The sun-washed Luberon and Verdon regions of Provence are a walker's paradise, filled with vineyards and orchards, herb-covered hills, and ancient Roman ruins. Provence delights the senses with its fragrant smells of lavender, rosemary and sage, and its luminous golden light that has inspired artists, musicians, and writers for centuries. We will walk in the footsteps of Van Gogh visiting picturesque medieval villages and Renaissance castles, stopping at sunny outdoor cafes and resting beside little fountains. Provence in summer – when the lavender and poppies heighten the already vibrant landscape punctuated by olive trees and cypresses. In the evenings, we will relax in village squares and enjoy the celebrated cuisine of Provence. We will take walks in areas not usually accessible to tourists, and have time to explore the towns and villages we are visiting. We have included a glorious day off in Aix-en-Provence with the option of a cooking school.

We visit two very distinct areas of Provence: first, the area around Aix-en-Provence incorporating the Luberon, the calanques of Cassis on the Mediterranean, and the area around Mont Ste. Victoire so loved by Cezanne. Next we travel along the Verdon Gorge to the little town of Castellane in Haute Provence where the natural beauty of the scenery is overwhelming. Here rivers, hills, and meadows blend into an incredible tapestry of colour.

Each day is a sensual pleasure that makes exploring this corner of France a true reward.

Our Program

• 5 nights Aix-en-Provence
• 3 nights Castellane
• 1 night Vence

ITINERARY

July 01
Meet in Aix-en-Provence. (There is direct rail service from Paris or a shuttle every 30 minutes from Marseilles airport to 'Aix'.) Our hotel is located in the centre of this ancient Roman spa town. Elegant and golden-hued, the old capital of Provence is decorated by a score of fountains, a charming reminder that its name comes from its waters. Remainder of the day and evening at leisure to get to know your fellow travellers.

July 02
We travel by bus to the little village of Le Tholonet. It is from this village that Cezanne brought his paints to capture the image of the beautiful, imposing Mont Ste. Victoire. We will walk around the base and up to the lower levels of this landmark among wild bushes of rosemary and thyme, the herbs of Provence. We return to village of Le Tholonet with free time for lunch and transfer back to Aix-en-Provence. (6 kms walk)

July 03
Today we travel by coach up onto the Luberon plateau. Here we find the villages that were secret until Peter Mayle's book, “A Year in Provence”. We will leave the coach in the beautiful village of Gordes that sits like a brooch on the white rocky southern face of the Luberon slope. From here we will walk about two hours to the mystical 12th century Cistercian Abbey of Senanque where the monks tend their own lavender fields to produce lavender honey. We will have a picnic in the abbey surroundings. En route back to Aix we will stop at the museum La Lavande. Here the Lincelé family have produced and distilled essential oil of lavender, grown on the mountains of the Vaucluse for many generations. (6 kms walk)

July 04
Today we travel south a short distance down to the Mediterranean coast to the little fishing town of Cassis, located on a picturesque, quiet bay. We will walk from the centre of town to the famous 'calanques'. The calanques are long rugged fingers of limestone carved by the sea that form coastal fjords. The colour of the limestone out-crops contrast sharply with the azure blue of the Mediterranean Sea, leaving an indelible impression on your mind. Despite its barren landscape, the massif shelters an extraordinary wealth of flora and fauna, including 900 plant species of which 15 are protected, such as the dwarf red behen. After a picnic lunch, we return to the village to enjoy its amenities before returning to Aix. (8 kms walk)

July 05
Today is a rest day, and it's market day! A great opportunity to indulge in the “City of a hundred fountains”. It was founded as a Roman spa town in 124 B.C. 'Aix' still shows off both its ancient and Renaissance quarters divided by the fashionable Cours Mirabeau, a majestic tree-lined avenue in the heart of the city. Small cafes line the north side of the street, including the famous “Café des Deux Garçons”, once an important meeting place for artists and writers.

Option: One of the best ways to get to know the Provençal is to learn their cooking! We have arranged for today the opportunity to join Marc Heracle at his “Cuisines du Sud” cooking school that he orchestrates in his charming 17th century chateau in a small village just outside of Aix-en-Provence. Please note this must be booked early (by May 30) and is limited to a small group. The supplementary cost is $175.00 Canadian funds per person.

July 06
Today we travel to the region of Alpes de Haute Provence and to the hill town of Castellane. You will find the scenery fantastic as we make this transfer. Castellane is situated at the opening of the Grand Canyon of the Verdon where it opens on to the Route Napoleon. The Canyon of the Verdon has carved out deep ravines along a stretch of land more than 21 kilometres in length. Here the spectacular scenery creates a wonderful backdrop for our walking tour of this region.

July 07
Today we begin our walk in the Grand Canyon of the Verdon. We will climb through a beech forest along a footpath that takes us to a natural viewpoint on the rim of the canyon called the 'Belvedere de Rancoumas' where there is a stunning view of the surrounding countryside. (8 kms walk)

July 08
The Verdon River meanders through the lively market town of Castellane and today we have made arrangements for a kayaking or water hiking experience on one of the quieter stretches of the river. For those who do not want to kayak or water hike there will be a walk to a shop about 3 kms out of town that specializes in homemade crafts from lavender.

July 09
Today we travel from Castellane into the 'Riviera' region to our destination, Vence, which is very close to Nice. En route we will take the time to visit Saint Paul de Vence. Saint Paul de Vence has been called 'the most beautiful village in the world' due to its spectacular location between the mountains and the sea, overlooking the Mediterranean, the Alps and the Esterel Mountains. This is a timeless, ancient village where the landscape, architecture and buildings are all protected by law as part of the national heritage of France.

July 10
After breakfast our walking tour is complete. It is just a taxi ride to Nice airport and we will be happy to assist with connection information to your next destination or airport city of departure. We will also assist with information for an extended stay in Nice.

COST AND INCLUDED FEATURES

Cost:
Per person based on sharing twin accommodation $ 2490.00 CAD / $1720 USD
Single supplement $ 625.00 CAD / $ 430.00 USD

Included Features:

• 5 nights accommodation in Aix-en-Provence, 3 nights in Castellane, 1 night in Vence
• Buffet breakfast daily
• All land transportation from July 02 to July 09
• Guided walking tours by local licensed professional guide
• All excursions and special visits as mentioned in itinerary
• All taxes and service charges
• Fully escorted throughout by bilingual 'Canadian Woman Traveller' team member
• Maximum 12 participants