A Private Shore excursion from Toulon to Aix en Provence & the Luberon

Pick up at your Cruise ship in Toulon Port of Call

Today, your meeting point will be directly at your ship in Toulon Cruise Port. Meet your English speaking driver/guide who will go over the itinerary and program of this private full day tour with you.

Then board your premium A/C vehicle and begin to make your way to the elegant town of Aix en Provence. After a short drive composed of breathtaking panoramic views, arrive in the town of Aix for a walking tour. Your private tour will continue towards the Luberon region and its most beautiful villages. Here, your tour guide will make appropriate suggestions so as to find out which village you would like to visit.

First visit Elegant Aix en Provence

In the morning depart for your private small group full day tour from Toulon to Aix en Provence. The charming small town of Aix en Provence is known as the City of Water and City of Fine Arts. The number of fountains that are located in Aix is quite unusual and about 30 of them are considered to be Architectural highlights.

Fontaine des Trois Ormaux, Fontaine Miollis or the amazing Fontaine Moussue - covered with moss - all date back to the 17th century. Your guided tour of Aix en Provence historical city center will certainly include some fountains and show you how important water is to the town.

Visit the Historical City Center

During your walking tour, you will also visit the historical old town of Aix en Provence. Admire the finesse of wrought iron sculpted on the balconies of the Houses that line Cours Mirabeau, Albertas square and the 17th century town hall. Other landmarks include Saint Sauveur Cloister and the nearby Cathedral.

Or follow the footsteps of french painter Cézanne

Aix en Provence is also home to Fine Arts. One can follow the footsteps of famous Post Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne. Born in Aix en Provence, the painter is also buried here in the Saint Peter cemetery. It is possible today to visit his Painting Studio where one can still admire furniture, equipment and tiny details that will connect you with his life.

Another great option, a Gourmet Food & Wine Experience

If History, Culture or Art is not your priority while on a shore excursion then another great option is to opt for a gourmet food & wine tour of Aix en Provence. The town is known for its large number of culinary specialties and the Provence wine region is just a few kilometers away.

If you choose this option, your guide will show you the seasonal produce, meet local farmers at the farmers market, taste pastries, macaron and candied fruits which are a local delicacy. You will also have the opportunity to stop for a well deserved drink and what better than local rosé wine!

Reach the Luberon region of Provence

There are a number of villages that can be visited on this full day trip from Toulon. Below is our selection of Villages du Luberon that are worth a stop. It will be your local guide on the day of your tour that will go over this selection with you. Depending on your wishes, your Expert guide will adapt the itinerary to your wishes. You will also have some free time in most villages so that you may explore on your own and lunch will be taken at your own expense in one of the villages on the way.

Our selection of Luberon Villages:

Gordes

Gordes is without a doubt the most famous of all Luberon villages. The downside to this is the high number of visitors that come to visit the village so we advise that if you do choose to visit this village, you should go there immediately so as to arrive early.

Classified as one of the most beautiful villages of France and facing the Luberon mountain range, the village is composed of small paved streets, known as calades, where it feels so nice to get lost in. To mostly appreciate this unique village, magic operates in spring and autumn as summer is very crowded by the number of visitors.

Lourmarin

The village of Lourmarin is quite unique. As you stroll the winding streets, the architecture in the village reveals its many riches: from the Renaissance to the Baroque period, from Classicism to the 19th century, the houses in Lourmarin highlight the incomparable know-how of those builders often little known to the general public. 

Roussillon

Roussillon is a typical hilltop village located just above a rock formation called the “Provencal Colorado“. Here, you will have some time for personal discovery that will allow you to stroll down the village or walk along the “ochre path", a 30 minute walk. Lourmarin village is yet another famous Provence village and is known to be an artist’s village.

Located in a gorgeous setting that is surrounded by olive and almond trees, the village has attracted numerous artists and writers such Henri Bosco and Albert Camus. Again, enjoy some time in the village where options include the visit of its ancient castle. The village was the source of inspiration for Peter Mayle’s “A year in Provence”.

Bonnieux

The architecture of Bonnieux, papal town for about 500 years, testifies to the prestige of its inhabitants over the centuries: ecclesiastical dignitaries, counts, lords... up until the modern times of the 19th century. The village has kept all its authenticity, its steep sloping streets, its fountains and washhouses, its old church - or upper church, a mix of Romanesque and Gothic

As Provence Specialists, please note that we also conduct private tours, shore excursions, wine tasting tours from Marseille and the French Riviera. Other important destinations to discover Provence include the town of Arles & les Baux de Provence village, the Pont du Gard, Châteauneuf du Pape for the wines, Van Gogh tours, the lavender fields, l'Isle sur la Sorgue River and village, Sainte Victoire mountain and so much more.

We can also combine destinations for a number of Provence Tours if you are staying for a few days in Provence such as Saint Tropez, Aix en Provence, Cassis & Marseille where one must visit Notre Dame de La Garde. For more information please contact our reservations team.

After your tour, you will be driven back to your cruise ship.