Patricia Sands

Author

Womens Travel Network

Come to France with us next June!

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If it’s Friday, it must be France …

Eze Village-PSandsPhotos
Eze Village-PSandsPhotos

When I wrote The Promise of Provence, it never occurred to me that an opportunity like this trip would arise. I’m a writer. I love what I do and my greatest reward is hearing from readers. As you know from this blog, I also love to travel. To combine these two loves in my life is beyond exhilarating, so please excuse me if my excitement is showing!

51fxI-husZL._AA160_Susan Sommers is a fellow author and my partner in our Sommers & Sands speaking engagements. She is also my very good friend.  A non-fiction writer, her latest book is Power Source for Women:Proven Fitness Tools, Strategies and Success Stories. If you are looking for realistic ways to get yourself in shape, it’s the book for you.

Women’s stories comprise the common element in our writing. Sharing these stories is what inspires and motivates us. That’s why we had no hesitation in joining forces with Debbie Ross and her fabulous Women’s Travel Network. Debbie and her enthusiastic, knowledgable, team of tour leaders love to help women make their travel dreams come true. They listen to where their clients would like to travel and then plan the trip of a lifetime to that destination.

She knew she had clients who wanted to visit Provence and the Côte d’Azur.

She knows how much time I have spent in that part of the world and how I love to share it with friends.

Say no more!

I’ve been thrilled to hear from women who said they are coming because they read my novel. How much fun is that? Check with your BFFs, your daughters, your mothers, your sisters or simply come on your own. It’s going to be magnifique!

11 days, 14 women, memories to last forever!

In a last-minute telephone conversation with Debbie last night, she let me know this new information. Woohoo!

June 12 to June 22, 2014    Only a few spots available!
2nd Tour Added!  June 25 – July 05, 2014

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French Riviera  & Provence
June 12 – June 22, 2014
LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE
Only 5 spots left!
Greetings!

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 and fields of sunflowers flow in golden waves among vineyards and olive groves overlooked by ancient hilltop villages.

Our tour co-leader, Susan Sommers, is a “Fitness over 45” Motivational Speaker and Strategist, two-time Marathoner (at 61 & 63), and co-author of Power Source for Women.
During your daily outings in Provence, Susan will show you how easy it is to take 10,000 steps while enjoying exquisite scenery.
It’s the picture perfect place to become passionate about fitness.

Enjoy the cultural, historic and natural heritage of Nice & Provence during our visits of Eze, Monaco, Les Baux, St Remy, Arles and Avignon to name a few. Take a stroll through the local market brimming with spices, fruits, veggies and local wares. Visit one of the best-preserved Roman ampitheatres “Les Arenes” where bullfights still carry on the tradition. Learn the secrets of French Provencial cuisine during a hands on cooking class.  Taste fine wines, indulge in gourmet meals, and relax in the warmth of the Provencial sunshine.
  
This unique tour is limited to 16 travellers.  

French Riviera & Provence


Itinerary:
Day 01: Depart Toronto or other gateway
Day 02: Arrive in Nice
Day 03: Eze, Monaco
Day 04: Nice
Day 05: St Paul de Vence, Grasse
Day 06: Avignon
Day 07: Cooking class
Day 08: Les Baux, St Remy
Day 09: Arles
Day 10: The Luberon, Roussilon, Bonnieux
Day 11: Depart to Toronto or other city.

 

What’s included:

  • Nice, 4 nights at Hotel Beau Rivage or similar
  • Provence, 5 nights at Hotel Novotel Avignon Centre or similar
  • Transportation throughout by private mini coach
  • Breakfast daily
  • 8 dinners with wine
  • Services of an English speaking guide
  • Services of a WTN Escort throughout
  • Hotel taxes and service charges
  • Wine tasting and Olive Mill visit
  • Perfume making class, Aromatherapy workshop
  • Cooking class in Avignon
  • Visit of Aix en Provence
  • Guided visits of St Paul de Vence, Grasse, Avignon, Les Baux, St Remy, Arles, Luberon towns- Roussilon and Bonnieux
  • Entrance fees to all sites visited
Are you travelling alone?
Don’t worry, we will match you with a roommate.
Single rooms are available if preferred.
Additional cost $1425 CA
Nice
Lavendar fields of Provence
France narrow streetsProvence shopping
Enjoy, art, culture, gastronomy and shopping on this wonderful tour of Nice & Provence.

June 12 to June 22, 2014
Price: CAD $3750 per person, double occupancy

Click here for tour itinerary:

Hurry, space will be sold out soon.Call Now to reserve your spot!Contact:
Womens Travel Network
Phone: 905-771-8338
Toll free 1-888-419-0118
Email: info@womenstravelnetwork.ca

Check out photos from past trips to France. 

Click here!

Join us on Facebook.

Up close and personal … sort of …

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If it’s Friday, it must be France …

Join me in the garden of this beautiful home … can’t we just move here … ? Or at least have a writers’ retreat here? Or just all sit around and tell stories?

France-PSandsPhotos
France-PSandsPhotos

I know I just posted this photo a little while ago but I love this place SO much I just had to do it again. Excusez-moi.

First of all, I know it’s Saturday. Here’s my story and I apologize if you feel it is TMI. I began to think about my post last evening and ended up falling asleep at my computer … seriously … I was leaning on my elbow, perusing my French photos and suddenly – THUNK! My head hit the keyboard … I thought it was time to take a hint …

I normally have tons of energy but this month has been crazier than most with three weekend drives up to cottage country – one to speak to the wonderful women of Haliburton Highlands CFUW, one to attend the CAA CanWrite!2013 conference, and one to meet with the other tour leaders for the amazing Women’s Travel Network who have organized the ten-day tour to the south of France that I will be leading in June 2014, along with my speaking partner Susan Sommers. ( p.s. There are only 6 spots left!)

This week my DH and I drove to Stratford on Wednesday to join my brother and his wife  in seeing Blithe Spirit written by the always cleverly entertaining Noël Coward. Then on Thursday Susan and I drove to London where I was invited to speak at the first Cocktails

canstockphoto12590151
canstockphoto12590151

and Conversation event organized by Cynthia O’Neill, founder of the outstanding Power of The Purse women’s conferences.  What an enjoyable evening that was with so many interesting and involved women from the London, ON area.

I owe a great deal of thanks to a lot of people for making June so full of exciting, stimulating, occasions. In between all of that I’ve been doing the usual – writing, blogging, making deadlines. SO … all this is to say that for the rest of this holiday weekend (in Canada) I’m going to move away from my computer to play golf, tennis and bridge and hang out with my DH and some wonderful friends (at least for today and tomorrow … I might be writing again on Monday … yeah …)

Bon weekend tout le monde! Have a great weekend and take time to have fun! What plans do you have?

Will you join us?

by

If it’s Friday, it must be France …

France-PSandsPhotos
France-PSandsPhotos

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