Provence Tour Itinerary : 6-Day Tour

Best Adventures in Provence

Detailed Day-by-Day Provence Tour Itinerary

PROVENCE TOUR ITINERARY – 6 DAYS/5 NIGHTS

France Off the Beaten Path’s France with Friends Travel Philosophy: The Provence You’ve Dreamed About

Unpack once and settle into beautiful Saint-Rémy-de-Provence—there’s NO hotel hopping on our Provence tour. For all five nights, we stay at Hotel Gounod, owned by our dear friend Karine and truly the gem of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

From this charming home base, spend 6 unforgettable days discovering the people, places, cuisine, and landscapes that make southern France so irresistible. Our exceptional guiding team—including our Van Gogh specialist and our staff marine biologist and blog writer—brings Provence to life through their knowledge and local expertise.

This is France beyond the postcards—personal, welcoming, and wonderfully relaxed, with authentic experiences, meaningful local connections, and unforgettable moments woven into every day.

Our Provence Tour is designed for Both Walkers and Non-Walkers!

The PROVENCE Tour Highlights

• Maximum Group size – 16 guests per tour departure date.
• Personal Attention from an Exceptional Guide Team: Our Provence tours are led by our stellar Provence guiding team—including a Provence and Van Gogh expert, marine biologist and staff writer, and a walking specialist. With multiple guides, smaller-group activities and thoughtfully planned alternatives, the experience always remains flexible and personal.
• Hands-On French Macaron Workshop — Step inside the Provençal home of our friend, a master pastry chef, for a delightful hands-on pastry class. Sampling and “to go” boxes included.
• Become a Winemaker for the Morning — Taste and blend distinctive grape varieties at our friends’ family-owned winery to create your own signature cuvée.
• Experience Provence Your Way; To Walk or Not to Walk — Enjoy a guided walking option in the Luberon (Spring and fall dates) and through the lavender fields during lavender season (end of May thru end of July dates); designed for interested guests.
• NON-WALKERS: Enjoy thoughtfully planned, guided cultural experiences and visits.
• Daily Guided Experiences: Enjoy a wonderful selection of guided cultural visits throughout the tour, designed for both walkers and non-walkers – Saint Paul de Maussole, Van Gogh Foundation, Arles Roman Ruines, Calanques Cruise, and more.
• Follow the Provence Lavender Route — On lavender-season departure dates, walk and wander among fragrant purple fields, visit the lavender capital of Sault, and meet our friends at their family-run lavender farm and distillery.
• Art, Markets & Local Life — Browse colorful markets, meet local artisans, and discover the creative spirit of Saint-Rémy, Goult, and Cassis.
• Discover Charming Villages of Provence — Visit Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Gordes, Roussillon, Goult, Sault, Cassis, and Arles.
• Cruise the Calanques — Sail along the coast of Cassis beneath soaring limestone cliffs and across the brilliant blue waters of the Mediterranean during a one-hour excursion accompanied by our team Marine Biologist.
• Walk in Van Gogh’s Footsteps — Discover the artist’s life in Provence and the landscapes that inspired some of his most celebrated work, including a fascinating guided experience with our team Van Gogh specialist.
• Taste the Real Provence — Enjoy privately hosted meals with our French friends, lunches and dinners, exceptional regional wines, and treasured culinary hideaways.
• Unpack Once in Saint-Rémy — Stay all five nights at one exceptional, Condé Nast-recommended boutique hotel, lovingly owned by our friend Karine. No hotel hopping—simply settle in and enjoy.

Click to view 2027 Provence Tour Dates

Provence Day-by-Day Itinerary in Detail

Day 1 — A Warm Welcome to Provence

Arrival in Saint-Rémy, Welcome cocktails, Private dinner at Chef Catherine’s Provençal home

Meals included: Dinner

Arrive in the sun-kissed land of lavender, vineyards, olive trees, and golden-stone villages, where our welcoming guide team will meet you for your complimentary scheduled group transfer from Marseille Airport or Avignon TGV station.

Settle into our intimate boutique hotel in the heart of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, owned by our dear friend Karine. Unpack once and make yourself at home—this elegant retreat will be yours for the entire tour.

As evening falls, we gather for welcome cocktails and an introduction to the week ahead. Then it is off to the enchanting Provençal farmhouse of our friend, Master Chef Catherine, for a privately hosted gourmet dinner. Around her table, new acquaintances quickly begin to feel like old friends. It is a delicious and unforgettable beginning to your time in Provence.

Complimentary Day 1 scheduled transfers

• 1:00 PM: Marseille Airport to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
• 4:00 PM: Avignon TGV station to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Dietary Request & Food Allergies

• Dietary Requests & Food Allergies—We accommodate ALL dietary requests and preferences (including vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, etc.) and ALL food allergies (gluten, shellfish, etc.) while ensuring a fantastic foodie experience for all tour guests with restrictions and/or allergies.

Day 2 — Saint Rémy-de-Provence Market & Timeless Arles and its’ Roman Ruins, Historic Center, and Museums

Morning — Cultural introduction to Saint Remy-de-Provence and its’ weekly artisan, arts & craft market, Countryside lunch together at our celebrity hide-a-way, Afternoon in Arles: Roman history & ruins, museums, and artisan boutiques

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Begin the morning among the colors, aromas, and cheerful bustle of Saint-Rémy’s beloved weekly market. Explore the town with our guides, browse stalls filled with regional specialties and the work of local artists, and enjoy time to shop for Provençal treasures.

At midday, we escape into the countryside for a gourmet LUNCH at a favorite hideaway owned by our local friends—adored by food lovers and made famous by cookbook author Patricia Wells.

The afternoon belongs to Arles, where ancient Rome, Provençal traditions, and the world of Vincent van Gogh come together. Following a guided introduction to the historic center, use your included pass to explore the Roman monuments, museums, or atmospheric old town at your own pace. A private tuk-tuk ride offers a fun and relaxed way to discover the city’s landmarks and hidden corners.

DINNER: Back in Saint-Rémy, the evening is yours. Your guides will gladly share their favorite restaurant recommendations and make reservations for you.

Day 3 –  A Day of Immersive Experiences in Provence – Wine & Macarons

Morning – Wine blending workshop at our friend’s family winery in Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Côtes de Rhone wine country, Picnic at the winery overlooking the valley of vines and perched villages, Afternoon – Hands-on macaron pastry class at our pastry chef’s home

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Morning — Become a Winemaker for the morning

Travel into the renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Côtes du Rhône wine country to visit our friends’ family-owned winery. Following a private winery visit and VIP tasting, step into the role of maître de chai—cellar master—and blend the estate’s distinctive grape varieties to create your own signature cuvée.

No wine experience is needed—only curiosity, creativity, and a sense of fun. Each guest takes home a bottle of their handcrafted wine as a unique souvenir of Provence.

LUNCH:  French picnic at the winery overlooking the sea of vineyards sprinkled with perched villages.

Afternoon — Hands-On French Macaron Pastry Class

Step inside the Provençal home of our friend and pastry chef, Evelyne, for a delightful pastry class devoted to one of France’s most iconic sweets.

Discover the techniques behind authentic French macarons and experience the pleasure of creating these elegant confections yourself. Personal, playful, and delicious, it is a joyful taste of French life.

Late Afternoon enjoy leisure time in Saint Remy-de-Provence for time to shop or enjoy the café vibe of town.

DINNER: Back in Saint-Rémy, the evening is yours. Your guides will gladly share their favorite restaurant recommendations and make reservations for you.

Can you picture yourself here? Explore our 2027 Provence tour dates and choose the week that feels right for you – Click to view 2027 Provence Tour Dates

Day 4 – Seaside Serenity in the Terraced, Wine Producing Village of Cassis Along the Mediterranean Sea

Morning — The Cassis weekly market, 1 Hour Calanques cruise along the coast with our team Marine Biologist, Optional artisan perfumery, Free time to explore Cassis, Gourmet dinner together

Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

Today we trade the countryside for the sparkling Mediterranean. In Cassis, terraced vineyards tumble toward a colorful fishing port framed by limestone cliffs, blue water, and sky.

Explore the charming harbor and lively weekly market with your guides before boarding a one-hour cruise through the Calanques, where dramatic white cliffs rise above the shimmering sea.

After the cruise, those who wish may join the guides for a taste of local Pastis and Cassis wines before choosing a café or restaurant for LUNCH along the port.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy. Browse the boutiques, relax on the beach, or visit our artisan friends at their family perfumery, where you will learn about their craft and sample perfumes and handmade soaps infused with the fragrances of Provence.

DINNER: This evening, we reunite for a gourmet dinner and share stories from our beautiful day beside the sea.

Day 5 — Into the Luberon Valley and Lavender Country

Spring and Fall tour dates — The Luberon: Visit the Villages of Gordes, Goult, and Roussillon, Optional Walk for guests interested in the walking aspect of the tour, Lunch together at our favorite hide-a-way, Wine tasting at a celebrity winery

Lavender Season tour dates — A Day Filled with Everything Lavender: Village of Sault, Visit to Our Friend’s Lavender Farm, Endless Fields of Lavender, Valensole Plateau, Optional Walk for guests interested in the walking aspect of the tour

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Today reveals the Provence of your imagination: hilltop villages, ochre cliffs, vineyard-lined roads, and—during lavender season—purple fields stretching toward the horizon. The itinerary changes with the seasons so you can experience the region at its most beautiful.

Spring and Fall Provence Tour Dates: Visit Gordes, Goult & Roussillon in the Luberon Valley

Choose the experience that suits you:

• For walkers: Follow a guided village-to-village route through the countryside surrounding Gordes and Roussillon. Rated easy to moderate, the walk lasts approximately 1½ hours, with pauses for photographs and time to explore both villages.
• For non-walkers: Travel comfortably between Gordes, Goult, and Roussillon and enjoy guided cultural visits of these remarkable villages—one celebrated for its golden stone and the other for its dramatic ochre cliffs.

Both walkers and non-walkers experience Gordes and Roussillon before enjoying a gourmet LUNCH at one of our favorite Luberon hideaways.

Lavender-Season Departures (Last week May to end of July): Goult & Sault, Valensole Plateau, Endless fields of lavender

Begin in the enchanting village of Goult, where you can browse the morning arts-and-crafts market and soak up the rhythms of local life. We then continue to Sault, Provence’s celebrated lavender capital, for a gourmet LUNCH amid spectacular seasonal scenery.

In the afternoon, choose how you would like to experience the lavender:

• For walkers: Follow our signature Lavender Trail through fragrant fields and glorious countryside. Rated easy to moderate, the walk lasts approximately 1½ hours, depending on stops for photographs.
• For non-walkers: Travel by shuttle to several of the region’s most beautiful lavender fields, with ample time to enjoy the views, take photographs, and immerse yourself in the landscape without joining the walk.

Everyone visits our friends’ family-run lavender farm and distillery to discover how fresh blossoms become fragrant essential oil.

Late Afternoon return to St. Remy-de-Provence: We end the day at a hidden celebrity gem that brings together acclaimed Provençal wines and an unexpected touch of Hollywood magic.

A Farewell to Provence

DINNER: This evening, a special farewell dinner at one of our favorite culinary hideaways. Together, we toast an unforgettable week of beautiful landscapes, exceptional cuisine, shared experiences, and new friendships.

— WALK RATING —

Walking Rating for PROVENCE Village to Village Walk (Spring & Fall tour dates)

• WALKERS — Our guided “Luberon Valley Village to Village” walk in the Luberon is rated EASY to MODERATE. It involves walking on vineyards and country trails through picturesque landscapes, French country architecture, lavender and sunflower fields with various beautiful villages in the background. It is ideal for those who walk regularly in the morning or afternoon. The walk lasts approximately 1.5 hours, depending on stops made for photo-ops.
• NON-WALKERS — EASY: Shuttle to each of our beautiful hilltop villages and gourmet hosted lunch.

Walking Rating for lavender season (end of May through early end of July)

• WALKERS — Our “Lavender Trail Walk” and is rated EASY to MODERATE. Enjoy spectacular, guided walking amidst some of the most beautiful landscapes of Provence, walking through magical fields of lavender. The countryside is gorgeous with incredible color and aromas and offers the perfect setting for a walking experience. This walk is ideal for those who regularly walk in the morning or afternoon. Walk length – approximately 1.5 hrs. depending on stops made for photo-ops.
• NON-WALKERS — EASY: Take our shuttle to lavender fields to experience and photograph the endless fields of lavender and enjoy non-walking cultural experiences with your guide.

Read my blog post about Exploring the Enchanting Allure of Provence, France: A Tapestry of Culture and Culinary Delights (opens in a new window)

Day 6 — Fond Farewells & Lasting Memories

Breakfast • Complimentary scheduled group departures

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy one final breakfast before saying au revoir to Saint-Rémy and the friends who have shared this wonderful week with you. You leave Provence with far more than photographs: the flavors, stories, laughter, and beauty of southern France travel home with you.

Complimentary Day 6 scheduled transfers

• Arrival at Avignon TGV station at 10:00 AM
• Arrival at Marseille Airport at 12:00 PM

Complete meeting and transfer instructions are provided in your tour information package approximately 30 days before departure. Earlier or later transfers may be arranged for an additional cost.

Small Groups, Personal Experiences: Limited to 16 guests and personally hosted by our Provence guiding team, you’ll enjoy the individual attention, relaxed atmosphere and special access that make every day feel like exploring Provence with local friends.

Ready to Fall in Love with Provence?

This is six beautiful days of France with Friends during our France Off the Beaten Path Best Adventures in Provence Tour—sharing the places we love, meeting the people who make Provence special, and experiencing southern France in a personal way that feels effortless and genuine.

Unpack, slow down, and let Provence work its magic.

  
 
 
 
  EXCELLENT  
  
 Based on 94 reviews 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 Kathleen Chalmers 
 
23 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Thoroughly enjoyed the itinerary and special dining/cooking with friends. Guides Summer, Christine, and Remi were so kind, knowledgeable, and such a joy daily. Castles, gardens, wine, cheese, desserts, more wine, more cheese and the Loire, along with spicy stories made this a lovely memorable trip. I especially liked having one single home base hotel in lovely Amboise.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Mel Welch 
 
22 September 2026
 
 
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+3
This was a dream trip and it was wonderful! Christy and Isabelle are wonderful to travel with and the food, wine and tours will never be forgotten. I hope to do another tour in a few years.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 TheCbham 
 
21 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Four of us 70 year old ladies went on the Off the Beaten Path tour of Provence for six days in August 2026.  We had the most wonderful time!  Before the tour, the owner (Christy) communicated often with us.  Our tour guides were Philippe and Summer, and they took such great care of us.  We felt like we made two wonderful new friends!  We went into this tour without any expectations and were blown away by all the beautiful sites we saw, incredible meals we had, and phenomenal shopping.   We stayed in St Remy de Provence in a gorgeous historic hotel.  The area was perfectly walkable and very safe.  We learned so much about Provence and even got to make macarons one day and bottle our own wine on another day.  I would do this tour again and highly recommend it.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Judith Deglin 
 
21 September 2026
 
 
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+0
My 32 year old daughter and I participated in a walking tour of Provence in September.  I am 76. We were in a group of 9 participants and this experience could not have gone better. Philip and Chloe were fabulous guides. We had some fabulous experiences at wineries, baking macarons, visiting some of Van Gogh’s haunts and boating around Cassis. Best of all was exploring a number of small villages on our own. Also some fun food adventures at Bistrot du Paridu and seaside at the Mediterranean. A great experience all around. Everyone in the group had lots of fun!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Martha Zornes 
 
3 September 2026
 
 
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+1
Truly a lovely experience.  Staying at one hotel for the entire tour and taking bus trips to the surrounding countryside was great.  It eliminated changing hotels which can be an issue on other tours.  The guides were ever present and helpful with lots of information and assistance.  My tour was in early July and the temperature was very hot, but the bus was cool and the guides had water available whenever it was needed.  The lavender fields were spectacular and there was plenty of time each day to wander the small towns we visited. The restaurants and experiences selected for the entire group provided great food and lots of fun and laughter.  The small group of travelers quickly became friends.  My only caution would be for travelers who find walking challenging.  In order to fully enjoy the towns, one needs to be comfortable walking a good distance sometimes uphill as the bus cannot always drive into the towns.  Overall, the trip was wonderful and I would happily travel again with this company.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Mary Weigel 
 
24 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
This small group tour could not have been better. Their attention to detail was remarkable. Their guides were very well informed and were very fun to be with. We took the Best Adventures in Provence trip and it was amazing. All of the tiny towns, winerys, locally owned restaurants and local businesses that they shared with us along the way were perfect. We got to see so much of the area and I only wish I had some extra time to spend in the town of Saint Remy where our hotel was located. Although we spent time in the town, there were so many neat little shops and restaurants right around there and I’m sure I would’ve enjoyed another day or two. If I did it again, I would probably add a day or two on at the beginning or end for just that. You cannot go wrong booking with the store company.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Regina Kitching 
 
24 August 2026
 
 
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Wonderful tour, every last detail attended to.
The itinerary was great and the guides amazing.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Susan Thompson (Hi) 
 
3 August 2026
 
 
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This was my first group travel experience and Off The Beaten Path gave my daughter and I a truly memorable immersion into Provence life, culture and beauty.   The Hotel Gournod in St. Remy was the perfect base located in the heart of town.  A lovely, authentic property, with an accommodating staff, and daily breakfast.  Coffee was excellent!.
The tour staff has so much experience and carefully curated each place and restaurant we visited.  It was hard for me to let go and let  someone else handle all the details of a trip as I have always planned my trips, but I quickly learned how truly relaxing it was to allow Christy and her excellent staff to handle all of the behind the scenes details and just be carefree!  This was a small group tour and I really enjoyed the company of the other members and the kind and patient staff!
I’m looking forward to another wonderful venture.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Julie Lecci 
 
1 August 2026
 
 
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Great tour, very flexible and the team provided us with opportunities we would not have been able to find on our own. Well worth the cost!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Julia Sosa 
 
28 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Can all of the positive reviews be true? Yes, even the one that states that too many photos were taken (more on this below).

The hotel is lovely, spacious room, comfy bed & bedding, the itinerary is as stated, the meals were delicious, the workshops were fun, the van transportation was comfortable, and the members of FOTBP team are gems. You’ll soon feel like you are traveling with long-time friends.

The itinerary options and free time are great perks. It’s like having a tour personalized just to your liking and capability. I never felt rushed and had ample time to absorb what was around me and to take MANY photographs.

Communication with the team members before, during & after was excellent. Members of the team were always by our side and within eyesight. Didn’t hear or understand what was said? Forgot something? Wondering if you’ll get to see something not on the itinerary? Want another bottle of water? Just ask and the matter is addressed immediately as if you were the only one on the tour and without disruption to the rest of the group’s experience. This team is AMAZING!! They enjoy every step of the way with you as if they were doing it for the first time. The success of the tour is due to the impeccable teamwork of Philippe (1) the head guide, the tour assistants Summer, Isabelle and Chloe, as well as Philippe (2) the driver. Christy has handpicked outstanding individuals to form this team.

Don’t doubt the MANY in-depth positive reviews, including the one that comments that the FOTBP team takes too many photos. You don’t have to participate in the group photos, and you can simply ask that photos not be taken of you. However, I welcomed this perk. Photos of me, of and with my bestie were taken without having to ask anyone to take a pic for us. It’s like having a personal photographer with you.

SUGGESTIONS
The Hotel Gounod features serene outdoor areas and a pool. Consider booking an extra night or two to allow you more time for lounging in these areas. This hotel has 2 rooms with bathtubs. If you need a bathtub, or rather not have to climb into one, make sure to communicate this ahead of time.

At Arles, ask a team member to book a tuk tuk for you. It is the best way to get around Arles and see the maximum number of sites. The price is reasonable, the seating was comfortable, the driver spoke English, he was punctual, informative and friendly, took us to the various Roman ruins, as well as other sites, waited for us as we explored and stopped whenever we saw a photo-op.

Italian restaurant Da Peppe - On one of the dinner on your own evenings, I enjoyed a delicious & hearty Burger Da Рeppe with & fries. It’s located across the street of the hotel on Avenue Fauconnet, Indoor, outdoor & 2nd floor seating as well as takeout.

Do I recommend FOTB’s Provence tour? YES!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Walking & Mobility

Our Provence tours are thoughtfully designed to be enjoyed by both walkers and non-walkers, with a delightful balance of activities, cultural experiences, and excursions. Guests need to be comfortable with a reasonable amount of daily leisure walking throughout the tour, including strolling through picturesque villages and towns, exploring historic sites and monuments, and navigating stairs at museums and other cultural attractions.

If you have mobility concerns or questions about the level of walking involved, please feel free to contact us before booking. We’re always happy to discuss the itinerary with you and help determine whether the tour will be a comfortable and enjoyable fit.

Tours that Feel Like Traveling with Friends…

Immerse yourself in local Provencal culture as we share time with our local French friends in combination with visiting quaint and charming villages and renowned wineries, walking beautiful country trails, exploring the art, artisan and craft markets, learning about the artists who called Provence home, celebrating birthdays, graduations, and anniversaries together, and savoring local wines and exquisite cuisine while staying in one exceptional hotel for our 6 days together in southern France…