Avignon Small group activities

Nestled between the Alps and the Rhône River, Provence is a rich tapestry of natural beauty and cultural heritage. On this tour, departing from Avignon, you will explore the renowned vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Begin with a visit to the ruins of the castle that served as the summer residence of the Pope in the 14th century. Next, head to the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, home to one of the world’s most famous wines. Discover the diverse grape varieties, including Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, which lend the wine its signature fruity and spicy notes. The region’s 13 grape varieties, combined with its varied soils, create a broad spectrum of complex red wines and elegant white wines. Enjoy two wine tastings at local cellars before returning to Avignon.

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Provence during this guided full-day tour from Avignon. Enjoy the town of Fontaine de Vaucluse and stop in the lavender fields for photos. Go for a walk in St-Rémy-de-Provence and take in the views from Pont du Gard.  Be picked up from a meeting point in Avignon and board a comfortable and air-conditioned van for the scenic drive to Fontaine de Vaucluse. Take in the relaxing atmosphere in this town that is next to a spring at the foot of the Vaucluse Mountains. Admire the Provençal landscapes in of Luberon and have a chance to have a photo stop in lavender fields in summer (from June 15th to July 31st). Head over to Gordes which is listed as "one of the most beautiful villages in France." Walk in the red streets of Roussillon and marvel at panoramic views of the Alpilles in Baux-de-Provence. Take a stroll through the beautiful city of St-Rémy-de-Provence. Stop at the ancient Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard before returning to your meeting point. 

Begin your journey at Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, take a short walk through the city center. Next, enjoy picturesque views of the Provençal countryside heading south to the Les Baux de Provence – a fortified medieval village perched in Alpilles mountain range. Meander through the narrow stone streets of the historic center, viewing the town's many original 16th-century houses and main attractions such as the Museum of Santons, the Hôtel des Porcelets and St Vincent Church. Afterward, travel to your final stop, the Unesco-listed Pont du Gard. Considered an ancient work of art, this three-tiered construction is the highest of all elevated Roman aqueducts. View the perfectly preserved masterpiece of ancient engineering that once supplied water to the town of Nîmes. In winter period (from November 1st to March 31) the activity is provided from 1.30 pm am to 6.30 pm.

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 A la Française guide will immerse you in the Provencal ambiance, inviting you to explore the unique charm of the Luberon and its villages—some of the most beautiful in France! Your first stop is Roussillon, where you’ll marvel at the famous ochre cliffs. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the stunning array of earthy tones from vibrant oranges to rich reds. Next, continue your journey to the historic Roman bridge, the Pont Julien, before driving through the picturesque village of Lacoste, home to the castle of the Marquis de Sade. The final stop of the day is Gordes, perched high in the Luberon and celebrated as one of "the most beautiful villages in France." You’ll have free time to explore this stunning village, known for its iconic dry-stone buildings and breathtaking views.

Immerse yourself in the picturesque region of Provence on a beautiful day trip departing from Avignon. See all of the local highlights, including hilltop villages with colorful homes, historic monuments, and mountain landscapes. The village of Roussillon, built on top of an ochre cliff. The ochre is a natural pigment which can be found in the soil and which is used for the painting and decoration of the houses. You will stroll in the narrow streets of this colorfull village. (Market on Thursday). A short drive will bring you to one of the most beautiful villages in France : Gordes. A panoramic photo stop will be arranged. The next stop will be in Fontaine de Vaucluse : walk up to the cave from which the River Sorgues emerges. Continue to the charming town of Saint-Rémy de Provence, where you can explore its historic its city center. Then, enjoy some free time in Les Baux de Provence to explore the medieval fortress perched on a rocky spur in the Alpilles region. The tour concludes with a visit to the Pont du Gard, one of the best-preserved Roman aqueducts. This full-day will return to Avignon in the middle of the day, lunch on your own during the day. In winter period (from November 1st to March 31) the activity is provided from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm (duration 10h00).

Climb up to the top of the fortified medieval city walls and discover Avignon in all its beauty. Explore the rich past of Avignon where the papacy was established in the early 14th-century. Follow your guide through the Pope's Palace, the largest Gothic palace in Europe. Immerse yourself in its labyrinth of galleries, chambers, and chapels. Stroll along the cobbled streets to the Place de l'Horloge and uncover the secret of the painted windows. Admire the town hall with its clock tower and the theater. Your tour will conclude with a glass of Côtes du Rhône wine.

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 capture the breathtaking views of the lavender fields. Enjoy some free time to explore this typical provençal village of Roussillon. Indulge yourself here with a scoop of lavender ice cream. Take in the panoramic views from the hilltop village of Gordes, recognized as one of "The Most Beautiful Villages in France." Finally, make a brief photo stop at the Cistercian Sénanque Abbey, beautifully surrounded by lavender fields. A la Française reserves the right to modify the programm according to the lavender's blooming stage. Suitable footwear is recommended.

Discover the highlights of Provence on an immersive tour departing from Marseille. Immerse yourself in the region’s history and beauty as you explore the medieval village of Les Baux-de-Provence, the ancient Pont du Gard aqueduct, and the historic city of Avignon. To end the day, enjoy a wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, one of the region's most renowned vineyards. Your adventure begins with free time in the charming village of Les Baux-de-Provence. Perched on a rocky outcrop in the heart of the Alpilles, this classified site offers breathtaking views and a journey back in time with its medieval fortress. Wander through its picturesque streets before heading to the Pont du Gard, a true marvel of Roman engineering. This beautifully preserved aqueduct bridge tells the story of the Roman Empire (museum entrance not included). Next, continue to Avignon, the City of the Popes, where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the many traditional restaurants (lunch not included). You’ll have the option to explore the city at your own pace: stroll through its medieval streets or dive into history by visiting the majestic Palais des Papes and the famous Saint-Bénezet Bridge also known as the Pont d'Avignon (tickets not included), both iconic landmarks in the region. The final leg of your journey takes you through the lush vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a picturesque landscape where nature and winemaking traditions come together. The day culminates with a wine tasting at one of the estates of the region, before heading back to Marseille. Lunch on your own during the day. NB : On certain days, a quick drive through Aix en Provence to pick up and drop off passengers may be included.

From Avignon or around (contact me if you don’t stay within Avignon itself), we will go to 3 different wineries in the Côtes du Rhône area. The 3 wineries will be very different from each other, they will mostly be family businesses. Depending on the size of their estate, they can make a lot of different appellations and cuvées in white, rosé or red. The tour usually goes to a winery in Beaumes de Venise and its famous Muscat de Beaumes de Venise, a sweet wine which can be drunk as an aperitif wine or a dessert wine. Also, it usually goes to Gigondas, a small area famous for its red wine, the most famous red wine in the Southern Rhône after Châteauneuf du Pape. And we finish with a winery in Châteauneuf du Pape area to taste the very famous red wine but also to discover the less famous white wine from there (if the tour starts in the afternoon, the tour will start in Châteauneuf du Pape to finish in Beaumes de Venise). After the second tasting, we will share a wonderful picnic made with fresh products from local farmers (for instance: fresh eggs, tapenade, bell peppers cream, goat cheese, seasonal fruits, fruits juice) for a convivial time spent together (between April and October only).