Bienvenue

Our trip starts with your guides meeting you at the Avignon TGV station at 11am. Avignon is a city with fascinating contrasts, contemporary and chic, yet steeped in a rich, turbulent medieval past. Original settlement was during the Neolithic period (4000BC). During the 14th century, Avignon was the most important and powerful centre in Europe, owned by the Romans. After the Revolution during the 18th century, the city was returned to France and since, Avignon has developed and prospered. Today, it hosts a world-renowned annual summer Theatre Festival. Consequently, there are many sights to visit. Arrive a day or two earlier to adjust your time zone and visit Avignon.

From Avignon, we have a short transfer to our beautiful 4-star hotel in Provence, taking the opportunity to stop for lunch along the way and visit some stunning Provence villages – in fact, so beautiful to have been awarded the distinction of most beautiful or “plus beaux”.

Gordes is a beautiful old village, perched on the southern edge of the high Plateau de Vaucluse. The stone buildings built against the base of the cliffs and perched on the rocks above, are made of honey coloured stone that glows orange in the sun. We can enjoy a break in one of the cafes with a stunning panorama across to the Montagne du Luberon before continuing on our journey. A bit further down the road we’ll pass the famous lavender fields of the Abbaye de Senanque before our final stop in the high-set village of Venasque, before heading to our hotel in L’Isle sur la Sorgue.

Tonight, you will enjoy our welcome dinner served with an accompanying wine, if it were a red – Côtes de Rhone or if your choice were a rosè –  Côtes de Provence.  This evening is a great social opportunity to meet your fellow guests and your staff.  Most importantly, have any of your questions answered by your helpful staff.