Provence in the Footsteps of Van Gogh

Day 1

St. Remy de Provence

Arrive, refresh, unpack and relax at a charming hotel in St. Remy owned by Vicki Archer, blogger and author of MY FRENCH LIFE, and FRENCH ESSENCE.

Enjoy drinks followed by dinner on the terrace of a wonderful local restaurant in the village of St. Remy de Provence. St. Remy is famous for 3 people: Nostradamus was born here, Princess Caroline of Monaco summers here and Van Gogh stayed here for a time in what was then an Asylum (after the ear incident). He was at his most productive whilst living in this area.

Day 2

St. Remy and Surroundings – Menerbes – Les Baux

Explore the historic surroundings of St. Remy and visit Van Gogh’s monastery, where he lived and painted. You will also see some Roman Ruins nearby.

For lunch, you will head to Menerbes, the town made famous by the book a Year in Provence. After lunch, you will enjoy a rosé wine tasting at one of the local Domaines.

You will head back to the hotel from rest and relaxation, and some time to explore the town.

Dinner will be in nearby Les Baux, where you will enjoy the opportunity to explore this famous town after the hordes of tripists have left. You will dine at the quintessentially local and authentic Provençal restaurant, Une Table au Soleil.

Day 3

Lourmarin

Today, you will hunt for truffles with the experts and their dogs. You will learn everything you never knew about truffles, how they’re raised and why they cost so much. After tasting your freshly dug truffles with champagne by the pool at the proprietors’ home, you will head to the beautiful village of Lourmarin and enjoy a light lunch.

After lunch, you will have the chance to walk around, sight see and shop the exquisitely chic shops of this picturesque town.

In the late afternoon, the truffle guys will teach you how to play pétanque. Pétanque is the Provençal version of Boule, a game played outside with metal balls. While you play, you will enjoy a light apéro as well as home-made paté and Pastis made by Jean-Marc, owner of the truffle dogs.

Dinner will be held in the garden under the olive trees (weather permitting) at the Michelin recommended La Table d’Yvan Restaurant just outside of St. Remy.

Day 4

Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

You will have a chance to visit the famous market at Isle-sur-la-Sorgue,  known throughout the region for its classic marché items such as: local olives, cheeses, jams, flowers and even French espadrilles and Provençal fabrics.You will also get to explore this darling town surrounded by a river and watermills, including a peek inside its 17th century church with its gorgeous blue walls and gilded nave.

Lunch today will be at the delightful Jouvaud Patisserie and tea salon, which also seconds as a charming gift shop. Their savory pastries, soups and salads are light and delicious.

There is an option this afternoon to head to the Fontaine de Vaucluse, the source of the Sorgue river, where you will take a short, but inspiring and refreshing, nature walk.

Tonight, you will relax and enjoy a simple but tasty meal in St. Remy at Le Moulin de Sophie.

Day 5

Uzès

Today, you will wake up early to experience morning at the beautiful market near Uzès with chef Eric. After shopping for ingredients, you will head back to his cooking school for an enjoyable and entertaining hands-on cooking class. You will get to enjoy the fruits of you labour with wine.

After class, you will stroll around the village of Uzès and take a peak and have tea in the petite and charming Medieval garden.

You will have a chance to enjoy dinner on your own, in town or at the hotel.

Day 6

Gordes – Bories – Roussillon

After sleeping in and enjoying a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel, you will head to the town of Gordes, named one of the most towns beautiful in France. After this, you will visit the old village of Bories, where you will learn about the unique way sheep herders used to live and farm in the region.

Lunch is in Gordes, enjoying the view over the countryside as you tuck into a Provençal repas.

In the afternoon, you will visit Rousillon, the famous red village where you will walk the Ocre trail and explore this lovely town, leaving a bit of time for some souvenir shopping.

After returning to the hotel,  the magnificent farewell dinner will be held at the Michelin Star restaurant at the Hotel De Tourrel – the ideal setting for a last meal in Provence.

Day 7

Departure

Have breakfast, say goodbye to your amazing travel mates, share pictures and depart!