Our hand-picked hotel MGallery Roi René HHHH Superior The hotel offers truly stylish atmosphere, just steps away from the Cours Mirabeau, the city’s principal and most atmospheric avenue. Rooms are well appointed and the hotel has a bar, restaurant and outdoor pool.
Our blue walk loops past olive orchards and offers different views of Mont Sainte-Victoire. Cézanne is said to have painted this majestic mountain more than 70 times. We follow the same path over the Zola Dam and return to Le Tholonet. (B,D) + Included Experiences – Guided tour of Aix-en-Provence and guided country walk DAY 3 – The Camargue We head to the Camargue, the delta of the great Rhône River and a saltwater marshland teeming with around 400 species of birds, including pink flamingos. This designated national park is also home to the iconic black bulls and an ancient breed of white horse. We take a guided boat trip to explore this wetland environment – bring your binoculars! We then visit Arles, a prosperous Roman regional capital from the 1st century AD. Marvel at the impressive UNESCO-listed monuments on a walking tour, including the Roman amphitheatre and the Place du Forum, now a square with vibrant cafés and restaurants. There’s free time, perhaps to seek out locations associated with Vincent Van Gogh, who spent 14 fruitful months here. (B) + Included Experiences – Boat Trip with commentary through the Camargue and guided walking tour of Arles DAY 4 – Walk: Luberon Mountains This morning we head inland, to the Luberon Mountains, which inspired Peter Mayle’s book ‘A Year in Provence’. Once a haunt of highwaymen it is now a
Cours Mirabeau, Aix
CLASSIC TOUR FROM
DAYS
Green walk – Duration: 2 hours (2.8 miles) / Altitude gain: 340 feet / Terrain: mainly forest trails and graded tracks
2024
The blue option is via a longer route. Blue walk – Duration: 3 hours (5 miles) / Altitude gain: 470 feet / Terrain: mainly forest trails and graded tracks
Blue walk – Duration: 2.5 hours (5.1 miles) / Altitude gain: 818 feet / Terrain: mainly forest trails and graded tracks
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nature reserve. Starting in the medieval village of Cucuron, we walk through our picturesque surroundings passing through the tranquil village of Vaugines.
In the afternoon we will visit the village of Lourmarin, known to be one of the most beautiful villages in France. (B) Please note: Lavender season varies according to weather and climate conditions, but is usually late June to August. + Included Experiences – Guided walk in the Luberon Mountains; visit to Lourmarin DAY 5 – Free day Wander along Cours Mirabeau, Aix’s elegant main street, and perhaps peel off into the maze of lanes discovering tiny squares and myriad fountains. Alternatively visit the superb Musée Granet which houses works by famous artists such as Cézanne, Degas, Picasso and Monet to name a few. (B) DAY 6 – Walk: Les Baux & the Alpilles We spend the morning at leisure in Les Baux, a hilltop town built into an ancient limestone outcrop. From the battlements of its crumbling castle, you can admire superb views across the Camargue and as far as the Mediterranean.
£1,699
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Your tour includes • Return flights from a selection of regional airports, plus hotel transfers • 7 nights in four-star accommodation, inclusive of all local taxes • The services of our experienced and insightful Tour Manager throughout (B) Daily Breakfast, (D) 2 Dinners Both to be taken at local restaurants
YOUR CLASSIC TOUR EXPERIENCES • 3 guided walks including the Alpilles, the Luberon Mountains and an Aixen-Provence country walk • 2 guided tours including Arles and Aix-en-Provence • 4 visits including Avignon, the Camargue wetland, Lourmarin and hilltop Les Baux
This afternoon we explore the Alpilles with a local walking guide. Green walk – Duration: 2.5 hours (4.3 miles) / Altitude gain: 492 feet / Terrain: mainly forest trails and graded tracks We leave the town and ascend briefly to a ridge, where there are excellent views of the Alpilles. Looping around, we stop to admire panoramic views over Les Baux and the curiously named Valley of Hell, renowned for its limestone features, eroded over time into fantastical shapes and grottos. We return to Les Baux and take a walk around the town walls with spectacular views. Blue walk – Duration: 3 hours (5 miles) / Altitude gain: 591 feet / Terrain: mainly forest trails and graded tracks From Les Baux to Saint-Paul de Mausole via a slightly longer and more undulating route, we’ll see the Rock with Two Holes, through which you can enjoy views over the Alpilles. We’ll pass the archaeological site of Glanum, where excavated baths, temples and more offer a glimpse into everyday life in Gaul. (B,D) + Included Experience – Guided walk of Alpilles DAY 7 – Discover: Avignon Today we visit Avignon, whose destiny changed in the 14th century when the Pope’s court was relocated here.
Find this tour at rivieratravel.co.uk/3pr
01283 893889
Avignon There’s time to explore the incredible Palais des Papes which resembles a citadel rising from living rock, flanked by towering turrets. You could visit the Petit Palais Museum, or walk on Avignon’s celebrated 12th-century bridge before we return to Aix via the Pont du Gard; stand back to absorb the beauty of this 1st-century AD aqueduct, an engineering masterpiece. (B) + Included Experience – Visit to Avignon DAY 8 – Return home Transfer to the airport for your return journey. (B) Please note: The use of air conditioning and outdoor pool opening is at the discretion of the hotel.
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