Self-guided cultural tour
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
21.0Kg CO2e
Famous for vineyards, lavender, sleepy hilltop towns, and art & history, Provence is a diverse region within sunny Southern France. With a relaxed, charming allure, Provence entices you in with long lazy lunches, exceptional wines, and bright blue skies, not to mention the Luberon - three mountain ranges proudly displaying marvellous hilltops with unspoiled medieval villages.
Your voyage begins in Avignon, a small city full of life and the gateway to Provence. The historic centre is home to the immense Gothic architecture of the Pope's Palace along with the Saint Benezet Bridge, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The produce market here is not to be missed with local and national delicacies beautifully presented, waiting to be sampled. Spend your evenings roaming alongside the Rhone River, choosing from one of the many diverse dining experiences.
Embark on a leisurely e-bike ride where an exceptional local tasting awaits. This is the perfect introduction to Provencal wines, sampled just before you venture further into wine country and onto your next destination of Gigondas. Surrounded by more than 1,250 hectares of vineyards, this tiny village promises escapism from everyday life.
Your accommodation in Gigondas proudly boasts an excellent gourmet restaurant. Tuck into an elegant meal on the sun-dappled patio with breath-taking views of the limestone peaks around you - certainly one of those moments that you'll never forget. With plenty of nature walks available, we recommend exploring outside of the village before returning to enjoy your pre-arranged wine tasting; a must do whilst in Gigondas.
Leaving Gigondas behind, you arrive in Fontaine de Vaucluse, a medieval Provencal village known for being the source of the mighty River Sorgue. From here, take your e-bike across the charming hilltops of Gordes, one of the seven most beautiful villages in France. Take your time getting lost amongst the labyrinth of narrow, cobblestone streets, stopping at charming boutiques and tempting eateries as you explore. With must-see churches and its dominating castle, Gordes deserves a moment to discover its beauty at your own pace. From Fontaine de Vaucluse, you can arrange canoeing down the River Sorgue; a fantastic way to see Provence from another perspective.
Your Provencal Tour comes to an end with one last night in Avignon. Enjoy the fine cuisine and historical sites along the Rhone River before waving goodbye with fond memories of Provence.
Arrive at your first hotel in Avignon, just a 10minute walk from the banks of the Rhone River. Within walking distance of many points of interest and local restaurants, this is a great base for your stay in the city.
You stay at Hotel d'Angleterre.
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Set in the heart of the historic centre of Avignon, this family run hotel has a contemporary style with 40 well-equipped rooms. Close to the Petit Palais Museum, Palais de Papes and the Pont Saint-Bénézet, you're centrally located in the city.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
What better way to explore Provence than on two wheels as you embark on a leisurely ride along the Rhone River towards Chateauneuf-du-Pape and onto a local winery (approx. 25km each way). Some of the most magnificent wines await you; enjoy a traditional tasting and tour before riding back to Avignon.
You stay at Hotel d'Angleterre.
VisaHairdryerWiFiTVAircon
Set in the heart of the historic centre of Avignon, this family run hotel has a contemporary style with 40 well-equipped rooms. Close to the Petit Palais Museum, Palais de Papes and the Pont Saint-Bénézet, you're centrally located in the city.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
After a leisurely breakfast in Avignon, you'll be transferred to your next hotel in the rural village of Gigondas. Lying at the foot of a small chain of mountains in Haut Vaucluse, Gigondas is a tiny village surrounded by vineyards, scented with the typical herbs of Provence - lavender, rosemary, and thyme. This is a serene retreat, allowing you to become fully immersed in the beauty and slower pace of life in rural Provence.
We have included dinner at your hotel as their family-run gourmet restaurant is sure to be a highlight of your week; tucking into elegant cuisine on the sun-dappled patio is the perfect end to your day.
You stay at Hotel Les Florets.
Visa
PoolHairdryerWiFiTVAircon
Safe
Hotel Les Florets is a small, rural haven within the heart of the Gigondas vineyard. Rooms are beautifully decorated with flowers and Mediterranean colours that bloom magnificently in the summer. Guests can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool and terraces overlooking the valley. Boasting a gourmet restaurant, we've included dinner during your stay so that you can sample the deliciously creative dishes based on fine local produce, along with a glass of their speciality wine.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
This morning, we have arranged a wine tour and tasting for you in Vacqueyras; you can't visit this region without sampling the exquisite wines!
Returning to your hotel in the afternoon, wander the cobbled streets of Gigondas lined with cafes and wine cellars, boutiques, and art galleries. There are beautiful ancient stone houses with vines growing up their walls and shutters painted pink and blue. The 11th century Church of Ste Catherine is perched at the top of the village along with ruins of their medieval castle. There are plenty of options for longer walks should you want to embark on a hike around the countryside.
You stay at Hotel Les Florets.
VisaPoolHairdryerWiFiTVAirconSafe
Hotel Les Florets is a small, rural haven within the heart of the Gigondas vineyard. Rooms are beautifully decorated with flowers and Mediterranean colours that bloom magnificently in the summer. Guests can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool and terraces overlooking the valley. Boasting a gourmet restaurant, we've included dinner during your stay so that you can sample the deliciously creative dishes based on fine local produce, along with a glass of their speciality wine.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
You'll be transferred to your next hotel located in Fontaine de Vaucluse, a medieval village home to the source of the mighty River Sorgue. From here, take your e-bike across the charming hilltop villages to Gordes, proudly known as one of the seven most beautiful villages in France. Facing the Luberon, this hilltop village showcases buildings of white stone, rooting themselves into the sharp cliff of the mountain. Take your time wandering the labyrinth of 'calades' (narrow cobblestone streets), stopping at the many cafes, restaurants, and boutiques, immersing yourself in the thriving arts scene. Dominated by Chateau de Gordes, this castle has been at the heart of the village since its completion in 1031; its architecture offers a wonderful link between the Middle Ages and the golden Renaissance period, certainly worth a visit.
The Church of Saint Fermin is another must see in Gordes. Built on the grounds of an old 12th century Romanesque church, each of the small, eight chapels are dedicated to the patron saints of different professions such as shoemakers and blacksmiths to watch over their livelihoods.
You stay at Hotel du Poete.
Hôtel du Poète, Fontaine de Vaucluse
Intimate and surrounded by wild nature, Hôtel du Poète welcomes you to the most beautiful landscape of the Vaucluse on the shores of River Sorgue. Housed in an old mill skilfully transformed into a unique place to stay, it offers all the charm of Provence with a surprising Venetian air. Guests can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool and onsite Le Bistrot restaurant with homemade and seasonal cuisine.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Relax in Fontaine de Vaucluse or explore more of Gordes. One of the best things to do in Gordes is to simply follow your nose through the cobbled lanes and see where you end up. You'll no doubt stumble across beautiful viewpoints, ancient gateways, and charming little nooks among the hillside houses. It's hard to get lost, so stroll at leisure and take in all the little details as you go.
You also have the option to canoe down the River Sorgue from Fontaine de Vaucluse (booked in advance). The village of Fontaine de Vaucluse is squeezed into the sharp end of a narrow valley and takes its name from the beautiful and mysterious spring feeding the River Sorgue. Canoeing here is a great way to see another side of Provence and the beautiful nature it boasts.
Enjoy a relaxing morning before returning to the picturesque city of Avignon. From the renowned Palais des Papes, acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage site, to the lively nearby markets teeming with scents of ripe produce and aromatic herbs, Avignon presents a distinctive fusion of culture, artistic expression, and culinary delights.
End your week on a high by dining at one of the many excellent restaurants in Avignon. There's a great range of options to choose from whether you want simple, good quality cuisine or more of a fine dining experience.
You stay at Hotel d'Angleterre.
VisaHairdryerWiFiTVAircon
Set in the heart of the historic centre of Avignon, this family run hotel has a contemporary style with 40 well-equipped rooms. Close to the Petit Palais Museum, Palais de Papes and the Pont Saint-Bénézet, you're centrally located in the city.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
Wave goodbye to Avignon with fond memories of Provence.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from NZ$770.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Self-guided cultural tour
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
21.0Kg CO2e
