St-Remy-de-Provence daily schedule
A gourmet adventure, designed for the active gourmet on foot, by bike, on 4 wheels…

Day One - Saturday

Meet in Avignon at 13h00 and journey to your accommodation for the week at a ‘Mas’ (farm house), on the outskirts of St-Remy-de-Provence, surrounded by lush orchards & market gardens.

After settling in, explore the artists’ town of St-Remy, visit an olive oil mill, run by a family with oil in their veins and taste wines from a local cave (cellar).

Tonight, savour a typical Provençal meal in the park that is your back yard for the week, listen to the cicadas performing their melody of summer songs. (Dinner tonight, included.)

Day Two - Sunday

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, then off to explore the neighbouring area known as the Gard.

Hire a kayak and float, (with a little bit of paddling), down the Gard River and under the immense 4th century aqueduct – Pont du Gard - stopping for a feast on the riverbanks. Cycle back via typical small villages, perhaps taking the chance to sample some more Côtes du Rhône wines.

Tonight’s dinner is at a local restaurant. (Included.)

Day Three – Monday

A big day out in the Alpilles. (Support vehicle ferrying available!)

Experience the Cathédrale d’Images in a disused quarry. Wander the cobbled streets of Les Baux, and climb up to the ruined citadel, once the feudal home of the Grimaldi Family where the expansive landscape will take your breath away!

Continue on to Le Paradou, for lunch. See the magnificent lifelike village of

Santons, then on to Le Destet. Don’t miss the chance to sample some excellent wines, many of them organic.

This area is working towards becoming the first all biodynamic wine appellation in the world. Home via olive growing villages of Mouriès, once dotted with mills & Eygelières, with its glorious St Sixte chapel.

Enjoy a free night tonight either relaxing by the pool or sampling any one of many great local restaurants.

Day Four - Tuesday

After home-baked croissants, cycle through a sea of vines, olive trees and orchards to neighbouring charming villages - Graveson & Maillane.

Savour the aromas of the perfume museum, see paintings by fauvist artist Auguste-Chabaud or visit the homestead of Nobel Prize winner and the man noted for reviving the Provençal language – Frédéric Mistral. Admire the

\Abbaye de St-Michel-de-Frigolet, hidden high in hills of La Montagnette, then via road or for the more adventurous, wriggle along a meandering trail to Barbentane, for a typical Sunday lunch.

Skirt around the base of La Montagnette, with hidden treasures, to the twin towns of Tarascon & Beaucaire. A chance to explore feudal castles and wander around 17 & 18th century houses or visit Souleiado - a fascinating fabric museum that traces the history of traditional Provençal fabrics.

Day Five - Wednesday

Stroll through the great Provençal market in St-Remy-de-Provence – plenty of tasty lunch treats to be found here.

In the afternoon pedal to the ruins of ancient Glanum & the monastery that inspired Van Gogh to create some of his most notable works.

Continue on to the plateau of La Caume admiring the sweeping views to the Luberon, Mont Ventoux & beyond.

OR...

Cycle to Fontvieille with a magnificent windmill that inspired Daudet’s letters – tired of city life, he dreamed of buying a mill.

OR...

Explore Avignon at your leisure.

Visit the Palais des Papes and imagine the conversations of yesteryear.

Use this great shopping opportunity to gather up some last momentos.

Refresh yourself with a swim.

Tonight enjoy one of the active gourmet’s famed au revoir feasts.

Day Six – Thursday

A farewell breakfast, and filled with joie de vivre (and not a kilo heavier??) we go our separate ways, having savoured a wealth of new experiences, wonderful food, great wine and having made many new friends.

Tour Cost

Per person on a twin-share or double basis: NZ$2,950 (GST not applicable)

A single supplement applies (if you prefer an individual room).

The organiser reserves the right to change any details in this outline, should this prove necessary.

Included in each escorted active gourmet tour:

• Daily support vehicle (no panniers or backpacks needed!). Luggage and most purchases you make in the markets and antique shops can easily be transferred.
• An experienced facilitator with knowledge of the attractions, the people, and the history of the area.
• Quality accommodation in properties of character, for the most part with private facilities.
• Gourmet dinners (6) featuring the best of regional specialties – including the special au revoir feast on our final night, 3 lunches including spectacular picnics. Several times you’ll get the chance to ‘follow-your-own-nose’ for midday and evening meals.
• All breakfasts, including exquisite homemade preserves. routes from undemanding to taxing, through the very heart of stunning countryside. High fitness levels aren’t absolutely essential though reasonable fitness is necessary.
• Pre-trip guidance (and cycle instravailable if required).
• Tutored wine tasting and special events.
• ploration possible (we supply very detailed maps which allow a choice of routes).
• Literature, including a detailed itinerary, clothing guide, use of large-scale maps of
  the area, and general advice on travelling in Europe.
• Daily briefing and guidance.
• Hire of quality mountain bike.
• Water bottle and hat.
• Luggage transfer between localities.
• A sense of adventure is compulsory

If you have any questions go to the FAQ

We also offer associated walking or car itineraries for non-cyclists, experience from the comfort of the support vehicle.

 

Exclusions

• Castle and museum entry fees (you choose!)
• Gratuities and most drinks.
• Golf club hire and green fees where applicable.
• Fishing tackle hire and lessons where applicable.
• Visas and passports (as necessary).
• Travel Insurance (mandatory).
• Personal items, e.g. laundry, telephone, faxes etc
• Canoe hire where applicable.