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"It's
been an amazing week.
Thank you for sharing a special
Provence with us. I will never
forget it.”
Elizabeth Hallerman
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Our connection with
France and in particular, the Provence area is through our dear
friend and outstanding guide, Stephan Renard. Each year Stephan
operates a handful of tours aimed at introducing discerning travellers
to the 'hidden Provence'. The Haute Provence is one the most spectacular
regions of France, where the lifestyle has evolved to be highly
regarded as 'l'art
de vivre' or 'the art of living'.
Provence is well known as a sun-drenched, idyllic region that invites the senses
to indulge. There are the obvious attractions, like the fields of lavender, vineyards,
charming hilltop towns, and relics of the Roman legacy, delightful markets and
the fine food and wine.
There is an amazing history that pre-dates today?s sense of nationhood upon which
the France of today is superimposed.
From primitive nomadic tribes to the Celts and Ligurians, from the Greeks and
Romans through medieval and classical times to the Belle Epoque, the region has
moved through waves of invasion
and occupation, threat and calm.
Here the arts and archit ectural style have always flourished. Provence has inspired
many of the most original 19th and 20th century painters such as Cezanne, Van
Gogh, Monet, Renoir,
Matisse and Picasso. The luminescent quality of the light and the brilliance
of the colours attracted them. Today we can appreciate
the contrast between rolling fields, high mountains and dramatic gorges in a
spirit of peace and adventure, we can discover the flavours of Provence, bathe
in the light and learn something of
the power of Mediterranean history.
Itinerary in brief
Day 1
Stephan will meet you in Marseille. Travelling east into Provence, we
stop to visit the beautiful Fontaine de Vaucluse, en-route to Gordes, in the
heart of the Luberon. This will be our base to explore the area for the next
few days. Gordes is a typical perched village, high on a hilltop, surrounded
by small fields and oak forests. Overnight Gordes.
Day 2
From Gordes, we begin a great day hiking to the plateau des Busans via the Mill
of Laure and on to the Abbaye de Senanque. The abbey is of 12th century Romanesque
structure and is still home to a group of Cistercian monks. It is surrounded
by fields of lavender. Overnight Gordes.
Day 3
Today Stephan will take you to the next village, Roussillon, a hilltop cluster
of buildings in shades of deep rose and russet. There will be time to wander
and shop along the tiny streets, famous for their boutiques and craftshops. After
lunch in the Place du Village, we will head to Rustrelle to begin a hike into
the amazing 'Colorado Ocher Canyon'. Overnight Gordes.
Day 4
A short transfer to begin our days? hiking. at Buoux. The landscape
here displays a split personality - arid and dry on one side (?Claparedes plateau?)
and green and fresh on the other ('Aiguebrun Valley'). This hike is one of the
best and most interesting in the Haute Provence because of the landscape duality,
and also because of the divided religious history in the area. Overnight Gordes.
Day 5
Today we will head east to Moustier-Sainte-Marie in the Verdon, the heart of
the Haute Provence. On the way we will stop in Forcalquier, famous for its huge
village market and there will be time for shopping and a stroll around the village.
Then on to Sainte-Croix Lake and our base for the next three nights picturesque
Moustier - a village hanging on the mountainside between limestone pinnacles.
We will hike the Chemins de Croix to the top of the village for an amazing view
of the lake and village. Overnight Moustier.
Day 6
This will be a day to discover the incredible Gorges du Verdon. From
Moustier we will drive la Route des Cretes to ?Point Sublime? and hike between
high plateau and gorge to the stunning Rancoumas Belvedere. Overnight Moustier.
Day 7
We will hike from the village on one of the old Roman roads
to the Plateau de Venasole, which encloses the lavender valley of Valensol,
the Durance River and the Sainte-Croix Lake. A fabulous day! We can
visit several pottery shops on the way back to the hotel before preparing
for a special farewell dinner. Overnight Moustier.
Day 8
Stephan will transfer you to the airport or train station in Marseille.
Our trip in Provence can be tailored to suit special interests and of course
to blend walking of any grade and/or touring. The tour can be run at a time of
your choice for your group. The price is based on a group of four to eight people.
Please call for prices for smaller and larger groups.
Cost
US Dollars $2900.00 / Euro €2245.00) per person double occupancy
US Dollars $400.00 / Euro €325.00) single supplement)
The cost includes seven nights accommodation in small hotels or country houses;
breakfast and gourmet dinners daily, 4 gourmet picnic lunches daily (ie. all
food included); all ground transportation, sightseeing; and full escort by Stephan
Renard.
Tour Map
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Provencal food and wine,
art and architecture.
The breathtaking landscapes
of the Haute Provence.
Escort by Stephan Renard.
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