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 Nice

ITINERARY
(Note: walks are over rough terrain and for moderate capability)

May 18
Meet in Aix-en-Provence. 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.

May 19
For our first day and to orientate our passengers to this beautiful area we will take you the short distance to the Mediterranean cost to the little fishing town of Cassis, located on a picturesque, quiet bay. This is the area of the 'Calanques'- long rugged fingers of limestone carved by the sea to form coastal fjords. The colour of the limestone outcrops contrast sharply with the azure blue of the Mediterranean Sea. For those who want there are hour long boat cruises to take us up into the fjords. There are many restaurants offering fresh bouillabaisse. After our lunch break we will travel along the high Crete road of stunning cliffs to view the Med.

May 20
Today we start walking. We travel by bus to the little village of LeTholonet. It is from this village that Cézanne 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 the village of Le Tholonet with the opportunity for lunch in the outdoor the cafe and transfer back to Aix-en-Provence. (6 kms walk)

May 21
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. After lunch we will be driven back to Gordes with time to explore this ancient village before returning to Aix. (6 kms walk)

May 22
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 Medieval 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 des Sud" cooking school which he orchestrates in his oh so charming 17th century chateau in a small village just outside of Aix-en-Provence. This is a demonstration class but it is more than just a cooking class. It's a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a visit and indulge in a day in the life of the Provençal including lunch with wine in the garden. Please note this must be booked early (by April 22) - it is limited to a small group - cost is $189.00 Canadian Funds and includes return transportation.

May 23
Today we travel by coach to the region of Alpes de Haute Provence and to the the charming town of Castellane. You will find the scenery fantastic as we make this transfer. (We will have our lunch break in the village of Mousteirs Ste Marie then travel the 'Crete Sublime' to give you a full-length view of the great canyon. Castellane is situated at the eastern 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.

May 24
Today we walk in the Grand Canyon of the Verdon. We enter the great canyon at le 'couloir Samson' and after crossing a beautiful stone bridge (le pont du tusset) we will walk up in 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 canyon view. Then back down to the river for a picnic lunch. After lunch we return to Castellane. (8 kms walk)

May 25
The Verdon River meanders through the lively market town of Castellane and today we have made arrangements for a river rafting experience on one of the stretches of the river in the canyon, or you can participate in a 8 kms return walk from Castellane on a beautiful foot path with a little church to visit in the mountains to the little village of Chasteuil. (optional river rafting experience or 8kms walk)

May 26
Today we travel from Castellane into the 'Riviera' region to our destination Nice. On 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.

May 27
After breakfast our walking tour is complete. We are 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.

Note: The closest airport to join the tour in Aix-en-Provence is Marseilles. We are happy to assist with flights, transfers, and additional nights in Aix-en-Provence before the tour and/or in Nice after the tour. A suggested packing list will be provided.

COST AND INCLUDED FEATURES

Cost: per person based on sharing twin accommodation $2490.00 CAD

Included features:

• 5 nights accommodation in Aix-en-Provence
• 3 nights in Castellane
• 1 night in Nice
• Buffet breakfast daily
• 2 Picnic lunches
• All land transportation from May 19 - 26
• All excursions as mentioned in the itinerary
• All taxes and service charges
• Guided walking tours by local licensed, professional guides
• Fully escorted by bilingual Canadian tour escort

Single / Triple rates on request