Ochre Tour - 11 June to 18 June

" This tour takes you through a journey of some of the most exclusive and undiscovered areas of Provence. Beautiful small villages, fine restaurants and busy, market stalls there is something for everyone. Experience the true spirit and taste of Provence as we journey off the beaten path and explore the charm of the region. The unique ochre coloured village of Rousillon is certainly something not to be missed on this trip. The parc naturel du Luberon is an area of outstanding natural beauty and ideal to escape from the crowds"

You will be greeted at midday at Marseille airport by your Simply Provence representative, and taken on a scenic drive in a luxury minibus, to the town of Aix-en-Provence. As a city of art and culture Aix possesses a wealth of architecture that has been carefully preserved and restored. We will check into our hotel, where a welcome greeting will be given and refreshments provided, and details given for our seven day tour. 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). Time to relax and prepare yourself for our first evening meal together.

Be sure to rise early for breakfast and not to miss out on the Tuesday market in Aix, where you will be given the chance to see the wonderful produce of the local area or if you prefer perhaps visit some of the many boutiques hidden amongst the narrow cobbled streets. Lunch to be taken at your leisure on one of the many café terraces... Onward in the afternoon to Cezanne’s Workshop where he painted here from 1901-1906, you can still feel the artists presence. A short guided tour in the afternoon around Aix`s famous landmarks and fountains. There will be free time before selecting one of the many fine restaurants for your evening meal.

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.

Early rise because shortly after breakfast it is market day in Lourmarin, where a lot of the traditional produce of the local area is on offer, including delicious olives, breads, fruit and vegetables, it gives you a perfect opportunity to seek out those souvenirs that will remind you of your time here. Lunch will then be served in one of the many busy cafes in the village where you will be able to relax and take in the atmosphere. The afternoon will then be spent viewing or taking part in a French cookery class, after which there will be free time before choosing from a selection of fine restaurants and bistros for evening meal.

After breakfast a perfect opportunity to make the most of the hotel swimming pool or if you are feeling energetic a chance to discover the natural beauty of this region, the Luberon mountains surround the village of Lourmarin and is a great area for walking, and photo opportunities. Lunch to be taken at leisure before setting off on a leisurely drive and taking in some of the many perched villages that make up this magical region. Lacoste, Menerbes, and Gordes to name but a few are some of the places that we will pass through before returning in the early evening to unwind, perhaps take a small aperitif, and prepare ourselves for the evening.

>Breakfast taken and now time to make our way to the town of L`isle-sur-la-Sorgue, this attractive town is a major haunt for antique hunters, it lies on the Sorgue river which once powered 70 watermills that pressed grain and oil and is second only to Paris with the amount of stalls that set out their antiques and memorabilia on Sunday morning. Time for a break to take our last lunch together. The afternoon will then be spent in Roussillon. Roussillon is lovely from the outside, set in a deep green pine forest on bright red-ochre hills. Roussillon is even more spectacular inside the village, with the colorful old buildings and narrow medieval streets. No other village looks so warm and rich, so harmonious and inviting. A short ride back then to Lourmarin passing through the village of Bonnieux, and looking forward to our evening meal.

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.