Aix-en-Provence
Wine, Cuisine & Culture: Provence's Delights on a 5-Day Small Group Tour
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multi-day tours
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Packages
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05 days
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Small Groups ( 1~8 )
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Quiet
- Highlights
- Program
- Prices
- Accommodation
- Know before
- Meeting point
- FAQ
Highlights
- 3 Days of Provence Tours from Aix en Provence
- Visit Provence villages, Saint Rémy, Les Baux & Cassis
- Chateauneuf du Pape wine tour from Aix
- All visits, entrance fees & tasting fees in program included
- English speaking guides, Provence experts
Program & Itinerary
Discover Provence with Our Small Group Shared Travel Package
Experience the best of Provence in the company of like-minded travelers with our small group shared travel package. Provence, with its stunning landscapes, rich history, and legendary food and wine, is a destination that appeals to all the senses.
Intimate and Immersive Journey
Our small group shared Provence travel package offers an intimate and immersive journey through the region's charming villages, historic cities, and natural wonders. Join a group of no more than 8 travelers and enjoy the camaraderie of exploring Provence together.
Highlights of Your Provence Adventure
- Seaside Village of Cassis: Visit Cassis and enjoy a boat ride in the Calanques.
- Historic Towns: Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Arles, Saint Remy de Provence, and Les Baux de Provence.
- Luberon Valley: Explore the charming villages of this picturesque valley.
- Culinary Delights: Taste Provence's famous cuisine and wines, including rosé and Côtes du Rhône. Enjoy leisurely lunches and dinners at local restaurants (at own expense).
- Wine Tours: Tour the Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards, visit local wineries, and sample the region's red and white wines.
Expert Guidance
Throughout your journey, you'll be accompanied by an expert driver/guide who will share their knowledge of the region's history, culture, and traditions, ensuring every aspect of your trip runs smoothly.
Book Your Provence Adventure Today
Join our small group shared Provence travel package and discover the beauty and charm of this beloved region.
Contact us to learn more and reserve your spot today!
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day 1
Arrival in Aix en Provence / Private Hotel Transfer
Pick up at Aix en Provence train station or Marseille Provence airport and private transfer to your hotel in Aix en Provence. Enjoy some free time for personal discovery depending on time of arrival. Evening is at leisure in Aix en Provence.Pick up at Aix en Provence train station or Marseille Provence airport and private transfer to your hotel in Aix en Provence. Enjoy some free time for personal discovery depending on time of arrival. Evening is at leisure in Aix en Provence.Read moreRead less -
day 2
Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour from Aix en Provence
Meet your English speaking local guideOn this shared full day small group tour, we will first come and pick you up at the centrally located tourism office in Aix en Provence. Meet your English speaking driver guide who will go over the itinerary and program of the day with you....Meet your English speaking local guide
On this shared full day small group tour, we will first come and pick you up at the centrally located tourism office in Aix en Provence. Meet your English speaking driver guide who will go over the itinerary and program of the day with you. Drive to the Châteauneuf du Pape wine region where you will have several wine tasting sessions in carefully selected Châteauneuf du Pape wineries.
Châteauneuf du Pape Wine tour
The Châteauneuf du Pape Appellation was one of 6 to be labeled as the first AOC wines of France in 1936. The vineyards planted by the Romans were extended and developed by the Pope's residing in Avignon popes during the 14th century.
In 1314, Clement V, the first Avignon Pope discovered the special soil of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. His successor, John XXII supports him and it was during his reign that the vineyard really took off and spread fame beyond the borders of “The Comtat”.
The former bishop of Avignon, Jacques Duèse was elected as Pope John XII and succeeded Clement V in 1316. He regularly drank the wines from the vineyards ‘in the north’ and did much to improve viticulture practices there.
The Pope sought a place sufficiently far from the city to discourage courtiers, sycophants, and scroungers, yet close enough so that a courier could go there and back to Avignon on the same day. The ideal spot was found on a hillock overlooking the Rhône Valley about halfway between Avignon and Orange – Châteauneuf – and this area was placed directly under his authority.
As you reach this famous wine producing region, discover the village and its ancient castle that was the summer residence of the Pope's during their stay in the area. Here, you will enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view on the valley.
Morning Wine tasting session in a local Winery
The Chateauneuf du Pape wines are well known for their full bodied red wines made predominantly with different grape varieties such as Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre that are typical grapes that can be found in the southern vineyards of France. There are also some white Châteauneuf du Pape wines that are intensely perfumed. The grape varieties used for the white wines include Grenache Blanc, Rousannes, Clairette and Bourboulenc many of which are rustic french varietals.
Upon arrival in the village, it will be time to taste some of the local wines in a local winery. Then, you will have some free time to roam around and enjoy a wine tour of Chateauneuf du Pape wines in the old 14th century pope cellars. Depending on your wishes, it will be possible to taste more wines in the local wineries that your guide can point to.
Lunch in a local restaurant (at own expense)
After your morning Chateauneuf du Pape wine tour, it will be time for lunch.Your guide will suggest different options so don't hesitate to ask for suggestions.
Afternoon wine tasting session in a local Winery
After lunch, experience your second Chateauneuf du Pape winery tour. Listen about the history of this unique domain, visit the installations and participate in a commented tasting of the wines of the estate. Take the opportunity to ask about the wine making process, the different bledings that are possible and most of all learn about the large range of grape varieties that can be used to make this exceptional wines.Read moreRead less -
day 3
Arles Visit, Saint Remy de Provence & Les Baux de Provence
Experience a full day guided tour to the town of Arles and the authentic Provence villages of Saint-Remy and Les Baux de Provence from Aix en Provence.Explore 3 stunning gems on this full day tour to Arles, listed by Unesco as a World Heritage Site because of the number of...Experience a full day guided tour to the town of Arles and the authentic Provence villages of Saint-Remy and Les Baux de Provence from Aix en Provence.
Explore 3 stunning gems on this full day tour to Arles, listed by Unesco as a World Heritage Site because of the number of Roman Monuments, the village of Saint-Rémy de Provence, where Van Gogh lived for a year and the village of Les Baux de Provence, an outstanding medieval village.
Meet your English speaking local guide
In the morning, we will come and pick you up at the tourism office in Aix en Provence. Meet your English speaking driver/guide who will go over the itinerary and program of the day with you. Then board your premium A/C vehicle and begin your small group tour led by a local guide.
Arles Town Visit
Discover the Historic city of Arles, a fortified town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Participate in a walking tour of the historic center to visit the most emblematic monuments of the town including the Amphitheater, the Antique Theater or Saint Trophime church.
The Roman City & Sites
The Roman Amphitheater was built at the end of the 1st Century to the North of the town. It is part of a general extension of Arles and was built at the same period of time as the baths. It is larger than the one located in Nîmes and could welcome up to 25.000 spectators. Antique Games will be held within until the fall of the Roman Empire.
The building of the Antique Theatre was requested by Emperor Auguste. It could welcome up to 10.000 spectators at a time. Only part of the Theater remains but it is still one of the most well preserved in France.
Used as a Theater until the beginning of the 5th century, it was then used as a quarry for the construction of the paleo-christian church of Saint Stephen. In the 17th century the famous Venus of Arles was discovered during early archeological digs.
The Roman Forum
Located at the intersection of the Cardo (north-south axis) and the Decumanus (east-west axis), the Roman Forum of Arles is made up of a great square of which only two fragments still exist. What is interesting about the Forum in Arles are the foundations as it is built on a cryptoporticus, which is a covered corridor or passageway.
The cryptoporticus were known to be used as storage areas in other towns but the one in Arles is, however, too damp for prolonged storage and may have served as a barracks for public slaves.
On the Footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh
During his stay in Arles between February 1888 and May 1889, Vincent Van Gogh executed about 300 paintings and drawings. The places in the city where the artist set up his easel are marked with panels representing his paintings.
Saint-Rémy de Provence
Arrive in Saint Remy de Provence, one of the prettiest villages of the area. The village is known to be a summer hot spot for chic parisians, yet it is still possible to find some quiet areas within the village, as there are many small squares scattered all over. After the visit, free time for personal discovery and lunch. For your information, there is a beautiful Provence Market on Wednesdays.
Les Baux de Provence
Drive to the Alpilles mountain region that is famous for its vineyards and olive trees. Reach the medieval hilltop village of les Baux-de-Provence built on a rocky spur and from where you will have a breathtaking view of the surrounding Provence Countryside. Enjoy some free time to stroll and explore the narrow streets, Art galleries and the remains of a 10th century fortress.
After the visit of Les Baux de Provence village, we will return to Aix en Provence and that will be the end of our services.Read moreRead less -
day 4
Cassis Village, Calanques Boat Ride & Provence Wines
Breakfast at your Hotel8.15 Meet your guide in front of the Aix en Provence Tourism office.This morning, we will come and pick you up at in front of the Aix en Provence Tourism office. The tourist office is located in the heart of the city, close to all the hotels...Breakfast at your Hotel
8.15 Meet your guide in front of the Aix en Provence Tourism office.
This morning, we will come and pick you up at in front of the Aix en Provence Tourism office. The tourist office is located in the heart of the city, close to all the hotels located in the city center, usually a maximum 10 minutes walking distance.
Meet your English speaking local guide
Upon arrival at the meeting point, you will be welcomed by your English speaking guide who will be waiting with a sign bearing the name of the tour and with the Ophorus logo on it. Also, all our guides have a nominative badge so that it will be easy for you to recognize them. There, your guide will go over the itinerary and program of the day. Board your premium, comfortable A/C vehicle and begin your tour from Aix en Provence towards the lovely seaside village of Cassis.
Cassis village visit
Arrive in the fishing village of Cassis and discover this cute portside village as well as the calanques listed by Unesco as a world heritage national park. The land & sea area is known for its white cliffs and turquoise water. Follow your guide on a walking tour of the village so as to get your bearings. As you stroll through the narrow streets of Cassis, browse small shops and stores that sell local goods of Provence, far from the chain stores that you would find in larger cities. If you are in the village on a Wednesday or Friday morning, your guide will certainly take you to the local market where it is possible to taste local delicacies.
Boat Ride in the Calanques National Park
This full day tour from Aix en Provence also includes a panoramic boat ride of the Calanques that are located near Cassis. From the small port, reach the Calanques National Park that stretches from Marseille to Cassis to admire some of the most beautiful coves part of the steep rocky coast that developed in limestone due to erosion. The result is a breathtaking landscape that mixes turquoise waters with impressive limestone cliffs and inlets.
Enjoy some free time for personal discovery & lunch (at own expense)
The great thing about this tour is that the program has been designed to leave you enough time to thoroughly enjoy your time in Cassis. After your visit & 45 minute boat ride, you will have sufficient time to take in some of that "Provence atmosphere" and lose yourself in the small quiet backstreets compared to the bustling harbor. It will also be time for you to taste some of the local delicacies in one of the many restaurants or bistros of the village. Ask your guide for recommendations as there are a number of restaurants that serve fine meals. As you can imagine, fish & seafood are among the most popular dishes to be found in the village.
Reach Cape Canaille, the highest cliff in Europe
No tour to Cassis will be complete without a drive along the Route des Crêtes. As you leave Cassis, your drive will begin to head up towards the highest sea cliff in all of Europe. Of course, your driver/guide will stop in one of the many areas dedicated to take in the views over the village and the surrounding Mediterranean Sea. The views are stunning and make for a great opportunity for astounding photos.
Provence Rosé, red & white Wines
After the drive to Cap Canaille, it will be time for you to experience a wine tasting session in the Côtes de Provence - Sainte Victoire, an appellation that was created in 2005. The soil here is quite poor and is mainly formed of limestone and clay/sandstone. This 'terroir' is ideal for the production of elegant rosé wines and robust and generous red wines. For the Provence Sainte Victoire Rosé and red wines, the main grape varieties used are Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah. Occasionally, other varietals can include Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan or Mourvèdre.
After a short drive, arrive at a carefully selected winery of the Côtes de Provence Sainte Victoire wine producing area. Here, the view is stunning with the Montagne Sainte Victoire in the back and limestone plateaus that are often planted with Olive trees. Upon arrival, taste local Rosé wine and find out about the winery and the wine making process of this very popular wine. Depending on the winery visited, continue your tasting with reds and/or whites of the Appellation.
Return to Aix en Provence
After your wine tasting session, it will be time to make our way back to Aix en Provence.Read moreRead less -
day 5
Departure transfer from Aix en Provence
Breakfast at your hotel and return transfer from your hotel in Aix en Provence to TGV train station or Marseille airport. End of our services.Breakfast at your hotel and return transfer from your hotel in Aix en Provence to TGV train station or Marseille airport. End of our services.Read moreRead less
Prices
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3* Hotel Option
From € 1,130.00-
Base 2 persons in double room sharing
1130€ p/p
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4* Hotel Option
From € 1,300.00-
Base 2 persons in double room sharing
1300€ p/p
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5* Hotel Option
From € 1,650.00-
Base 2 persons in double room sharing
1650€ p/p
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Accommodation
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Hotel L'Escaletto (or similar)
Present in the Aix-en-Provence hotel industry since 1970, the Escaletto offers 44 fully renovated rooms in a warm and trendy environment. L'Escaletto ...Present in the Aix-en-Provence hotel industry since 1970, the Escaletto offers 44 fully renovated rooms in a warm and trendy environment.
L'Escaletto is ideally located on the Cours Sextius, near the thermal baths and a few steps from the old Aix-en-Provence district. You will enjoy walking around and discovering the city's markets, its fountains, its cathedral and its authentic and lively Place de l'Hôtel de Ville.
Only a few minutes separate us from the famous Fontaine de la Rotonde, the Cours Mirabeau and the Mazarin district. From our hotel, Aix en Provence is within easy reach.
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Hotel Aquabella (or similar)
A true haven of peace, our 4-star hotel in Aix-en-Provence is surrounded by a magnificent Mediterranean garden that invites tranquillity. It ...A true haven of peace, our 4-star hotel in Aix-en-Provence is surrounded by a magnificent Mediterranean garden that invites tranquillity. It has been designed to create a soothing atmosphere that is a marvellous marriage between the tranquillity of Provence and the historic riches of the town of Aix.
Modern and spacious, the Aquabella Hotel & Spa boasts 112 fully renovated rooms, including 4 Belvedere suites offering the choice of a view over the Tourreluque, the cathedral or the rooftops of the Old Town. Each of our rooms and suites offer refined décor and unequalled comfort in order to guarantee you an idyllic stay.
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Hotel Le Renaissance (or similar)
Located in the heart of the city, Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Hotel is a 5-star haven for business and leisure travel. Unwind amid beautifully appointed ...Located in the heart of the city, Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Hotel is a 5-star haven for business and leisure travel.
Unwind amid beautifully appointed rooms and suites with contemporary amenities and distinctive décor, inspired by the symbols of Provence.
Savor distinctive cuisine from our talented chefs, who creates a gourmet rendezvous in the restaurant Atmosph'R, the lounge bar l'Avant Scène and our seasonal garden terrace restaurant and bar le "Palm's", just facing the outdoor heated pool.
After a full day of business or sightseeing, find your balance with a massage, beauty treatment or wellness therapy at our spa. Designed as a genuine art gallery, Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Hotel is the perfect home base for your visit to France.
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Know before you book
- Tour available from April to October
- Departs every day
- Tour requires minimum 2 passengers (adults) to operate
- Order of Tours can be modified depending on days of travel
- Final program will be sent to you after booking
- Adult tour only, no children accepted under the age of 18
- Winery visits are not private
- Tour is operated in English
- Small group tour, maximum 8 persons
- Tour is not wheelchair accessible
- Prices are per person
Meeting point
Departure
For each day trip, meeting point is in front of Aix en Provence Tourism office located in central Aix en Provence. Hotel pick up not available on this shared travel package from Aix en Provence.
Return
FAQ
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Where to eat in Aix en Provence?
Aix en Provence in France has a large number of choices when it comes to food & wine options. -
Where to stay near Aix en Provence?
You have quite a number of options if you would like to stay near Aix en Provence and not in the city itself. A number of high end Hotels such as Les Lodges Sainte-Victoire or Château de La Gaude are located outside the town and make for a perfect stay for your Provence Holiday or Vacation. -
Where to stay near or to see lavender fields in Provence?
The Lavender blooming season in Provence usually takes place between mid to end of June until mid to end of July. There are three distinct areas that are known for their Lavender fields: the Luberon area, the Valensole Plateau area and the Sault Plateau area of Provence. Knowing that Lavender grows better in high elevations, both Valensole and Sault Plateau are considered as mid-mountains and there are not that many places to stay in the area. From Aix en Provence or Avignon, you will have great opportunities to access the Lavender fields and your options for Hotels, Guest Houses or AirBnB accommodations will be much easier. Moreover, Provence Tour Companies such as Ophorus offer daily day trips to the Lavender fields during the blooming season. -
Where to Park in Aix en Provence France?
The area several parking areas in the town of Aix en Provence. If you are looking to park in the city center then you must know in advance that you this is definetely a difficult thing to do. There are not many parking spaces in the center, the streets are narrow and very ofter unaccessible to non-residents. Our suggestion is that you park in one of the public parkings located around the city center of Aix en Provence.
There are a total of 9 parking areas where it will be much easier for you to find a spot:
Parking Méjanes : 4 Boulevard Victor Coq, 13100 Aix-en-Provence
Parking Rotonde : 2 rue Lapierre, 13100 Aix-en-Provence
Parking Mignet : 8 Avenue Malherbe, 13100 Aix-en-Provence
Parking Carnot : 10-16 Boulevard Carnot, 13100 Aix-en-Provence
Parking Bellegarde : 51 Boulevard Aristide Briand, 13100 Aix-en-Provence
Parking Pasteur : Rue du chapitre, 13100 Aix-en-Provence
Parking Signoret : Allée Rufinus, 13100 Aix-en-Provence
Parking Cardeurs : 50 Place Forum des Cardeurs, 13100 Aix-en-Provence
Parking Rambot : 50 avenue du Docteur Aurientis, 13100 Aix-en-Provence
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