a traditional Camargue ranch, home to both the famous white horses and black bulls of the region. This estate also produces the unique “Vin des Sables,” wines grown in sandy soils near the sea. We’ll enjoy a typical Provence lunch on-site, paired with a tasting of their expressive rosé wines.
After a 2hrs break at your hotel will gather again for one of our tour highlights: a delightful evening at a local's home. First, Stephane, Julia's father, will teach you the ins and outs of Pétanque -the beloved game of Southern France, then you'll savor a three-course meal featuring local recipes, lovingly prepared by your host Patrick. This intimate experience offers a genuine taste of Southern French culture and hospitality. You can now say you've experienced life like a true French local!
Flamingos in Camargue, Ranch Lunch & Wine of the Sand, Pétanque Lesson, Dinner at Local's Home
Day 3- On the Santiago de Compostela Road Village & Languedoc Wines
Today we travel inland to discover one of France’s officially listed “Most Beautiful Villages”: St-Guilhem-le-Désert. A highlight of the tour, this stop on the Camino de Santiago (recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1998) feels like stepping back in time. During the guided tour, you’ll learn about the picturesque medieval village’s fascinating history, admire its medieval abbey, and soak up the atmosphere of its cobbled streets and ancient stone archways.
We’ll pause here for lunch at a charming local restaurant before giving you some free time to explore—whether you prefer to wander the narrow streets, shop artisan boutiques, or take a short walk in the surrounding hills.
In the afternoon, we’ll continue to a Languedoc winery for a guided tour and tasting. This region has become one of the most dynamic wine areas in France, known for bold reds and fresh, expressive whites and rosés. As you explore the property, you’ll gain insight into local winemaking traditions, the influence of terroir, and why Languedoc wines are now celebrated well beyond France.
At the end of the visit, we’ll return to your hotel for a relaxed evening. You could go for a stroll on the beach, explore the busy fisherman village, and eat at a restaurant some delicious fresh seafood by the canal! (Restaurant recommendations lists near your hotel provided.)
St-Guilhem-le-Désert, Santiago de Compostela, Winery Visit & Tasting, Free Evening Le Grau-du-Roi
Day 4 – Lavender Workshop & Arles Home of Van Gogh
This morning, immerse yourself in the scents and traditions of Provence with a hands-on lavender workshop. Using freshly cut lavender, you’ll learn the art of traditional distillation and create your own small bottle of essential oil to take home—a fragrant reminder of your time in the South of France.
In the afternoon, we’ll set out for Arles, a city famed for both its Roman monuments and its special connection to Vincent van Gogh. On a guided walking tour, we’ll follow in the artist’s footsteps, visiting the places that inspired his paintings and gaining insight into his life during his year in Arles. You’ll also explore the impressive Roman Arena, built around 90 AD, which still stands as one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
After the tour, you’ll have the option to continue your discovery independently—perhaps by visiting the Van Gogh Foundation and its current exhibition—or simply wandering the city’s charming streets at your own pace.
As the day winds down, we'll return to Le Grau du Roi, where you'll have a free evening to enjoy as you wish. Go for a swim, enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the many local restaurants or simply relax on your balcony and enjoy the most beautiful sunset you will ever see! (Restaurant recommendations lists near your hotel provided.)
Lavender Essential Oil Workshop, Arles: Van Gogh & Roman Arena Free Evening
Day 5- Hilltop Villages, Art & Scenery
This morning we will check out of our hotel by the Mediterranean and venture deeper into Provence to stay in the famous ochre-colored village Roussillon in the Luberon valley for 3 nights.
On our way we will discover the picturesque hilltop village of Les-Baux-de-Provence. Officially classified as one of the "most beautiful villages of France", the cultural heritage here is exceptionally rich and the landscape and the beauty of the Provençal village will take your breath away. We will do a short guided walking tour and then stop at a traditional auberge for lunch. Afterward you will have time to explore the medieval streets, shop the quaint boutiques, or slow down at a cafe and watch the people come and go.
Our next stop is the world famous Carrières de Lumières show. A fascinating art, light & sound show taking place in an old stone quarry cave! The 2025 exhibit will be about Claude Monet! You can learn more about the current exhibit here.
To finish the afternoon we will visit the 11th century Saint-Paul-de-Mausole monastary to appreciate the beautiful architecture of the Provençal Romanesque style. It is here in this sanctuary where Vincent Van Gogh painted his famous Starry Night piece in 1889 during his troubled time.
After a short drive we will reach Roussillon, your new home base for the next 3 nights. You will be free this evening. Many restaurants available in the village for dinner as well as the delicious restaurant of the hotel. (Restaurants recommendation list provided)
Baux-de-Provence, Carrieres de Lumieres, Van Gogh, Roussillon Check-in, Free Evening in Roussillon
Day 6- Lavender, Gordes' Market,
Olive Oil & Truffle Farm Visits
We begin our day with the quintessential Provençal experience - the lavender fields of Senanque Abbey. Arriving early to capture the morning's quiet beauty, we'll enjoy the stunning landscape before the crowds arrive. The vibrant purple fields set against the abbey's stone walls create a postcard-perfect scene of Provence. (We are not visiting the inside of the abbey).
Next, we'll explore Gordes on market day, a picturesque village where you'll wander among colorful stalls, finding unique souvenirs and local treasures. After a morning of exploration, we'll return to your hotel for a long lunch break, giving you the option to enjoy your market snacks or dine in the village of Roussillon.
The rest of the day will be about Provençal culinary traditions. First, we'll visit an olive oil farm, where the history of olive cultivation runs deep. Our guided tour will reveal how olive trees have been a staple of this landscape since Roman times. You'll learn about the meticulous process of olive oil production, from harvesting to pressing. Provence olive oil is renowned for its exceptional quality, which you will be able to discover during the tasting.
The day continues with another highlight of the tour: the visit of a local truffle farm. Here, you'll meet the passionate farmer who will share intimate insights into the world of truffle cultivation. You'll witness an exciting demonstration of summer truffle hunting with trained dogs, allowing you to participate in finding real truffles and gain a unique insight into this rare culinary art. We'll conclude our visit with a delightful dinner on-site, featuring a spread of local delicacies including artisan cheeses, charcuteries, quiches, fresh fruits and more- a true celebration of Provençal gastronomy.
Senanque Abbey Lavender, Gordes Market, Olive Oil Farm, Truffle Hunting, Dinner at the Truffle Farm
Day 7- Lavender Fields of Valensole, L'Occitane en Provence & Ochre Roussillon
Today is the day! We will venture into the heart of Provence to experience one of its most iconic landscapes: the breathtaking lavender fields of Valensole. Stretching endlessly in vibrant purple waves, these fields offer an unforgettable backdrop for photos and memories. We’ll take our time exploring this idyllic setting, soaking in the beauty and aroma of Provence’s most famous landscape.
Next, we’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch at a charming restaurant overlooking the stunning turquoise waters of Lac de Sainte-Croix. The perfect setting to relax and savor a delicious French lunch.
On our way back we will stop at the renowned L'Occitane en Provence factory, where tradition meets innovation in crafting world-famous cosmetics. On a guided tour, you’ll discover the brand’s history, see how their products are made, and have an opportunity to shop in the boutique for exclusive finds.
We’ll return to Roussillon in the afternoon, giving you plenty of time to enjoy your final evening in this ochre-hued village. Take a dip in the hotel’s pool, walk the scenic Ochre Trail through the former open-pit ochre quarries, or stroll the quaint streets of the village. For those seeking a memorable culinary experience, consider dining at the elegant Restaurant Omma, where exceptional cuisine is paired with panoramic views of Roussilon's cliffs.
Lavender Fields of Valensole, Lac St Croix, L'Occitane en Provence, Free Evening in Roussillon
Day 8- Aix-en-Provence, Le Grand Marché & Farewell Dinner
After checking out of our hotel in the morning, we will spend the day in Aix-en-Provence, home to one of the most lively Provençal markets. The Grand Marché is a must-see - one of the biggest and most vibrant outdoor markets in Southern France. Overflowing with colorful stalls, this historic market is a feast for the senses. You'll have ample free time to shop the market before regrouping for our group lunch. After lunch, we'll do a short guided tour of the so called city of a 1000 fountains.
In the late afternoon, we’ll head to Montpellier for our final night, staying at the 4-star Pullman La Pléiade & SPA, where we’ll also enjoy our Farewell Dinner.
Very important: There is NO TIME to visit Montpellier during the tour. With so much to see and do in just 8 days, we decided this is something you can easily enjoy on your own after the tour. If you’d like to explore the city’s highlights — such as the Place de la Comédie, the Fabre Museum featuring works by local Impressionist Frédéric Bazille, charming shops, cafés, and restaurants — we highly recommend booking an extra night after the tour. (Extra nights can be added directly at booking; if you’d like more than one night we’ll need to confirm availability with the hotel.) Bonus: the hotel features a relaxing SPA for a perfect end to your trip.
Check-out, Aix-en-Provence & its Market, Pullman Hotel & SPA, Farewell Dinner on Pullman's rooftop
Day 9- Departure
It is time to leave the South of France and return home with new friends, great memories, and plenty of stories! We will drop you off at the airport or train station in the morning before 12 pm and help to make sure that everything is well coordinated for you to travel stress free. If you have booked one or more extra nights after the tour, drop off is also included. We hope we will have succeeded our mission of sharing our culture and region for a trip full of good times and smiles and that you will join us again on one of our other tours!
Departure for your train or plane before noon.
Do you have questions about this tour?
Review the complete tour page, read our FAQ or contact us!
You can reach our office at 703-375-9548. We are based in the United States and we are open Mon-Sat, 9:00am - 6:00pm.
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