Dates 2010:
Provence Arts & Scents: April 18 - 26; September 19 - 27
Two Jewels in Provence: September 27 - 29 (available in the fall only)*
* This tour is an optional extension of Provence Arts & Scents and is not available independently
These two tours are available twice a year, spring and fall, the most pleasant seasons in Provence.
Provence Arts & Scents
Sunday
Arrive at Marseille Provence Airport - or TGV train station - and group welcome by GBT tour director; transfer in private mini van to a deluxe boutique hotel in Aix-en-Provence, a 20-minutes drive from the airport.
Check in at the hotel. This stylish bastide of only 22 rooms has spacious terraces overlooking an outside pool, and its restaurant is oustanding. The scent of lavender and the light that inspired Cezanne add to the charm of the luxurious Florentine gardens with full views of Aix.
Free time to freshen up
Late afternoon welcome champagne reception in the pool garden
Dinner in the hotel's award-winning restaurant
Monday
Today you will become acquainted with your new surroundings by exploring Aix-en-Provence following in the steps of Paul Cézanne, its most celebrated native, considered the father of modern art. You will visit his studio, a place haunted by his memory, where his spirit lives on in the equipment and the objects he took for models. You will explore his childhood home - the garden where he started to paint, the rooms he decorated - a house which retains an aura of mystique and was beloved by the artist.
Lunch on Cours Mirabeau, in Cezanne's favorite bistro (yes, it is still open!). Cours Mirabeau is a shady, elegant promenade lined by tinkling fountains, imposing XVIII century buildings, restaurants and bars always bustling with people. The heartbeat of Aix.
After lunch, walking tour of Aix with a professional local guide. A medieval town of strong character and architecture, Aix is known as 'the city of 100 fountains’, and is best explored by foot.
Free time after walking tour
Dinner at your leisure
Tuesday
Morning painting class in the studio of an acclaimed Provencal painter, housed in a charming mas near the town center.
Free time after class
Lunch at your leisure
Group dinner in a restaurant favored by locals, a place selected by our artist and teacher, a true Axoise.
Wednesday
Morning departure to Saint-Rémy de Provence, a scenic town which has managed to preserve its architectural patrimony and its relaxed Provencal lifestyle. Wednesday is market day in Saint-Rémy; we dedicate the morning to its many stands of high quality arts & crafts. The town's art galleries also deserve a visit, as Saint-Remy is home to an important art community.
Lunch at your leisure the heart of town, filled with art galleries, specialty stores and many excellent restaurants
Saint-Remy was very important in the life of another great master - Vincent van Gogh, who was seduced by the light of its countryside. He spent the last years of his short and tragic life there; you will visit the room in the asylum where - in spite of his deteriorating mental health - he painted 150 of his best-known works.
Later afternoon return to Aix
Dinner at your leisure
Thursday
Today the morning is at your leisure, to explore Aix Thursday's market, one of the largest is the region, a colorful display of all things Provencal - arts & crafts, local food, clothes and collectibles. The square around the market is surrounded by excellent restaurants and bistros.
Lunch at your leisure
Afternoon painting class sur le motif with our Provençal painter, who will introduce you to the impressive mountain Cézanne painted more than 80 times! This massive great limestone structure fascinated the painter all his life and he returned to paint it even after he settled in his downtown Aix studio.
Late afternoon return to the hotel, to freshen up for a special dinner
Group dinner in the home of our painting teacher, to savor an authentic Pistou, a typical Provençal dish.
Friday
Morning departure to Cassis, a charming Mediterranean seaport and popular tourist destination famous for its falaises (cliffs) and the sheltered inlets, the calanques.
Cassis is also known for superb rose wines. To be introduced to this unique fruity blend, you will be invited to a private wine-tasting event in a vineward with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, probably one of the most striking views in Provence.
Seaside lunch in Cassis village; afternoon visit to to the Calanques
Late afternoon return to Aix
Dinner at your leisure
Saturday
Morning departure to a 17th-century château - home of a well-known local chef - for a culinary lesson and al fresco lunch in his garden. In these magnificent surroundings, you will be treated to a day of Provençal culinary secrets and local dishes you will be able to recreate at home.
Lunch in the château
Mid-afternoon return to Aix
Dinner at your leisure
Sunday
Morning departure to Marseille, on the Mediterranean coast. France's second largest city, Marseille is the most diversified and culturally rich city in the country, and no visit to Provence is complete without it.
Tour of the Old Port, the historic and picturesque part of town.
Lunch in Marseille, to savor an authentic Bouillabaisse, a typical dish and one of the staples of Provençal cuisine. You will sample it where locals do, in an off-the-beaten-path restaurant.
Late afternoon return to Aix
Dinner at your leisure
Monday
Check-out after breakfast
Transfer to Marseille Provence Airport or TGV station for departures
Farewell and end of tour
Or join us for an optional extension tour...
Two Jewels in Provence
Monday
Morning transfer to hotel in Les Baux de Provence. Part of the prestigeous Relais & Château group, this elegant bastide of only 15 rooms is located in the middle of luxurious gardens, a short walk from the village. Its award-winning restaurant is listed in the Relais Gourmand group, and its new spa is one of the most elegant in Provence.
Free time to explore Les Baux village; lunch at your leisure
Afternoon guided tour of the village with local guide
Late afternoon audiovisual show in a former stone quarry, projected onto stone walls 1300 feet high.
Late afternoon welcome champagne reception by the hotel pool
Group dinner in the hotel's outstanding restaurant. Set on a terrace overlooking Les Alpilles mountains, this temple of haute Mediterranean cuisine offers an outstanding Provencal menu and a stellar wine list.
Tuesday
Early morning departure for Arles
Visit to a Roman Amphitheatre built in the 1st-century AD with 25,000 seatings, where bullfights are still conducted
Lunch at your leisure in downtown Arles
Free time to explore the town center, an historic area punctuated with upscale boutiques and art galleries
Late afternoon return to Les Baux
Farewell group dinner in a renowned bistro, one of the highest-rated in Provence
Wednesday
Last day of tour; morning check out after breakfast
Transfer to Marseille Provence Airport or TGV station for departures
Farewell, end of tour.
