Provence Insider
Slow your pace and enliven your senses on this Insider journey through Provence's landscape of vibrant colors, intoxicating fragrances, delicious flavors and living history. Bright red poppies, purple grapes and limestone cliffs catch your eye. Full-bodied wines and rich olive oils tantalize your taste buds. And the scent of lavender soothes your soul. Among ancient stone walls, feel the past come to life as local experts share fascinating insights into traditions of old and new. Your joie de vivre continues into night as you relax in luxurious Backroads retreats and experience haute cuisine in true French style – seated outside on terraces or in lavish dining rooms, and savoring every bite. Fall under the spell of Provence and learn to perfect l'art de vivre.
Savoir Vivre
Embrace the calming tempo of Provence, where neighbors catch up while buying bread at the boulangerie or during a leisurely round of pétanque. Follow their lead and remember how to fully live life. Enjoy seasonal produce grown right at your doorstep. Connect with locals using the phrases your Trip Leader taught you – though no words are needed to feel part of the Provençal life.
Gifts from the Ground
Uncover the secrets of Provençal cuisine during private visits to mills and wineries. Sample sultry côtes du rhônes while Rodolphe de Pins shares winemaking anecdotes at his 11th-century château. Delight in fresh olive oils as Moulin du Calanquet's charming Anne Brun explains olive cultivation (a 2,500-year-old tradition) and oil production.
Portal to the Past
Step back in time as you stand on the Pont du Gard, built by the Romans 2,000 years ago – without mortar! Discover what lies behind the ancient walls of Avignon as Francesca Anzilotto describes its intriguing papal history. Explore the medieval synagogue at Carpentras. And learn how the history of Roussillon has been shaped by its stunning ocher deposits. Our expert guides skillfully tie tales of the past to the Provence of today.
An Artist's Muse
Provence has drawn painters and writers for centuries. Witness the magical light that inspired Cézanne, Picasso and Gaugin. Stroll the same streets as Chagall. Visit the Saint-Rémy asylum where van Gogh stayed after cutting his ear – then walk with local expert Marie-Charlotte Bouton to see the views that inspired Irises and Starry Night. And everywhere, watch the pages of Peter Mayle's A Year in Provence come to life.
Striking Scenery
Rhône Valley vineyards and Roman ruins around historic Avignon. The limestone ridges of the Alpilles, dotted with pear, apple and cherry trees, along with olive groves and fields of tomatoes and eggplants. The quiet green hills of the Gard. And the Lubéron's medieval villages on rocky outcrops. See how this surprising variety of landscape makes Provence even more enticing.
Feast for the Senses
Revel in the sun's warmth and the wine cellar's cool earth. Lose yourself in lively open-air marchés, creating picnics of juicy tomatoes, saucisson sec and freshly baked baguette with tapenade and goat cheese. Shop for colorful pottery and fabrics while breathing in aromas of chocolate and honey. And as you sip wine on a château patio, feel very glad that life has brought you here.
Luxurious Lodging : Premiere Inns
Les Ateliers de l'Image (2 nights): Located in the center of St-Rémy, this sophisticated four-star hotel is a showcase of streamlined postmodern décor. The property, once a photography studio, has a gallery and private collection, and offers photo workshops. Also worth a visit are its expansive garden and gorgeous pool.
Château de Montcaud (1 night): This Relais & Châteaux country retreat, set on 11 acres of peaceful exclusive parkland, is a beautifully restored Second Empire estate. In addition to well-appointed rooms and excellent service, this hotel features tennis courts, a sauna, outdoor swimming pool and excellent regional cuisine served in the warm months on an inviting patio.
La Bastide de Gordes (2 nights): Sitting within an incredible 12th-century fortress, this luxurious hotel offers spacious rooms, a full-service Daniel Jouvance spa and spectacular views of the Lubéron Valley. Take a dip in the dramatic outdoor pool that overlooks the ramparts, sip a glass of rosé on the cozy terrace or visit the hotel's private wine cellar.
2008 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Trip praise
Backroads is really excited to add our latest way to explore the world - Insider Trips - to our award-winning biking, hiking and multisport vacations. These are experiences you cannot have behind the wheel of a car, or on a train or a tour bus, or in a few excursions from a cruise ship or a secluded resort.- Backroads President and Founder