Provence Wine Tour

Suggested Tailored Wine Tour Itinerary

1. Nice - St Paul de Vence - Lorgues

   

   Bienvenue! Château de Bellet Wines, Michelin Lunch, St Paul de Vence

   • 5 * Luxury Château, Lorgues
   • Michelin Starred lunch with wine
   • Privately Chauffeured Mercedes

   Your private English-speaking chauffeur and luxury Mercedes will collect you in Nice this morning, and then it’s Just a 20-minute drive to your first private wine tour and tasting at the captivating Château de Bellet. It was built around the stunning family Chapel, which draws much-deserved attention with its elegant white stone from La Turbie. Its beauty and location alone continue to attract royalty and celebrities as it has done for many years. This is before even mentioning their truly spectacular wines. After a private tour of the beautiful grounds, vines, and installations, you will sample and savor the sumptuous wines.

   Next, on to the beautiful hills and time for lunch at Michelin-starred Le Saint Martin. And what a picture awaits you here: panoramic views over the countryside and the sparkling sea of the Côte d’Azur. Sit back, relax, and tuck into the luscious flavors of the dishes created by Jean-Luc Lefrançois, all perfectly paired with exquisite wines. Such delights might include “Rock Fish with Aspic, French caviar, celeriac, Jerusalem artichoke, verbena emulsion” or “Slow cooked shoulder of lamb with rosemary, tangy turnip, chard “meuniere” and finishing with the most divine patisseries.

   After lunch, enjoy some free time for shopping and strolling in the darling artist hamlet of St. Paul de Vence. This magnificently preserved medieval hamlet is brimming with art galleries and quirky boutiques.

   Then, on to your sumptuous accommodations, Chateau de Berne; this blissful retreat is the perfect base to discover the surrounding area. The delightful Chateau is lost among vines and trees, providing an idyllic haven. Enjoy!

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2. Draguignan - Les Arcs sur Argens - Lourges

   

   Château de Berne Fine Wines, Rabiega, Gourmet Lunch

   • 5 * Luxury Château, Lorgues
   • Full Breakfast, Gourmet Lunch with wine
   • Privately Chauffeured Mercedes

   After a relaxing breakfast, looking out to the immaculate olive tree-lined vineyards, you will visit the onsite winery. Taste their finest selections, including reds, whites, and the renowned rosé, followed shortly by a few more sips at the nearby Domaine Rabiega. Here, you will experience some of the finest Provençal reds, showcasing real finesse in a bottle.

   Your VIP visit will include a stroll around the stunning grounds, a more homely experience in contrast to the opulent Chateaux, precisely what Swedish owner Yves Tanchou aimed to achieve – the authentic Provençal experience.

   Next is lunch at Le Relais des Moines, boasting fabulous views, pretty gardens, terraces, and a delightful dining area within a 16th-century stone house, setting the scene for the out-of-this-world lunch offering. Husband and wife Sébastian and Géraldine Sanjou lead the team, preparing impeccable, sophisticated works of art on the plate, leading to the most divine yet subtle experience on the palate—an outstanding presentation of local cuisine.

   Then, after lunch, you will have time to make the most of the fantastic facilities at your luxury Chateau Hotel. Be sure to check out the onsite spa and wellness treatments, including Oenotherapy, Cinq Mondes, and Vinésim. If you’re feeling more energetic, why not explore some of the estate’s 1,272-acre grounds by electric bike?

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3. Aix - Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade - Toron

   

   Château La Coste, Cooking in Aix, Gastronomic Dinner

   • Luxury Hotel & Spa, Toron
   • Full Breakfast,Gourmet Cooking Class Lunch and Gastronomic Dinner with wine
   • Privately Chauffeured Mercedes

   Today brings a change of air, as you will drive just over an hour west to the charmingly beautiful Aix-en-Provence. You will be immersed in the Provence way of life in the hands of your dynamic host and Chef Gilles. Your Provence Gourmet Day experience will begin at the market, where you’ll enjoy selecting the best seasonal ingredients for today’s menu. En route to Gilles’ fabulous 12-acre property, he will introduce you to his favorite local château and cheese farm, picking up some essentials for your feast. Once back at the estate, and after touring the beautiful home, gardens, and ‘Garigue,’ you will prepare a typical family-cooked lunch under Gilles’ guidance. Then, sit back and enjoy your efforts in style with your gregarious host.

   Some free time follows to make the most of the great shops in Aix. You might also like to visit Cézanne’s art studio before a private tour and tasting at Château La Coste in the late afternoon.

   This bewildering wine estate, which doubles as an art gallery and architectural phenomenon, is owned by an Irish businessman, passionate about contemporary art and architecture who, after falling in love with Provence about 15 years ago, set out to create Château La Coste as we find it today. He completely renovated the Château and surrounding property, transforming it with the help of his architect and artist friends into a unique art and wine resort.

   After the tour and tasting, your chauffeur will drive you about an hour north to your next abode, the delightful Hotel Mas des Herbes Blanches. Opened in 1974 and recently renovated, this stunning property is located on the hillside below the striking town of Gordes. After check-in, settle in and freshen up before dinner tonight at their gastronomic and elegant onsite restaurant.

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4. Gordes - Bonnieux - Roussillon

   

   Dreamy Luberon- Hills, Views & Haute Cuisine

   • Luxury Hotel & Spa, Toron
   • Full Breakfast, Michelin Starred Lunch with wine
   • Privately Chauffeured Mercedes

   Today is dedicated to sightseeing and photography, so don’t forget your camera! In addition to the spectacular countryside and vineyards across Provence, the dreamy Luberon region is home to dramatic ‘perched’ hilltop villages, with the breathtakingly beautiful Gordes at the top of the ‘must-see’ list. Gordes is striking to admire from a distance and equally fascinating to explore from within, with its meandering cobblestoned alleyways brimming with cafés and art galleries, and a dramatic castle and church dominating the views.

   Then, it’s on to Notre-Dame de Senanque Abbey, a Cistercian monastery dating from 1148. You can visit the grounds, and it is here that the quintessential lavender photo can be taken.

   By now, you will have undoubtedly worked up an appetite, and lunch today is at the fabulous 2 Michelin-starred Le Domaine de Capelongue near Bonnieux. Another breathtaking panoramic view awaits you, and the restaurant décor is a perfect harmony between homely and opulent. You will relish the divine creations of head chef and owner Edouard Loubet, accompanied by cracking wines personally selected by the man himself.

   After lunch, enjoy some free time to visit the pretty village of Roussillon, wander around, and visit art galleries and charming shops while admiring the impressive views. In contrast to the white stone of Gordes, Roussillon is full of color, thanks to its location near one of the world’s largest ochre deposits.

   Return to your charming hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy a free evening to make the most of the facilities and the fabulous setting.

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5. Saint Rémy de Provence - Les Baux de Provence

   

   Olive Oil Tasting, St Rémy de Provence, Les Baux Wines

   • 5 * Luxury Hotel, Les Baux de Provence
   • Full Breakfast, Michelin Starred Dinner with wine
   • Privately Chauffeured Mercedes

   Incredibly, despite the vast quantities of olive trees in this part of the country, France is not among the seven countries responsible for 90% of the world’s olive oil production. This is not to say the quality is lesser—quite the contrary. Connoisseurs describe Provençal olive oils like they do fine wines; these olive oils are considered luxury products, while Spanish and Italian oils are more commonly used for everyday consumption.

   This morning, you will have the opportunity to decide for yourself at Moulin de Calanquet. This family-run estate, now in its fifth generation, produces a fabulous range of oils. Next, a 20-minute drive takes you to the glorious Château Romanin, which applies biodynamic viticultural practices and boasts an optimum microclimate. As you will discover, the finished products are fantastic examples of what can be achieved organically and show great finesse.

   You will then move on to St Rémy de Provence, where you will have lunch on your own, guided by our tips, followed by some free time to explore. This picturesque town is where Van Gogh painted Starry Night and is a charming place to wander around and soak up the Provençal ambiance.

   Then, before heading to your fabulous countryside hotel, finish the day with a tour and tasting at Mas de la Dame, which is organically certified and produces some excellent red, white, and rosé wines. Caroline Missoffe and Anne Poniatowski are the proud owners of this female-led gem.

   Once checked into your hotel, you will have a free early evening to enjoy the world-class spa before a gourmet dinner at L’Oustau de Baumanière. This two Michelin-starred exquisite restaurant is where Head Chef Glenn Viel concocts spectacular dishes, all inspiring, ever-evolving, yet true to tradition, Bon appetite!

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6. Les Baux de Provence - Avignon - Fontvielle - Les Baux de Provence

   

   Romantic Avignon & Château d’Estoublon Wine Estate

   • 5 * Luxury Hotel, Les Baux de Provence
   • Full Breakfast, Gourmet Lunch with wine
   • Privately Chauffeured Mercedes

   This morning, enjoy a leisurely stroll around the quaint hamlet of Les Baux de Provence before heading on to Avignon. You will have a private guided walking tour in Avignon, showcasing the best of this fascinating, heritage-rich city. Highlights include the Pope’s Palace, the city gardens, and medieval city walls, culminating with a glass of wine overlooking the Pont d’Avignon.

   Next, a delightful lunch awaits on the charming terrace of La Mirande, featuring tempting treats such as “Cream of pumpkin, flavored with citronella and marinated mullet” or “Caramelized sweetbreads with quetsch plum sauce.”

   After lunch, take advantage of some free time for shopping, and then, on your way back to the hotel, you will stop at the heavenly Château d’Estoublon, the most idyllic setting for a late afternoon wine tasting, and stroll around their stunning grounds. Owners Valérie and Rémy Reboul, who took over the estate just under 20 years ago, have transformed it through extensive work in the vineyard and winery.

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7. Arles - Nîmes - Les Baux de Provence

   

   Historic Arles, Gourmet Camargue and Roman Nîmes

   • 5 * Luxury Hotel, Les Baux de Provence
   • Full Breakfast, Gourmet Lunch with wine
   • Privately Chauffeured Mercedes

   Today will be dedicated to sightseeing, starting with a leisurely breakfast. Your chauffeur will drive you for a short 25 minutes to nearby Arles, a city UNESCO listed in 1981 for its remarkable Roman monuments, including the amphitheater, baths, and remains of the Roman circus. However, it wasn’t just the Romans who left their mark; the Renaissance period was also very fruitful in Arles, with many of today’s stunning public buildings erected during that time. Arles also inspired Vincent Van Gogh, and there are many tributes to him around the city.

   Lunch will follow at La Chassagnette, whose kitchen garden is just a few meters away from the kitchen door, where most vegetables and fruits are organically grown and picked at optimum ripeness moments before being served. Head Chef Armand Arnal has no set menu; his daily creations are inspired by the day’s harvest, offering a genuinely inspirational culinary experience.

   You will then spend the afternoon in Roman Nîmes, visiting its impressive arena, which once seated tens of thousands for gladiator fights and is now used as a bullring and for the annual Roman games. For a modern contrast, Nîmes also houses the Carrée d’Art, designed by British architect Norman Foster, home to the Musée d’Art Contemporain, which has a notable collection of French and Western European contemporary art. Other highlights include the Maison Carrée, a splendid limestone temple dating back to around 5 AD, and the striking Eglise St-Baudille, a neo-Gothic-style church.

   Then, enjoy a free evening to make the most of your last night at this fabulous resort.

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8. Marseille or Nice Airport

   

   Au Revoir!

   • None
   • Full Breakfast
   • Privately Chauffeured Mercedes

   After a last breakfast at your supremely romantic hotel, carry on to your next port of call (Marseille or Nice airport). Bon voyage!

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