Day 1: Bienvenue en “Provincia Romana” the French Countryside in the South of France. With a history stretching back to the Celts and the Greeks, the region now known as Provence was conquered by Rome at the end of the 2nd century BC, becoming the first Roman province beyond the Alps, its name derived from Provincia Romana. Welcome to Provence! You will arrive via the high-speed train station outside Avignon, where I will collect you in our 8-seat minivan. Together, we’ll visit Philippe and Véronique Guény at Mas Saint-Michel, a charming Provençal farmhouse blending traditional character with contemporary elegance. There, we’ll explore the romantic gardens and enjoy a light lunch while Véronique, a passionate aromatherapist, shares her creations inspired by the herbal aromas that define Provence. In the late afternoon, we’ll continue to the medieval-Roman town of Vaison-la-Romaine, our home for the next eight nights. Home to France’s largest archaeological site, with Gallo-Roman vestiges spread across multiple locations, Vaison-la-Romaine also features a charming medieval high town crowned by the impressive 13th-century castle of the Counts of Toulouse. Reside for eight nights at Mas des Abeilles Jaunes, a beautiful six-bedroom five-bathroom traditional Provençal villa with swimming pool, outdoor terraces, and a private pétanque court. Settle in, unwind, and enjoy a relaxing in-home dinner featuring the flavors of Provence. Tuesday, June 2, Overnight Vaison-la-Romaine (L, D)

Day 2: Historical Walking Tour of Vaison-la-Romaine. A fresh continental-style breakfast will be available at 8:00am to enjoy at your leisure. Offerings include freshly baked croissants, baguettes, multi-grain breads with honey and jam, rolled oats with berries, fresh fruit, chia, flax and hemp seeds, plant milks, herbal/green/black teas, café-au-lait, and espresso. Please let me know if you would like anything additional. Later, we’ll stop for groceries so you may purchase any items you wish to have at the villa. After breakfast, enjoy a privately guided three-hour historical walking tour of Vaison with Janet, our enthusiastic friend and guide. Her animated storytelling brings 3,000 years of history to life ~ from the first tribal settlers to the Greeks, Romans, Middle Ages, and the French Revolution. Marvel at the ancient site of La Villasse, and discover the Romanesque Cathédrale de Notre Dame de Nazareth with its magnificent cloister. Cross the Roman bridge, its majestic arches spanning the Ouvèze River with Mont Ventoux as backdrop, and wander the cobblestone streets of the medieval high town, designated a “Petite Cité de Caractère.” There you’ll discover the beautifully restored Église Cathédrale de Saint Marie de l’Assomption (dating from 1464) featuring vibrant stained-glass windows by Kim en Joong, along with charming boutiques, art galleries, and the commanding, though ruined, comital château. Return to the villa for a special lunch on the terrace with poetry, followed by a free afternoon to explore further, browse shops, or relax.  History enthusiasts may also wish to visit the Archaeological Museum of Vaison-la-Romaine, as well as the Roman site of Puymin and the Roman theatre in the new town.  For dinner, delight in seasonal creative fare at Le Bistro Panoramique set above the Ouvèze River. Wednesday, June 3, Overnight Vaison-la-Romaine (B, L, D)

Day 3:  Olive mill, Les Baux de Provence, St. Rémy de Provence. Take a 1.5-hour drive south to the Alpilles, the small mountain range near St. Rémy de Provence, to stroll among the olive orchard at Castelas, an award-winning olive oil producer. Tour the mill to learn how olive oil is made “from tree to bottle,” exploring the growing, pressing, and production process, followed by a tasting of various oils, olives, and tapenade. Experience a one-hour multimedia art show at Carrières de Lumières, a former quarry transformed into a 21st-century immersive art venue. The 2026 production features Picasso and Frida Kahlo. Enjoy lunch in the perched medieval village of Les Baux de Provence, then wander its historic alleys and visit the tiny Musée des Santons to discover the Provençal tradition of handcrafted clay figurines representing village life. On the return to Vaison, stop at St. Paul de Mausole, the monastery and asylum where Van Gogh stayed from 1889-1890. Walk the surrounding grounds that inspired his paintings; reproductions of several works are displayed outdoors along the driveway and entry corridor, depicting the very vistas he painted. The magnificent 11th- and 12th-century cloister is listed on the historic registry. The institute remains active today, housing mental health patients whose art therapy is exhibited downstairs as you pass through to Van Gogh’s bedroom. Free evening. Thursday, June 4, Overnight Vaison (B)

Day 4:  Villages + Vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône, Châteauneuf du Pape. Set out on a scenic drive through the beautiful Côtes du Rhône villages. Enjoy an easy 45-minute walk among the vineyards, then explore the small stone village of Séguret, classified as “One of the Most Beautiful Villages of France”. Stroll picturesque Gigondas, home to the Gigondas AOC wine appellation. Relish lunch at Côteaux & Fourchettes, set amid the vineyards, where Chef Cyril Glémot prepares elegant and seasonally inspired French dishes. Continue with a 30-minute drive to the Châteauneuf du Pape appellation to visit two Southern Rhône wineries: one a long-established benchmark run by the Brunier family since 1898, the other a small, family-run estate that is fully organic biodynamic. Visit the “Pope’s New Castle” perched above the village, offering magnificent views of the Rhône River and once serving as the popes’ summer residence in the Middle Ages. Wander the centuries-old village before returning to our villa. This evening, we welcome special guest Olivier, a sommelier and terroir expert for a Southern Rhône Wine Discovery Tasting featuring several selected wines from leading producers across the region. Gain insight into the Rhone appellation, its terroir and grape varieties, and explore how the concepts of appellation and terroir shape a wine’s character, with a deep look at biodynamic vineyard cultivation. A casual country dinner prepared by Karen will follow the tasting. Friday, June 5, Overnight Vaison-la-Romaine (B, L, D)

Day 5:  Honey, Lavender, Distillery in Nyons. Begin with a refreshing 30-minute walk on the scenic loop beneath the Comtal Château of Vaison. Drive along the picturesque Routes des Lavandes to the village of Grignan, known for its royal château. Grignan’s literary heritage dates to the late 17th century, when the Count of Grignan, a knight in the service of Louis XIV and governor-general of Provence, married Françoise-Marguerite de Sévigné. When she moved into the château, her mother, Madame de Sévigné, began writing long, frequent letters, starting just two days after the marriage and continuing for 25 years, creating one of France’s most celebrated correspondences. Continue the visit at a nearby lavender farm to observe a family-run operation, then follow the lavender route to a honey apiary to explore traditional beekeeping and taste regional lavender and wildflower honeys. Proceed to Nyons, famed for its black olives and Roman bridge. Savor an exquisite plant-based lunch at Le Paradisier Café, prepared by Chef Laure, a Normandy native who, like me, earned her Plant-Based Nutrition Certification from the Center for Nutrition Studies and eCornell. After lunch, stroll through the Arcades square and visit Distillerie Bleu Provence, a family-owned distillery specializing in aromatic herbs ~ thyme, rosemary, mint, lavender ~ and delicate floral essences such as rose and orange blossom. Enjoy free time to browse the shop’s distillery production line, as well as locally produced items, and, if desired, conclude with a sweet herbal or lavender-infused treat, artisanal ice cream, or sorbet at the adjoining tea salon. Free evening. Saturday, June 6, Overnight Vaison-la-Romaine (L)

Day 6: Provençal landscapes, Bike Outing. Delight in a privately guided two-hour morning bike ride with Régis. After being fitted with e-bikes in Malaucène, we’ll explore rural landscapes dotted with vineyards, orchards, and truffle trees, passing a small historic stone quarry whose stone was used to build Vaison-la-Romaine. Pause in the quaint village of Crestet to see its ruined medieval castle and the 11th century St. Saveur church. If you prefer not to bike, enjoy downtime to relax by the pool, paint, read, rest, or wander the village. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. In the late afternoon, join Janet poolside for a yoga dance class. This evening, savor dinner at Le Moulin à Huile, a picturesque waterside restaurant where Amandine and Jérôme prepare homemade Provençale cuisine with passion. Sunday, June 7, Overnight Vaison-la-Romaine (D)

 Day 7: Footsteps of Van Gogh Walking Tour in Arles, Provençal Fabrics. Begin the day with an optional gentle morning yoga practice, followed by breakfast. Then enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour drive southwest to Arles. Explore the colorful historic town with a rich, self-paced walking tour In The Footsteps of Van Gogh: An Arles Audio Guide by Context Travel. This 75-minute experience visits key Van Gogh painting sites, along with the Roman Theatre of Arles and the Amphitheatre, offering insight into Van Gogh’s inner world and how Caesar turned Arles into a mini-Rome. The tour concludes at Espace Van Gogh, the former medical facility where Van Gogh was temporarily housed before moving to St. Rémy after cutting off his ear. This picturesque square contains Arles’ only flower garden and La Cantine Végétale, an ideal lunch spot. On our return to Vaison, step into the vibrant world of Provençal textiles at the Souleiado Museum, housed in a graceful private mansion in Tarascon. For over two centuries, the Souleiado family has preserved the artistry, color, and craftsmanship of southern France, and the museum brings this legacy to life with its private collection of historic fabrics, exquisite patchworks, and traditional art objects displayed within elegantly restored rooms. A standout feature is the original cotton printing workshop, complete with the original colorful kitchen and exceptional collection of printing blocks. This evening, savor dinner with locals Sabine and Alex in their beautiful vineyard-surrounded country home. Sabine teaches cooking classes there, while Alex tends the vineyards and winemaking. Relax with an aperitif on their terrace and, if you wish, help Sabine put the finishing touches on dinner. Monday, June 8, Overnight Vaison-la-Romaine (B, D)

Day 8:  Vaison Outdoor Market, Terrace Picnic + Group Cooking Party. Delight in one of Provence’s most beautiful and comprehensive outdoor markets. We’ll arrive at 9:15am for a brief overview and orientation before you explore at your leisure. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and aromas as you browse abundant fruits and vegetables, breads, cheeses, olives, nougat, tapenade, spreads and purées, prepared foods, as well as French pottery, linens, kitchenware, woven baskets, clothing, and more. Return to the villa to enjoy a picnic lunch on the terrace featuring market delicacies. Spend the afternoon as you wish, then gather for a friendly game of pétanque before our cooking dinner party. Tuesday, June 9, Overnight Vaison-la-Romaine (D)

Day 9: Historic Avignon Stroll + Popes’ Palace, Mary Magdalene Grotto, Mediterranean Sea. Bid farewell to our villa in Vaison and drive one hour to Avignon for a privately guided walking tour with Janet. Explore the historic center and visit the Palais des Papes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe's largest and most significant medieval Gothic buildings. Constructed in the 1300s, it housed nine popes during the 14th and 15th centuries, offering a vivid glimpse into the grandeur of the 14th-century papal court. Continue southeast to the Var département to visit Sanctuaire de la Sainte-Baume, also known as Mary Magdalene’s cave, a place of worship of the Catholic religion where Mary Magdalene would have taken refuge. Accessible only on foot, this revered Catholic pilgrimage site is believed to be where Mary Magdalene took refuge. Transformed into a sanctuary as early as the 5th century, it flourished in the 13th century under the protection of the Counts of Provence and the arrival of Dominican monks. Destroyed during the French Revolution, the surrounding buildings were rebuilt in the 19th century. The hike offers a peaceful walk through nature, leading to a basilica installed within the cave, where a chapel invites quiet reflection and displays a relic of Mary Magdalene. In the late afternoon, settle into Cassis on the Mediterranean, nestled between La Ciotat and Marseille amid striking coastal landscapes. Stay four nights at beautiful Villas des Crêtes, a six-bedroom, six-bathroom villa with a swimming pool in the foothills, a 20-minute walk from town. Enjoy dinner this evening at the local favorite, Le Poisson Rouge, in the heart of Cassis. Wednesday, June 10, Overnight Cassis (L)

Day 10: Parc national des Calanques. Begin the day with a morning yoga session, then head to the harbor for a private 1.5-hour boat excursion to explore the three most spectacular calanques. We’ll drop anchor in a luminous emerald cove for a refreshing swim, followed by picnic breakfast on the water. Spend the afternoon as leisure ~ wander the postcard-perfect village, enjoy lunch at a quaint bistro, or relax by the villa pool. In the early evening, drive the scenic Route des Crêtes to La Ciotat, known for its historic shipyards, picturesque harbor, the invention of pétanque, and the world’s oldest operating cinema, Cinéma Eden-Théâtre, founded by the Lumière brothers in 1895. Continue to the harbor of Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer for dinner at the hip local favorite es/pacio. Thursday, June 11, Overnight Cassis. (B, D)

Day 11: Cassis Outdoor Market, Coastal Walk and Fine-Dining. Savor the morning at your leisure. The Cassis outdoor market is among the most beautiful along the coast — a colorful, fragrant glimpse into local life. Enjoy the remainder of the day free, with the option to join a late-afternoon yoga session on the deck. This evening, discover the breathtaking Calanques National Park on foot, a dramatic stretch of wild fjords and limestone cliffs along the Mediterranean. Wearing sturdy walking shoes, take a short drive to Calanque Port-Miou for an easy, scenic one-mile loop around the Cassis peninsula, with sweeping views of the Port-Miou and Cap Canaille. Along the way, pass the charming Chapelle de Notre Dame de Bon Voyage. Follow the Sentier du Petit Prince, a trail honoring Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, believed to have crashed off the coast of Cassis. Conclude the day with a fine-dining experience as the sun melts into the sea at the enchanting Restaurant La Presqu’île. Friday, June 12, Overnight Cassis (B, D)

Day 12: Lavender fields of Valensole, the Heart of Marseille. Rise early for a 1.5-hour drive to the Plateau de Valensole, the capital of lavender. Although peak bloom is in July and August, by mid-June we are almost certain to find some fields in flower. The town of Valensole, surrounded by lavender as far as the eye can see, is classified as a “remarkable site of taste,” renowned for its honey, almonds, wheat, and truffles, and is one of France’s most important centers for lavender cultivation. Known as the “Valley of the Sun,” the plateau offers the pure, fragrant air of the Verdon. Stroll among the fields and breathe in the scents of lavender and thyme. Return to the coast for lunch in Marseille, the capital of Provence and France’s oldest city, dating back 2,500 years. Dine at Chez Madie les Galinettes overlooking the Vieux Port, where Chef Delphine prepares local specialties rich with olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, plenty of Mediterranean fish, and the iconic bouillabaisse. Drive along the scenic John F. Kennedy Corniche for sweeping views of the Frioul Islands and Château d’If. Walk the 1.2-mile coastal loop at Anse de Malmousque, then visit the hilltop Basilique de Notre Dame de la Garde where the gilded “Bonne Mère” watches over her people. Return to the villa in the late afternoon for a relaxing farewell dinner at home. Saturday, June 13, Overnight Cassis (B, L)

Day 13: Bon retour & MERCI ! I will escort you to the Marseille train station (or airport) for your train to Paris (or flight elsewhere). Along the way, we’ll stop at a bakery to pick up quiches, sandwiches, and salads, perfect for a picnic lunch on the train. It has been a pleasure hosting you, and I wish you a safe and smooth journey home. Thank you for joining me in Provence.
Tour concludes on Sunday, June 14 (B).