Essentially French Small Group Tours

May 2025

Two Tours Available: 3rd - 8th May or 12th - 17th May

May 3rd - 8th May 2025

Price is 3,600 euros Per Person

Embark on an unforgettable all-inclusive tour fully hosted by Susan and Brendan at their historic 13th-century maison in Provence. This exceptional package includes seamless private ground transportation, charming accommodation, entry fees to all attractions, most meals, including wine (with select exceptions), and the expertise of a knowledgeable local guide.

Enjoy this stunning time of year amongst the spring poppies. If you adore a combination of quaint villages, magnificent scenery, fabulous restaurants nestled in ancient walls, together with historical treasures, then this tour is for you!

This is a flexible Itinerary - Final itineraries and details will be emailed to guests closer to tour dates.

Day 1: Arrival in Mazan

  • Our Tour begins Your journey begins as you are greeted at the Avignon TGV station and driven to your charming home in Mazan, a picturesque village in the heart of Provence. We pick-up from Avignon TGV between 10.00 am and 2.00pm. Guests can make their own arrangements if they prefer.

  • On the first evening of our small group tours, guests are warmly welcomed into our home. After settling into your suites, gather in the salon for aperitifs and dinner. This relaxed setting allows everyone to become acquainted whilst savouring the ambience of our historic residence. Our home boasts a rich history, having once housed a Papal family, and served as a sanctuary for the Knights Templar.

Day 2: L’Lsle-sur-la-Sorgue & Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

  • Today we visit two stunning villages on the Sorgue river, L’lsle-sur-la-Sorgue and Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. Spend the morning exploring the picturesque town of L’lsle-sur-la-Sorgue, famous for its antique markets and canals. Browse through the numerous antique shops, visit the bustling market (Sunday is market day), and enjoy a leisurely lunch at a waterside restaurant (including beer and wine).

  • In the afternoon, we drive to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, a charming village nestled at the foot of limestone cliffs, 230m tall. Take a stroll along the Sorgue River, visit the Petrarch Museum, the Paper Mill, (still producing high quality rag paper using traditional techniques dating from the 15th century), or hike up to the viewpoint overlooking the village and natural spring.

  • Return to Mazan for a wonderful evening in a restaurant in our village.

Day 3: Avignon

  • After a leisurely breakfast, our day begins with a visit to the historical city of Avignon, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes). Explore the charming streets, visiting the Pont d’Avignon (Bridges of Avignon), and enjoy a lunch at one of the local restaurants.

  • Afternoon river cruise: See Avignon from the water, admire the most beautiful sites of Avignon and Villeneuve-lez-Avignon aboard a boat, (weather dependant). See the famous Pont St Bénézet, the Palais des Papes, the Rocher des Doms, the Eiffel bridge, the Barthelasse island and the Philippe le Bel tower.

  • Return to Mazan for a relaxing evening - dinner, beer and wine included.

Day 4: Gordes & Roussillon

  • Gordes and Roussillon: Start your day with a visit to Gordes, one of the most beautiful villages in France, perched on a hilltop overlooking the Luberon Valley. Its market day, perfect to enjoy before exploring its narrow cobblestone streets, visit the 11th century chateau and take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

  • Afternoon: We next travel to the stunning village of Roussillon. This village is known for its striking red ochre cliffs and colourful buildings. Experience an incredible lunch with a view before taking a wander through the village, visit the former ochre quarries and admire the unique architecture.

  • Return to Mazan for a relaxing evening and a chance to eat at one of the many restaurants in our village.

Day 5: Chateauneuf-du-Pape

  • Wine Tasting in Chateauneuf-du-Pape: Indulge in a day of wine tasting in the prestigious wine region of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. We will visit some of the area’s renowned wineries, learn about the winemaking process and sample a variety of wines. For the energetic, hire a bike and explore on your own. For those wishing to relax, stay at Mazan and explore at your leisure.

  • Farewell Dinner: Celebrate your final evening with a special farewell dinner at a renowned local restaurant in Mazan. Enjoy a multi-course meal featuring gourmet Provençal dishes, paired with exceptional local wines. Toast to new friends and unforgettable memories.

Day 6: Farewell

  • After a leisurely breakfast: Depart from our home in Mazan, as Brendan takes you to Avignon TGV. Bid farewell to Provence as you board your train or make your own way for your next adventure.

    This itinerary provides a rich mix of historical exploration, visits to stunning hilltop villages, and opportunities to immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of Provence. Return to Avignon TGV or make your own plans for your onward journey.

12th - 17th May 2025

Hilltop & Heritage Sites & so much more!

Price is 3,600 euros Per Person

Embark on an unforgettable all-inclusive tour fully hosted by Susan and Brendan at their historic 13th-century maison in Provence. This exceptional package includes seamless private transportation, charming accommodation, entry fees to all attractions, most meals, including wine, (with select exceptions), and the expertise of a knowledgeable local guide.

This is a flexible Itinerary - Final itineraries and details will be emailed to guests closer to tour dates.

Day 1: Arrival in Mazan

Morning/Afternoon:

  • Arrival at Avignon TGV Station: Your journey begins as you are greeted at the Avignon TGV station and driven to your charming home in Mazan, a picturesque village in the heart of Provence. We pick-up from Avignon TGV between 10.00 am and 2.00pm. Guests can make their own arrangements if they prefer.

  • Check-In and Orientation: On the first evening of our small group tours, guests are warmly welcomed into our home. After settling into your suites, gather in the salon for aperitifs and dinner. This relaxed setting allows everyone to become acquainted whilst savouring the ambience of our historic residence. Our home boasts a rich history, having once housed a Papal family and served as a sanctuary for the Knights Templar.

Evening:

  • Welcome Dinner: Enjoy a delicious welcome dinner in the Salon, savouring Provençal cuisine.

  • Relax at Home: Unwind and soak in the peaceful surroundings of your home in Mazan.

Day 2: Hilltop Villages - Gordes and Roussillon

Morning:

  • Head to Gordes: Its market day, as we begin our day with a scenic drive to Gordes, a picturesque hilltop village. Stroll the narrow cobblestone streets, visit local shops and admire the incredible views. Enjoy lunch at a beautiful restaurant with a terrace offering breathtaking views of the Luberon Valley.

  • Afternoon:

  • Drive to Roussillon: We next travel to the stunning village of Roussillon. This village is know for its striking red ochre cliffs and colourful buildings. Experience an incredible lunch with a view before taking a wander through the village, visit the former ochre quarries, walk the Ochre Trail and learn about the history of the ochre industry and admire the unique architecture.

Evening:

  • Return to Mazan:

  • Dinner at Home: Enjoy aperitifs in the salon and a lovely relaxed dinner.

Day 3: Chateauneuf-du-Pape

  • Morning:
    Begin the day with a leisurely drive through the breathtaking Provençal countryside, enjoying vistas of rolling vineyards and quaint villages as we make our way to Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

  • Tour & Wine Tasting at a Renowned Domain
    Arrive at one of our favourite Châteauneuf-du-Pape's celebrated wineries.  Enjoy a guided tour of their facilities, learning about the art of winemaking, the region’s unique terroir, and the history behind their exceptional wines.

    Following the tour, participate in a tasting of their finest vintages, guided by an expert sommelier.

    Sumptuous Picnic Amongst the Vines
    Enjoy a sumptuous picnic amongst the vineyards for a lavish Provençal picnic.

  • Afternoon:

    Visit to a Generational Family-Owned Château
    Continue the journey to a storied, family-owned château, where tradition and craftsmanship have been passed down for generations.

    Enjoy an exclusive tour of their vineyards and cellar, learning how their unique approach and history shape their wines.

    Conclude with a private tasting session in their elegant salon, an opulent setting that highlights the refined character of their wines.

    Evening:
    Relax and enjoy a lovely dinner in one of the villages restaurants.

Day 4: Visiting Isle-sur-la-Sorgue & Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

Morning:

  • Explore Isle-sur-la-Sorgue: It’s market day, enjoy the various stalls and wander through the canals and shops or scourer the amazing antique stores. Meet for lunch at a beautiful riverside setting.

Afternoon:

  • We drive to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, a charming village nestled at the foot of limestone cliffs, 230m tall. Take a stroll along the Sorgue River, visit the Petrarch Museum, the Paper Mill, (still producing high quality rag paper using traditional techniques dating from the 15th century), or hike up to the viewpoint overlooking the village and natural spring.

Evening:

  • Dinner at Home: Prepare a delicious dinner with ingredients from the market or enjoy a restaurant in the village of your choice.

Day 5: Discovering Avignon

Morning:

  • Drive to Avignon: Embark on a day trip to Avignon, a city rich in history and culture.

  • Visit Palais des Papes: Explore the Palais des Papes, one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. Enjoy a relaxed lunch in a restaurant in the Place de l’Horloge.

Afternoon:

  • Enjoy a train ride around the beautiful old town or free time to explore on your own.

Evening:

  • Farewell Dinner: Celebrate your final evening with a special farewell dinner at a renowned local restaurant in Mazan. Enjoy a multi-course meal featuring gourmet Provençal dishes, paired with exceptional local wines. Toast to new friends and unforgettable memories.

Day 6: Departure Day

Morning:

  • Departure from Mazan: Depart our home in Mazan as Brendan takes you back to Avignon TGV Station.

  • Farewell: Bid farewell to Provence as you board your train or make your own way for your next adventure.

    This itinerary provides a rich mix of historical exploration, visits to stunning hilltop villages, and opportunities to immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of Provence.