The Perfumes & Colours of Provence
The Perfumes & Colours of Provence
The Perfumes & Colours of Provence
9 Days
Visiting: Aix en Provence, Pont du Gard and Nïmes, Free Time or Gordes and Isle sur la Sorgue, Saintes Maries de la Mer and Pont de Gau Ornithological Park, Free Time or Orange
Tour Overview
A land of contrasts and Roman heritage – join us as we uncover the history, passions, colours and flavours of the Provence region of France.
Itinerary
Day 1
Local departure by coach then to northern France for an overnight stay.
Day 2
Continue to the historic town of Avignon, where we arrive this evening for a six-night stay.
Day 3 Aix En Provence
Location: Aix en Provence
We travel to the ‘City of Fountains’, Aix en Provence, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along shady tree-lined Cours Mirabeau.
Here you can follow in the footsteps of the town’s favourite son, artist Paul Cézanne, and see the Brasserie Deux Garçons, where he was said to have been a regular visitor.
Some of Aix’s many fountains can be seen around Cours Mirabeau or the nearby Mazarin district, with its 17th century town houses.
Whilst in Aix, why not sample the local delicacy – almond paste sweets named ‘Calissons d’Aix?
We return to Avignon for time at leisure this afternoon.
Day 4 Pont Du Gard And Nïmes
Location: Pont du Gard and Nïmes
Today we visit the iconic Pont du Gard, a vast bridge and aqueduct built in Roman times to carry water to the city of Nïmes, and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Soak up the atmosphere of this ancient monument as you walk across the lower spans, or discover the local history and heritage by visiting the on-site museum.
We continue to Nïmes, a pretty town, known for its Roman monuments – in the town centre see the ‘Maison Carrée’ a restored temple, or the atmospheric Roman arena still used as an events venue.
Day 5 Free Time Or Gordes And Isle Sur La Sorgue
Location: Free Time or Gordes and Isle sur la Sorgue
Join us for an optional excursion into the Luberon, a region known for its hill-top villages, the beauty of its landscapes, and for its association with the author Peter Mayle, who lived here, and whose books painted an entertaining picture for many.
We call first at the Lavender Museum at Coustellet, to learn more about the lavender that is grown in this area of the Luberon.
We continue to Gordes, a village seeming to cling to the hillside, and with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside – explore the historic cobbled streets of one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages.
We continue to Isle sur la Sorgue, a small town situated on the River Sorgue, known for its abundance of antique shops, and for many ancient waterwheels – fifteen can still be seen, and some, although no longer working, are still turning.
Day 6 Saintes Maries De La Mer And Pont De Gau Ornithological Park
Location: Saintes Maries de la Mer and Pont de Gau Ornithological Park
Today we explore the Camargue, a region known for its marshlands, flamingos, flora, fauna, wild white horses, and gypsy traditions.
We travel via the Camargue National Reserve to reach Saintes Maries de la Mer, an ancient seaside town which for hundreds of years, has been the place of festivals and local Camargue traditions.
During the day, we will visit the Pont de Gau Ornithological Park, whose aim is to protect the Camargue and its nature. Here you can see bird species resident in the Camargue, such as Flamingos, Heron, or birds of prey, plus other nomadic species travelling around the wetlands of Europe.
Day 7 Free Time Or Orange
Location: Free Time or Orange
Enjoy more flavours of Roman Provence on an optional excursion to Orange, home to the Triumphal Arch and the well-preserved Roman Theatre.
Absorb the atmosphere of the bustling, narrow streets, and admire the jaunty colours of the houses, or for a panoramic view of the town, St. Eutrope hill, a former Roman look-out, is the perfect place.
Or, why not discover the Cathedral of Our Lady of Nazareth, a 13th century catholic church embellished in the 19th century with stained glass windows and frescoes.
On our return, we call at a wine co-operative, where you will be able to sample some of the region’s wines, and perhaps purchase your favourites to bring home.
Day 8
We leave Avignon behind this morning as we begin our journey northwards.
During the day we stop in the beautiful town of Vienne. Built around the Rhône River, you will have time at leisure to explore the narrow streets and discover the ancient monuments, many of which are still very well preserved today.
We continue to northern France for an overnight stay.
Day 9
Return Home
What's Included
8 breakfasts, 0 lunches, 1 dinners
Accommodation
You will stay for six nights at the 3-star Hotel Bristol, superbly located within the old city walls of the beautiful historic town of Avignon and only a 10-minute walk to the magnificent fortified UNESCO World Heritage Site, Palais des Papes (Papal Palace). Avignon’s wealth of varied restaurants, designed to suit all tastes, are within walking distance. Overnight stays in northern France will be in city-style hotels.
Check out our Q&As
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How long has the tour company been trading?
40 years
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Sole use of your own room on all Single Traveller holidays: means you still get your privacy and time out from the group.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Battlefield Tours - Will it be possible to visit a particular cemetery whilst on the tour?
Please contact us and we will check to see whether you can visit a particular cemetery on any of our Battlefield Tours, if we are not able to fit it into our itinerary then you could take some time out of the tour and do this independently by taxi or public transport.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Leger Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of leger holidays charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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