Taylored Tours specializes in custom-designed travel and tours, “taylored” to your taste…perfect for foodies, wine enthusiasts, and seasoned adventurers alike.
Taylored Tours can design a vacation to France for you that takes in its landscapes, from the mountains of the Rhône-Alpes, to Provence’s lavender fields, and the Riviera’s Mediterranean. We can also include the country’s historic sites, like the chateaux that stud the Loire Valley and the D-Day landing beaches in Normandy. If you’re a foodie and wine-lover, we will point you in the direction of the best local produce markets, AOC-designated wineries and the best culinary experiences across the whole country.
When you are ready to start planning…
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION CALL WITH US
Provence was the first region in France to fall under Roman rule and the remains of the mighty empire can still be seen throughout, from the pantheon in Nimes to the amphitheater in Arles. With its strategic location between Italy and Spain, Provence became an important trading hub and in the 14th century, it was the powerful seat of the Catholic Church.
Provence has long been known as an artist’s haven, attracting such masters as Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Cezanne, Auguste Renoir, Henri Matisse and many, many more. It’s easy to see why: with its wide, expansive rolling hills and warm stone villages, the pleasures of Provence unfold like a beautiful painting. Add in outdoor markets, excellent wine and scene-stealing natural wonders, and you might as well have the perfect vacation destination.
With a mild Mediterranean climate year round, there really is no bad time to visit Provence. Like the rest of France, peak season is the summer months from June to August, when the crowds swell and the weather is hot and dry. A major summer event in Provence is the Festival International d'art Lyrique in Aix, a festival dedicated to opera and classical music. The French take their holiday vacations in August, so keep in mind some businesses might be closed. To see the famous lavender fields in full bloom, plan a trip in mid to late spring. Consider a trip in December to experience the local Christmas Markets and watch the cities sparkle in festivities and tradition.
The South of France is bursting with rich culture, punctuated every summer by a host of festivals throughout Provence.
Visiting Provence during the summer festival season is a must-do on everyone’s ultimate travel bucket list. You can expect amazing food, wonderful outdoor theater and great music in spectacular settings. All through the summer months, you’ll also find lots of mini festivals and farmers markets throughout the region that are full of regional specialties, the freshest produce, and Provençal goods such as lavender, tablecloths, clothes and more.
Summer Festival Highlights
Unless you plan on staying stay in one city like Avignon or Aix, you’ll need a car in Provence. There’s nothing quite like driving Provence’s winding roads through beautiful countryside and discovering small towns along the way. Book a rental car online and well in advance for the best rate. If you’re not totally comfortable driving a car, hiring a driver is another recommended option. Another great option is a river cruise along the Rhône River.
Of course, a trip to Provence requires eating typical Provencal cuisine. Bouillabaisse (Provencal fish stew), anchoïade or tapenade (anchovy or olive spread) and ratatouille are just a few common dishes you’ll find on menus where seasonal fruits, vegetables and herbs take center stage. No meal is truly complete without pastis, an anise-flavored aperitif. Below are just a few of our favorite places to eat and drink in the region.
Aix-en-Provence
The quintessential Provencal town, Aix-en-Provence is where many travelers begin or end their country adventure. Stroll the tree-lined main street Cours Mirabeau, which is like a smaller rural version of the Champs Elysees in Paris. Stop for a breather at one of the many fountains, and watch the world go by at an outdoor cafe. Also worth visiting is Atelier Cezanne, the studio of famed Impressionist painter Paul Cezanne.
Avignon
Set on the Rhone River, Avignon is a medieval town with a fascinating history. From 1309 to 1377, it was the seat of the Catholic Church, and that legacy can still be seen at the UNESCO-certified Palais de Papes surrounded by fortified walls. With a large student population, Avignon maintains a youthful glow, while the annual Festival d'Avignon in July draws crowds for its celebration of contemporary performing arts.
Arles
An important river port, Arles played a strategic role in the Roman Empire. In its later years, the town became well known as the residence of Vincent Van Gogh, who lived in Arles for two years and painted some 300 works of art. Twice a week, Arles comes alive during the outdoor market with heaps of colorful produce ready to be eaten. Nearby, the Camargue provides a welcome respite from the bustling town with its famous flamingos and white horses.
Nimes
A city of incredible Roman ruins, strolling around Nimes is like walking through an open-air museum. Central to the town is the arena, the best preserved Roman amphitheatre in the world. You can still catch a thrilling bullfighting show here and experience life as it was thousands of years ago. Les Jardins de la Fontaine is a beautiful 17th-century park, and the first built not for royalty but for the public.
Pont du Gard
Close to Nimes, the Pont du Gard is perhaps the most recognizable Roman structure in Provence, if not all of France. Built over the Gardon River, the 2,000-year-old aqueduct was built to supply water to Nimes and was made entirely without mortar. Just a few short steps on the left bank, a museum offers visitors an in-depth history of the bridge.
Palais des Papes
One of the most visited places in France, Palais des Papes is the former papal residence in the heart of Avignon. It is the biggest Gothic palace in all of Europe that was the symbol of the Christian Western world during the 14th century. Visitors can see more than 20 rooms in the palace, including the Papal apartments with their priceless frescoes painted by the Italian artist Matteo Giovannetti.
Verdon Gorge
Known as the Grand Canyon of Europe, the Vernon Gorge (aka Gorges du Verdon) is pure jaw-dropping beauty. An electric blue river in between steep limestone cliffs, the gorge is one of the must-see natural wonders of central Provence. The best way to experience this area is by kayak, which can be rented at the top end of the Lac de Sainte Croix.
Reattu Museum
A true hidden gem, Reattu Museum houses one of the best art collections you’ll find in Provence. Named after the Arles-born painter Jacques Reattu, the museum is located in the late 15th century Grand Priory of the Order of Malta. Inside, you’ll find an extensive collection of works by Reattu, as well as 57 sketches from Picasso and a letter from Van Gogh to Paul Gauguin.
Senanque Abbey
Founded in 1148 by a community of Cistercian monks, Senanque Abbey is a stunning religious and cultural monument in Provence. Nestled among lavender fields near the village of Gordes, the working abbey is home to an order of monks who make ends meet by selling lavender and honey to visitors.
Many people in Provence speak French with a strong regional accent. Brush up on your French and expect to say pouvez-vous répéter? (can you please repeat?)
You will likely see locals playing petanque or boules, a game similar to bocce where the goal is to get your boule (a heavy metal ball) closest to a smaller target ball.
Provence is famous for its fields of fragrant lavender, which becomes the signature scent of the region. Pick up a sachet of dried lavender or a bottle of perfume while you’re there.
The wine to drink in Provence is Cotes du Rhone, grown along the sunbaked hills of the Rhone River.
The word “denim” comes from Nimes (de Nimes).
Long lazy lunches on shady terraces overlooking the sea, olive trees, cicadas chirping, a hot summer sun, and brilliant blue skies are just part of the reason you’ll be falling in love with Provence, France. Here are some of our favorite vacations.
Spend some time in the capital of Paris before enjoying the simple pleasures of Aix-en-Provence and Avignon.
Indulge in French flavors on a palate-pleasing itinerary that highlights the essence of France’s Burgundy and Provence.
Celebrate the festive holiday season while sailing through the South of France. From romantic cities decked in garlands and lights, to foodie havens and artistic epicenters, this itinerary enlivens all your senses.