Things to do in

Avignon

Tucked between the Alps to the east and the Rhone River to the west, Provence is a rich tapestry of natural and manmade wonders. On this tour departing Avignon, you will combine a tour of its Roman heritage with a trip to the famous vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Start your afternoon wine-tasting tour with the village of Gigondas. Located at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail hill range, the vineyard covers an area of 12 km² and the wines produced belong to the Crus of the southern Côtes du Rhône. The Grenache noir expresses its full flavor in glimmering red wines with pronounced tannins, a robust body, and a solid propensity for ageing. Afterwards, stop at the ruins of the castle built by the former Popes who relocated the papacy to Avignon in the 14th-Century and used it as their summer residence. Then drive to the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, one of the world’s most popular wines. Discover the different grape varietals, such as Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, which give distinctly fruity and spicy wines. The 13 varieties of grapes combined with the various soils create a large palette of complex red wines and elegant white wines. Enjoy a wine-tasting in one of the numerous cellars of the village before going back to Avignon.

Discover the wine country of 3 Grand Crus on this 5-hour guided tour in the Côtes du Rhône. The highlights of this renowned wine region include Gigondas, Seguret, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, whose wines carry the certification of Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC). During your tour you’ll have a chance to admire the beauty of vineyards and the small regional villages dominated by bell towers. You’ll be at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail, and in this lovely landscape you’ll learn about wine production and grape varieties. In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to taste some fine wines with a wine specialist. The specialist’s expert knowledge will help make your tasting session a unique and memorable experience.

Your guide will first take you to Fontaine de Vaucluse, a beautiful village located by the river Sorgue. Walk up to its spring – one of the biggest in Europe. Next, stop at Sénanque Abbey and take as many pictures as you want of this majestic 12th century Abbey which is surrounded by lavender fields. After the photo-stop at the 'belvedere', head off to Gordes, a hilltop village made of local dry stones and enjoy the market (on Tuesdays). Explore the Provencal village of Roussillon, and observe the houses, whose colors vary with the sunlight. The Provencal market on Thursday adds even more colors. This is where you will take your lunch break (not included). After lunch, explore the lavender fields. Fill your body with fresh lavender fragrance, take some pictures and have a look at a distillation operation during harvest.  Your final stop is the village of Sault, in the middle of a bucolic landscape, isolated from civilization. There, enjoy some free time for shopping, taste a lavender ice cream or have a drink on a panoramic terrace.  At the end of the tour, your guide will drive you back to Avignon. 

Enjoy a scenic tour of Provence and see some of its most beautiful sites in one day. The 10-hour tour takes in the well-preserved Roman aqueduct of Le Pont du Gard, built in the 1st century BC as part of the Nîmes aqueduct from Uzès to Nemausus (now Nîmes). Drive to the rocky outcrop of Les Baux de Provence in the Alpilles mountains. Stroll the historic center to see a beautiful 16th-century house and Romanesque buildings. Continue to Saint Rémy de Provence to explore the remains of the Roman city of Glanum, including a triumphal arch set in an olive grove that inspired Van Gogh. After some free time for lunch, you will visit Roussillon, famous for its red and yellow ochre cliffs. Enjoy panoramic views of Gordes, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful villages in France. Drive to Fontaine de Vaucluse, walk up to the cave from which the River Sorgues emerges. This impressive resurgence spring hasn't revealed its secrets yet and many speleologists have searched in vain the exact depth of the well. On Sundays only, enjoy L’Isle sur la Sorgue, a village famous for antique shops and the weekly open air market which is one of the most colorful and typical in the Provence.  

Visit the best sights in Provence during this full-day tour from Avignon. Your driver-guide, a specialist of Provence, will accompany you throughout the day.  Start in the beautiful villages of the Luberon and the famous Fontaine de Vaucluse. Admire the provençal landscape in the Luberon and have a chance to have a photo stop in lavender fields in summer (from June 15th to July 31st). Then, head over to Gordes listed as "one of the most beautiful villages in France". Walk in the red streets of Roussillon and discover the ochre lands. After this, enjoy the panoramic views of the Alpilles in Baux-de-Provence and take a stroll through the beautiful city of St-Rémy-de-Provence. Finish your amazing day at the majestic Pont du Gard.

Discover the lavender fields in full bloom in the villages of Luberon on this half-day tour from Avignon.  Enjoy a scenic and picturesque drive through the countryside, full of beautiful purple fields that stretch as far as the eye can see. Your guide will organize many stops in the countryside to take pictures of the fields. Stop in Roussillon for some free time to wander through this typical provençal village. Indulge yourself here with a scoop of lavender ice cream. Stop for panoramic photos from the hilltop village of Gordes, listed as one of "The Most Beautiful Villages in France". Finally, take a quick photo stop at the Cisterian Senanque Abbey, surrounded by lavender fields.

Your first stop will be Fontaine de Vaucluse where you will be charmed by the biggest French spring. Spontaneous stops at poppy fields on the way are included (in season). Next, marvel at Sénanque Abbey, a jewel of Romanesque art nestled in a lush greenery environment. Afterward, enjoy strolling through the streets of the spectacular hilltop village of Gordes, where you can admire the play of warm light on the dry stone walls. Move on to Roussillon and observe all the different shades of the ochre by wandering along the Ochre Trail (entrance fee not included - 3€/adult) and the colored roads of the village. Then, walk on the streets of Ménerbes, the fortified hilltop village that inspired Peter Mayle to write his most successful novel One Year in Provence.

This tour takes you to the vineyards of the Rhone Valley, the second largest wine-growing region in France. Vines have been cultivated here since the days of the Romans and the centuries-old tradition is ripe for exploring. Tucked between the Alps to the east and the Rhone River to the west, it is an area rich with natural and manmade wonders. Departing from Avignon, you will drive through the lush landscape on your way to the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The name is familiar across the globe for its exquisite wines, but you will also have time to explore the village and see the ruins of the castle where former Popes built their summer residence after they relocated the papacy to Avignon in the 14th-Century. The tour visits 1 winery involved in the production of red, white and rosé wines. Go to the cellars and learn everything you could possibly think to ask, about the "terroir,“ grape varieties, vinification and ageing process. You will also get a lesson in how to taste wine using your eyes, nose and finally taste. As the French say, "A votre sante!" Cheers!

Explore some of the historic sites of Provence on a full-day minibus tour from Marseille, starting with the medieval city of Avignon. Drive along the docks between the Rhône River and historic city walls, looking at the Saint-Benezet Bridge made famous by the children's song, “Sur le Pont d'Avignon.” Go to the impressive Palais des Papes (Popes' Palace), site of the Papacy in the 14th century before their return to Rome. The largest Gothic palace in Europe, the austere Palais dominates the city (entrance tickets not included). Sample the wines of the Rhône River valley in the legendary village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, boasting a castle ruin that overlooks the vineyards of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. You will visit the cellar of a winery for a complimentary wine-tasting session. Next, drive to the Pont du Gard to see the remains of the Roman aqueduct that supplied water to the city of Nîmes. The tour then continues towards the Alpilles Mountains to the lofty village of Les Baux de Provence, located on a rocky spur overlooking the valley. Take an unforgettable journey back to the Middle Ages at Les Baux, before your return journey to Marseille.

Depart Avignon for this half-day wine tasting tour of the some of the best red and rosé wines of France. You will enjoy an entire afternoon to practice wine tasting, including visits and tastings at 2 distinct wineries of the region. Combine tastings with expert instruction about the wines of the Rhône Valley, and learn about the terroir and French system of quality certification known as AOC (Appellation d'origine contrôlée). Explore the agriculture, geography and vineyards of the Rhône, stopping to sample the pink wines of Tavel, known for their dry, crisp and refreshing taste that is perfect for a summer's day. Continue to the famous wine lands of Châteauneuf-du-Pape to discover one of the finest appellations of the Rhône Valley at a 2nd winery.