A Provence small group cultural tour invites you to explore the soul of southern France, where lavender fields, medieval villages, and vibrant markets create an enchanting backdrop. This 5-day journey, limited to 15 travelers, features a Luberon guided tour, Alpilles Van Gogh walk, and Avignon gourmet market tour. Perfect for culture and history lovers, this itinerary includes a Roussillon ochre trail and Fontaine-de-Vaucluse paper mill visit. Discover Provence’s timeless beauty and joie de vivre.
Why Choose a Provence Small Group Cultural Tour?
Provence captivates with its historic cities, colorful landscapes, and authentic gastronomy. A Provence small group cultural tour offers an intimate experience, from a Luberon guided tour of hilltop villages to an Alpilles Van Gogh walk tracing the artist’s inspirations. Savor an Avignon gourmet market tour, hike the vibrant Roussillon ochre trail, and explore a Fontaine-de-Vaucluse paper mill. This curated journey delivers Provence’s hospitality and cultural richness in a cozy group setting.
What to Expect from This Tour
Anticipate a blend of guided excursions and leisurely exploration. Enjoy a 2-hour Avignon gourmet market tour, guided days in the Luberon and Alpilles, and a self-guided Roussillon ochre trail. Visit the Fontaine-de-Vaucluse paper mill and savor tastings of Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines and olive oils. Stay in a central 3-star hotel in Avignon with breakfast included. Transportation by van ensures a comfortable journey through Provence’s iconic landscapes.
Practical Information
Your Provence small group cultural tour begins and ends at Avignon TGV station, accessible by high-speed train. Participants are picked up at 2:00 p.m. on Day 1. Accommodations are in a 3-star hotel in Avignon’s city center, offering easy access to historic sites. The tour includes breakfast, guided tours, entry tickets, and tastings. Wear comfortable shoes for walking and hiking, and bring a light jacket for cooler evenings. A detailed travel diary guides your adventure.
Best Time to Visit
Summer is ideal for a Provence small group cultural tour, with lavender fields in bloom and vibrant markets. Spring and fall offer mild weather for hiking and sightseeing, while winter provides a quieter experience. Book early for peak seasons, especially July, to secure your spot in this intimate group tour of Provence’s cultural and natural treasures.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Welcome
Arrive at Avignon TGV station by 2:00 p.m. and begin your Provence small group cultural tour with a transfer to Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Savor a “food pairing” tasting at the fairytale-like Château des Fines Roches, sampling local wines with Provençal cheeses and charcuterie. Check into a 3-star hotel in Avignon’s city center, with free time to explore vibrant squares and dine at a local bistro.
Avignon’s Gourmet and Historic Heart
After breakfast, embark on a 2-hour Avignon gourmet market tour, exploring Les Halles’ colorful stalls and sampling Provençal delicacies like olives and tapenade. Wander Avignon’s UNESCO-listed center on foot, visiting the Palais des Papes with a HistoPad for a multimedia journey. Explore the iconic Pont Saint-Bénezet and Cathédrale des Doms, enjoying panoramic views from Rocher des Doms garden before a free evening.
Luberon’s Villages and Ochre Trails
Enjoy breakfast and join a Luberon guided tour, stopping for photos at the lavender-framed Abbey of Sénanque. Explore Gordes, a hilltop village with cobbled streets and stunning views, ranked among France’s most beautiful. Visit Roussillon’s vibrant ochre trail, marveling at colorful cliffs shaped by nature and man, and tour the Ochre Conservatory at the former Mathieu factory. Return to Avignon for a free evening.
Alpilles and Van Gogh’s Legacy
After breakfast, embark on a guided Alpilles tour, strolling Saint-Rémy-de-Provence’s lively farmers’ market on Saturday, bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Join a 1-hour Alpilles Van Gogh walk, tracing 19 iconic paintings from the historic center to Cloître Saint-Paul de Mausole. Visit the immersive Carrières de Lumières in Les Baux-de-Provence, showcasing art in limestone quarries, and taste olive oils at a local mill before returning to Avignon.
Sorgue and Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
Start with breakfast and visit L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, the “Venice of Comtadine,” browsing its colorful Sunday market and antique shops along serene canals. Continue to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, exploring the dramatic Sorgue spring and a historic Fontaine-de-Vaucluse paper mill, still crafting paper traditionally. Enjoy lunch under plane trees before transferring back to Avignon TGV station, concluding your Provençal cultural journey.
Cultural and Natural Highlights
A Provence small group cultural tour blends heritage and landscapes. The Luberon guided tour showcases Gordes’ medieval charm, while the Alpilles Van Gogh walk traces artistic inspiration. Savor an Avignon gourmet market tour, hike the vibrant Roussillon ochre trail, and visit a Fontaine-de-Vaucluse paper mill, celebrating Provence’s history, artistry, and natural beauty.
Inclusions for a Seamless Journey
Your Provence small group cultural tour includes transportation by van (except Day 2, on foot), 4 nights in a 3-star Avignon hotel with breakfast, guided Luberon and Alpilles tours, a 2-hour Avignon gourmet market tour, and entry to Palais des Papes, Pont Saint-Bénezet, Ochre Conservatory, Carrières de Lumières, and the paper mill. Tastings and a travel diary ensure an immersive experience.
Embrace Provence’s Intimate Beauty
A Provence small group cultural tour is a perfect escape for culture and nature lovers, weaving through lavender fields, ochre trails, and historic villages. From Avignon’s markets to Van Gogh’s Alpilles, every moment captivates. Book now to discover Provence’s charm, creating memories of authentic flavors and timeless landscapes.
