A Provence and Dordogne luxury tour unveils the timeless elegance of southern France across a 3-week self-drive journey from Île-de-France to Ménerbes. Crafted for English-speaking travelers, this itinerary indulges you in Provence wine tours, Périgord chateau stays, and Aix-en-Provence luxury tours. From Provence lavender tours to Dordogne’s black truffle gastronomy, experience Provence private tours and a France road trip filled with historic sites, scenic landscapes, and 4-star accommodations. Embrace unparalleled sophistication and heritage.
Why Choose This Luxury Tour?
This itinerary is designed for discerning travelers seeking an immersive blend of culture, gastronomy, and natural beauty. Provence wine tours and Périgord chateau stays offer exclusive experiences, while Aix-en-Provence luxury tours and Provence lavender tours captivate with charm. Dordogne luxury road trips reveal prehistoric caves and medieval castles, enriched by Provence private tours. With high-end 4-star hotels, curated activities, and personalized touches, this 3-week France road trip promises an unforgettable odyssey of elegance.
Practical Information for Your Journey
What to Expect on Your Luxury Tour
This 22-day itinerary spans approximately 1,600 km, starting in Île-de-France and ending in Ménerbes, requiring a rental car for flexibility. Stay in luxurious 4-star hotels, including Relais & Châteaux properties, with breakfast included. Spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) offers ideal weather for outdoor activities like hot air ballooning and canoeing. Guided tours and experiences, such as truffle cooking classes, involve light activity, suitable for most. All key activities are pre-arranged for seamless indulgence.
How to Prepare for Your Elegant Escape
Pack smart-casual attire for dining, comfortable shoes for walking tours, and swimwear for Cassis’ calanques. Bring a camera for Provence lavender fields and a journal for wine tasting notes. Basic French phrases enhance local interactions, though English is widely spoken. Expect moderate activity during electric bike tours and canoeing (valid license for quad biking). Arrive with an appetite for Périgord’s truffles and a passion for uncovering France’s cultural treasures on this luxurious road trip.
Arrival in Trémolat
Your Provence and Dordogne luxury tour begins with arrival in Trémolat, Périgord’s serene heart. Check into the 4-star Vieux Logis Hotel, a Relais & Châteaux gem, and settle into its elegant ambiance. Spend the evening exploring the village’s charm, perhaps dining on local specialties like foie gras, before resting in your luxurious accommodation, ready for a journey of unparalleled sophistication.
Monbazillac’s Vineyards
Drive 86 km to Monbazillac for a private guided tour of its 16th-century chateau, a historic monument amid sprawling vineyards. Savor panoramic views before a free lunch. Visit Domaine L’Ancienne Cure’s cellars for a 1-hour organic wine tasting, optionally by quad or electric bike. Return to Trémolat’s Vieux Logis, where the evening is yours to enjoy Périgord’s gastronomic delights in a refined setting.
Beynac’s Castles and Gardens
Journey 30 km to the Proumeyssac chasm, the “Crystal Cathedral,” for an eco-visit of its dazzling limestone caves. Board a gabarre for a scenic Dordogne River cruise, passing prestigious castles, and picnic with regional wines. Explore the Marqueyssac gardens, a 22-hectare romantic haven with 6 km of boxwood-lined paths overlooking the valley. Return to Trémolat’s Vieux Logis for a restful night.
Beynac and Sarlat’s Heritage
Drive 100 km to Château de Beynac, a 14th-century fortress with breathtaking Dordogne Valley views. Immerse in medieval history before heading to Sarlat for a free lunch. Climb the Sainte-Marie church for aerial views, visiting the Lantern of the Dead and Saint-Sacerdos Cathedral. Optionally, soar over Périgord’s castles in a hot air balloon. Return to Trémolat’s Vieux Logis, savoring Sarlat’s culinary legacy.
Lascaux’s Prehistoric Art
Travel 100 km to Montignac for a guided tour of Lascaux Caves 4, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with meticulously recreated prehistoric art. Marvel at ancient paintings before driving to Lacave. Indulge in a reserved massage at the 4-star Château de la Treyne, a luxurious retreat overlooking the Dordogne. Settle in for a serene evening, reflecting on Périgord’s timeless wonders.
Day 6: Lacave’s Caves and Canoeing
Explore the Lacave caves’ underground terroir on a guided tour, followed by a free lunch. Paddle a canoe from Saint-Sozy to Pinsac, gliding through the Dordogne’s crystal waters past cliff-lined castles. Optionally, discover the region by electric bike. Return to Château de la Treyne, where the evening offers relaxation in its opulent surroundings, steeped in Périgord’s natural beauty.
Rocamadour’s Sacred Cliffs
Drive 22 km to Rocamadour, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and pilgrimage destination. Visit the Chapel of Our Lady, home to the 12th-century Black Virgin, and wander medieval streets cascading down the Alzou canyon. After a free lunch, relax at Château de la Treyne’s facilities, soaking in Rocamadour’s spiritual and historic allure, with the evening yours to unwind in luxury.
Padirac to St Cirq La Popie
Journey 88 km to the Padirac Chasm, France’s most visited cave, descending 75 meters for a boat tour through fantastical galleries. Visit the 13th-century Château des Anglais in Autoire, embedded in limestone cliffs, and explore its village’s manors and waterfall. Cross the Causses du Quercy to St Cirq La Popie, checking into the 4-star Hotel-Spa Le Mas Laval for a refined evening.
St Cirq La Popie’s Riverside Charm
Wander St Cirq La Popie, a hilltop village overlooking the Lot River. Stroll the historic towpath to Bouziès, admiring a 30-meter bas-relief sculpted into the cliff. Optionally, canoe 15 km down the Célé River from Marcilhac-sur-Célé to Orniac. Spend the day soaking in the village’s medieval beauty, returning to Le Mas Laval for a tranquil evening in its luxurious spa setting.
Truffles and Cahors Wines
Drive 80 km to Caillac for a black truffle cooking class, learning to prepare Tuber melanosporum dishes followed by a gourmet lunch. Visit Domaine de Chantelle’s cellars for a Cahors wine tasting, then explore the iconic Pont Valentré and Cahors’ historic streets. Return to St Cirq La Popie’s Le Mas Laval, where the evening offers relaxation after a day of Périgord gastronomy.
Journey to Provence
Travel 340 km to Castillon-du-Gard, entering Provence’s sunlit landscapes. Enjoy a free lunch en route, soaking in the transition from Périgord’s lush valleys to Provence’s lavender-scented hills. Check into the 4-star Vieux Castillon Hotel, a charming retreat in the heart of Provence. Spend the evening unwinding, ready to explore the region’s cultural and natural treasures.
Nîmes’ Roman Legacy
Drive 52 km to Nîmes for a guided tour of its Roman landmarks, from the Auguste Gate to the amphitheater, exploring the ancient city’s urban design (monument entry excluded). After a free lunch, enjoy free time to wander Nîmes’ vibrant streets. Return to Vieux Castillon Hotel, where the evening offers a serene retreat, reflecting on Provence’s historic grandeur in luxurious comfort.
Arles and Camargue’s Wild Beauty
Journey 80 km to Arles, where a guided tour explores the Roman theater, Sainte Trophime cloister, and LUMA Foundation’s contemporary art. After a free lunch, venture into the Camargue, visiting a manade to witness bulls and horses, then spot pink flamingos in their natural habitat. Return to Vieux Castillon, savoring the day’s blend of Provence’s cultural and wild landscapes in 4-star elegance.
Aix-en-Provence Arrival
Drive 139 km to Aix-en-Provence, checking into the 4-star Les Lodges. Enjoy free time strolling the city’s fountains and markets, steeped in Provençal charm. After a free lunch en route, settle into your luxurious hotel, poised for exploration. Spend the evening unwinding, anticipating Aix’s cultural riches and the scent of lavender fields that define this elegant Provence retreat.
Aix-en-Provence’s Charm
Enjoy a free day in Aix-en-Provence, wandering its colorful markets and historic mansions. Admire the Cours Mirabeau’s elegance or opt for a hike on Sainte-Victoire Mountain or a full-day Verdon Gorges tour. Return to Les Lodges Castillon, where the hotel’s wellness facilities offer relaxation, capping a day immersed in Aix’s-en-Provence’s architectural and natural splendor in luxurious comfort.
Les Alpilles and Wine Tasting
Drive 150 km to Les Baux-de-Provence, touring the medieval château, Carrières des Lumières, and a biodynamic winery for tastings of tapenades and wines. After a free lunch, stroll St Rémy’s-de galleries, Provence, visiting and the stopping windmill at Moulin d’by Alphonse Daudet’s. Relax with a reserved 1-hour massage at Les Lodges, unwinding after a day of Provence’s cultural landscapes and refined flavors in 4-star elegance.
Casis’s Coastal Elegance
Journey 85 km to 100 km to Cassis for a tasting at an organic wine tasting at a vineyard, followed by a private boat tour of the calanques, gliding through turquoise fjords with swimming opportunities. After a free lunch, explore Cassis’s charming harbor. Return to Aix’s-en-Provence, where Les Lodges offers, a luxurious haven, to reflect on Provence’s coastal beauty after a day of sensory indulgence and Mediterranean allure.
Marseille’s Gastronomic Delights
Drive 70 km to Marseille for a gastronomic city tour, tasting specialties in the Noailles district and sipping pastis in Le Panier’s gardens. Explore by electric bike tour, uncovering hidden corners and iconic viewpoints. Visit free time to visit the MUCEM or stroll the Old Port, then return to Aix-en-Provence’s Les Lodges, savoring a day of Provence’s vibrant urban and culinary heritage in luxury comfort.
Luberon’s Hilltop Villages
Travel 110 km to Gordes, a stunning hilltop village, and Roussillon’s ochre canyons, the “Provençal Colorado.” After a free lunch, admire Mont Ventoux’s silhouette. Optionally, soar over the Luberon in a hot air balloon at dawn. Check into the 4-star La Bastide de Marie in Ménerbes, a luxurious haven, spending the evening unwinding amid Provence’s picturesque landscapes and artistic legacy.
Avignon and Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Drive 80 km to Avignon for a guided tour of the Palais des Papes and Pont Saint-Bénézet, marveling at 14th-century Gothic grandeur. After lunch, visit Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s historic cellars for a wine tasting, savoring Rhône Valley vintages. Return to La Bastide de Marie in Ménerbes, where the evening offers a serene retreat, reflecting on Provence’s papal and viticultural heritage in 4-star elegance.
Ménerbes’ Relaxation
Indulge in a day of pure relaxation at La Bastide de Marie, lounging in its magical spa and gardens. Savor the tranquility of Ménerbes, a hilltop village steeped in Provençal charm, with no scheduled activities. This serene pause allows you to recharge in luxurious 4-star surroundings, soaking in the essence of Provence’s slow-paced beauty before your journey’s finale.
Farewell to Provence
After breakfast, reflect on your Provence and Dordogne luxury tour, from Périgord’s chateau stays to Provence’s lavender fields. Savor memories of wine tours, truffle classes, and private calanque cruises. Depart from Ménerbes to Île-de-France, carrying the elegance and heritage of this 3-week France road trip. The regions’ timeless allure beckons for future explorations.
What to Expect from This Luxury Journey
This Provence and Dordogne luxury tour offers an opulent immersion into France’s cultural and natural treasures. Provence wine tours, Périgord chateau stays, and Aix-en-Provence luxury tours blend with gastronomic delights like truffle cooking classes. Provence lavender tours and Dordogne luxury road trips showcase scenic beauty, while private tours ensure personalized insights. Expect 4-star accommodations, curated experiences, and a seamless 3-week adventure celebrating France’s heritage.
Conclusion: A Timeless French Escape
From Dordogne’s prehistoric caves to Provence’s sunlit vineyards, this Provence and Dordogne luxury tour weaves a tapestry of elegance. Explore with Provence private tours, indulge in Périgord gastronomy, and relax in luxurious chateaux. Perfect for English-speaking travelers, this 3-week France road trip creates unforgettable memories. Plan your journey today and embrace the sophistication of Provence and Dordogne.
