Lavender Tour - 25 June to 02 July

£1,365 - Make a booking now or click here for printable version

"Let us guide you along the lavender routes to see the very best of the fields in bloom. The lavender tour takes you to some of the most beautiful villages and market towns in Provence. Visiting some of the most interesting landmarks, and villages in the region. Les Baux, the ruins of Glanum, Lourmarin, and Aix are some of the places this tour will take you. You will enjoy a scenic drive through the lavender fields of Valensole, and visit the beautiful village of Moustiers-ste-marie famous for its wonderful pottery shops that adorn the streets."

You will be greeted at midday at Marseille airport by your Simply Provence representative, and will be taken on a scenic drive in a luxury minibus to the beautiful town of Aix en Provence, where we will check into our hotel for the next three nights. Time to settle in and unpack, after which we will have a welcome meeting with refreshments, and provide you with details for your next seven days with us. There will also be a chance for you to ask any questions and a light hearted opportunity to practice your French skills (if need be). Your time can then be spent exploring at leisure this ancient and cultural town of Aix en Provence, before we all get together to enjoy our first evening meal; Dinner will then be served.

Shortly after breakfast a chance to visit the colourful and vibrant market stalls that adorn the streets of Aix en Provence. Flowers, fruit, vegetables, herbs and antiques can all be found here. Lunch can be taken at leisure on one of the many café terraces. The afternoon will be spent taking part or viewing in one of our French gourmet cookery classes. Free time then perhaps to have a look around at Aix’s many renowned fountains and architecture. As the evening draws nearer you will be spoilt for choice selecting one of the many fine restaurants in which to experience the fine French cuisine. Enjoy!

Be sure to have a good breakfast as a busy day is in store, as we set off for the bustling village of St Remy. Wednesday is the day that St Remy plays host to its market traders that arrive in abundance, a great opportunity to purchase any special souvenirs and gifts. St Remy is pretty and picturesque, this is a busy, active village, with a good selection of restaurants. Among the shops in the old village are a few with some regional pottery, including some beautiful sunflower plates no doubt influenced by Van Gogh [who lived here]. After lunch it’s on to the citadel village of Les Baux, a village with plenty of character, inside the entrance to the village there are narrow cobblestone streets, terrace cafes, and souvenir shops. Just 2 km south of St Remy is the ancient site of Glanum which we will visit on our return to Aix en Provence where we can relax and take at leisure your evening meal.

After breakfast it will be time to stroll down to the market that assembles here every Friday in Lourmarin. A great opportunity to pick up those special and unique souvenirs that are on offer here or perhaps if you prefer, the quieter boutiques or galleries, there are certainly no shortage of these. Lunch will then be taken at leisure on one of the many café terraces. After lunch its time to visit the 15th-16th century Chateau de Lourmarin which was the first renaissance chateau to be built in Provence, it is surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and a breathtaking view of the Luberon. Perhaps a little time to sample some of the region’s most varied and enticing range of wines before returning to our hotel and relaxing here before preparing yourself for your evening meal.

After breakfast you may want to make use of the hotels beautiful swimming pool, or if you are feeling slightly more energetic you could take in the pure clean air and discover the natural beauty that this region has to offer by visiting the Luberon, these are a range of mountains made up of the grand Luberon and the petit Luberon, which is divided by the combe of Lourmarin where the village is situated . Lunch can then be taken at the hotel. After lunch its time to take a trip into Lauris, this beautiful village sits atop a rocky ridge between the Durance and the petit Luberon mountain and was used as a back drop in the film ”A French Kiss” starring Meg Ryan. During our visit you will have chance to explore the village museum which will give you an insight to a working Provencal community of times gone bye. After which it`s time to return to Lourmarin for your evening meal.

Shortly after breakfast it will be time to depart and visit the antique market at L’Isle sur la Sorgue, second only to Paris, art collectors will be gratified by the nearly 300 permanent antique dealers and second hand shops here. This medieval town is built on the islands of five branches of the Sorgue river and is a popular attraction. After lunch we will be traveling 7km downstream to the Fontaine de Vaucluse a small village which winds up to the source of the Sorgue river. The banks of the river are lined with overhanging trees, parks, houses with lovely gardens, a few old factories and mills and usually a scattering of fishermen. Just downstream from the village is the high multi- arched 19th-century Aqueduct de Galas. Then later in the afternoon it’s on to the beautifully sited Abbaye de Senanque, which is surrounded by a tranquil sea of lavender fields. Evening meal will then be taken in Lourmarin.

Breakfast will be served in the hotel and then it will be time to depart and say our goodbyes as we head towards Marseille airport.