Compare Country Walks In Provence by Alpine Interface vs Country Roads of France - Small Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 17 days |
| Price From | $ 3,540 | $ 7,290 |
| Price Per Day | $ 443 | $ 429 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Whether you’re in search of the perfect family hiking trip or a self-guided walking tour, sun-drenched Provence offers French charm in abundance. This is one of our most popular hiking adventure vacations. Discover a place of immense beauty that has attracted painters, poets, and writers from all over the world. Our European walking tours center around Mont Ventoux, in the heart of the Côtes du Rhône vineyards. We combine half-day walks and daily visits to local markets, museums, and archeological sites. The walking is moderate and offers incredible views from the fortified towns, jagged limestone peaks and ancient villages. Stroll through vineyards, meet the locals and enjoy “la belle vie” of southern France. |
Consider this your ‘Tour de France’ — a 16-day guided tour that embraces the best of the country, from fortified towns and fine wines. Drive along the Grand Prix circuit in Monaco, stopping to step inside its cathedral, where Princess Grace has been laid to rest. In Avignon, play pétanque, a bocce-like sport, then celebrate your new skills with a fine French aperitif. Travel to Carcassonne, a fortified city complete with ramparts and a medieval keep. Drive through the Valley of the Dordogne, then feast on a farm-to-table dinner paired with regional wine in Sarlat-La-Caneda. In Paris, embrace the City of Light’s most beloved sites: marvel at the Eiffel Tower, gaze at Louvre's glorious facades, and be driven down the posh Champs Elysées to Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe. |
Day 1: Avignon
Transfer from Avignon TGV ( High Speed Train) to our hotel in Avigon. If time permits, a guided visit of the Papal Palace is planned.
Day 2: Avignon-Carpentras-Vaison-la-Romaine
Our day begins with a short drive to Carpentras, in order to explore one of the more vibrant and authentic markets in all of Provence. Buying our own lunches, we can sit under the shade of one of many majestic Plane trees and enjoy local delicacies such as taponade or olive paste, local cheeses and the many different kids of red, white and rose wines produced in the Cotes du Rhone region of Provence. After lunch, a short drive brings us to Vaison-la-Romaine, an ancient, well-preserved Roman town on the banks of the River Ouvezes.
Day 3: Gigondas
Our hike takes us around the Dentelles de Montmirail, a fin of limestone jutting up from the vineyards. Along the way, a wine tasting has been arranged with Yves and Edmond Gras, a father and son team of local vintners producing high quality red and white wines.
Day 4: Sault – Beaumes de Venise
Our day begins with a van transfer to the village of Sault where we begin the long hike into the Gorges de la Nesque, a spectacular canyon walk below towering limestone cliffs. Our night will be spent in Baumes-de-Venise, known for its sweet, syrupy wines taken as a cocktail in France.
Day 5: Mont Ventoux
The “Giant of Provence” is our goal today. Also know as the Mt Ventoux, this nearly 2000m high mountain allows for a spectacular hike along the north face, shaded from the sun as we meander in and out of the forests.
Day 6: St. Remy de Provence
St Remy de Provence is our destination today. Painted by Van Gogh, this bustling town is surrounded by excellent hiking trails allowing for half-day hikes in order to explore this very photogenic part of southern France. Market and guided visit of the cloister where Van Gogh lived.
Day 7: Les Baux de Provence
Leaving from our hotel, we make our way to the fortified town of Les Baux de Provence, known for its tiny streets, shops selling hand painted works of art and excellent restaurants. This easy hikes leads us to one of the more charming villages in all of France.
Day 8: Departure Day
The trip ends after breakfast. Transfers possible to the TGV station in Avignon.
Day 1: Welcome to Paris
On arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport, transfers leave for the hotel at 08:30, 11:00 and 14:00. After checking in, the capital’s grand boulevards and world-famous landmarks are yours to explore. At 17:30, meet your Travel Director and fellow guests at the hotel before joining a Welcome Dinner at Brasserie Bofinger, a local restaurant with cuisine inspired by country recipes.
Pullman Paris Centre Bercy.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: Champagne Region and on to Dijon
Journey through the Champagne region. Stop to savour a taste of champagne, for which this region is world famous. Continue on to your hotel in Dijon.
Grand Hotel Dijon La Cloche, Dijon.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 3: Free Time in Dijon Relaxed Start
Enjoy the Burgundy capital of Dijon. Its many handsome buildings recall the time when the Dukes of Burgundy were more powerful than the Kings of France. Perhaps take the opportunity to visit the wine capital of Burgundy, Beaune? In the evening, don't miss the chance of an optional Burgundy wine tasting and traditional dinner in the Premier Cru village of Fixin.
Grand Hotel Dijon La Cloche, Dijon.
Breakfast
Day 4: Chamonix
Travel towards the Mâconnais and Beaujolais before turning east into the Alps. A scenic symphony awaits you as you ascend into the high Alps and climb towards Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest mountain. Your destination is the fashionable ski resort of Chamonix. In the evening you may choose to try a local pierrade at a local trendy eatery in a traditional chalet. This Optional Experience provides the chance to try a typical regional meal, cooked on a table barbecue using on a hot stone.
Hotel Mercure Chamonix.
Breakfast
Day 5: Lakeside Annecy and Grenoble Relaxed Start
In the morning, embark on a beautiful journey to the lakeside town of Annecy, dramatically situated between lake and mountains, it's a medieval spectacle and a summer getaway for the French and the Swiss locals. Enjoy free time for lunch in Little Venice, aptly named for the network of canals criss-crossing through the Old Town. Explore the city’s many lovely bridges at your leisure. Continue on to your hotel in Grenoble. This evening, savour a delicious raclette dinner at a local restaurant.
Park Hôtel Grenoble-MGallery.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 6: The French Riviera to reach Nice
Glorious mountain scenery will be yours to enjoy as you travel along a spectacular route, used by the Emperor Napoleon when he returned from his first exile to try to take the throne of France once more. Continue to the French Riviera to reach the elegant resort of Nice. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore as you wish. In the evening, why not walk through old town Nice, ending in Cours Saleya where dinner is at your leisure at one of the many lovely bistros?
Radisson Blu Hotel, Nice.
Breakfast
Day 7: Monaco and the Côte d’Azur
Wake up ready to rub shoulders with the jet-set on the glamorous Côte d’Azur. Unlock the secrets of the French perfume industry with a visit to a perfumery, where fragrance experts waft exclusive scents from stoppered bottles. Then enjoy a drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit in Monaco and walk with your Travel Director through the old town to see the Royal Palace and yacht-filled harbour. Your exploration continues as you visit inside Monaco Cathedral, housing the tomb of Princess Grace. The rest of the day is set aside for you to enjoy the French Riviera at your own pace. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit to the medieval village of Eze and its hill-top Botanical Gardens for a spectacular view of the coastline?
Radisson Blu Hotel, Nice.
Breakfast
Day 8: Picturesque Provence
Visit the medieval village of Saint-Paul de Vence, perched high above the Riviera beaches. A walk through its winding streets reveals elegant fountains, vine-covered stone walls and views of mountains and sea. Enjoy a lesson in the French sport of pétanque. Steady your hand and get ready to test your newfound skills as you take part in a game, completed by a glass of pastis, a French apéritif. Continue to Aix-en-Provence to see the sumptuous mansions lining the Cours Mirabeau and on to your hotel.
Aquabella Hotel & Spa, Aix-en-Provence.
Breakfast
Day 9: Avignon and Pont du Gard
Journey to Pont du Gard to see the magnificent ancient Roman aqueduct bridge. Continue on to Avignon to enjoy views of the remaining arches of the Pont d'Avignon and the fortified Papal Palace.Stop at the beautiful Domaine de la Vallongue for a tasting of its renowned wines and gastronomic olive oils. A MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, the estate uses traditional practices throughout, creating a sustainable business for future generations.
Aquabella Hotel & Spa, Aix-en-Provence.
Breakfast
Day 10: Carcassonne and to Albi
Head to beautiful Arles and learn about its historical connection to Vincent Van Gogh, who produced over 300 artworks during his time in the city. Cross the fertile Languedoc region, before journeying inland to the fortified town of Carcassonne. Travellers are often amazed at their first sight of this medieval gem, known for its fortress - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a complete set of ramparts and a medieval keep. Travel to Albi, the birthplace of the Toulouse Lautrec. During your orientation with your Travel Director, marvel at iconic sites including the views of Toulouse Lautrec Museum and the famous awe-inspiring cathedral, before spending the remainder of the day at leisure.
Hôtel Saint Antoine, Albi.
Breakfast
Day 11: Free Time in Albi
Enjoy a full day at leisure, to relax and soak up the atmosphere of Albi.This evening savour a delicious dinner of carefully selected fresh ingredients, at a local restaurant.
Hôtel Saint Antoine, Albi.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 12: Cahors and Rocamadour Relaxed Start
Stop in Cahors, famous for its Black Wine, and see the Pont Valentré. You'll also have the opportunity to explore the open air market - full of fresh, seasonal produce and local delicacies, it's an experience to delight all of the senses. Travel to Rocamadour and enjoy free time to explore this medieval town perched on a cliff side above the Alzou River and known as a resting place for pilgrims on their way to Spain. Continue to the beautiful town of Sarlat-la-Canéda, its medieval core blessed with fine historic golden limestone houses.
La Hoirie, Sarlat-la-Canéda.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 13: Exploring the Dordogne Valley
Start the day with a morning drive into the stunning Valley of the Dordogne to visit Lascaux II, where the world-famous prehistoric cave paintings have been faithfully reproduced.Enjoy a delicious Farm-to-Table Dinner, prepared with locally sourced ingredients and served with wines from the region.
La Hoirie, Sarlat-la-Canéda.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 14: Paris, The City of Light
Travel onwards to immerse yourself in the beautiful city of Paris where on arrival you are free to explore this fascinating city as you wish. As evening descends, the City of Light lives up to its name as the monuments, buildings and bridges are lit up in all their glory. For that special touch of excitement and glamour don't miss the chance to join an Optional Experience to one of the world-famous cabaret shows.
Le Méridien Etoile, Paris.
Breakfast
Day 15: Romantic Capital on the Seine
During your time in Paris, see the impressive Eiffel Tower, the imposing facades of the Louvre, the obelisk in the centre of the Place de la Concorde and enjoy a drive along the Champs Élysées to Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe. Today enjoy an Insight Choice experience. Choose to shop in quaint boutiques like a true Parisian for fashion, perfume or cosmetics with your Local Expert. Alternatively, join a Local Expert, an avid foodie, as you head into areas where Parisians go about their daily lives to explore small shops and sample local treats and delicacies. You are in for a memorable evening starting with a delicious Celebration Dinner at the historic restaurant La Coupole, serving delicious French cuisine and wine.
Le Méridien Etoile, Paris.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 16: Au Revoir Paris
Your departure transfer will arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport at 08:00 or 11:00.
Breakfast
