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A selection of some of the themed activity holidays we offer in Provence is shown below...
      
Cookery
| AP03: THE ART OF FINE CUISINE |
6 days,5 nights - from £895pp based on two sharing
To book: e-mail: holidays@destinationprovence.co.uk; tel: (+44) 01904 622 220 or alternatively click here to fill in the online enquiry form |
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Hostellerie Bérard is an elegant family run hotel set in the enchanting medieval hilltop village of La Cadière d'Azur in Provence, dominating the fertile vineyards and orchards of Bandol on one side and the sparkling mediterranean sea on the other. The hotel is celebrated for its outstanding "haute cuisine" based on traditional Provençal recipes and excellent grand cru wines harmonising perfectly with every dish. Situated in the lovingly restored 11th century monastery, or grouped around the heated outdoor swimming pool, the hotel's 36 rooms and 4 suites are decorated in the finest Provençal tradition and equipped with all modern amenities including TV, air-conditioning, direct dial telephone and private bath.
In this warm and intimate atmosphere, a delightful welcome is provided by your hosts Danièle and René Bérard and their English speaking staff.
Profoundly attached to this land and its traditions, Chef-patron René Bérard aptly describes his succulent cooking as the "Cuisine of the Sun".
This much sought after residential course on culinary traditions of Provence runs throughout the year- except July & August -with special winter truffle options and includes daily excursions to local markets, wine tastings and meeting the local fishing |
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Cycling
| AP05: CYCLING TOUR OF PROVENCE |
7 nights
Available Mid-March to Mid-October 2008
£565pp
To book: e-mail: holidays@destinationprovence.co.uk; tel: (+44) 01904 622 220 or alternatively click here to fill in the online enquiry form |
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Discover Provence in a different way - unique colourful landscapes- including the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the Pont du Gard, charming medieval Uzès, Roman culture of Arles, the windmill of Daudet and the unique Alpilles hills south-west of Avignon. This holiday offers the best cycling routes of the region and to compliment the delights of this beautiful area guests enjoy selected overnight accomodation in different cosy family-run hotels each offering a warm welcome to round off each day’s exertions. On arrival at the first hotel the Destination Provence local representative will welcome guests and provide a detailed briefing and route description with maps as well as lots of tourist and cultural information - the key to getting the most of the holiday and ensuring a succesful and memorable holiday.
Accommodation
2 nights in en-suite double/twin 2 star Hotel de l'Atelier in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
1 night in en-suite double/twin 3 star Hotel d'Entraigues in Uzès
1 night in en-suite double/twin 3 star Hotel les Echevins in Tarascon
1 night in en-suite double/twin 3 star Hotel Val Major in Fontvieille
2 nights in en-suite double/twin 3 star Hotel Mas des Carassins in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Meals: All breakfasts and three dinners-Villeneuve-lès -Avignon/Tarascon/Fontvieille
Tours: The 7 daily routes vary between 25km and 58 km – and there is the flexibility on some days to increase or decrease the distances and difficulty levels. Free luggage transfer between hotels.
Itinerary:
Day 1 Arrival in hotel from 1430 hours – Personal welcome at the first hotel in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon just over the Rhone river from the city of Avignon by our local manager followed by a briefing on the itineraries and places of special interest and presentation of the detailed roadbook,documentation and maps. Finally- if hiring cycles – a careful bike fitting session to ensure maximum comfort and safety. Free time to explore the village and Avignon and free evening for dinner
Day 2 “ The vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Tavel”
A journey through the heart of the vineyards of the Rhône valley – discovering the Tavel wine area and the famous wine village Châteauneuf-du-Pape to a backdrop of Mont Ventoux on the horizon. Return to hotel in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon and dinner.
Day 3 “ Pont du Gard and Uzès”
Leaving Villeneuve-lès-Avignon a cycle ride through the Rochefort forests to Pont du Gard – the renowned Roman architectural masterpiece built between 40AD and 60AD. On quiet picturesque roads a journey to Uzès – a delightful “Bastide” village full of history - the Place aux Herbes, the Tour Fénestrelle and Le Dûché. Hotel in Uzès with free evening for dinner from one of the restaurants of Uzès.
Day 4 “ Uzès to Tarascon”
Crossing the Gardon river a cycle through the Cabrières wine area - followed by a stop in Beaucaire and then crossing the Rhône-bridge to arrive in Tarascon – famous for its’ castle of Roi René. Stay and dinner in hotel in Tarascon.
Day 5 “Tarascon to Arles and Fontvieille”
Today there is a choice of two itineraries: the first from Tarascon via Arles to Fontvieille or the second shorter route directly to Fontvieille - a pretty Provencal village. Stay and dinner in hotel in Fontvieille
Day 6 “Fontvieille to Les Baux-de-Provence and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence”
A particularly beautiful ride via Le Paradou to the unique haunting medieval village of Les Baux de Provence – the second most visited tourist site in all France – and justifiably so. Afterwards continuing through the olive groves and vineyards and through the Alpilles hills to Saint- Rémy-de-Provence. Recommended visits - the castle of les Baux, the archeological site at Glanum and the Clôitre de Saint Paul de Mausole - where Vincent Van Gogh stayed for more than a year producing an incredible 150 paintings. Stay in hotel in Saint Rémy de Provence – free evening
Day 7 “Les Alpilles ”
An exploration of the wonderful Alpilles hills and villages such as Maussane-les-Alpilles, Mouriès and Eygalières – rounding off the stay in this beautiful area with a visit to the wine and olive domaine of Valdition or the wine cellars of Château Romanin. Stay in hotel in Saint Rémy de Provence – free evening
Day 8 Departure after breakfast. Free transfer back to Villeneuve-lès-Avignon to collect cars for
guests arriving by car or to Avignon TGV station or Avignon airport.
Duration: 8 days/7 nights
Availability: From mid March until the end of October 2005 with flexible arrival days – subject to hotel availability
Holiday includes:
. Detailed welcome/road book including 7 detailed itineraries with maps and tourist and cultural information
· 7 nights accommodation with breakfasts
· 3 dinners
· luggage transfer
· emergency support
· transfer to Avignon day 8
. use of GPS
CYCLE HIRE:
HYBRID CANNONDALE ADVENTURE ULTRA 3
£60 per person hiring
PRICE: FULLY INCLUSIVE TARIFF PER PERSON- BASED ON 2 SHARING A DOUBLE/TWIN ROOM WITH PRIVATE FACILITIES - IN BRITISH POUNDS: £565 PER PERSON £140 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
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| AP15: CYCLE TOUR - CARCASSONE AND THE CANAL DU MIDI |
From Carcassonne alongside the mythical Canal du Midi to the Mediterranean at Sète- the “Venice of Languedoc” The tour takes in the most scenic part of the Canal du Midi enjoying charming landscapes and many points of interest. The Canal du Midi - a 240 kilometres’ long “hyphen” in South France – between Toulouse and Agde has been included in UNESCO’s World Heritage since 1996. The tour is partly on roads and partly on canalside cycle paths and ideal to cycle in safety and over easy terrain. The hand-picked hotels and restaurants are located along or close to the Canal and have been selected with care. This holiday is suitable for anyone of average fitness and will appeal to recreational riders and the more “sportive”. The tour offers a lot of variety and takes participants from the unique walled city of Carcassonne eventually to Sète - an attractive Mediterranean fishing harbour founded by the Greeks – wonderfully photogenic and teeming with restaurants and activity.
Available from early in April to mid October 2008
Price per person: £435 per person (double occupancy)
Single supplement:£120
Half board (except day 1)
To book: e-mail: holidays@destinationprovence.co.uk; tel: (+44) 01904 622 220 or alternatively click here to fill in the online enquiry form |
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Holiday Summary
Availability : From early in April to mid October 2008
Duration : 6 days – 5 nights with flexible commencement dates subject to hotel availability
Area : Carcassonne (Aude) – Sète (Hérault)
Accommodation :1 night in a 3 star hotel in Carcassonne – 1 night in a 2 star in Homps – 1 night in a 2 star hotel in Somail – 1 night in a 2 star hotel in Nissan-les-Ensérune –1 night in a 3 star hotel in Sète
Meals : Half board (except Day 1) - drinks not included
Bikes : Guests can take their own cycles or rent a hybrid or mountainbike. The rental bikes are ideal for this tour (tyre size, front fork and saddle with suspension) and are personally fitted and provided with a saddlebag
Transport: Luggage is transported between the hotels
Distances: The 4 itineraries have daily distances between 15.6 and 33 miles – total distance : 94 miles
Prices: Price per person: £435 per person (double occupancy)
Single supplement : £120
Cycle hire: £60
Included : *Owner-managed handpicked hotels with excellent restaurants and one exceptional restaurant: 3 nights in 2 star hotels and 2 nights in 3 star hotels including 5 breakfasts and 4 dinners *Personal welcome by our local manager with individual bike fitting if renting *Roadbook with detailed maps, itineraries, hotel information, history of the Canal du Midi, tourist and practical information on Carcassone and Sète and places of interest along the route *Technical assistance *Luggage transport
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Carcassonne
Arrival – check-in at ***Hotel Aragon – located near the Porte Narbonnaise- the main access to the “Cité Medieval” old walled city. Welcome meeting with our local Manager –with full explanation of the tour and presentation of the roadbook and bike fitting. Free time to discover the Cité and dinner.
Day 2 : From Carcassonne to Homps ( 26 miles)
The tour starts in Carcassonne – after about 2 miles you already will notice the first work of art dated 1810 : “Les ouvrages du Fresque”. The route continues along the different canal locks and villages such as Trèbes, Marseillette, Puichéric and La Redorte arriving in Homps the end of this first day tour. Accommodation is in **Auberge de l’Arbousier alongside the canal in Homps – with its’ particularly excellent restaurant
Dinner
Day 3 : Homps – le Somail (15.5 miles)
Cycling beside the Canal du Midi to le Somail then through a beautiful landscape via small roads until reaching the village of Bize-Minervois with an interesting visit to the olive oil mill “Cave coopérative” L’Oulibo
Accommodation : **Hotel Le Grand Somail
Dinner
Day 4 : le Somail – Nissan-les-Ensérune (19 miles)
Rejoining the banks of the Canal du Midi the tour again follows the canal via the villages of Capestang and the “Tunnel de Malpas” until Colombiers with a visit to the Oppidum d’Ensérune.
Accommodation : **Hotel La Résidence Dinner
Day 5 : Nissan-les-Ensérune – Agde – Sète, Mediterranean Sea (33 miles)
After 6 miles riding beside the Canal du Midi the tour reaches in Béziers with visit to this charming town the birthplace of Pierre-Paul Riquet – the architect of the Canal du Midi. After Beziers back on the saddle for the remaining 25 miles to Sète an exuberant port with a magnificent position overlooking the Mediterranean. Accommodation ***Hotel on the harbourside of Sète
Dinner
Day 6 :After breakfast – departure and end of the tour
Optional: Possibility of extending the stay in Sète
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| AP12: CYCLING TOUR OF THE LUBERON WINE COUNTRY |
Self-guided cycling tour - 8 days / 7 nights
Price:
Minimum 2-persons:
£695 per person sharing a double or twin room
£895 per person in a single or sole occupancy of double room
£30 per person supplement for reservations in July & August
Cycling with wine domaine visits and winetasting from Mont Ventoux to the Dentelles de Montmirail - a unique self-guided cycling tour away from the crowds to discover the natural pleasures of Provence amidst a landscape of olive groves, fruit trees and vineyards. The tour commences in the beautiful and historic city of Avignon then on into the heart of the Dentelles de Montmirail through small wine villages of world-famous Côtes-du-Rhône wines such as Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Beaumes de Venise and Séguret
To book: e-mail: holidays@destinationprovence.co.uk; tel: (+44) 01904 622 220 or alternatively click here to fill in the online enquiry form |
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Itinerary:
Day 1 – Arrival day
The tour starts in the city of Avignon with flexible arrival from 1400 hours onwards in the afternoon at the first night's accommodation at Hotel d'Angleterre** - within Avignon’s historic fortified city. After check-in there is free time to enjoy the beauty and buzz of one of Provence’s great cities.
Breakfasts and luggage transfer next morning
Day 2 – Cycling 45km
The first day's cycling is from from Avignon east to L’Isle sur la Sorgue - Provence’s beautiful capital of antiques straddling the Sorgues river and then on to Venasque. At the end of the day a climb up to the village of Venasque for your night's stay at Hotel les Remparts** - which has wonderful views overlooking the valley below. This unspoilt village is officially classified one of the "most beautiful villages in France."
Dinner & Breakfasts and luggage transfer next morning
Day 3 - Cycling 22km
Riding through the foothills of the “Monts du Vaucluse” to Sainte Colombe calling at any of the different wine domaines en-route of your choice from the suggestions in the tour roadbook. Afterwards Hotel Guintrand in Sainte Colombe with views over Mont Ventoux awaits your arrival.
Dinner & Breakfasts next morning
Day 4 - Cycling 27km
A circular cycle ride through the heart of the “Côtes du Ventoux” wine country where Peter can personally guide you through his wine domaine - but no not Peter Mayle - instead an Englishman in Provence with a great love of wine! At the end of the day back to Sainte Colombe for your second night's stay and dinner at charming Hotel Guintrand.
Dinner & Breakfasts and luggage transfer next morning
Day 5 - Cycling 27km
After breakfast and departure from Sainte Colombe the next stop is another famous wine village – Beaumes-de-Venise - and the wine discovery continues. Finally to Vacqueyras where your stay is at Hotel Le Pradet** - a relaxing hotel just outside the village lined with wine cellars and a lovely outdoor swimming pool
Dinner & Breakfasts next morning
Day 6 - Cycling from 10km to 30km
A day cycling through lovely Côtes-du-Rhône villages. With your roadbook in hand you choose where and how far to explore from a choice of recommendations in the roadbook with the opportunity of more wine domaine visits and “dégustations” Then perhaps time for a swim in the pool or an “aperitif” back at Hotel le Pradet in Vacqueras
Dinner & Breakfasts and luggage transfer next morning
Day 7 - Cycling 32km
After breakfast a morning ride to Vaison-la-Romaine with plenty of time to discover this beautiful and interesting town - France’s largest Roman archeological site. Your final evening of the tour is in Hotel Burrhuss** in Place Montfort in the centre of Vaison la Romaine – a unique 38 bedroomed hotel successfully combining striking and modern with old and traditional provençal architecture and décor. Free evening to explore Vaison-la-Romaine and to choose dinner from one of the many restaurants in easy walking distance of your hotel
Breakfasts next morning
Day 8 – Departure day
After breakfast - bus transfer back to Avignon centre
End of the tour
Access:
Day 1:
From Avignon TGV at Courtine to Hotel.
Regular shuttle bus to centre of Avignon every 15 minutes – journey takes about 10 minutes and then short walk 500 metres - 10 minutes – to Hotel d'Angleterre.
Or from Avignon Centre SNCF station to Hotel d'Angleterre- 500 metres walk
Day 8:
Bus transfer from Vaison-la-Romaine to Avignon Centre SNCF station – journey 90 minutes - then shuttle bus from nearby back to Avignon TGV station every 15 minutes.
Available:
1st March to 31st October 2009
Flexible commencement day subject to hotel availability
Price:
Minimum 2-persons:
£595 per person sharing a double or twin room
£795 per person in single room or sole occupancy of double room
Supplement: July/August:
£30 per person
Included:
**Double occupancy in charming specially selected two stars hotels with private facilities
**7 breakfasts & 5 dinners - usually 3 courses with several choices
**6 days of cycling with luggage transfers throughout the holiday
**Bus transfer from Vaison-la-Romaine back to Avignon centre on the final day
**Personal tour roadbook with a detailed itinerary of each day’s cycling and a practical map. Included are special “great addresses” and “favourites” - a selection of restaurants and places to visit you probably would not find on your own and a few suggested artists and craftsmen. Also included are some more practical needs of the tour including a list of en-route food stores, post offices, and banks
**24-hour emergency local support telephone number
Not Included:
**Travel to France or transfer to the first hotel in Avignon
**Cycle hire – 21 speed hybrid bikes - new in 2008 - £60 per person if required
**All lunches and any meals not included in the itinerary
**Items of a personal nature |
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Golf
| AP10: GOLF IN PROVENCE |
7 days, 6 nights from £395 to £865 per person depending on hotels and courses selected from a choice of ten hotels either on or near our seven golf club partners including en-suite accommodation and buffet breakfasts - based on two sharing.Pre-booked green fees and buggy hire to guests' choice of tee-off time. Shorter Golf in Provence holidays - minimum two nights from £130 to £288 per person are also available - or any number of nights are available pro-rata - there is complete flexibility
To book: e-mail: holidays@destinationprovence.co.uk; tel: (+44) 01904 622 220 or alternatively click here to fill in the online enquiry form |
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Flexibility and client choice are the keywords - a choice of seven challenging courses are available - Roquebrune, Saint Endréol, Ésterel-St Raphaël, Sainte Maxime, Dolce Fregate, Sainte Victoire and Barbaroux.
Clients can choose a round at a different course each day or any combination can be selected with a choice of hotels from two stars to four stars over any number of days. Green fee and buggy reservations are made at preferential rates.
Hotels:
Hotel l'Orée du Bois 2 stars Le Muy
Hotel du Golf de Barbaroux 3 stars near Brignoles
Hotel le Provençal 3 stars Les Issambres
Le Logis du Geutteur 3 stars Les Arcs sur Argens
Grand Hotel des Lecques 3 stars St Cyr sur Mer
Hostellerie des Gorges de Pennafort 3 stars Callas
Les Domaines de St Endréol La Motte
Dolce Frégate 4 stars St Cyr sur Mer-Bandol
Amarante Golf Plaza 4 stars Sainte Maxime
Villa Saint Elme 4 stars Les Issambres
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Painting
| AP26: PAINTING IN PROVENCE |
£995.00 per person sharing a twin or double room
Single room supplement: £125.00
Non painting partner:
£575.00
Non resident participant:
£675.00 (Includes lunches but excludes accommodation, breakfasts and dinners)
*What is included:
* 5 days + 1 half-day of expert, professional tuition
* 7 night’s bed & breakfast
* Lunch: Mon - Sat + drinks & wine
* Goumet Dinner: 6 evenings + drinks & wine
* Refreshments all day: Wine, beer, soft drinks, tea & coffee etc
* Excursions for painting and sight-seeing
* Professional art materials – everything required for the course
* Use of sculpture studios if required, all tools and materials provided
* Souvenir CD of approximately 300 photos, tutorials and menus from your course
* 6 months free exhibition of your paintings in our online gallery
* Transfer to and from Nice centre/ Airport / railway station
To book: e-mail: holidays@destinationprovence.co.uk; tel: (+44) 01904 622 220 or alternatively click here to fill in the online enquiry form |
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Some of the world's most famous artists - including Matisse, Monet and Renoir - have been inspired by the stunning beauty of Provence and the unique Mediterranean light. We offer you the opportunity to be similarly inspired and to further your creativity by participating in a unique painting course in the charming village of La Colle sur Loup - just 20 mins from Nice International Airport and close to the renowned village of St Paul de Vence. The 7-day residential courses run every two weeks throughout the year and are designed to suit all levels with individual guidance from the expert professional tutor. The courses are absolutely inclusive from collection at Nice airport or train station at the beginning of the holiday, all meals, unlimted drinks, all necessary course materials and return to your departure point at the end of the holiday. Non participating partners or friends can also be accommodated at reduced tariff.
Included in the course are excursions for painting around the historic village of La Colle sur Loup and at least one visit to one of the nearby art museums - such as the Chapelle Matisse at Vence. The provençale cuisine is something special you will experience and appreciate at Maison des Arts. To end the course there is a "Vernissage" - an exhibition of the participants' own choice of their work followed by a celebration dinner.
Programme
The following programme is a guide to a week at Maison des Arts
Sunday
Participants arrive and are shown around the facilities at Maison des Arts.
19.30 Cocktail reception followed by dinner
Monday - Saturday
0800 Breakfast
0900 Morning session
1200 Lunch
1400 Afternoon session (Saturday - preparation for exhibition followed by "Vernissage" and celebration dinner)
1700 Break
1930 Dinner
Sunday - Departure Day
No fixed times for breakfast and lunch
Course Dates 2006
17/02/07 - 02/08/08 All levels
16/03/08 - 23/03/08 All levels
30/03/08 - 06/04/08 All levels
06/04/08 - 13/04/08 Advanced
20/04/08 - 27/04/08 All levels
27/04/08 - 04/05/08 Advanced
11/05/08 - 18/05/08 All levels
18/05/08 - 25/05/08 Advanced
01/06/08 - 08/06/08 All levels
08/06/08 - 15/06/08 All levels
22/06/08 - 29/06/08 All levels
29/06/08 - 06/07/08 Advanced
13/07/08 - 20/07/08 All levels
03/08/08 - 10/08/08 All levels
10/08/08 - 17/08/08 All levels
31/08/08 - 07/09/08 All levels
07/09/08 - 14/09/08 Advanced
21/09/08 - 28/09/08 All levels
28/09/08 - 05/10/08 Advanced
12/10/08 - 19/10/08 All levels
19/10/08 - 26/10/08 Advanced
16/11/08 - 23/11/08 All levels
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Walking
| AP29: WALKING TOUR OF PROVENCE |
7 days, 6 nights - available all year. £525.00 per person in half-board based on two sharing including airport or train station transfers.
To book: e-mail: holidays@destinationprovence.co.uk; tel: (+44) 01904 622 220 or alternatively click here to fill in the online enquiry form |
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This walking tour combines the sometimes wild but unsurpassed nature of the countryside with the cultural and historic highlights of some impressive locations in western Provence. During 5 hiking days with an average walking distance of 6-7 miles each day, you will discover a diversity of landscapes, colours and flavours and have the possibility of visiting many renowned and interesting sites and, depending on your day of arrival, you have the opportunity to visit one of the wonderful local markets during your tour. From April to December, there are many festivals and special markets. Carefully selected accommodation, authentic regional food and fine wines will ensure a memorable Provence walking tour.
Local market days:
Eygalières: Friday morning
St. Rémy-de-Provence: Wednesday morning
Maussane: Tuesday morning
Tarascon: Tuesday morning
Avignon: daily
Level: the proposed walks can be enjoyed by everybody of average fitness. The walks are on quiet back roads or across countryside paths that follow parts of signposted “GR”s (Grandes Randonnées - Long Distance Ways).”.
The proposed itineraries can be extended for clients preferring a more challenging route.
Luggage: is transferred from accommodation to accommodation.
Personal Transfers: are provided from either Avignon TGV station or Montpellier or Marseille airports
Option: road transfer or boat trip on the river Rhône to Avignon where the holiday can be extended by one or more days in the famous Papal city.
Price: £525pp sharing a double or twin room
£140 – single supplement
Includes: 6 nights in 3 stars hotel & luxury chambre d’hôtes with private facilities and swimming pools including 6 breakfasts, 3 dinners, complete roadbook with detailed itinerary, IGN-maps, cultural & touristic information, technical assistance, luggage-transfers, personal transfers by car from/to Montpellier/Avignon/Marseille on day 1 and day 7.
ITINERARY:
Day 1 : Arrival in your accommodation - luxury chambre d’hôte guest suite in Eygalières where the hosts will welcome you in their “mas” (old provençal farmhouse). During a welcome drink our local experienced representative, Jean-Marc Dedoyne, will welcome you to Provence and explain the tour in detail. He will provide the detailed roadbook, itinerary, local maps and touristic information.Afterwards guests can enjoy the gardens and the swimming pool of the Mas or have a short warm-up walk through the olive groves to the village centre. From the old clock tower on the hilltop above the village there is a superb panoramic vista of the whole area followed by dinner at the Mas.
Day 2 : There is a choice of routes -you follow either the GR6 westward over about 7 miles, or country roads over about 5 miles (with the latter itinerary offering the opportunity of a vineyard visit and wine tasting) to Saint Rémy-de-Provence: the beating heart of Provence.
St Rémy offers many possibilities for historic visits - the cloister of St Paul-de-Maussole (where Van Gogh lived and worked), St Martin’s church, several unique and important museums etc. Or the old town centre is surrounded by a ring boulevard of plane trees with an abundance of cafés and bars with sunny terraces where you can enjoy a well earned local drink after your walk. Free evening to enjoy a meal of your own choosing - there are many restaurants offering good and authentic regional food in all price ranges.
Day 3 : From St Rémy there are several itineraries (each of about 3.5 miles) which can take you to Les Baux-de-Provence. This unique village on the top of a rock – one of the most visited places of France - offers a great architectural riches. The castle ruin visit – about
1-1 ½ hours’ walk offers you an unforgettable view of the whole Bouches-du-Rhône. Along the rock formations of the Hell’s Valley you continue your walk (another 2.5 miles) to your third nights’ accommodation in Les Baux de Provence or near Maussane-les-Alpilles. Free evening
Day 4 : Very quiet country roads will take you over 5.5 miles through a rich landscape to Fontvieille. The itinerary gives you the possibility to visit the ruins of a Roman aqueduc and the Moulin de Daudet site - where Alphonse Daudet got the inspiration to write – and offering fine views over Tarascon and surrounding countryside. From there you are a a stone’s throw Fontvieille, where the gardens and pool at your accommodation will await you for a relaxing rest. Dinner
Day 5 : Our transport will take you through the town of Arles for a city walking tour of this famous and historic city – the capital of the Camargue. From early Celtic tribes, Greek settlement, Roman occupation, the early days of Christianity and the Middle Ages all have left a wealth of history and many world-classified monuments - Amphitheatre, the Roman Theatre and the Espace Van Gogh, the Reattu and Camargue Museums. Alternatively you can enjoy a jeep-safari in the Camargue Regional National Parc starting from the tourist office.
At the end of the afternoon our transport will return you to your your hotel in Fontvieille. Dinner
Day 6 : Up to legendary Tarascon over 6.6 miles and if you have spare energy you can take a town walk and visit the castle, church, cloister or souleiado museum or even a walk to Beaucaire alongside the Rhône river. Free evening.
Day 7 : Departure day after breakfast.
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| AP11: A Walking Tour of the Lubéron |
8 days, 7 nights - available all year. £545.00 per person in half-board based on two sharing including luggage transfer, route maps and information.
To book: e-mail: holidays@destinationprovence.co.uk; tel: (+44) 01904 622 220 or alternatively click here to fill in the online enquiry form |
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An exhilarating walking tour through the secret hills and gorges of the Lubéron dotted with provençal “mas” (stone farmhouses) and ochre-coloured hilltop villages. Crossing the tops of the “Petit Lubéron” every day with superb unspoilt vistas and passing through some of the most beautiful and interesting villages of the Lubéron including Mérindol, Lourmarin, Saignon and Apt
DAY 1 Arrive on your own to your first hotel in the heart of Papal Avignon. From the “Palais des Papes” to the “Pont d’Avignon”, a stroll through history. Dinner on your own. Hotel Avignon.
DAY 2 Morning information meeting at your hotel and then free day in Avignon. Afternoon transfer to Mérindol by taxi. From the village, contemplate the vast plain of the Durance below where an abundance of the well-known melons and vegetables of the four seasons can be found on the famous Cavaillon markets. Mérindol has remained up to the present day the village that symbolises the repression of the Waldensians. Overnight Hotel Mérindol.
DAY 3 Mérindol - Gorge du Régalon - Mérindol (10 km / 4 hours ) Discover the Régalon gorges, canyons and gorges which plunge to a depth of 30 metres sheltering a magnificent forest filled with oak trees, maples, cherry trees, fig trees...eagles, butterflies and owls... Overnight Hotel Mérindol.
DAY 4 Mérindol - Recaute ( 13 km / 4 hours 30 mins) Walking above the village of Lauris, perched in the Petit Luberon foothills, with amazing views across the Durance valley to the Alpilles and the Luberon walking to the Mas de Recaute, lost in the Luberon National Park. Overnight Hotel Lauris.
DAY 5 Recaute - Lourmarin - Buoux ( 15 km / 5 hours ) From Lauris to Buoux. Morning transfer to Lourmarin giving plenty of time to discover "one of the most beautiful villages in France". Walk to Buoux, finishing with Buoux Fort which served as a refuge for the population during the invasions in the Middle Ages and the religious wars. Overnight Chambres d’hôtes Buoux.
DAY 6 Buoux - Sivergues - Saignon ( 12 km / 4 hours ) Following the Aiguebrun river through its gorges arriving in the hamlet of Sivergues - only 40 inhabitants whose principal activities are lavender and goat breeding. Overnight Hotel in Saignon.
DAY 7 Saignon - Colorado Provençal ( 12 km / 4 hours) Walking from Saignon to Rustrel visiting the Colorado Provençal ochre quarries. Transfer from the end of the walk back to Saignon. Overnight Hotel in Saignon.
DAY 8 Personal transfer from Saignon to Apt for the local bus to Avignon.
End of the tour
INCLUDED
7 nights double occupancy with en-suite facilities,
7 breakfasts and 6 dinners,
Luggage transfers days 2 to 8,
Taxi transfers day 2, 5, 7, 8
Transfer day 8 by local bus (with luggage),
Our Road Book with detailed walking itineraries and a map.
NOT INCLUDED
Transportation to the first hotel in Avignon, lunches,
dinners not noted in itinerary, entrance fees into
museums insurance and drinks,.
DOCUMENTS
Technical description of the itinerary, 1:50,000 scale map with itinerary traced out, contact listing, technical sheet and our Road Book filled with helpful hints: restaurants, museums, vineyards, craftsmen, where to find a bank machine… (Includes a 24-hour emergency phone number)
ACCOMMODATION
Double occupancy with private facilities
- 1 night in Avignon: www.hoteldangleterre.fr
- 2 nights in Mérindol : www.roquemaliere.com
- 1 night in Lauris : www.lounis.com
- 1 night in Buoux : www.auberge-des-seguins.com
- 2 nights in Saignon. .
WELCOME At the first hotel in Avignon on day 2 at 9am, information meeting after breakfast.
END OF TOUR
Day 8 at the Avignon centre bus station.
LENGTH & LEVEL
8 days / 5 days of medium walking on waymarked out footpaths. Walking time from 4 to 7 hours a day.
MEALS
7 breakfasts (continental), 6 dinners - entrée, main dish and a dessert – in hotels, chambres d’hôtes or local restaurants. Not included : Drinks, dinner day 1, lunches.
TRANSFERS
Transfers Avignon-Mérindol day 2 by taxi.
Transfers Lauris-Lourmarin day 5 by taxi.
Transfers Rustrel-Saignon day 7 by taxi.
Transfers Saignon-Apt bus station day 8 by taxi.
Apt- Avignon bus station day 8 by local bus with luggage.
Luggage transfersfrom one hotel to the next days 2 to 7.
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