2025 Daily Itinerary
8 Day Tour - Special Lavender
Day 1- Welcome to Southern France!
Pick up at Montpellier's airport or one of the train stations is between 12 and 4 pm. We will drive you to your charming hotel, Splendid Hotel in Le Grau-du-Roi, where you will have some free time to relax and unpack. (If you cannot arrive before this time you may have to take a taxi to the hotel) 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! We will then have our Welcome Dinner at a local French restaurant in town and enjoy our first delicious French meal together!
Recommended: come a day early at the beach hotel to adjust to the time difference. You have the option to book extra night(s) at booking or adding it to your order later. If you come a day early pick up is until 8 pm. You will also be able to explore the busy local market of Le Grau-du-Roi taking place on Day 1 from 8 am to 1 pm.
Pick-up, Hotel Check in, Le Grau-du-Roi, Welcome Drink, Welcome Dinner
Day 2- On the Compostela Road, Petanque & Local Home Dinner
To start the day we will visit one of the villages on the "most beautiful villages of France" list, St-Guilhem-le-Desert. A highlight of the tour, it is one of the stops along the Santiago de Compostela (a Pilgrimage road recognized on the UNESCO world heritage list since 1998). The picturesque architecture and the wonderful abbey will transport you back in time. During the guided tour, discover the intriguing history of the village and soak in the peaceful feeling as you wander through the cobbled streets and archways of this untouched medieval village.
For lunch, we will pause at a lovely French restaurant overlooking the rocky gorge and turquoise river! You will then have some free time to explore: get lost in the small streets, shop the local artisans boutiques or have a walk in the adjacent mountains.
After a small 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!
St-Guilhem-le-Desert on Compostela Road, Petanque Game, Dinner at Local's Home
Day 3- Le Grau Market, Montpellier Food Tour, Languedoc & Camargue Wineries
Today is market day in Grau! Thanks to a later departure you will be able to explore the market on your own if you wish. Then, after a short drive, we will begin our day with an immersive culinary adventure through the vibrant streets of Montpellier, France's 7th largest and fastest-growing city. Start the day with a food tour featuring 10 tastings of Southern France foods. Accompanied by a local expert guide, you'll explore this beautiful city and learn about the town's rich past while sampling regional specialties. The food tour offers a fun and delicious way to discover the unique character of Montpellier.
Our culinary journey continues with two distinctive winery experiences. Our first stop is Flaugergues winery, a renowned estate producing bold Languedoc wines. Here, you'll tour the impressive estate while gaining insights into the region's winemaking traditions. We'll delve into the concept of terroir, discover their wine making process and finish with a wine tasting, allowing you to savor the distinctive flavors of Languedoc.
Continuing our wine exploration, we'll visit a "Vin des Sables" winery of Camargue, a truly unique winery where the vines grow in a sandy soil. After a tasting of their rose wines we will return to our coastal home base for you to spend your evening freely.
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.) Montpellier, Food Tour, Languedoc Winery, Vin des Sables Winery, Free Evening in Le Grau-du-Roi
Day 4- Arles: Home of Van Gogh & Camargue Ranch
Our day begins at an authentic ranch in the Camargue, a true highlight of the tour. Here, you'll immerse yourself in the region's rich traditions, watching French cowboys and cowgirls expertly herd the distinctive black bulls of Camargue while riding their famous majestic white horses. We'll then enjoy a French barbecue-style lunch on the ranch.
After lunch, we'll head to the city of Arles, renowned for its Roman monuments and its special connection to Vincent Van Gogh. We'll do a walking tour following in the footsteps of Van Gogh, exploring the places that inspired the artist and learning more about his mindset during the year he lived in Arles We will also explore the impressive Roman Arena, built around 90 AD, which stands as a testament to the city's ancient history.
After the tour, you'll have the option to visit the Foundation Van Gogh and see its current exhibit or explore the city independently.
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.)
Arles' Downtown, Van Gogh, Camargue Ranch, 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 & Medieval Aigues-Mortes
After checking out of our hotel in the morning, we will begin our journey back to our beach hotel in Le Grau-du-Roi, located just 20 minutes from Montpellier airport. (Extra nights can be added at booking)
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 Aix.
We'll then return to Splendid Hotel Camargue for our last nights together so that you can enjoy the views and the beautiful sunsets one last time.
After some time to relax at your hotel, we will end this fabulous day with our farewell dinner in the next door town of Aigues-Mortes: the medieval fortified port city where the 7th and 8th crusades were launched. You will first learn about this truly surprising walled town surrounded by ponds and salt marshes and it's rich history before dine at a local restaurant serving wonderful French cuisine. While eating our last French meal together we can share our good memories before our departure.
Check-out, Le Grand Marché, Aix-en-Provence, Check-in, Aigues-Mortes, Farewell Dinner
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. 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.
