France 2024
Proposed Itinerary | France 2024
16 Days - 28th May – 12th June
After a research trip in 2023 and our very successful tour to Italy, I am so excited to have the accommodation secured and the Itinerary in place for France 202
I found the Villa experience so successful in Tuscany this year. Consequently, we have another beautiful Villa in the Luberon village of Menerbe. This is such an amazing chance to involve everyone and to enjoy and immerse ourselves in the French culture, cuisine and stunning landscape. I want to be here when the Lavender is flowering.
The tour will begin with 4 nights on the Cote D’Azur staying in the medieval hilltop town of Cagnes Sur Mer. The hotel is gorgeous with a magnificent view of the Mediterranean Coastline. It does have challenging access to get in and out of. But, the local square is such fun and worth negotiating the narrow roads for the peace and quiet.
From here we drive to Provence and through the fields of flowering Lavender to the Luberon and our Villa for the next 7 days. There is so much to see and do here and we will be crisscrossing through the countryside to places like Avignon, Arle, Aix en Provence, Le Baux, St Remy and the villages of the Luberon.
For the last four days, we will stay at Chateaux Monrecour in the Dordogne. A change of French lifestyle and the chance to visit some exquisite gardens and immerse ourselves in the history of this region.
I have not compromised on beautiful accommodation and for this tour, I have provided an evening meal every day and added a few extra lunches. Each day is planned and hopefully provides you with a less touristy experience. I need to stress that you need to be walking fit. We are not tramping or doing long walks. However, It’s staggering how many steps you end up doing in a day and although of course, we have our bus – that’s to a bus park and to gain the best experience we have no choice but to walk.
You will find we will be immersed in the impressionist painters and artists throughout the tour. The countryside, climate and lifestyle encouraged so many to work and live in this region. We are lucky that we will come across their famous faces and artworks in an area that was their life.
1. Tuesday May 28th
Cagnes Sur Mer
Arrive in Nice – 30-minute drive to the Hotel – I will arrange taxis to transport you to the hotel. Philip and I will meet you.
Introduction and Drinks
Dinner at Hotel
Hotel Le Cagnard
2. Wednesday May 29th
Antibe Day. A 30-minute drive will take us to the coastal town of Antibe.
Inside the ancient wall hosts one of the liveliest and prettiest towns on the Riviera. It has a relaxed beachy feel, the superyachts will be moored in the port and we can explore the gorgeous old town of narrow cobbled streets, markets and cafes, and walk the rampart walls.
It is famous for being home to the Spanish painter Pablo Picasso, so we will be visiting his old home and now gallery.
Picasso Museum
Maybe Canne in the Afternoon
Hotel Le Cagnard
3. Thursday May 30th
Visit the Arty Village of Saint Paul De Vence
Grasse – Visit to Perfumery
Saint Paul de Vence lies between Cagnes-sur-Mer and Vence. St-Paul is a medieval village, and is a real mecca for artists, who have been coming here since 1920. Among others, Picasso, Dufy, Matisse, and Marc Chagall have stayed here and created their works. Chagall lived in St-Paul for 19 years.
The village has also hosted world cinema stars, including Greta Garbo, Sophia Loren, and Catherine Deneuve. Today it is famous for artists still. Walking the length of the main street which is lined with art shops is fun and we will have time to stop for an early lunch.
I was surprised when the perfume capital of the world was in a busy town. I don’t know what I expected but, perfume factories have been here since the 18th Century. We will visit one of the famous called ‘Fragonard’.Like many charming towns and villages in Provence, Grasse too has a wonderful Old Town full of narrow winding alleys and we will have a chance to investigate.
4. Friday May 31st
Nice
Walking tour and guide.
I have organised a walking tour today in Nice. But, you might like to walk the 7km Promenade des Anglais. Lined with towering palm trees, grand hotels, and blossoming gardens on one side and views of the glistening azure Mediterranean on the other.
The history of the old town is so interesting to explore. Full of picturesque narrow streets and colourful buildings. It is home to the popular local specialty –a pancake made from chickpea flour called Socca.
Each night on returning to Cagnes Sur Mer we will be spoilt for choice of restaurants and or our hotel which has the most stunning view overlooking Cagnes Sur Mer and the Mediterranean
Hotel Le Cagnard
5. Saturday June 1st
Travel day to Menerbes and Villa Mas de la Salamandre
Before we leave today we will visit the beautiful house and gardens of Renoir.
We will stop for a light lunch.
Hopefully, we will be passing rows and rows of lavender. This is the world of lavender growing and beautiful landscapes will be swimming in a violet sea.
Villa Menerbe .
6. Sunday June 2nd
A day to explore our surroundings :
Starting with a typical French Market at L’Lsle-sur -la Sorgue.
Then Gordes for lunch, Bonnieux and our very own Menerbes .
We will finish the days with a wine tasting at Sir Ridley Scott’s winery and see many of his movie props
7. Monday June 3rd
Avignon
Enjoy our one day in Avignon. We are going to start with a local guide and a walking tour.
Here everything is within walking distance, and you will have time to explore the city while strolling through its small cobblestone lanes.
We will include the Palace of the Popes and maybe have time to wander by the river outside the city walls.
Before returning to our villa we will taste the wine of Chateauneuf du Pape - this was the summer residence of the popes and known for its history and of course wine
Villa Menerbe
8. Tuesday June 4th
Arles– Le Baux
Located in the heart of Provence, Arles is always a favourite. Arles has it all: an interesting Roman heritage, beautiful 17th-century mansions, a maze of streets, modern museums, and the wide rolling Rhône River.
Arles was also home to Paul Gauguin and Van Gogh. It was here where Van Gogh painted some of his most famous masterpieces.
We will have a walking guide here again this morning so we can understand the life and history here.
On our way back to Menerbes today we will stop at the cute village of Le Baux – do an olive oil tasting and be wowed by the amazing light show of Carrieres De Lumieres.
Villa Menerbe
9. Wednesday May 5th
St Remy
It is Saint - Remy day, famous for its market day. This is the quintessential Provençal town and we will take time to explore its winding streets, always with lovely surprises, perhaps with a coffee break in one of the shaded squares adorned with old stone fountains and the terraces of the cafés.
Just south of St. Rémy lies the ancient Roman ruins of Glanum, with ancient monuments such as the Triumphal Arch and the Jules Mausoleum.
The afternoon will be quiet pool time at our villa.
Return via the beautiful Abbaye Notre-Dame de Senanque.
Villa Menerbe
10. Thursday June 6th
Aix En Provence
Aix-en-Provence is a wonderful place to explore in Southern France. You can't visit Provence without spending time in this delightful city.
Aix’s historic centre with Italian influences boasts beautiful architecture, colourful markets, and pretty squares adorned with more stone fountains than you would have seen before.
We will have a walking guide to start our day.
Aix was Cézanne’s hometown where he painted most of his masterworks. There is an art gallery and also a walking trail dedicated to the painter and you can get the map of the walking tour itinerary (self-guided) and a short description for each stop at Aix’s tourist information.
Villa Menerbe
11. Friday June 7th
During our week we will have been surrounded by Lavender and today is our chance to visit a Lavender Distillery and find out what they do with this oil and perfume.
Our lunch today will be a visit to a Rose Garden and restaurant when we visit the Garden of Abbaye de Valsaintes.
Our last night in the Villa
12. Saturday June 8th
Travel day to Dordogne – Saint Vincent Des-Cosse
We have a big day travelling and it will be a matter of patience and a chance to watch the countryside.
Our landscape will have changed dramatically and our gorgeous Chateau accommodation sits beside the Dordogne River where hot air balloons float over in the mornings.
Domaine Monrecour
13. Sunday June 9th
We have 3 days to explore this stunning region and we probably need twice the amount of time.
We are close to the Village of Baynac de Cazzenac. Perched on top of the steep hill is the castle ( of course ) some may like to walk up – while others can take the bus. After coffee we will carry on to the gorgeous village of Sarlat. Remembering in France you have to get to a place before 12.00 because the shops will close in the afternoon.
We will stay here for a casual lunch before heading to the famous garden of Erignac.
Domaine Monrecour
14. Monday June 10th
Bergerac / Le Ezies
When Philip and I travelled with our 3 children aged 8,5 and 3 in 1996 we stayed in Bergerac . We enjoyed our return trip last year and the local self-walking guide is worth doing.
It is dominated by the Dordogne River and the ancient medieval quarter in Bergerac is an angular jumble of streets sloping down to the river. You’ll adore the half-timbered houses, and the myriad of narrow streets telling so much history.
In the afternoon we will return via Le Ezies. Sitting in the heart of the Vezere Valley it is surrounded by many, many caves and prehistoric drawings and shelters - including some of the most beautiful to be seen in Europe - and other prehistoric attractions.
We will visit the National Prehistory Museum erected in its new contemporary architectural building. It sits on an exceptional site, grasping onto a monumental cliff. Here, human history has left an unparalleled memory, one that is tens of thousands of years old.
Domaine Monrecour
15. Tuesday June 11th
Does the name Josephine Baker mean anything to you? By the end of our visit to Chateau des Milandes she will be remembered and we are lucky to visit her previous Chateau so close by.
Our last afternoon visit will be to Jardin Marquesac. A garden created by the man that in turn created the ‘Michelin’ man. You will need your walking shoes this afternoon if you want to explore the perimeters of the garden – but equally as nice is the cafe with its stunning views across the valley, the Dordogne river which most likely will be full of kayakers.
Domaine Monrecour
16 . Wednesday June 12th
Departure
I am suggesting everyone trains to Paris and from there I know some of you are choosing to stay there for a few days while others can fly or train from there.
Tour inclusions
· Accommodation for 17 nights (4 star and special category Villa )
· All breakfasts included along with 17 Dinners and 3 lunches
· Wine Included at all meals.
· Sometimes coffee at a stop.
· Wine tasting and Food Producer Visits.
· Comfortable transportation with A/C (including parking and tolls)
· Professional English-speaking local guides.
· Entrance fees for gardens, museums, sites and historical places as detailed in the itinerary
· Expenses and tips for all guides and drivers
Travel – You need to organise your travel to Nice.
I am suggesting everyone trains to Paris from the Dordogne. However, If you have other plans we can have a chat.
For all tours, Philip and I will already be in Europe.
I deal with Kay Dunn: kayd@travelmanagers.co.nz | 0275222389
She knows all my tours and is amazing.
I am more than happy to have a chat on the phone and go over any queries you may have - 021735617
E-Mail - judith@judith-cullen.com
Regards Judith