30th Sept- 5th Oct

September 30th - 5th October

Price is 3,700 euros per person - (double occupancy)

This is a working Itinerary: Final itineraries are sent to guests closer to tour dates.

Day 1: Arrival in Mazan

• 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 spacious home in Mazan. After settling into their suites, guests 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. Unwind and soak in the peaceful surroundings of your home in Mazan.

Day 2: HilltopVillages and Picnic

Morning:

• Visit Sault: After a leisurely breakfast, we drive through the Provence’s rolling hills, vineyards and quaint villages to the hilltop village of Sault. Even though the lavender isn’t in bloom, visit the Distillerie Aroma ‘Plantes, a family-run distillery, whereby you can observe how the essence of Provence is captured in oils.

• Explore the Village: Take a stroll through the medieval streets of Sault. Discover local artisan shops including Provençal fabrics and small boutiques for handmade goods.

Afternoon:

• Picnic lunch: We will collect fresh produce from the local market and enjoy a sumptuous picnic at Vallon de la Lavande, a stunning natural setting with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. (weather permitting).

• Continue to Montbrun-les-Bains: We drive to Montbrun-les-Bains, a stunning medieval village officially listed as one the ‘les plus Beaux Villages de France”

• Explore: Visit the charming village centre, enjoy a coffee at a local cafe, whilst admiring views of Mont Ventoux.

Evening:

• Return to Mazan:

• Relax at Home, aperitifs in the salon before having dinner in a restaurant in Mazan (walking distance).

Day 3: Hilltop Villages - Gordes and Roussillon

Morning:

• Abbey Sénanque: Start your day with a beautiful drive to the famous Sénanque Abbey, surrounded by beautiful lavender fields, (bloom in July).

• Head to Gordes: We continue on to Gordes, one of the most picturesque hilltop villages in France.

• Wander Gordes: Stroll through the narrow streets, visiting local shops and enjoying the stunning views.

Afternoon:

• Lunch in Gordes: Enjoy lunch at a stunning restaurant with a terrace offering breathtaking views of the Luberon Valley.

• Drive to Roussillon: Continue your journey to Roussillon, known for its vibrant ochre cliffs and buildings.

• Ochre Trail: Walk the Ochre Trail and learn about the history of the ochre industry.

Evening:

• Return to Mazan:

• Dinner at Mazan: Your choice to dine on your own in the village or prepare something light of your choosing to enjoy at home.

Day 4: 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.

Afternoon:

• Lunch with a View: Enjoy lunch at a charming restaurant with a terrace overlooking the Palais des Papes.

• Explore Avignon on the river: Visit the Pont d'Avignon and take a boat ride on the Rhône River (weather dependant). Admire the most beautiful sites of Avignon and Villeneuve-lez-Avignon aboard a river boat: 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.

Evening:

• Return to Mazan: .

• Dinner at Home: Relax and enjoy aperitifs in the Salon before dinner.

Day 5: Visiting Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and 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 wander up to the viewpoint overlooking the village and natural spring.

• Return to Mazan for aperitifs in the Salon.

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

Departure Day 6

Morning:

• 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 drive to your next adventure. Guests are more than welcome to make their own plans for their onward journey.

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.