Itinerary
DAY 1
We’ll arrange to pick you up from the Avignon TGV train station and drive you through the gorgeous countryside to the lovely boutique hotel where we’ll be staying. As with every day on the trip, we’ll have a helpful and kind English-speaking driver to transport us around the countryside in his well-appointed Mercedes van.
Next, we’ll stroll to the nearby chateau to see its wonderful architecture, interiors, and views over the town we’ll call home for the week, which has the official designation as one of “The Most Beautiful Villages of France”.
Afterwards, we’ll get acquainted with each other while enjoying an apéro (before dinner drink) at a charming local café.
In the evening, we’ll eat at the hotel’s stylish restaurant which has a focus on local, French, organic fare.
DAY 2
Every morning of the trip we’ll be greeted with a delicious breakfast waiting for us downstairs in the hotel restaurant. We’ll have our pick of fresh-squeezed juices, organic eggs, homemade bread and croissants, seasonal fruit, granola, and more.
On this particular morning, we’re off to the countryside for a morning strolling the grounds of an incredible vineyard / outdoor art museum. From the museum shop and cafe designed by an internationally renowned architect, to the varied landscape that turns from vineyards to woods to rolling hills, this place is an absolute feast for the eyes.
For lunch, we’ll choose from a menu of freshly made pasta, pizzas made in wood-fired ovens, and farm fresh salads while sitting on a lovely terrace.
On this day after lunch, we’ll have free time for the rest of the day. It will start in the nearby Aix-en-Provence. This is a legendary town for a reason, and the best way to experience it is to wander its delightful little streets and squares. Visit local museums, try out the local pastries, shop, or just sit at a sidewalk café and watch the world go by.
After being driven back to our home village, we’ll have more free time to have dinner at our choice of restaurants. (Don’t worry, we’ll have suggestions if you’d like them! And that goes for anytime there’s free time during the trip.)
DAY 3
Today is all about one of the most incredible flea markets in the entire world. We’ll spend the morning getting acquainted with this charming town and its markets, waterways, bridges, and shops, along with free time to explore.
Then we’ll take a break for lunch at a restaurant with a fresh menu that changes according to what’s best at the market. We’ll have a little show and tell with our flea market purchases (for whoever is interested).
After lunch, we’ll have free time to explore more of the local antique and design shops, take a rest in one of the many lovely cafes, or even explore an art foundation. Whatever your heart desires!
Early this evening, we’ll have a little free time to rest, freshen up, or explore the town.
For dinner, we’ll eat at a cozy pizza place just down the cobblestone street from our hotel.
DAY 4
Free time this morning to explore the charming shops, pedestrian streets, and open air market in the village where we’ll be staying.
Then we’ll have the wonderful privilege of visiting a local writer. We’ll hear her story, get a tour of her beautiful Provencale home and garden, and take a pause to enjoy an afternoon tea.
Next up is a visit to an artisanal atelier that makes a specialty of the region. What a treat to see how the proverbial sausage is made and then get to shop their wares with newfound appreciation for all that goes into them.
Before returning home, we’ll eat dinner at a buzzy independent restaurant that champions local growers and has been featured in numerous international publications.
DAY 5
First off, we’ll head to a nearby village to visit the charming studio of a local ceramic artist. She’ll teach us an age old technique and we’ll have the chance to make our own handmade piece of pottery.
For lunch, we’re going to a cheerful cafe helmed by a female chef who infuses her dishes with whimsy and beauty.
One of Picasso’s muses, who was a gifted artist herself, had a home in the same village, which has now been turned into a museum and artist residency. We’ll have the privilege of a private tour and get to learn about this place and the fascinating artist who called it home for many years.
In the early evening, we’ll get to experience an apéro dinatoire, where we’ll be introduced to a group of warm and talented local creatives. This is truly something travelers wouldn’t normally get to experience——although that goes for many of the experiences on this itinerary! :)
DAY 6
After breakfast, we’re off to learn how to cook provençale classics with an accomplished (yet down to earth) local chef. Together, we’ll prepare lunch in her lovely country kitchen. And then of course, we’ll sit down and enjoy the fruits of our labors!
This afternoon, we’ll have free time to explore the charming streets and shops of St-Remy-de-Provence before we head to the atmospheric home of a legendary, historical artist in the Mediterranean countryside. As with all our moments of free time this week, if you’d like recommendations of what to do, see, eat, etc. we are happy to help.
For our final evening, we’ll say our goodbyes over an intimate “girl dinner” of enticing local cheese, bread, crudités, honey, wine, and more.
DAY 7
As with every other morning of our trip, a beautiful breakfast spread will be waiting in the hotel dining room before you head off on your next adventure. You’ll be dropped off at the Avignon train station, and we’ll all come away feeling inspired and replenished for whatever comes next!
