12 Days in The South of France ~ Provence
October 6 - 18, 2027
Enchanting Provence
So much about Provence is alluring. It’s a stunning landscape of rolling vineyards, olive groves, lavender fields, picturesque villages dotting the countryside. Ancient Roman ruins, medieval villages, a papal past. Colorful, bountiful outdoor markets with fragrant produce and aromatic herbs. The light, colors, and landscapes of the region have inspired centuries of artwork and literature. A slower pace of life reigns here. Simple pleasures ~ leisurely meals al fresco, strolling through markets, playing a game of “boules”.
Wind down and allow the allure and tranquility of Provence to sink in. When we connect with place, ourselves, and with the local people, a rich exchange takes place.
With me as chauffeur and escort, we set out as a group of friends, exploring places evocative of the movies Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources. Our first-born child is named Manon, if that tells you anything about where our heart lies.
Curious about the holistic aspect? Read more here.
“Live” in a beautiful, spacious Provençal villa (authentically designed yet with modern conveniences), two areas for outdoor dining (covered terrace and open-sky terrace), heated swimming pool, traditional Provençal kitchen and large indoor dining room and salon.
Join us as we explore Provence with heart, mind, body, and spirit.
Remember to bring your swimsuit ; )
Provence tour highlights
Reside in beautiful, spacious six-bedroom villas with heated swimming pools.
8 nights in a Provençal villa in Vaison-la-Romaine, treasured for its well-preserved Roman ruins, medieval hilltop old town, and idyllic Provençal setting along the Ouvèze river.
4 nights in a coastal Mediterranean villa perched above Cassis, the seaside village adored for its pastel harbor lined with fishing boats and dramatic limestone cliffs
Four mornings of gentle yoga + Introduction to body resistance training
Privately guided 2-hour e-bike exploration of rural landscapes
vineyards, orchards, and truffle trees
Privately guided walking tour explores the town’s riveting history and why everyone wanted to live here
Celts, Gauls, Greeks, Romans, Popes, medieval Counts, and visitors like us
Tour + tasting at award-winning olive oil mill—wander the orchards and learn the process of extraction
Striking perched medieval village Les Baux de Provence
Footsteps of Van Gogh at St. Paul de Mausole, the mental hospital in St. Rémy de Provence where Van Gogh painted over 150 paintings in one year, including Starry Night, The Irises, and The Wheat Field
Awe-inspiring immersive multimedia artistic production combining art, music, and light
Vibrant + colorful Provençal outdoor market
At Home cooking dinners with Chef Karen
Villages + vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône, including Ségueret and Gigondas
Privately guided tour + tasting at 3 different estates, discover organic, biodynamic wines
Postcard villages of the Vaucluse + Drôme, the Mont Ventoux
Family-owned lavender + herb distillery
Exclusive Provençal dinner at the home of a local family
Privately guided bespoke walking tour in Avignon and the Popes’ Palace
Half-day exploration of bustling, vibrant Marseille, France’s oldest city
Vieux Port of Marseille, Notre Dame de la Garde Cathedral with its
spectacular view of the city and coast, and the oldest district Le Panier
1-hour hike in the Parc National des Calanques
Private boat outing to discover the breathtaking creeks around seaside Cassis
Swimming in the emerald waters of a secluded cove in the Mediterranean Sea
Trip price + what it includes
The trip cost is per person based on shared occupancy (ie. two per room) and includes 12 nights lodging in high-quality, beautifully furnished, air-conditioned spacious 6 bedroom villas with swimming pool (8 nights in the “Pope’s Provence” and 4 nights perched above the Mediterranean Sea), pick-up from Avignon train station and return to Marseille train station, 4 yoga classes, 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners, privately guided walks + experiences, entrance fees to all sights listed in above highlights, Karen’s services as full-time trip escort, and travel planning consultant. LAND ONLY package. Trip cost excludes international flights to/from the US or other city, transportation/taxi/uber other than specified above. Travel insurance is required. I recommend Travel Guard. I am happy to advise on the insurance.
$5,800 per person for room with balcony/sea view
$5,700 per person for room with garden view
Fitness Level
MODERATE to STRENUOUS – This tour involves a lot of walking, standing, climbing stairs, hills, and navigating uneven terrain, cobblestones, and gravel pathways. This tour is does not provide accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Practical Information
This tour is limited to 8 travelers; reservations honored on a first come, first served basis.
This is a LAND ONLY package beginning at Avignon TGV train station on October 6, 2027 and ending at Marseille train station on October 18, 2027; price does not include airfare, nor transportation to and from Paris or other French cities other than pick-up and return from/to cities mentioned herein.
It is suggested that the group will take the train together from Paris to Avignon TGV the morning of October 6, 2027. Returns to Paris will be from Marseille train station in the afternoon of October 18, 2027.
Train tickets are not included in the trip price; however, Karen will purchase the tickets on your behalf, in order to obtain the best price and ensure that all travelers arrive and depart on the same train. Tickets must be purchased 3 months prior to travel date. Detailed instructions regarding your train travel adventure will be forthcoming as the trip gets closer.
If arriving by train from Paris, please plan to spend one night in Paris before and after the tour, allowing 16 days, including transit time.
It is possible to fly into Marseille (MRS) airport on October 6 at a surcharge of $100, or depart from Marseille airport on October 18 for a surcharge of $50. The surcharge is for two people traveling together, not per person.
Prior to booking your international flight, please consider the following:
1/ Outbound flight: Due to overnight flight from the US, you will need to depart one day prior to desired arrival in France
2/ Inbound flight: Departs France and arrives USA same dayA private room for one single traveler may be available for a supplement of $1,000. Limited availability. Please inquire.
Kindly consult with Karen before securing international flight.
I’m interested!
We would love to welcome you on the tour.
Enter your information here to ask your questions and to request a Reservation Application.