The tour
Provence Arts & Scents is a nine-day escorted tour of Provence highlighting its fine arts, cuisine, wines and lifestyle. Group attendance is limited to eight (8) adults (21 years or older), with a minimum of six (6) for tour viability.
An optional three-day extension tour - Two Jewels in Provence - is available to explore Les Baux de Provence and Arles; tour is not sold independently. Group attendence is limited to eight (8) adults, with a minimum of four (4) for tour viability. In 2010 this tour will only be available in the fall.
Provence Arts & Scents starts on a Sunday, with group welcome by GBT tour director at Marseille Airport followed by transfer in private mini van to a deluxe boutique hotel in Aix en Provence; tour ends nine days later, on a Monday, with transfer to Marseille Airport for departures.
Two Jewels in Provence starts on a Monday, with transfer from Aix to hotel in Les Baux de Provence; tour ends three days later with transfer from Les Baux to Marseille Airport for departures.
Both tours are fully escorted by a tour director, a Provençal artist/painting teacher and occasional local guides. A private chauffeured mini van is available during the tour program.
Travel documents
Passport and visas for international travel
For travel outside the 50 United States, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, all US citizens are required to have a US passport valid for six months from the return date of a journey. Driver licenses and birth certificates are no longer accepted as proof of citizenship for international travel.
Information on passport applications, where to apply, forms, fees, requirements and last minute application services are available in the US State Department travel website www.travel.state.gov or by calling 1.877.487-2778. The website also brings contact information for consulates by country about entry and tourist visa requirements. Please allow a minimum of 10 weeks for processing a passport apliccation, possibly more during busy travel seasons. Check the website www.travel.state.org/passport for current processing times.
Non-US citizens, including permanent residents with green cards, must verify entry and visa requirements with the nearest consulate of a destination's country.
Travelers are responsible for obtaining the correct documents for entry into the country in the itinerary, as well as those required for re-entry into the United States.
Getting to Aix-en-Provence
Provence Arts & Scents takes place in and around Aix-en-Provence, in the south of France, 20 miles from Marseille, the most convenient airport to the region. Most U.S. airlines fly nonstop to Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport from major American cities; a domestic flight Paris-Marseille takes about 2 hours. An alternative to flying from Paris is the fast train TGV, which departs from Charles de Gaulle Airport and arrives in Aix 3 hours later.
Climate/clothing
Spring and fall are very pleasant seasons in Provence. The summer tourist hordes have left, temperatures are mild during the day but cooler in the evenings. Pack light clothes, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, as it may still get warm during the day. For the evenings, a light coat/jacket is all you need.
Luggage restrictions
Airlines now have restrictions on the weight of your luggage, as well as on the number of volumes you are allowed to carry. Check with your airline on their restrictions before you travel, to avoid penalty fees.
Money
The currency in France - as in much of Western Europe - is the Euro, which fluctuates against the dollar. For up to the minute exchange rates, check www.xe.com/ucc. Keep in mind that banks charge a fee every time you use an ATM machine abroad, so check with your bank before you travel. Visa and MasterCard are accepted in most establishments, Amex and Diner's Club less often. As most credit cards charge additional fees for currency conversion, check with your credit card company in advance on that.
Electricity
The Frech electrical system runs on 220 volts. You may need adaptors to convert the voltage (this is usually not necessary for laptops) as well as to fit sockets and they are easily found in the US. Hair dryers are provided at the hotel.
VAT
The VAT, or Valued Added Tax (TVA) is the French equivalent of sales tax (detaxe in French). As a non-resident of the European Union you will receive it as a refund when you leave the country - it varies from 12 to 18% on any purchase over 175 Euros, depending on the establishment. We can help you with the forms you will need to fill out to receive the refund.
Cell phones
Not all American cell phones work in France. If yourss does, check with your provider about roaming charges before you leave, to avoid surprises. Rental or pre-paid cell phones are easily available in France.
Gratuities
Gratuities (tips) during scheduled activities are included in the tour price, but extra tipping is allowed. Gratuities are not included in the hotel for services such as laundry, room service, bar, baggage carriers, etc.
Language
French is the official language in France, but English and other languages are widely spoken. It is a good idea to bring a pocket-sized phrase book to use on your free time.
Bespoke Tours
We organize bespoke tours of Provence for one or two people - from two days to one week - benefiting from our extensive knowledge of the area and support of qualified Provençal tourism professionals. Please see Bespoke Tours of Provence for details.
