Provence Private Day Tours | French Adventures

Please find below a few examples of day tours from Avignon, private tours . They are flexible and "à la carte". We can also arrange any private tours in Provence, Camargue and French Riviera under request.

Roman Art and Abbeys in Provence

Visit of Arles, one of the former Roman capitals and an important religious centre during the Middle Ages. Roman heritage with its famous amphitheatre, theater, Saint-Trophime cathedral and other ancient monuments. Visit of the Montmajour Abbey, founded in the 10th century.

Panoramic tour of Avignon, to discover the main monuments: the Ramparts, the Popes’palace, the famous Pont d’Avignon. Visit of the Senanque Abbey, a magnificent example of cistercien art in Provence, located in Luberon. (Large lavender field in bloom from mid-june to mid-july). Private tour. Half day (4h).

Price for 2 persons : 476 Euros
Price for 4 persons : 560 Euros
Price for 6 persons : 625 Euros
Price for 8 persons: 705 Euros

Avalaible all the week. Tours in air conditioned car or minibus (8 seats) with English speaking driver/guide

Camargue

Visit of les Saintes-Maries de la Mer, the site of the famous gypsy pilgrimage. Its Fortress Church keeps the relics of Ste Sarah, sainte of Gypsies. Cruise on the Rhône to discover the fauna of Camargue: birds, bulls and horses.

Visit of Aigues-Mortes, medieval city founded by Louis IX, King of France, who wished to build a harbor on the Mediterranean Sea. Visit of the city: Constance Tower, the Ramparts, Notre Dame des Sablons, early gothic style church, St Louis Square and the Statue of the king. Full day private tour from 9am to 7PM.

Cost for 2 persons : 836 Euros
Cost for 4 persons : 865 Euros
Cost for 6 persons : 900 Euros
Cost for 8 persons : 945 Euros

Avalaible all the week. Tours in air conditioned car or minibus (8 seats) with English speaking driver/guide

Wine Tour

Villeneuve, city of cardinals in the XIVth century, will impress you by its medieval monuments: the Chartreuse, the Collegiate church, the Tower Philippe le Bel, the Abbey and Fort Saint Andre. You will continue your trip through the typical provençal landscapes : vineyards and charming villages of Tavel, the first Rosé in France (wine-tasting), and Lirac, the famous red vineyard since more than 2000 years. Wine-tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where powerful red wines are known all over the world. Panoramic view from the remains of the former summer residence of the Popes of Avignon. Private tour half day (4h).

Price for 2 persons : 476 Euros
Price for 4 persons : 560 Euros
Price for 6 persons : 625 Euros
Price for 8 persons: 705 Euros

Avalaible all the week. Tours in air conditioned car or minibus (8 seats) with English speaking driver/guide.

Fontaine de Vaucluse + Isle sur la Sorgue

Visit of Fontaine de Vaucluse, the Sorgue river source, one of the most important and mysterious in the world. The beauty of the site inspired poets like Petrarque and Frederic Mistral.

Visit of Isle sur Sorgue, a charming village crossed by the Sorgue river channels. Paddle wheels are dated from the time of its former silk and wool industry. It has the most important Antiquity market in France, after Paris. The Antiquity market takes place every Sunday. Private tour half day (4h)- for antiques.

Price for 2 persons : 476 Euros
Price for 4 persons : 560 Euros
Price for 6 persons : 625 Euros
Price for 8 persons: 705 Euros

Marseille, the cliffs of Cassis and Aix en Provence

Marseille, the oldest city in France, founded by the Greeks 2600 years ago. Visit of the Old Harbor, the Canebiere street, Notre Dame de la Garde basilica.

Aix-en-Provence, the former capital of Provence, is famous for its splendid mansions of 17th and 18th centuries. Visit of the old quarters and of the Cours Mirabeau, the main street in the city. Visit of the workshops of Cézanne, famous painter born in Aix-en-Provence, and sightseeing tour at the foot of the mountain Ste Victoire to discover the sites painted by the artist. Full day private tour 9am to 7PM.

Cassis is still a small fishing port, but the little fishing boats now share the harbor with yachts and boats for visiting the Calanques, a trip you shouldn’t miss.

The first of the white Cassis stone quarries in the Calanques was opened in 1753.

Wine of Cassis - Wine was being made around Cassis even before the Greeks arrived around 600 BC, and it’s only gotten better. The appellation Cassis wine, received the Appellation d’Origine Controlée in 1936 — the first in the region. It’s produced in red, rosé and white, with the white being the most famous.

Cost for 2 persons : 852 Euros
Cost for 4 persons : 880 Euros
Cost for 6 persons : 912 Euros
Cost for 8 persons : 960 Euros

Avalaible all the week. Tours in air conditioned car or minibus (8 seats) with English speaking driver/guide.

Nice and Monaco

Nice, city of winter residence of european aristocracy since 1864, possesses a large heritage of Belle Epoque. The walk on the Promenade des Anglais, a large and long quay, gives a view on the Excelsior Regina Palace (1897), the Queen’s Victoria residence, villas Il Paradiso and Masséna, Majestic hotel, Grand Palais, Negresco hotel... Visit of the Flower market (every day except Monday and Sunday afternoon - 6 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.).

Visit of Eze, a perched village that offers an exceptional view on the sea. Visit of the perfume workshop of Fragonard.

Visit of Monaco principality, reigned by the Grimaldi family since the Middle Ages. The old city with a palace of 16-17th c. and a cathedral. The oceanography museum presents the richest collection of Mediterranean species. The exotic garden offers an amazing panoramic view of the sea. Full day private tour from 7:30am to 8PM

Cost for 2 persons : 1,060 Euros
Cost for 4 persons : 1,056 Euros
Cost for 6 persons: 1,092 Euros
Cost for 8 persons : 1,136 Euros

Full day private wine tour from Avignon

The Road of Olive Trees

Nyons
Because of its situation in a small valley, Nyons benefits from a lot of sunshine all year round. It’s a medieval fortified town, with narrow winding streets. It has many points of interest, such as la Tour Randonne, a listed Romanesque bridge and its unique arched.

Buis-les-Baronnies
First occupied by the Romans (the Arx Apollinaris testifies of their past presence), it then belonged to the Mévouillon, and in the l4th century to the Dauphins. Gifted in 1643 to the Princes of Monaco (who owned it until 1789) it enjoyed a flourishing industrial activity at the beginning of the 20th century (wool, silk, leather, hat trade).assage way, which is 43 metres long.

Olives and olive oil
The olive tree - symbol of the Mediterranean - was imported by the greek some 2500 years ago. It can live for several centuries and starts to give fruit at the age of eight, reaching full maturity by the age of twenty. Olives are traditionally gathered by hand or combs from November to January. The largest are conserved for eating whilst the smallest are pressed at the mill to give "virgin olive oil". 5 kg (11Pb) of olives makes 1 litre (1,8 pints) of oil.

Truffles
The black truffle, the same as the Périgord truffle is recognizable by its strong wild perfume. Its development requires 3 essential elements : earth rich in limestone, a Mediterranean climate and a welcoming tree (generally oak). It is collected during winter at the feet of oak trees with the help of a well-trained dog. The "truffle hound" scratches the earth to show where the truffle is hidden, leaving its owner to free the "Black Diamond" with a special hook called a "Faiji". The cultivation of truffles spreads over 15 communities in the "Vaucluse" and 68 in the "Drôme Provençale".

Aromatics Plants
Be it wild or cultivated, each plant has its own special use : gastronomic, herbal tea, perfume, medicine... They are widely used in Provencal cooking. Thyme or "Farigoule" in Provencal accompanies meat dishes whilst fennel or sage are delicious with fish. Savory "pebre d’ase" is used to season goat’s cheese. But there is also romary, verbena, coriander, basil (pistou)... Anise and mint are also cultivated to make aperitif drinks.

Villages of Mont Ventoux:

First stop which is a must, a drive all the way to the top of the Mont Ventoux (1912 meters high), from where you would not resist from taking nice panoramic pictures.

Then we will drive across surrounding villages :
Bedoin, at the foot of the Géant de Provence Crillon le brave and its walls, full of history.
Caromb, at the border of the Dentelles de Montmirail, where we can taste cotes du ventoux wines.
Le Barroux, the perched village and its splendid XII century's castle.
Flassan and its ocher colored houses and cherry trees.
Methamis and its roman style church which look over the valley.

Each village is unique and has it own history and stories. You will find a warm welcome in all villages on our stop to the daily markets or on our lunch break at one of their magic places.

You will be able to select from a wide choice of best places to eat according to your taste and budget.

Discovery of the Mount Ventoux

Come and take pictures at the top of the Mont Ventoux
At a height of 1912 meters, it’s fantastic...
Discovery of provencal coloured and exciting market where you can do shopping to have lunch at the top. (possibility to have a ready-made lunch on the spot)
Back to the Dentelles de Montmirail where you will appreciate a cup of coffee at the village of Suzette in the heart of the Dentelles de Montmirail (eastern side), Suzette is a small village clinging to a rocky outcrop at an altitude of 410 metres in the middle of the Saint-Amand cirque.
Visit of the Cave de Beaumes de Venise (great muscat wine cellar)

Beaumes de Venise give the impression that it is built into a hill. The village situated at the foot of the Courens plateau, owes its name to the numerous caves (or baumes) on the hill. The village nestles at the foot of the famous Dentelles de Montmirail, offering it a natural rampart against the Mistral wind.
Or visit to La Balméenne, a famous (oilmill)

The road to Jewish Heritage

This is the region where the 14th and 15th century Jewish communities were protected, benefiting from the presence of the Popes in Avignon, who granted them freedom to worship and live when they were banished from the Kingdom of France. You have in Provence the largest Jewish Heritage of France.

Discover the carrières Jewish streets, the synagogues and the museums in Avignon.

The Jewish-Comtadin Museum, open on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (except for holidays).

The synagogue, built in 1367, one of the oldest in France. Open from Monday to Friday (4 pm). Closed during Jewish holidays.

Full day tour – 2-4 persons – 800 €
Full day tour – 5-8 persons – 900 €

Van Gogh Tour

In February 1888, Vincent Van Gogh arrived in Arles, where he lived for two years.

Strongly impressed by the light and colors of Provence, Van Gogh worked on over 400 paintings and drawings during this period.

And open air market every Saturday morning ( local products, special atmosphere...)

Evocation of Van Gogh’s life, amidst the setting where he lived, source of some of his most beautiful paintings.

The road up to Les Baux from the southeast passes trough olive groves and vineyards. And after...the sightseeing is amazing.

There are incredible rock formations in this part of the Alpilles, with the road seemingly cut through solid rock with single strokes of some giant’s knife.

The village area is a stone and cobblestone medieval village. Just inside the entrance to the village are narrow cobblestone streets, terrace cafés, souvenir shops.

Visit the Saint Paul de Mausole monastery, which became an asylum in the 19th century. Van Gogh took refuge here in 1889/18890 just before killing himself.

Full day tour – 2-4 persons – 800 €
Full day tour – 5-8 persons – 900 €

Lavender Fields Private Tour

In the Sault countryside you will discover the genuine wild beauty of the high plateaux of Vaucluse amidst fields of golden wheat and blue lavender.

Discovering the open air market on wenesday morning in Sault, buy some food and fruits , and let’s go for a picnic close the lavender fields.

Lavender is blooming from June 30th to August 15th. Date of the Lavender Festival.

Situated in the Luberon, at the foot of the Monts de Vaucluse, the village of Roussillon is surrounded by beautiful countryside. It is considered one of the most impressive villages in France.

Situated in the heart of one of the biggest ocher deposits in the world, Roussillon is famous for its magnificent red cliffs and ocher quarries.

Classified "one of the most beautiful village in France", this is one of the "in" villages of Luberon where many movies stars and artists have made their home. Its houses of white and gray stone rise up in a spiral around the rock where the village is set. At the very top is the church and the castle which face out onto the hills of the Luberon

It was founded in 1148 under the patronage of Alfant, bishop of Cavaillon, and Ramon Berenguer II, Count of Barcelona, Count of Provence, by Cistercian monks who came from Mazan Abbey in the Ardèche, lavender fields of Abbey are blooming from June 15th to July 31th.

A visit to the Lavender Museum may be planned, the whole history of lavender with the aid of an audioguide.

From July 1 to August 25, you can watch the work of reaping and distillation : reaping with sickles and traditional distillation in a copper still dating from 1900.

Full day tour – 2-4 persons – 800 €
Full day tour – 5-8 persons – 900 €

Christmas in Provence

In Provence, the religious tradition of "Christmas time" indicates that it should last 40 days, and it ends with Candlemas. This culture ancient Provencal family gathers around the crib, December 24, and it is imperative not to miss the midnight mass after e "big dinner, which invariably ends with the thirteen desserts.

Avignon, the birthplace of Provence, celebrating as it should this time of Christmas, and offers many activities in its streets lit.

The Christmas market in Avignon from 29 November to 30 December 2008 Provencal specialties, santons, tissues ... daily from 9:30 am to 19h

Cribs and Santon Crêches, Santon, hymns, pastoral animate this poignant moment as Christmas or the shining hope of a revival.

Thirteen desserts On the table, illuminated by 3 candlesticks, a symbol of the Trinity and the basis égayée wheat Holy Barbe - wheat or lentil, a symbol of renewal - just pull the Thirteen desserts, a symbol of Christ and the 12 apostles.

Full day tour – 2-4 persons – 800 €
Full day tour – 5-8 persons – 900 €

Traditional markets of Provence and a sightseeing tour

Full day tour – 2-4 persons – 800 €
Full day tour – 5-8 persons – 900 €

Truffle day in Provence

Nearby the "Mont Ventoux", your hosts for the day will invite you to visit their truffles fields with a truffle dog.

Walking during 1½ hour which make you discover some of the mysteries of this famous mushroom named "black diamond".

After this trip, you will savour truffles in the farm at the corner of the fireplace.

Truffled patés, pumpkin soup with truffle cream, omelette with truffles, slides of fresh truffles on toast, salad and cheese with truffles, truffle ice cream. Wine and coffee included.

under request :
HUNTING TRUFFLES ( winter) , meeting the professionals and search for truffles!
MAKE YOUR OWN PERFUME IN PROVENCE ( visit at different perfume factories )

Avalaible all the week. Tours in air conditioned car or minibus (8 seats) with English speaking driver/guide.

Please email us for other tours, we will customize for you the tour of your dream!