“Lavender in Provence”
Next departures:
24/06-1/07/2023
30/09-7/10/2023
We have now run this tour in May 2018 and September 2019, and after a two year hiatus, we are launching new dates in June 2023. Click below to find out the exact dates of our future Promenades Culinaires.
Dates for September/October to be advised soon!
Dates for September/October to be advised soon!
Our accomodation is a 4-star hôtel in a village near Avignon, with very comfortable rooms and all amenities and a view!
Depending on the size of the group, we will drive a large wagon or a 9-seater minibus. Guests who are so inclined will be encouraged to share the driving, to be decided on a daily basis.
We will start at the Avignon TGV station late morning on a Saturday and finish in Aix-en-Provence the following Saturday after a parting light lunch on the following Saturday.
Here is the backbone of the programme:
Depending on the size of the group, we will drive a large wagon or a 9-seater minibus. Guests who are so inclined will be encouraged to share the driving, to be decided on a daily basis.
We will start at the Avignon TGV station late morning on a Saturday and finish in Aix-en-Provence the following Saturday after a parting light lunch on the following Saturday.
Here is the backbone of the programme:
Day 1 - Saturday
Meet group at TGV Station 11.30 am. Drive to Avignon
Visit Le Pont d'Avignon in the morning.
Lunch included
Visit La Cité des Papes and the centre of town in the afternoon
Drive to our accomodation late afternoon after circling the remparts
Dinner not included. Plenty restaurants in or walking distance of our hotel
Meet group at TGV Station 11.30 am. Drive to Avignon
Visit Le Pont d'Avignon in the morning.
Lunch included
Visit La Cité des Papes and the centre of town in the afternoon
Drive to our accomodation late afternoon after circling the remparts
Dinner not included. Plenty restaurants in or walking distance of our hotel
End of Day 1
Day 2 - Sunday
Drive to L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Visit antiques and food market
Drive to La Fontaine de Vaucluse
Lunch on side of the river Sorgue - included
Walk to La Fontaine
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the village including a visit to the paper mill
Drive back to hotel. Diner not included.
Drive to L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Visit antiques and food market
Drive to La Fontaine de Vaucluse
Lunch on side of the river Sorgue - included
Walk to La Fontaine
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the village including a visit to the paper mill
Drive back to hotel. Diner not included.
End of Day 2
Day 3 - Monday
Drive to Les Baux
Visit Castelas olive grove and tasting
Visit Les Baux
Lunch at Baumanière - La Cabro d’Or - 3 Hats Michelin - included
Visit the cellar with 20,000 bottles on site plus 40,000 in a secret location, the 5th largest in France
Visit silversmith nearby
If time permits, visit Fontvieille and the Moulin de Daudet
Drive back to hotel - dinner not included - you probably won’t need any...
Drive to Les Baux
Visit Castelas olive grove and tasting
Visit Les Baux
Lunch at Baumanière - La Cabro d’Or - 3 Hats Michelin - included
Visit the cellar with 20,000 bottles on site plus 40,000 in a secret location, the 5th largest in France
Visit silversmith nearby
If time permits, visit Fontvieille and the Moulin de Daudet
Drive back to hotel - dinner not included - you probably won’t need any...
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End of Day 3
Day 4 - Tuesday
Visit Abbaye de Sénanque, Gordes, Roussillon and its ocres
picnic in Roussillon - not included
Visit Lacoste, Bonnieux, Lourmarin with a shopping stop
Then back to Avignon via Oppède Le Vieux.
Musical dinner chez Elodie Sablier
Visit Abbaye de Sénanque, Gordes, Roussillon and its ocres
picnic in Roussillon - not included
Visit Lacoste, Bonnieux, Lourmarin with a shopping stop
Then back to Avignon via Oppède Le Vieux.
Musical dinner chez Elodie Sablier
End of Day 4
Day 5 - Wednesday
Wineries day with Mistral Tour - lunch and wine dégustations included
Free time in the evening
Wineries day with Mistral Tour - lunch and wine dégustations included
Free time in the evening
End of Day 5
Day 6 - Thursday
Drive to Cassis
Cruise the Calanques
Lunch included
Free time for shopping
Drive back via Salon-de-Provence - where my grandparents lived and where my grandfather had his photographic studio - Dinner not included.
Drive to Cassis
Cruise the Calanques
Lunch included
Free time for shopping
Drive back via Salon-de-Provence - where my grandparents lived and where my grandfather had his photographic studio - Dinner not included.
End of Day 6
Day 7 - Friday
Visit Tarascon and Soleiado, then Arles
Lunch in Arles not included
Visit Olive Mill in Maussane or Mouriès
Back to our hotel for a change of clothes
Farewell formal dinner at Auberges de Noves via taxi
Visit Tarascon and Soleiado, then Arles
Lunch in Arles not included
Visit Olive Mill in Maussane or Mouriès
Back to our hotel for a change of clothes
Farewell formal dinner at Auberges de Noves via taxi
Our formal farewell dinner at Auberge de Noves and visit to the 25,000 bottles cellar
End of Day 7
Day 8 - Saturday
Early Breakfast - Check-out
Drive to and visit Aix-en-Provence
Last light lunch included
TGV Station - time TBA - end of OFI tour - JML to TGV back to Paris
Early Breakfast - Check-out
Drive to and visit Aix-en-Provence
Last light lunch included
TGV Station - time TBA - end of OFI tour - JML to TGV back to Paris
End of Day 8 - End of OFI Tour
Testimonials
"The trip was wonderful and there were so many highlights. Each day had its own special moments.
And you were the perfect companion to uncover some of the delights of Provence. Having a native speaking Frenchman did remove all the barriers that normally confront a tourist. Having you there meant that we could relax while you dealt with ordering food or negotiated access to the cellar of the establishment. I consider myself very lucky to have had you as a guide to Provence. From the wild thyme along the roadside, to the fields of wild poppies, to the cellars in the area, to such beauty in the rugged terrain, the magnificent view of the cliffs at Roussillon, to the beauty of Lacoste and the famous chateau, all were enjoyable. Then to a quiet evening in Avignon where you cooked a superb meal while we were entertained by Elodie Sablier . Where else would you find a grand piano in a living room in a small flat? Taking the cruise along the shores of the Mediterranean surrounding Cassis, the water was so blue and calm, contrasting with the rugged cliffs left me speechless. Back on land, we then enjoyed a meal overlooking the sea enjoying what had been caught that morning.
The magic of that last night will stay with me though. Such a beautiful setting where we enjoyed cuisine beyond superb and then explored their cellar under the guidance of the sommelier.
Thank you for this experience. I just want to go back and do it all again."
Margaret K. Melbourne - May 2018
"In May 2018, I joined with Jean Marie from ‘Our French Impressions’ on a week-long tour of the Luberon region of Provence. I am no stranger to France and have visited Provence previously.
Yet there are many advantages to be had travelling with a native Provençal: Jean Marie is at one a tour guide but also provides an insight into the life and the people. Each day was a new adventure with a different theme be it French Antiques or Roman ruins or exploring the beautiful City of Aix en Provence.
Of course, food and wine were an important part of every day and we frequented a mixture of street cafés and restaurants. One or two of the latter being a bit special as were the wine cellars that we got to visit. We learnt a lot about the wine industry in the region and listened to some compelling arguments in favour of the cork!
As to the unusual, Jean Marie prepared dinner one evening at the home of a young lady pianist who meantime entertained us with some of her own compositions from the seat of her grand piano. It was a wonderful evening.
A terrific week and I will certainly have a mind to doing it again in the not too distant future.
Thank you, Jean Marie, for a great experience."
Alistair R. Melbourne - May 2018
And you were the perfect companion to uncover some of the delights of Provence. Having a native speaking Frenchman did remove all the barriers that normally confront a tourist. Having you there meant that we could relax while you dealt with ordering food or negotiated access to the cellar of the establishment. I consider myself very lucky to have had you as a guide to Provence. From the wild thyme along the roadside, to the fields of wild poppies, to the cellars in the area, to such beauty in the rugged terrain, the magnificent view of the cliffs at Roussillon, to the beauty of Lacoste and the famous chateau, all were enjoyable. Then to a quiet evening in Avignon where you cooked a superb meal while we were entertained by Elodie Sablier . Where else would you find a grand piano in a living room in a small flat? Taking the cruise along the shores of the Mediterranean surrounding Cassis, the water was so blue and calm, contrasting with the rugged cliffs left me speechless. Back on land, we then enjoyed a meal overlooking the sea enjoying what had been caught that morning.
The magic of that last night will stay with me though. Such a beautiful setting where we enjoyed cuisine beyond superb and then explored their cellar under the guidance of the sommelier.
Thank you for this experience. I just want to go back and do it all again."
Margaret K. Melbourne - May 2018
"In May 2018, I joined with Jean Marie from ‘Our French Impressions’ on a week-long tour of the Luberon region of Provence. I am no stranger to France and have visited Provence previously.
Yet there are many advantages to be had travelling with a native Provençal: Jean Marie is at one a tour guide but also provides an insight into the life and the people. Each day was a new adventure with a different theme be it French Antiques or Roman ruins or exploring the beautiful City of Aix en Provence.
Of course, food and wine were an important part of every day and we frequented a mixture of street cafés and restaurants. One or two of the latter being a bit special as were the wine cellars that we got to visit. We learnt a lot about the wine industry in the region and listened to some compelling arguments in favour of the cork!
As to the unusual, Jean Marie prepared dinner one evening at the home of a young lady pianist who meantime entertained us with some of her own compositions from the seat of her grand piano. It was a wonderful evening.
A terrific week and I will certainly have a mind to doing it again in the not too distant future.
Thank you, Jean Marie, for a great experience."
Alistair R. Melbourne - May 2018
"We were expecting a tour guide, we ended up with a new friend"
Susan & Walleen USA - September 2019
"My sister and I experienced the September 2019 tour with Our French Impressions. It was a unique and beautiful experience. The beauty throughout Provence, the everyday lifestyle in villages, the wine, the food and the joie de vivre are magical. We have been to Paris many times, but the week in Provence made us fall in love with France beyond Paris. Jean-Marie Liere is a wonderful guide: knowledgable of the history, architecture and culinary uniqueness of this Region. The nuance of detail and memories he shared throughout our tour was so enjoyable and brought authenticity not likely to be realised in a more structured/formal tour. I am not a person likely to sign up for a ‘tour’ of anything. Discovering it on my own has always been my preference. Happily, I found a happy medium with Jean-Marie. He also engaged experts in the region to further enhance our experience—vineyard/wine expert, history specialist and a concert pianist. Jean Marie cooked a fabulous dinner while the pianist played and shared her story of living in Provence. He is a gracious host, enjoyable companion and took great care of us throughout the tour. Jean-Marie told us he is connected to the ‘earth’ of Provence. His deep memories served as the foundation for creating our own memories. His intimate, personal approach to this experience is like none other. When we met Jean-Marie, he was to be our guide for eight days. By the end of our tour, Jean-Marie had become a dear friend.
Without hesitation, I can attest that a trip of a lifetime is found with Our French Impressions."
Susan - Florida - USA - September 2019
"It’s been just over a week now since I’ve returned home from a most memorable trip to France with my sister. We had visited Paris together many years ago. Almost a year ago she proposed that I join her for the September «Our French Impressions » week in Provence. Jean-Marie Liere, our guide and host, offered professional and enthusiastic communication in the months, weeks and days leading up to our meeting in Provence. He assisted us with suggestions to book the TGV (train from Paris) in advance, also contacting us in Paris to meet for an introductory cocktail.
Upon arriving in Provence, we stepped into a storybook where, for 8 days, Jean-Marie escorted us thru his life and memories as a young boy in his « Provence ». With our visits to quaint villages, the townspeople, breathtaking scenic stops, complimented by the culinary and wine experiences, we too created our story of a « week in Provence « !
Our week with Jean-Marie was filled with laughter, learning, wine, culinary delights and new friendships. We’ve returned to our homes with hearts full of love for France and a longing to return bientôt!
Merci beaucoup, Jean-Marie!"
Walleen - Michigan - USA - September 2019
Without hesitation, I can attest that a trip of a lifetime is found with Our French Impressions."
Susan - Florida - USA - September 2019
"It’s been just over a week now since I’ve returned home from a most memorable trip to France with my sister. We had visited Paris together many years ago. Almost a year ago she proposed that I join her for the September «Our French Impressions » week in Provence. Jean-Marie Liere, our guide and host, offered professional and enthusiastic communication in the months, weeks and days leading up to our meeting in Provence. He assisted us with suggestions to book the TGV (train from Paris) in advance, also contacting us in Paris to meet for an introductory cocktail.
Upon arriving in Provence, we stepped into a storybook where, for 8 days, Jean-Marie escorted us thru his life and memories as a young boy in his « Provence ». With our visits to quaint villages, the townspeople, breathtaking scenic stops, complimented by the culinary and wine experiences, we too created our story of a « week in Provence « !
Our week with Jean-Marie was filled with laughter, learning, wine, culinary delights and new friendships. We’ve returned to our homes with hearts full of love for France and a longing to return bientôt!
Merci beaucoup, Jean-Marie!"
Walleen - Michigan - USA - September 2019
INVESTMENT
Investment per person in twin/double room, breakfast and one meal a day included with an allowance of 1/2 bottle of wine/person/meal, renting of an appropriate vehicle for the size of the group, driven by willing participants on a roster (We need a minimum of 2 drivers able to drive a manual car).
We need 4 pax minimum to run the tour with a maximum of 6.
This itinerary is indicative only. Most photos are by your tour manager Jean-Marie LIERE.
3900 euros for 8 days/7 nights - single supplement 800 euros
For the 2022 departures: Deposit of 200 euros payable any time up to 60 days before departure to reserve your spot. Second deposit of 1850 euros no later than 60 days before departure, balance of 1850 euros no later than 30 days before departure. See full Terms & Conditions below.
Investment per person in twin/double room, breakfast and one meal a day included with an allowance of 1/2 bottle of wine/person/meal, renting of an appropriate vehicle for the size of the group, driven by willing participants on a roster (We need a minimum of 2 drivers able to drive a manual car).
We need 4 pax minimum to run the tour with a maximum of 6.
This itinerary is indicative only. Most photos are by your tour manager Jean-Marie LIERE.
3900 euros for 8 days/7 nights - single supplement 800 euros
For the 2022 departures: Deposit of 200 euros payable any time up to 60 days before departure to reserve your spot. Second deposit of 1850 euros no later than 60 days before departure, balance of 1850 euros no later than 30 days before departure. See full Terms & Conditions below.
