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Outdoor Cheese market
Cute and rustic coffeshop inside the old town and rustic buildings - Provence walking tour
Lavander
Astonishing path through the old town and rustic buildings
Beautiful scenery of the sunset behind the lavender fields
Beautiful view of a church and a small town of Provence
Sunflower field in Provence by FRANCE OFF THE BEATEN PATH™
Girl running through lavander fields, enjoying her Provence walking tour
Bridge in Provence, Provence walking tour
authentic buildings, Provence walking tour with FRANCE OFF THE BEATEN PATH™ tours
Lavender on the wooden chair

Provence Tour Itinerary : 6-Day Tour

Best Adventures in Provence

Detailed Day-by-Day Provence Tour Itinerary

 

 

RATED EXCELLENT WITH 500+ REVIEWS

2019 WINNER!! 3RD CONSECUTIVE YEAR!

RECOMMENDED BY FROMMER’S FRANCE!

Peggy's review after having done 8 France Off the Beaten Path ToursPROVENCE TOUR ITINERARY – 6 DAYS/5 NIGHTS

France with Friends: The Provence You’ve Dreamed About

Unpack once in beautiful Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and spend six unforgettable days discovering the people, places, flavors, and landscapes that make southern France so irresistible. Guided by our stellar team—including our Van Gogh specialist and staff marine biologist and blog writer—you’ll experience Provence through the eyes of passionate local experts and storytellers. Create authentic French macarons in a pastry chef’s home, blend your own wine at a friend’s family-owned winery, explore storybook villages and Provence’s celebrated arts-and-crafts markets, cruise the spectacular Mediterranean Calanques, and dine at treasured addresses welcomed as friends by our chefs.

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

 

The Highlights

  • Hands-On French Macaron Workshop — Step inside the Provençal home of our friend, pastry chef Evelyne, for a delightful two-hour, hands-on workshop. Discover the techniques behind France’s iconic macarons, create your own elegant confections, and enjoy a deliciously memorable taste of local life in Provence. 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. Then savor a gourmet French picnic overlooking sweeping vineyards and picturesque hilltop villages.
  • Personal Attention from an Exceptional Guide Team: Travel with a maximum of 16 guests, cared for by our stellar Provence guiding team—including a Provence and Van Gogh expert, marine biologist and staff writer, and a hiking and walking specialist. With multiple guides, smaller-group activities and thoughtfully planned alternatives, the experience always remains welcoming, flexible and personal.
  • Experience Provence Your Way; To Walk or Not to Walk — Choose from two guided walking opportunities during the week. Guests who prefer not to walk enjoy thoughtfully planned, guided cultural experiences instead, so everyone discovers the best of Provence in a way that suits them.
  • Daily Guided Experiences: Enjoy a wonderful selection of guided cultural experiences throughout the tour, designed for both walkers and non-walkers.
  • Follow the Provence Lavender Route — On lavender-season departures, 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, Cassis, and Arles.
  • 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, gourmet lunches and dinners, exceptional regional wines, a vineyard picnic, 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

 


 

Ari Levine Grammy Award Winning song writer for Bruno Mars, CeeLo Green and Snoop Dogg during France Off the Beaten Path Provence Tour.

Designed for Walkers and Non-Walkers

Our Provence tour includes two opportunities to choose a guided walk during the week. Walkers may join an easy-to-moderate Luberon or Lavender Trail walk and a moderate hike in the Alpilles. Guests who prefer not to walk enjoy engaging cultural activities and chauffeured transportation instead.

All guests should be comfortable with a reasonable amount of leisure walking through villages, towns, historic sites, and museums, as well as occasional stairs and uneven surfaces. Van support is provided during the walks for added flexibility. If you have mobility concerns, please contact us before booking—we are always happy to help you determine whether the tour will be a comfortable fit.

 


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

 

Provence tour guests enjoying a privately hosted dinner at friend, Chef Catherine's Provencal farmhouse.

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 Market & Timeless Arles

Saint-Rémy cultural walk and market • Gourmet countryside lunch • Arles, Roman history & private tuk-tuk experience

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

 

July 2026 tour guests at lunch in the countryside during France Off the Beaten Path Provence tour.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 — The Luberon: Hilltop Villages or Lavender Dreams

Seasonal Luberon discovery • Lavender experiences all-day (during blooming season) • Walking and non-walking experiences • Gourmet lunch • Wine tasting at a hidden gem

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

 

Lavender season tour guests walking through lavender fields of ProvenceToday 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 Departures: Gordes & Roussillon

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 and Roussillon and enjoy guided cultural visits of these two remarkable hilltop villages—one celebrated for its golden stone and the other for its dramatic ochre cliffs.

Both groups 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

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.

We end the day at a hidden gem that brings together acclaimed Provençal wines and an unexpected touch of Hollywood magic.

Dinner: Back in Saint-Rémy, dinner is at your leisure, with recommendations and reservations provided by your guides.

 

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.

 

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 Cassis

Cassis harbor and market • Calanques cruise with our team Marine Biologist • Optional artisan perfumery • Leisure beside the Mediterranean • Gourmet dinner

Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

September Provence tour guests enjoying our calanques cruise in Cassis, France.

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 –  A Day of Choices in Provence

Morning: Wine blending workshop or a guided Alpilles hike • Afternoon: Macaron pastry workshop or leisure in Saint-Rémy • Farewell dinner

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Your final full day is designed around choice, with two memorable ways to spend the morning and two delightful options for the afternoon.

 

Provence tour guests enjoying a surprise picnic at our winery in Provence

Morning Option 1 — Become a Winemaker

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.

After the workshop, linger over a gourmet French picnic at the winery, surrounded by vineyards, rolling countryside, and picturesque hilltop villages.

Morning Option 2 — Guided Hike in the Alpilles

Set out from Saint-Rémy for a guided three-hour hike through the magnificent Alpilles. Follow scenic trails bordered by fragrant herbs, olive groves, and limestone cliffs while taking in sweeping views across the Provençal countryside.

Rated moderate, this true hike includes elevation gain and loose gravel and is best suited to guests accustomed to regular walking. Appropriate walking shoes are required.

Following the hike, enjoy lunch at one of our favorite restaurants in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

 

Fruits of our labor, the macarons we made in pastry class at Evelyne's house during one of our Provence tours.Afternoon Option 1 — Hands-On French Macaron Workshop

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

With Evelyne guiding you, 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—and a wonderful experience to share on your final afternoon in Provence.

Afternoon Option 2 — Saint-Rémy at Leisure

Prefer a slower afternoon?  Saint-Rémy is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Stroll through the town’s elegant streets, browse charming boutiques and art galleries, relax at a café, or discover its rich history, museums, and artistic treasures.

A Farewell to Provence

Dinner: This evening, everyone reunites for 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 the Morning Hike Option in the Alpilles

  • The walk is rated MODERATE. Enjoy spectacular, guided walking amidst some of the most beautiful landscapes of Provence, walking through olive groves, vineyards, and across the Alpilles. The vistas from the trail are breathtaking. This walk is ideal for those who love a true hike and are accustomed to elevation gain and loose gravel trails. This hike requires appropriate walking shoes. Walk length – approximately 3 hrs.

 

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


Mari and Abraham Poulouse review of their July lavender season Provence tour with France Off the Beaten Path.

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 more than a tour. It is six beautiful days of France with Friends—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.



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 are welcome to opt out of any of the optional walks; however, everyone should be comfortable with a reasonable amount of 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…

 

 

  • Have a group of friends or family, and want to make this tour a private departure? Email us at christy@traveloffthebeatenpath.com .
  • True Small Groups – Maximum 16 Guests Per Tour Date.
  • Dietary Requests & Food Allergies — We accommodate ALL dietary requests (including vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, etc) and ALL food allergies (gluten, shellfish, etc) while ensuring an amazing foodie experience for all tour guests with restrictions and/or allergies.
  • WALKERS – Van support is provided for walks to offer maximum flexibility to all guests. You decide how much walking you’d like to do, if participating in our walks. Walker rating = Easy to Moderate.
  • NON-WALKERS: Shuttle to/from all activities, excursions, meals and visits. NON-Walker rating = 100% Easy.

RATED 5 STARS BY HUNDREDS OF HAPPY TOUR GUESTS

OVER 500 VERIFIED FIVE-STAR REVIEWS ON TRUSTPILOT

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RATED 5 STARS BY HUNDREDS OF HAPPY TOUR GUESTS

OVER 500 VERIFIED FIVE-STAR REVIEWS ON TRUSTPILOT

A WORD FROM Our Guests:

Exceeded Our Expectations!

“This trip to the Loire Valley exceeded our expectations! Christy planned unique and interesting excursions and activities that highlighted the beauty of the area and provided in-depth background knowledge about the various chateaux we visited. The cooking classes with renowned chefs, held in their restaurants and homes, were never-to-be forgotten experiences, and the visit to the winery was a highlight. The hotel was delightful and charming, and staying in one location for the entire time was a treat. Every meal or cocktail hour was planned to highlight the delicious specialties of the region. Christy is extremely knowledgeable about the various places we visited and imparted that knowledge in an interesting and entertaining manner. She and Remi took great care to ensure that we were always comfortable and well-looked after. We could not have asked for a better trip!” — Ron Rose & Sharon Matsumoto (Have done Provence tour and Loire Valley tour)

This was my third trip in the same number of years

“This was my third trip in the same number of years with Christy and Off the Beaten Path. While on her trips you can tell how much effort there is on the off season to make every single week perfect. From the pick up at the train station to the teary goodbye at the airport, everything is perfectly planned and executed. The hotel in St. Remy is magical, and the tour guides Philippe and David are exceptional. If you are considering a trip with OTBP, go for it and come home with new friends, a love of Provence and a longing to return as soon as you can!” — Beth Bower (Has done Provence tour twice and Loire Valley tour)

The Best Tour Company!

“I have done two tours – Provence and Loire Valley – and I am already looking forward to booking another. The tours are all perfectly curated and Christy is a wealth of knowledge. She is so kind and takes all of your needs and wants into consideration. I cannot recommend Off the Beaten Path enough!” — Madison Carl (Has done Provence and Loire Valley tours)

“We did the Provence tour. 8/2019. I had taken the tour 2017 & this time my husband came with me. It was just as fabulous this time as it was in 2017. Restaurants, picnic, sights, wine, all of it just delightful, but the frosting on the cake is a the knowledge, insight, humor, & attention to detail from David & Philippe. To us, they make a great trip soooo much fun. (also, 3 of our neighbors joined us this tour). Don’t hesitate, take this tour & enjoy!!!!!” — Jim & Carol Dean (Carol has done Provence tour twice)

Returning to Provence with France Off the Beaten Path

“I wanted to return to Provence as soon as it was open. I had toured with Christy in Loire Valley in 2019 and knew I wanted to travel with her again. For the second time, everything was well organized, personal and definitely off the beaten path. Christy and Phillippe have a wealth of knowledge and are eager to share. The hotel was perfectly located in St Remy, the tours to the lavender and sunflower fields are my favorite memory. The lunches and dinners were like visiting friends. The boat tour in Cassis was another highlight. Even though I had visited Provence, this trip with France Off the Beaten Path brought a new appreciation for the area.” — Susan Gage (Has done Loire Valley tour, Provence tour, Champagne tour)

“We had an excellent tour with Christie and her crew in the Loire valley. We did things that only a true insider would have access to-dinner at a Michelin chefs house, helping/learning to cook at a highly rated restaurant in their kitchen. This was in addition to seeing the sights and touring the castles. A truly unique experience that is off the beaten path. We will use her again when going back to France.” — Karen Berner (Has done Loire Valley tour)

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