Your journey begins with a pick-up at Montpellier (11:00 AM–4:00 PM). We transfer you to the seaside Splendid Hotel in Le Grau-du-Roi (Hemingway’s honeymoon spot), where stunning sea-view rooms await.

Meet your guides and fellow travelers for a Welcome Drink at 5:00 PM. Our first evening takes us to the legendary walled city of Aigues-Mortes. Framed by striking pink salt marshes, this medieval port sets the stage for our festive Welcome Dinner and first shared meal.

Travel Tips: Extra Nights Before Tour:

Highly recommended to beat jet lag and explore the local market. Pick-up is available until 9:00 PM. If you book two extra nights this gives you the opportunity to visit the nearby Roman city of Nîmes by direct train from Le Grau-du-Roi (€1 each way).

Pick-up, Hotel Check-in, Le Grau-du-Roi, Welcome Drink, Welcome Dinner in Aigues-Mortes

Start the day with a continental breakfast on the 4th floor, with breathtaking view of the Mediterranean sea: the perfect way to begin your morning at your own pace.

We then head to St-Guilhem-le-Désert, labeled as one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages and a stop on the UNESCO-recognized Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route. Enjoy a guided tour through the village’s untouched medieval streets and the historic Abbey, before sitting down for lunch at a family-run restaurant. Afterwards, you’ll have some free time to explore at your own pace: wander the narrow streets, browse local artisan boutiques, or take a walk into the surrounding mountains.

In the late afternoon, we continue to one of the highlights of the tour: a Pétanque lesson taught by Stephane (one of the founders of TripUSAFrance), followed by an intimate private dinner at a local winery. The meal will feature local recipes and regional flavors, enjoyed in a relaxed setting and paired with the estate’s wines. This memorable evening offers a genuine taste of Southern French culture, hospitality, and tradition.

St Guilhem-le-Desert on the Compostela Road, Petanque Game, Private Dinner at Winery

After breakfast, we head inland to experience one of Provence’s most iconic traditions: lavender.

Your morning begins with a hands-on lavender workshop, where you’ll learn about traditional distillation methods and the cultural importance of this emblematic plant. Using freshly harvested lavender, you’ll create your own small bottle of essential oil to take home—a fragrant souvenir of your time in Southern France.

After the workshop, we’ll enjoy a relaxed lunch before continuing to a winery in the afternoon. This dynamic wine region is known for its expressive reds, fresh whites, and rosés. During a guided visit and tasting, you’ll learn about the local terroir, winemaking traditions, and finish with a tasting of their best wines.

We return to your hotel in the late afternoon, leaving you the evening free to enjoy at your own pace. Take a stroll along the beach, explore the lively coastal village, or dine at one of the excellent local seafood restaurants by the canal. (Restaurant recommendation list provided.)

Lavender Essential Oil Workshop, Winery Visit & Tasting, Free Evening

This morning, we venture into the wild landscapes of the Camargue, one of the most unique natural regions in France, with a stop at the Ornithological Park of Pont de Gau. This protected nature reserve is home to flamingos—an iconic symbol of the region—as well as herons and many other bird species. During the visit, you’ll learn about the Camargue’s ecosystem and enjoy excellent photo opportunities.

We then continue to Arles, a city rich in Roman history and forever linked to Vincent van Gogh. On a guided walking tour, you’ll follow in the artist’s footsteps, discovering the places that inspired his work and learning about his life during his time in the city. You’ll also visit the impressive Roman Arena, built around 90 AD.

After our late lunch, enjoy free time to explore Arles at your own pace—visit the Van Gogh Foundation, browse local shops, or relax at a café.

We return to Le Grau-du-Roi in the late afternoon, where you’ll have another free evening to enjoy the seaside atmosphere, a sunset walk, a swim, or a leisurely dinner. (Restaurant recommendation list provided.)

Camargue Flamingos, Arles Walking Tour, Van Gogh Sites & Roman Arena, Free Evening

This morning, we check out of our seaside hotel and venture deep into the heart of Provence, heading to the famous ochre village of Roussillon (our base for three nights).

Our first stop is Les Baux-de-Provence, an exceptionally beautiful hilltop village. Following a guided walking tour, we’ll enjoy a refined lunch with a view of the Alpilles Mountains.

Next, we visit the extraordinary Carrières de Lumières, a world-famous art, light, and sound show held inside an old stone quarry (featuring Picasso’s works in 2026).

We finish the afternoon at the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole Monastery, an 11th-century Provençal Romanesque sanctuary where Vincent Van Gogh painted Starry Night in 1889.

We then arrive in Roussillon. The evening is free to dine at the hotel or explore the local village restaurants.

Baux-de-Provence, Carrieres de Lumieres, Van Gogh, Roussillon Check-in, Free Evening in Roussillon

We start the day early at Sénanque Abbey to capture the postcard-perfect beauty of the vibrant lavender fields before the crowds arrive.

Next, we explore Gordes on market day, wandering among the colorful stalls for local treasures. We then return to Roussillon for a relaxed, long lunch break.

The rest of the day will be about Provençal culinary traditions. First, we’ll visit an olive oil farm. 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

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 return, we stop at the renowned L’Occitane en Provence factory for a guided tour to discover the brand’s history, production methods, and shop for exclusive products.

The afternoon brings us back to Roussillon, giving you time to enjoy your final evening. Walk the scenic Ochre Trail, swim at the quaint hotel pool, or treat yourself to a memorable farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Lavender Fields of Valensole, Lac St Croix, L’Occitane en Provence, Free Evening in Roussillon

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. Post-lunch, we enjoy a short guided tour of the “city of a thousand 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 Note: there is NO TIME to tour Montpellier during the itinerary. To explore the city’s highlights (Place de la Comédie, Fabre Museum, shops), we highly recommend booking an extra night after the tour. The hotel also features a relaxing SPA. 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.

Check-out, Aix-en-Provence & its Market, Pullman Hotel & SPA, Farewell Dinner on Pullman’s rooftop

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.