If it’s Friday, it must be France …
I’ve got some very exciting news to share today for the travelers stopping by here! The final details have just been confirmed by the Women’s Travel Network for a wonderful “Promenade En Provence” in June 2014. You know how I love to take a trip but being asked to lead a tour like this is even more fun! Have a look and see if you can join us!
If you aren’t with us in person, we will take you along on my blog with plenty of photos and anecdotes so you will be with us in spirit. We will get you there one way or the other! In the meantime we have a year to plan and dream.
French Riviera & Provence – June 2014
French Riviera & Provence
June 12 to June 22, 2014
11 days / 10 nights
Land Cost CAD $3750, per person based on double occupancy
Single supplement CAD $1425
There’s something about Provence that goes straight to the heart – the fragrances of thyme and lavender, the flavours of olives and honey, the views of azure skies and sun-splashed vineyards. This ‘promenade’ is an exploration designed to savour the region in small bites with easy strolls in picturesque towns, hilltop villages and stunning countryside. Walk in the footsteps of Cezanne and Van Gogh and enjoy the essential Provence. Experience France from a woman’s point of view.
Join novelist Patricia Sands and visit the charming towns depicted in her newest novel “The Promise of Provence”. Patricia writes about Katherine’s experiences in Provence and her eagerness to feel renewed by her surroundings. Endless rows of lavender, fields of sunflowers flowing in golden waves among vineyards and olive groves overlooked by ancient hilltop villages. It’s the picture perfect postcard setting.
This tour is a must for any woman with a desire to visit France.
What’s Included:
- Deluxe accommodation, based on double occupancy
4 nights in Nice – Hotel Beau Rivage
5 nights in Avignon – Hotel Novotel Avignon Centre - Transportation throughout by private coach
- All transfers if arriving and departing with the group
- Breakfast daily
- 8 dinners, including wine
- Wine tasting
- Olive oil mill visit and tasting
- Perfume making class
- Entrance fees to all sites visited with the group
- Full day excursion to Monaco and Eze-village
- Hop on Hop off bus tour of Nice with stop at Chagall Museum
- Workshop of aromatherapy in Avignon
- Cooking class in Avignon
- Guided visit of Avignon
- Visit of Aix en Provence
- Guided visits of Les Baux and St. Remy
- Guided visits of the Luberon, Roussillon, Bonnieux
- Guided visit of Arles
- Hotel taxes and service charges
- Entrance fees to all sites visited
- Services of an English-speaking guide
- Services of a WTN Tour Leader
June 12 Departure from Toronto
Departure on an overnight flight from Toronto with onward connection to Nice. (inflight meals)
June 13 Nice
Midday arrival at Nice airport and transfer to our hotel in central Nice. Free time to check in, freshen up and explore the local surroundings. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner with the group. (D)
June 14 Eze/Monaco
Today’s full day excursion contrasts the medieval village of Eze and the glamour of the Monte Carlo. Our day begins in Eze-Village located on a rocky peak overlooking the sea. The village is guarded by two 14th century towers leading into the charming narrow streets. Then onward to peek into the lives of the rich and famous! Visit the Place du Casino in Monte Carlo and admire the store fronts of the luxury boutiques and the lobbies of the luxury hotels. Return to our hotel in Nice. Dinner together at a local restaurant. (B, D)
June 15 Nice
Today enjoy a full day at leisure to do as you please, or visit Nice with Pat who has spent a great deal of time in Nice and Provence over the past 15 years. Join her for an informal tour of her favourite places in Nice. You’ll take the hop on hop off bus to get an overview of Nice and for those interested, stop at the Chagall Museum for a visit. Evening at leisure. (B)
June 16 St. Paul de Vence/Grasse
Today we explore one of the most beautiful corners of the Cote d’Azur. Follow the scenic route along the Mediterranean, and then up into the hills to the gorgeous village of St. Paul de Vence. Time at leisure to stroll in the village and enjoy the boutiques and art galleries. This afternoon continue on to Grasse, the capital of French perfume making. Here you will visit a fragrance studio and learn the techniques involved in creating a signature perfume. The scent of the Riviera is yours to take home!
Return to Nice. Dinner together at a local restaurant. (B, D)
June 17 Avignon
This morning our private coach will take us to Avignon. En route we will stop in Aix en Provence for a visit of this lovely town. Lunch at leisure. Afternoon arrival in Avignon. Check into our hotel and settle in. Before our dinner together we will enjoy a demonstration on Aromatherapy.
Dinner together at a local restaurant. (B,D)
June 18 Avignon / Cooking Class
The morning will be dedicated to Avignon. Visit The ‘Palais des Papes ’ an architectural ‘tour de force’ where an opulent palace overlaps a sober fortress. Dance on the Pont St. Benezet! During your visit you will also enjoy a wine tasting. Explore the great covered market, a feast for the senses and pick up a selection of cheeses and charcuterie for an impromptu picnic. Explore this vibrant, sophisticated, very French town. This afternoon in the kitchen! Prepare a full Provencal menu in the company of our chef Jean-Marc Larrue. Afterward you will enjoy the dinner that you just learned to prepare. (B,D)
June 19 Les Baux / St. Remy
Early start this morning as our private coach will through the windswept world of limestone peaks, roads lined with pine and cypress trees, olive orchards and vineyards of the Alpilles. Climb the narrow cobblestone footpaths and investigate the castle ruins at the medieval village of Les Baux perched high on a rocky plateau above the mysterious Val d’Enfer. Refresh yourself in the bustling artist’s town of St-Rémy and join a local historian on a visit through van Gogh’s Provence. Visit a local oil mill to learn about the many types of olive oil and enjoy a tasting of their products. Return to our hotel. Dinner together this evening at a local restaurant. (B,D)
June 20 Arles
Today we focus with our guide on the evocative town of Arles. Stand in the middle of one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in France – the amphitheatre “Les Arenes” where bullfights carry on the ancient tradition. Admire the fine sculpture at the Romanesque church and cloisters of St. Trophime. See the Place du Forum where Vincent Van Gogh painted his Starry Nights. Gather for a glass of pastis at the Café de la Nuit, made famous by Van Gogh. Return to Avignon. Farewell dinner this evening together at a local restaurant. (B, D)
June 21 The Luberon/Rousillon/Bonnieux
A full day immersed in the Provencal lifestyle! Taste the Provencal olive oil at the Moulin des Bouillons. Admire the rows of lavender at the 12th century Abbey of Senanque, one of the purest examples of primitive Cistercian architecture, still functioning as a monastic community. Marvel at the vibrant scenery of the village or Roussillon, adored by artists for its striking palette of colours. Relax in the charming streets of Bonnieux and search for handicrafts at the outdoor Provencal market. Return to Avignon. (B)
June 22 Return to Canada
Transfer to Marseilles airport for the return flight, or choose to extend your stay in Paris. (B)
Itinerary subject to change to take advantage of local events
Meals: B – Breakfast L – Lunch D – Dinner
Check out photos from past trips to France. Click here
Check out Testimonials from our travellers. Click here
Check out our Travel Blog. Click here
Not Included:
- Round trip airfare (approximate cost from Toronto $1600)
- Meals other than those mentioned above
- Beverages other than those mentioned in the itinerary
- Gratuities
- Cancellation and medical insurance
- Any item not mentioned above
Reservations and Deposit Information:
- A deposit of C$500.00 per person is required to confirm the booking.
- For information please check our Travel Policies and Cancellation Terms and Conditions.
- Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. A quotation will be given based on each individuals needs.
- Final payment is due 75 days prior to departure, March 28, 2014.
Important!
Airfare is based on current rates at time of publishing, rates are subject to change. Price is based current exchange rates and are subject to change
Note: Tour is based on a minimum of 12 up to a maximum of 16 participants.
To confirm your spot on the “French Riviera & Provence” trip contact:
Womens Travel Network
via Phone: 905-771-8338 or toll free at 1-888-419-0118
Email: info@womenstravelnetwork.ca
Wishing!
It’s always good to have something on the wish list no matter how long it takes to make it come true.
Ohmigawd, ohmigawd, ohmigawd! I so want to go. Hmm, this gives me plenty of time to plan/think/organize. What an amazing trip!
It’s going to be a lot of fun … even more if you come … but sometimes we just have to dream. No matter what we’ll bring you along on the blog.
ooh la la! Sounds magnifique!
“ooh la la” – c’est ça!
🙂
Ooh la la! Sounds magnifique! You might want to bop over to miy place to check out today’s guest blogger, Margaret Lawrenson, who lives in Laroque. Oui, c’est vrai! (maybe she has a guest house!) 😉 You know, for future use!
Hehe. I’ve been following Margaret since you told me about her. I’m going to bop over to your place right now! Merci!
WoW1 That looks like fun.
Oh how idyllic this would be Patricia! Some day……… Congratulations on being asked to lead the trip! You have such a deep love ofr the place that you will make the perfect guide and leader. xxx
Thanks, Edith! It will be such a pleasure. We have shown so many friends around there, it’s almost second nature. Having said that, there is always something new and beautiful to discover and that’s half the fun.
How cool and what a super experience.
It’s going to be a beautiful trip and already filling up!
Sounds like a wonderful trip set up for the ladies. Enjoy!
I can assure you the ladies will have a trip to remember! You can come along on the blog though!
Sounds like a terrific experience.
Sheri, with your vast travel experience you know how wonderful it will be! I am sure you have a wealth of memories from your journeys far and wide. How is your hand? I haven’t checked in a while. Hope all is well and you are pleased with the results of the surgery.
Think I’ll be visiting virtually while eating a baguette.
Oui! A baguette and a glass or two of vino collapso! It will be a lot of fun to have our blogging friends along online.
Sounds dreamy! Looking forward to your virtual tours! Congratulations, Patricia.
Thanks, Marion. We will look forward to having you along one way or the other!
I’ll come along on the virtual tour. How wonderful that you’ll be the tour guide. Sounds like an awesome trip! Wow!
Lynn, as I’ve mentioned to others, it will be great fun to have friends coming along virtually too. I am really delighted to be the tour leader of this trip for the Women’s Travel Network … an excellent company.
Wow!
Oui! Wow!
Well, how can one go wrong if they decide to go? You have it planned out already. Not a bad price either. I’ve been to France a few times. Well, three. Enjoyed myself more the last two. Driving was a mighty adventure I can’t begin to express.
I would love to hear about your adventures in France, Totsy. One can only imagine!
Sounds like a terrific trip! My cousin’s in-laws are from Marseilles. They’re always telling me I should take a trip and visit.
Relatives in France? Pack your bag and get over there, KItt! Now I’m telling you to “take a trip and visit”! 🙂
Oh la la! What a fantastic trip! I have been fortunate enough to have seen and been to quite a few spots you will be visiting. One of my favorites is Eze – a beautiful village.
Well, you know just how great it will be then! I can pretty much guess your shutter was steaming in Eze in particular! What a view!
My that would be fun. If I run into some extra cash…….
Such a wonderful trip and it would be so much fun with you as a guide.
What a fantastic trip! We’ll be driving again to Provence this summer. Good luck with the preparations and I hope it all goes smoothly for all those involved.