Current as of: July 17, 2025 - 15:34
Discover Provence Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group
- Programmes: Culture
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Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Easy & Moderate
- 7 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: AFP
Trip Overview
Head to southeastern France to explore the best of Provence: markets, mountains and medieval villages
Provence is the France of artists and artisans, where lavender fields meet ancient villages and time-honoured cuisine. Experience the highlights on this compact adventure, which takes you from Forcalquier’s cobbled lanes to the elegant boulevards of Aix-en-Provence, via the beautiful villages of the Luberon mountains. En route, you’ll indulge your inner Francophile, combing local markets, sampling local produce, and meeting the local people – an experience made all the more immersive thanks to the expert insight of your local tour leader.
At a Glance
- Accommodation: 6 Classic nights (hotels)
- Travel by private minibus
- Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Highlights
- Experience the best of Provence with the help of an expert tour leader
- Enjoy a tour and tasting at the iconic Les Grandes Marges farm and boutique
- Tour the beautiful, historic villages of the Luberon region
- Sample a wide range of exceptional local produce, including wine, olive oil and cheese
- Peruse traditional food markets and meet the vendors
- Immerse yourself in the historic towns of Avignon and Aix-en-Provence
Is This Trip for You?
This trip has been rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
Suitability: To see the highlights of Provence, we enjoy some gentle walking on this adventure, though there are slopes to tackle on the mountainside towns of the Luberon. You should be prepared for walking on hills and bring shoes you are comfortable walking in.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Forcalquier
- End City: Aix-en-Provence
Land Only Itinerary
Adventure begins in Forcalquier
Begin your adventure in Forcalquier, a picturesque town in the Provence region, nestled between the Lure and Luberon mountain ranges.
Around 6pm, say bonjour to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.
Your tour leader then ensures a big French welcome by arranging a group dinner.
Want more time in Forcalquier? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.
Accommodation: Hôtel Charembeau (or similar)
Explore Forcalquier market • Walk in Lurs village • Olive oil-making workshop
Join your tour leader this morning for a guided tour of the town centre. Our adventure takes us to Forcalquier market, one of the largest in the Haute Provence with more than 200 stalls. There’s free time to explore, before we transfer (15 minutes) to the village of Lurs.
Enjoy a picnic lunch of produce from the market, before a 4mi (6km) walk in the Lurs area with magnificent views over the Durance valley. After, we visit an olive oil-making workshop led by an expert local guide, in which we enjoy a tasting, before returning to Forcalquier.
Accommodation: Hôtel Charembeau (or similar)
Discover the pretty villages of the Luberon
Today is dedicated to the famously beautiful villages of the Luberon. First, we transfer (30 minutes) to the medieval town of Banon, where we enjoy a 45-minute walk from the new town to the old town. Along the way, we discover the Old Church, which was first built in 1350, but restored in 1826 after it was destroyed in the French Revolution.
Then, join a local producer to sample Banon cheese, a round goat’s cheese traditionally wrapped in chestnut leaves, before free time in the weekly market.
After, we head (35 minutes) to Rustrel and enjoy a picnic lunch. Here, we explore the Provençal Colorado, an open-cast ochre mining site in the 19th and 20th centuries, before transferring (40 minutes) to Lourmarin to stroll through narrow streets and discover the fountain in the square.
Finally, we head to the medieval town of Bonnieux, walking from the Low Church to the High Church, before returning (one hour) to Forcalquier.
Accommodation: Hôtel Charembeau (or similar)
Visit the family-run farm Les Grandes Marges in Valensole • Explore stunning Sisteron
The beauty of Provence is in full bloom today, as we transfer (30 minutes) to Valensole, one of the largest plateaux in France, where lavender blooms between mid-June and mid-July and almond trees grow. Here, we visit Les Grandes Marges, a farm and boutique run by the Jaubert family for four generations. Here, we can enjoy a 45-minute walk among the olive trees and taste lavender oil.
After, we transfer (50 minutes) to Sisteron, nicknames the Pearl of Haute-Provence. This eye-catching town sits on the banks of the Durance with the limestone folds of the Rock of La Baume rising dramatically at the entrance. Here, we enjoy a stroll around the town with our tour leader, before returning to Forcalquier via Les Mees, a village with distinctive rock formations.
Accommodation: Hôtel Charembeau (or similar)
To Avignon • Explore the city with a local guide
Bid à bientôt to Forcalquier, as we depart early for our transfer (two hours) to Avignon. Upon arrival, join a local guide for a tour of this historic city on the Rhône, which includes a stop at the local market, where you can enjoy lunch.
The afternoon is then free to further explore the city, perhaps visiting Avignon Bridge and the Palais de Papes (entrance included).
Accommodation: Hotel D’Angleterre (or similar)
Explore boulevards and landmarks in Aix-en-Provence • Wine tasting in a vineyard • Farewell dinner
We transfer (1hr 20min) to Aix-en-Provence this morning, a historic university city of leafy boulevards and the birthplace of painter Paul Cezanne. Here, we join a local guide for a tour of the historic centre and local landmarks; after, there may be some free time, in which you could visit Cezanne’s studio or the Musée Granet.
After, we drive (30 minutes) to the enchanting estate of the Château des Trois Sautet, where we toast our adventure with a tasting of their exceptional wines in the vineyard.
Returning to Aix-en-Provence, we continue our celebrations with a farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Hôtel des Augustins (or similar)
Adventure ends in Aix-en-Provence
You’ve walked, tasted and explored the best of Provence, but now it’s time to begin your return journey home.
Alternatively, if you’d like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative to discuss our large range of extension options.
Accommodation
Hotels
We aim to secure locally owned accommodation that is well located, offers good value for money, and plenty of comfort. To help you find your ideal adventure, each trip is given a Comfort Level rating, which indicates the overall standard of accommodation. For more on our ratings, see our Comfort Level guidelines.
Forcalquier: Hôtel Charembeau (nights 1-4)
Spend the first four nights at Charembeau, an 18th-century farmhouse in a large estate of meadows, hills and old-growth trees. There are plenty of wonderful views to enjoy, of the Luberon massif, Lure Mountain and Forcalquier Citadel, while the hotel team favours local produce and other supplies from small, local businesses wherever possible. The rooms are comfortable and traditional, plus there are two pools, sun loungers and vegetable gardens to explore.
Avignon: Hotel D’Angleterre (night 5)
Our Avignon accommodation is wonderfully located on a tranquil boulevard in the downtown Vaucluse region. It’s a family-run hotel with 40 rooms, which are modern and decorated in neutral tones, allowing for a relaxing stay as we explore the City of Popes.
Aix-en-Provence: Hôtel des Augustins (night 6)
This historic establishment, founded as the Augustinian Convent in the 12th century, has welcomed monarchs, princes and nobles throughout the years, but you’re the guest of honour at the end of our adventure. It’s very well located, just a short walk from the popular Cours Mirabeau avenue, plus there’s a bar for the group to gather and toast the final night of the trip.
Worth knowing
- Tailor your trip: Extend your adventure by securing extra hotel nights before or after the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book.
- Private rooms: Like most tour operators, we room solo passengers together. If you’d prefer to have a private room, it’s normally possible to do this for a supplement. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Food & Drink
Vegetarians can be fairly easily accommodated in this area of France; however, vegans may find the variety of dishes available is rather limited. Larger supermarkets can provide gluten-free bread and baked goods, but this is less common in local bakeries.
Transport
Transfers during the week are by private, air-conditioned minibus or van.
Weather & Seasonality
Provence experiences a Mediterranean climate with the hottest months being July and August, though you may experience hot temperatures in other months. Rainfall is common throughout the year, so pack waterproofs. While the weather is less predictable outside summer, it can be a more favourable time as you miss the crowds of July-August.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hôtel Charembeau, 1730 chemin du milieu, 04300 Forcalquier
Phone: +33 4 92 70 91 70
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. We have a welcome meeting at 6pm
Airport: Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)
Getting to the start hotel
We provide one group transfer from the airport to the hotel, which you can join at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Catching your return flight
There’s one group transfer to Marseille Provence Airport, which you can join at no extra cost. Please speak to your sales representative for the time of the transfer. If the group transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Forcalquier
Location end: Aix-en-Provence
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Small backpack for camera, water bottle etc
- Water bottle to refill and use when walking and sightseeing (tap water is safe to drink)
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Waterproofs
Practical Information
Visa
France
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter France. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/france
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/france
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/France.html
Vaccinations and Health
France
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Local Time
France's time zone: Europe/Paris (UTC +02:00)
Electricity
France's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and E (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
France's currency: Euros (EUR)
ATM Availability
There are ATMs in the main towns, including Forcalquier. We recommend you bring some spending money in cash (for use in smaller shops/newsagents), but a credit or debit card will be useful for larger payments.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
Aix-en-Provence
- Cezanne’s studio: From €9.50
- Musée Granet: From €6.50 (there may be additional costs for visiting certain exhibits)
Tipping
Our local staff are paid fairly for their work. Most wish to tip their tour leader in appreciation of their help and friendliness. This, of course, is not compulsory and depends on the service received. As a starting point, we recommend €20-€25 per person for the tour leader.
Sustainability and Impact
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony though practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
How to Book
Speak to our friendly team of experts to plan your adventure:
- Check availability: our website shows real-time availability or contact our team by phone, email or live chat.
- Hold a space: You can provisionally hold a space to give you time to finalise your travel plans.
- Confirm your booking: Payment of a deposit will complete your booking and secure your place on the trip.
After booking
You will receive a confirmation document and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements. Our dedicated Customer Operations team will help you with any pre-travel questions or arrangements and can easily add extensions or extra accommodation to your booking. Final Joining Instructions will usually be sent out two to three weeks prior to departure.
Trip Note validity
Trip notes may be updated after booking; if any updates significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary you will be advised in writing. A link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes will be sent out with your Final Joining Instructions before departure.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes, and occasionally it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
