• Visits to quintessential Provençal villages of Lourmarin, Rousillon, Les Baux, Saint-Rémy
• Aix touring, including Atelier Cézanne
• Tasting and dinner at local winery
• UNESCO sites of Roman Arles
• Pont du Gard excursion
• Avignon sightseeing, including Papal Palace
• Private Provençal cooking lesson and dinner
• Carrières de Lumières multimedia art show
• Two-night stay in rugged, beautiful Camargue region
• Visit to a working Camargue ranch
• Birdlife at Pont de Gau ornithological reserve
• Art haven of Saint-Paul-de-Vence
• Two-night stay on the French Riviera

Day 1: Depart U.S. for Marseille, France

Day 2: Arrive Marseille/Aix-en-Provence We arrive in Marseille and transfer to the Provençal town of Aix-en-Provence (“Aix”). Tonight, we meet our Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director and fellow travelers at a briefing about the journey ahead, followed by a welcome dinner at our hotel. D

Day 3: Aix-en-Provence We discover this lovely university town today, known for the beautiful Cours-Mirabeau, the plane tree-lined main boulevard bordered by stately homes and the many elegant Roman fountains decorating city squares. On our walking tour, we admire Aix’s rich architectural heritage and the “Vielle Ville” (Old Town). After a guided visit to the Atelier Cézanne, the studio where artist Paul Cézanne worked from 1902 to 1906, we have free time to explore as we wish. Late afternoon we leave for a wine tasting then dinner at a local restaurant. B,D

Day 4: Aix-en-Provence/Roussillon/Lourmarin Today’s excursion to the beloved Luberon region of charming hilltop villages overlooking vineyards and orchards reveals Provence in all its storied beauty. We first visit the town of Roussillon, perched atop a striking ochre ridge surrounded by vivid green pine trees. After exploring this historic town, we continue on to Lourmarin, set amidst vineyards, olive groves, and almond trees, and considered “one of the most beautiful villages in France.” After lunch together at a local restaurant, we tour the landmark Renaissance castle and stroll the narrow winding streets lined with restored Mediterranean houses, boutiques, cafés, and restaurants. Late this afternoon, we return to Aix, where the evening is free for dinner on our own. B,L

Day 5: Aix-en-Provence/Arles/Pont du Gard/Avignon This morning we travel to Arles, once part of Roman Gaul then a clarion of Christianity and, more recently, where van Gogh painted. We see much of that history on our tour here, which includes a visit to the Roman Amphitheater, a UNESCO site dating to 90 CE and preserved virtually intact. Then we continue on towards Avignon, stopping at Pont du Gard, the 1st-century Roman aqueduct whose three tiers of arches span the Gardon River. Late this afternoon, we reach Avignon and our hotel, where we dine together tonight. B,D

Day 6: Avignon This morning, we encounter the ancient Roman city that was the capital of Christendom in the Middle Ages. We visit Avignon’s historic city center (a UNESCO site), with its cathedral, medieval Saint-Bénézet Bridge, and the Palais des Papes (Papal Palace), one of the world’s largest and most important Gothic structures. We tour the palace, where seven successive popes lived during the 14^th century. Then we have free time to explore on our own before tonight’s small group highlight as we join a local chef for a Provençal cooking class followed by dinner. B,D

Day 7: Avignon/Les-Baux-de-Provence/Saint-Rémy-de-Provence We set out this morning for Les Baux, a gem of a medieval village perched atop a rock spur. Our first stop: the Carrières de Lumières multimedia/art exhibition set in a former stone quarry. Then we explore Les Baux itself, considered another of the country’s most beautiful villages, with its restored ancient houses, Renaissance-era façades, historic monuments, and stone citadel. We then continue on to the picturesque village of Saint Rémy, in the heart of the Alpilles where, between May of 1889 and May of 1890, Vincent van Gogh painted Starry Night, among other of his most acclaimed paintings. We enjoy lunch together at a local restaurant before visiting the Romanesque jewel of St-Paul de Mausole, the former monastery turned asylum where van Gogh was confined after severing his ear. We return to Avignon late this afternoon; dinner tonight is on our own. B,L

Day 8: Avignon/Aigues-Mortes/Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer As we approach Aigues-Mortes this morning, we see the rose-hued salins (salt marshes) that produce the famed Camarguais salt. In town, we take a walking tour that features the entrance to the medieval city walls and ramparts. After time for lunch on our own here, we continue on to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, capital of the Camargue region of vast plains, wetlands, lakes, and lagoons. A UNECO Biosphere Reserve at 360 square miles, the Camargue is known for unique breeds of white horses and bulls, its pink flamingos, and as a staging point for thousands of migratory birds. We dine tonight at our hotel B,D

Day 9: Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer Our exploration of the Camargue begins with a visit to a manade, a traditional ranch where gardians (cowboys) raise bulls both for meat and to perform in local arenas. We learn about the traditional way of life as we tour the manade, watch the gardians manage their herds while on horseback, and enjoy a lunch of local specialties. Then we head to the Pont de Gau ornithological reserve in the heart of the Camargue Regional Natural Park. We’re likely to see the pink flamingos for which the park is known, as well as species of heron, birds of prey, and seasonal migratory birds. B,L

Day 10: Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer/Saint-Paul-de-Vence/Nice We’re bound today for the Cote d’Azur, the fabled French Riviera. Mid-day we reach Saint-Paul-de-Vence, the beautiful medieval hilltop village once home to many prominent artists, including Marc Chagall. After a walking tour together, we’re free to explore as we wish. Then we continue on to Nice, capital of the French Riviera, arriving late this afternoon. B

Day 11: Nice This morning’s sightseeing begins with spectacular views of Nice and its prized setting along the Baie des Anges from atop Colline du Chateau (Castle Hill), once a citadel and now a park. We stroll along the iconic seaside boulevard, Promenade des Anglais; explore “Vieux Nice” (Old Nice), with its colorful pastel buildings; and visit the historic Marché aux Fleurs (flower market). Tonight, we celebrate our adventure over a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. B,D

Day 12: Depart for U.S. Today we depart for the Nice airport for our return flights to the U.S. B

Please note: This trip involves considerable walking up hills or stairs, and on uneven or cobblestone streets. You should be in good physical condition to enjoy the tour to its fullest.

B = Breakfast included L = Lunch included D = Dinner included

• Round-trip air transportation from listed cities
• 10 nights’ accommodations in Superior First Class and First Class hotels
• 19 meals: 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinners
• Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees
• Services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
• Private motorcoach transportation throughout your trip
• Luggage handling for one bag per person
• Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers
• $100 frequent traveler credit towards your next Odysseys Unlimited tour ($200 after 3 tours; $300 after 10 tours)

2023 Tour Dates & Prices
including international airfare and all taxes, surcharges, and fees

Please call if your city is not listed or for land only prices. Prices are per person based on double occupancy and include airline taxes, fuel surcharges, and departure fees of $602, which are subject to change until final payment has been made.

Single travelers please add $995 Oct; $1,195 all other dates. Your $475 deposit is fully refundable up to 95 days before departure. All 2023 tour prices above (excluding airline taxes, fuel surcharges, and departure fees) are guaranteed.

*Accommodations: Days 5-7: Maison Albar l’Imperator (Nimes)

Airline upgrades (subject to availability) on round-trip Trans-Atlantic flight: Business Class – $3,595 per person; Premium Economy – $1,595 per person

2024 Tour Dates & Prices
including international airfare and all taxes, surcharges, and fees

Please call if your city is not listed or for land only prices. Prices are per person based on double occupancy and include airline taxes, fuel surcharges, and departure fees of $602, which are subject to change until final payment has been made.

Single travelers please add $995 Apr, Oct; $1,195 all other dates. Your $475 deposit is fully refundable up to 95 days before departure. All tour prices above (excluding airline taxes, fuel surcharges, and departure fees) are guaranteed.

Airline upgrades (subject to availability) on round-trip Trans-Atlantic flight: Business Class – $3,795 per person; Premium Economy – $1,595 per person

A visa is not required for this tour.

The French Riviera – On Your Own

3 days/2 nights from $245 total price
Single Supplement: from $195

Savor the good life in this celebrated spot, with splendid scenery, museums, beaches, and rustic villages close at hand.

Your Tour Price Includes

• 2 nights’ accommodations in Nice at Hôtel le Grimaldi (First Class)
• 2 meals: 2 breakfasts
• Transfer to Nice airport

Please see the Accommodations tab for hotel information.

Extension not available on Sep 4, 2023 and April 29, 2024 departures

Pricing 2023 and 2024: $245 Apr, Oct; $295 all other dates. Single Supplement: $195 Apr, Oct; $225 all other dates 

Ina Caro
The Road from the Past, Traveling through History in France
Time travel through France by way of its finest castles, chateaux, cathedrals and monasteries. This unusual travelogue is an invaluable companion for traveling in Paris, southern France, the Dordogne and the Loire Valley, combining personal observation with large doses of well-presented history.

Michael Jacobs
The Most Beautiful Villages of Provence
With an excellent introduction to the history, culture, landscapes and pleasures of Southern France, this illustrated guide features 34 towns and villages across Provence from the Vaucluse to Bonnieux and Gordes, tranquil Alpine villages and southern vineyards.

Cathy Muscat (Editor)
Insight Guide Provence
This regional guide in the popular series, noteworthy for its color photographs and maps, includes a section of practical information and a pull-out color map.

National Geographic
Southern France Adventure Map
A detailed, full-color fold-up map of southern France at a scale of 1:465,000. Waterproof and tear-resistant, with points of interest and town location included in the index.

Marie-Helene Girard, Anny Monet
Lonely Planet French Phrasebook
This handy phrasebook focuses on pronunciation, basic grammar and essential vocabulary for the traveler.

Laura Morelli
Made in France, A Shopper’s Guide
Both a fascinating history of France’s artisanal legacy and an insider’s shopping guide, the book includes: illustrations, maps, a primer on French shopping culture and craft festivals.

Rachael Mckenna
Lunch in Provence
A richly evocative blend of photographs, recipes, and literary and historical citations, this lovely book features 35 Mediterranean lunchtime recipes from three-star Michelin chef Jean-Andre Charial.

Edwin Mullins
The Popes of Avignon, A Century in Exile
Grounded in the architecture and papal legacy of Avignon and the surrounding area, this engaging history sets the 70-year period of papal exile in the south of France against the context of Europe’s turbulent transition from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance.

Robert Cole
A Traveller’s History of France
This fast-moving survey covers the conquests of ancient Gaul through the heady days of revolution to modern times.

F. Scott Fitzgerald
Tender is the Night
The final novel that Fitzgerald published during his life, this famed tale of forbidden romance, turbulent relationships, and fascinatingly flawed characters stretches from the south of France to America to Rome. Fitzgerald considered it his greatest work, and it was ranked as the 28^th-best English-language novel of the 20^th century.

Alexandre Dumas
The Count of Monte Cristo
This classic of Western literature tells the tale of Edmond Dantés, a sailor who is betrayed by his close associates on the day of his wedding.  This adventurous tale describes the Count’s lifelong efforts to exact revenge.

Martin Gayford
The Yellow House
Gayford chronicles three turbulent months in the everyday lives of Van Gogh and Gauguin in Arles, where the two artists worked side by side in 1888. With 60 black-and-white reproductions.

John Baxter
French Riviera and its Artists:  Art, Literature, Love, and Life on the Côte d’Azur
Author and filmmaker John Baxter unspools a whirlwind tour of the star-studded cultural history of the French Riviera.  Perfect for travelers interested in the artistic and creative luminaries who have graced this region.

Peter Mayle
Provence A-Z
A companion to all things Provençal, from bouillabaisse to lavender and vinaigre, by the British expatriate and Francophile Peter Mayle.

Barbara Stoeltie
Living in Provence
Bringing together the region’s most remarkable interiors, classical and contemporary, this book paints a gorgeous picture of Provençal living.

Luke Barr
Provence, 1970
A unique moment in 1970 brought culinary luminaries James Beard, M.F.K. Fisher, Julia Child, Richard Olney, Simone Beck and Judith Jones together in Provence. Discussions ranging from the development of taste to the future of food, recorded in the journals and letters of M.F.K. Fisher, are presented here by her great-nephew.

Georgeanne Brennan
A Pig in Provence: Good Food and Simple Pleasures in the South of France
Marvelously frank about daily chores and the decidedly unglamorous business of raising goats and pigs, Brennan lards her earthy tale of the rural life with recipes, one per chapter.

Peter Mayle
A Year in Provence
The original best-selling tale of settling down in Provence, told with warmth and a great deal of humor. It offers a wonderful inside look at the charms and quirks of the people and the countryside of the south of France.

Henry James
On Provence
James attempts to capture the provincial spirit of France in this collection of magazine entries, originally published in 1884.

M.L. Longworth
Death at the Chateau Bremont
When local nobleman Etienne de Bremont falls to his death from the family chateau, the town is abuzz with rumors. A lively whodunit steeped in the rich and romantic atmosphere of Aix-en-Provence.

William Rodarmor (Editor)
France, A Traveler’s Literary Companion
This collection contains literary gems from all corners of France by a select group of 20th-century French writers from Colette to Simenon.