Aix-en-Provence

Tours

Come and have an encounter with Provence! We welcome you as if you were our guests and in this sense we really want your Terre Ugo experience to be a parenthesis of discovery and rest, in the heart of our 3 hectares lavender field. Our family estate opens its doors every day from June 1st to August 31st. As soon as you arrive, you will be lulled by the sound of cicadas and the sweet smell of lavender. We will share with you the family history of the domain and we will explain to you the particularity of this flower so emblematic of the South of France. You will then be free to visit the lavender field. Chiliennes are at your disposal to relax under the Provencal sun. We also have very pleasant shaded areas. A small restaurant is available every day from 12:00 to 14:30 with regional, fresh and seasonal products.

Meet your friendly guide in Aix-en-Provence and get ready for a drive through the marvellous scenery of the Regional Natural park of Luberon. Your afternoon tour will provide a wonderful insight into the highlights of the Luberon. The first must-see stop on your tour is at Lourmarin, known as one of "the most beautiful villages in France" and famous for its Renaissance castle. Enjoy some free time exploring the village. After Lourmarin, continue your tour with a photo stop in Bonnieux. This picture perfect Provençal village is topped by a 12th century church surrounded by century-old cedars. This spot offers a magnificient view of the Luberon. The village of Roussillon is perched up high on top of the cliff of an old ochre quarry. Reminiscent of a painter's palette, Rousillon is a magical place where combinations of oxides provide an infinite variety of orange, brown and red shades in the landscapes and the houses. Your last visit of the afternoon is to Gordes, an extraordinary village erected on a cliff. The fortified castle and church dominate the typical houses of the village which were built with stones from the rock on which they are sitting. Luberon and its gorgeous villages are the perfect place to spend an afternoon in Provence. At the end of the tour you'll be driven back to Aix-en-Provence.

There are some places you can’t help falling in love with at first sight and Cassis is one of them! Your afternoon excursion to Cassis begins in Marseille where you meet your friendly tour guide. Set off for an unforgettable visit and take in the panoramic view from the Cape Canaille, the highest maritime cliff in Europe (photo stop) as you go. Upon arriving in Cassis, enjoy a leisurely stroll around the charming old fishing port, with its vibrant, colorful boats. If you join the tour on a Wednesday, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore the local market. You can also opt to take a one-hour cruise from Cassis to discover the stunning calanques : limestone cliffs plunging into the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean, creating picturesque natural coves. These dramatic rock formations, resembling the jagged Norwegian fjords, stretch out into the sea (cruise ticket is not included- to buy on spot only). Continue to Aix en Provence for the rest of the excursion. Stroll on the famous Cours Mirabeau dotted with refreshing fountains. Admire the private mansions from 17th and 18th centuries. Free time before a drive back to Marseille. Please note: We cannot be held responsible if the Calanques cruise is canceled due to bad weather or if the Crest road and the access to Cap Canaille are closed (no refund can be claimed).

Climb aboard and travel through the history of Marseille. Visit the Old Port and its treasures and learn about the city from an experienced guide who will highlight Marseille and its emblems. Discover the origins of Fort St Jean, the secrets of the City Hall, the transformation of the Théâtre de la Criée, and the unmissable sights such as the Bonne Mère and the famous story of the sardine that blocked the port. See the Mucem, the Tour du Fanal, the Fort St Jean, the St Jean district, the Place d’Armes, the Pointus, the City Hall, the Bonne Mère, the Canebière, the arrival of the Olympic Flame, the Museum of Soap, the Théâtre de la Criée, the Abbey of St Victor, the Fort St Nicolas, the history of the sardine, the transborder bridge, the Pharo Palace, and the Monument to the Heroes and Victims of the Sea. Choose from 3 daily departure times to suit your schedule. Book now and go back in time in the heart of Marseille

Embark on a half-day wine tour through the breathtaking landscapes surrounding Sainte-Victoire Mountain, a stunning natural landmark that inspired the famous post-impressionist artist Paul Cézanne. Between 1880 and 1883, Cézanne captured the mountain in numerous paintings, bringing its majestic beauty to life on canvas. The Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire vineyards, nestled to the east of Aix-en-Provence, are renowned for their natural beauty and unique terroir. These vineyards benefit from the Mistral wind, which sweeps through the region, helping to create some of the most pure and authentic wines in France. The climate, with its cooling winds and abundant sunshine, plays a vital role in shaping the quality of the grapes. On this immersive journey, you'll dive deep into the region's rich viticultural heritage. Explore the terroir’s distinctive characteristics and gain insight into the traditional winemaking process as you visit the cellars of two distinct, family-owned wine estates. Meet the passionate winemakers, who will share their expertise and commitment to crafting exceptional wines. As part of the experience, you'll have the opportunity to taste the region’s celebrated AOC Côtes de Provence wines. Savor the complexity of full-bodied reds, known for their deep, structured flavors; delight in the subtle elegance of the rosés, offering fresh, floral notes; and enjoy the crisp, refined whites, which exude a remarkable balance and finesse.

Embark on a scenic drive through the Durance River and explore the renowned Plateau of Valensole, famous for its lavandin cultivation. Meandering small roads lead you through expansive fields of vibrant flowers, with different stops along the way to admire the blooming lavender fields. Stop at a local producer's workshop, where you'll discover lavender and lavandin essential oils, olive oil, lavender honey or other products. Continue to the charming village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, celebrated for its earthenware workshops (enjoy free time for exploration and lunch, not included in the tour). In the afternoon, journey to the stunning viewpoint opening the Verdon River. Pause to capture photos in the picturesque lavender fields, and enjoy some free time in the idyllic village of Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon. Enjoy a relaxing stop at Sainte-Croix : stroll along the shores lake. Suitable footwear is recommended. The provider reserves the right to modify the program according to the lavender's blooming stage

Drive to the famous Valensole Plateau and pass by picturesque roads lined with golden wheat and blue lavender fields. Enjoy many photo stops and free time to discover this traditional Provencal village. As you drive, listen to your driver give insightful information and knowledge about fine lavender. Learn all about the uses of lavender, how to recognize its quality, and the many uses for the essential oil it creates. Make a stop at a local producer and test your knowledge. Afterwards, take some free time to explore Moustiers Sainte Marie, famous for its ceramics workshops and delight in a delicious lunch on your own (not included). In the afternoon, you will have the chance to take stunning photos and admire the beauty of the Verdon River. Note: The company reserves the right to modifiy the program according to the lavender's blooming stage. Suitable footwear is recommended.

Get the full South of France experience with this half-day, small-group wine tour to two wineries in the Côtes de Provence wine region.  This half-day tour from Aix-en-Provence to the Côtes de Provence wine-producing area will begin with a trip through stunning landscape. Witness breathtaking landscapes dotted with vineyards as you discover the secrets behind Provence's acclaimed rosés, whites, and reds. The Côtes de Provence AOC is the majority producer of Provence wines. Once you have reached the Côtes de Provence wine region, taste local wines in two carefully selected, family-owned wineries.  Go on a fascinating journey through the history of each estate an discover how the wines are made during a tasting session. 

Located in the Mazarin district, just a few steps from the Cours Mirabeau, Caumont-Centre d'Art has a paved Cour d’Honneur and over 1,000 m² of private gardens. The mansion’s rooms, with their refined décor, recreates the atmosphere and aesthetic characteristics of the 18th century. The visit of the private mansion immerses you in the refined atmosphere of this exceptional venue, from the cour d'honneur to the gardens, passing through the historic rooms. The carefully furnished and decorated rooms reveal daily life at the time of Pauline, marquise de Caumont, one of the most famous owners of the mansion in the 18th century. The private gardens of the mansion, fully refurbished in the spirit of the site, offer over 1000 m² of peaceful space decorated with fountains, flowerbeds bordered by boxwood, and large vases of flowers. Open to all forms of art, Caumont-Centre d'Art holds major temporary exhibitions dedicated to the great masters of history of art, from ancient times to the present day. After visiting the mansion, discover the temporary exhibition which is showcasing the works of Niki de Saint Phalle (1930-2002). The Franco-American artist, who created a powerful, socially committed universe with her work, vibrant with energy and poetry, became a household name with her amazing “Nanas” series (the name is a slang word for women). This exhibition "Niki de Saint Phalle, le Bestiaire magique" highlights the influence that animals and imaginary creatures had on the artist throughout her life. Through this previously unexplored theme, the exhibition shows how her work, throughout her career, was peopled with a fascinating magical bestiary that mingled symbols, myths, autobiographical accounts and the legacy of Surrealism. The exhibition retraces Niki de Saint Phalle’s whole career, offering an original interpretation through the prism of her portrayal of animals. The exhibition route is designed to be an initiatory fairy tale, inviting visitors to wander amongst the mischievous creatures before entering an imaginary world where all beings live in magical harmony.

Depart from Aix-en-Provence, drive along the scenic roads that wing through fields of vibrant flowers. Arrive on the vast Plateau of Valensole with its 800 square kilometers, renowed for its cultivation of lavandin, a hybrid lavender variety as well as cereals. Known as "The Granary of the Region", the plateau offers countless photo opportunities amidst the blooming lavender fields, where you can enjoy the breathtaking views and the fragrant air. Make a stop at a local farm and learn everything about the cultivation, distillation and the properties of pure lavender and lavandin.  You will also have the opportunity to purchase pure lavender and lavandin essential oils, olive oil, and lavender honey directly from the producers. Suitable footwear is recommended. The provider reserves the right to modify the program according to the lavender's blooming stage.