10-Day Cultural and Scenic Journey Through Provence, France

Day 1: Explore Avignon

Avignon, France on May 11, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at La Fourchette

Enjoy a classic French breakfast with freshly baked croissants and exquisite coffee in this charming bistro near the city centre, open from 7am.
EUR15, 1h

9:45am

Palais des Papes

Visit the largest Gothic palace in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to soak in medieval history and architecture. Open 9am–7pm.
EUR12, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Les 5 Sens

Head to this renowned restaurant offering Provençal cuisine with fresh local ingredients, open from noon.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Pont Saint-Bénézet (Avignon Bridge)

Walk along the famous old bridge and enjoy stunning views over the Rhône River, open 9am–6pm.
EUR5, 1h

3:30pm

Rocher des Doms Garden

Relax in this peaceful park offering panoramic views of Avignon and surrounding landscapes.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Explore local shops and cafés

Stroll through Avignon’s quaint streets, visiting artisan shops and enjoying a coffee break.
Variable, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at La Table d'Uzès

Dine on refined Provençal dishes using seasonal produce in an inviting setting, perfect for the first evening.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 2: Roman Heritage

Arles, France on May 12, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at la Maison du Pain

Grab artisan breads and pastries at this local bakery before heading out, open from 7am.
EUR8, 30m

8:15am

Travel to Arles

Short 30-minute drive from Avignon to start exploring Arles’ Roman sites.
Transport costs, 30m

9:00am

Arles Amphitheatre

Visit this impressive Roman arena dating back to 90 AD, still used for events and open 9am–7pm.
EUR10, 1h

10:15am

Thermes of Constantine and Theatre Antique

Explore more Roman history with these archaeological sites in the city centre.
EUR8, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Van Gogh

Dine at this historic café where Van Gogh once painted, offering traditional fare with a Provençal twist.
EUR25, 1h

1:30pm

Van Gogh Walking Tour

Follow the footsteps of Van Gogh visiting iconic locations related to his artworks, open all day with self-guided pamphlets.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Explore local markets

If it’s market day (Monday and Saturday mornings), enjoy browsing vibrant fresh produce, or visit shops downtown.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at L'Atelier de Jean-Luc Rabanel

Experience exceptional contemporary French cuisine with a focus on organic ingredients, reservation recommended, open from 7pm.
EUR70, 2h
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Day 3: Hilltop Village Charm

Les Baux-de-Provence, France on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee to start a day in this picturesque village.
EUR12, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Les Baux-de-Provence

45-minute drive from Arles, heading into the Alpilles mountains.
Transport costs, 45m

10:00am

Château des Baux

Explore the ruins of this medieval fortress with impressive views, open 9am–7pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

11:45am

Carrières de Lumières

Visit the immersive art show inside former stone quarries featuring stunning projections; check showtimes online, typically afternoon and evening but may have daytime shows.
EUR15, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Café des Baux

Taste local Provencal dishes in this cosy village eatery, open from 12pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Stroll village streets

Wander narrow cobbled lanes, browse artisan shops and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Arles for overnight

Relax in your accommodation or explore more evening options in Arles.
Transport costs, 45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Criquet

Enjoy Mediterranean-fusion cuisine featuring fresh regional ingredients located in Arles, open till 10pm.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 4: Art and Architecture

Aix-en-Provence, France on May 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Les Deux Garçons

Historic café frequented by Cézanne and Zola, serving great coffee and pastries, open from 7am.
EUR15, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Aix-en-Provence

1 hour drive from Arles to the cultural heart of Provence.
Transport costs, 1h

9:30am

Cours Mirabeau and Aix Old Town walking tour

Stroll the grand boulevard lined with plane trees, fountains, and elegant 17th-century architecture; visit local markets if open.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Le Formal

Enjoy inventive French cuisine with local flavours in a stylish setting, open from noon.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Cézanne Studio (Atelier Cézanne)

Explore the studio of Paul Cézanne, offering insight into his life and work, open 10am–6pm.
EUR6, 1h

3:15pm

Saint-Sauveur Cathedral

Admire the mix of architectural styles in this historic cathedral dating back to the 5th century.
Free, 30m

4:00pm

Relax at Pavillon de Vendôme Gardens

Enjoy a tranquil garden retreat with classical sculptures and fountains.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Poivre d'Âne

Savour traditional Provencal cuisine with a contemporary twist in a cosy atmosphere, open till 10pm.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 5: Luberon Villages

Gordes and Roussillon, France on May 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast in preparation for a day exploring the Luberon region.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Gordes

Approximately 1 hour from Aix-en-Provence to one of Provence’s most stunning hilltop villages.
Transport costs, 1h

9:00am

Explore Gordes Village and Château

Walk the cobbled streets and visit the Renaissance château offering fantastic views and art exhibitions; Château open 10am–6pm.
EUR7, 2h

11:30am

Travel to Roussillon

Short 20-minute drive to the ochre village known for colourful cliffs and walking trails.
Transport costs, 20m

12:00pm

Lunch at La Grappe d'Or

Enjoy Provencal dishes with a view at this popular Roussillon restaurant, open from 12pm.
EUR28, 1h30m

1:45pm

Ochre Trail Walk

Discover the vivid coloured ochre cliffs and admire natural beauty on a 1.5-hour trail; open daylight hours.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit Art Galleries and Shops

Roussillon has many artisan shops and galleries showcasing local crafts and artwork.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Aix-en-Provence

Prepare for next day’s Lavender fields excursion.
Transport costs, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Petit Verdot

Savour grilled Provençal specialties in a laid-back atmosphere, open till 10pm.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 6: Lavender & Nature

Sault, France and Surroundings on May 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early start with a hearty breakfast in Aix-en-Provence before heading to lavender fields.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Sault

Approximately 2 hours drive to one of the iconic lavender farming regions of Provence.
Transport costs, 2h

10:00am

Visit Lavender Fields

Explore the iconic lavender fields and farming landscape; peak bloom is around mid-June but May offers early flowering and beautiful scenery.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Auberge la Fenière

Dine on local specials and treats amid charming countryside views, open from 12pm.
EUR30, 1h

2:00pm

Visit nearby village of Monieux

Explore this quaint village nearby with panoramic views and traditional architecture.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Drive back towards Aix-en-Provence

Enjoy a leisurely return along scenic routes.
Transport costs, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner in Aix at Le Formal

Relax with sophisticated cuisine after a day of countryside exploration.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 7: Cassis & Calanques

Cassis and Calanques National Park, France on May 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for an outdoor adventure with a wholesome breakfast.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Cassis

Approx. 1.5-hour drive from Aix-en-Provence to the charming fishing port.
Transport costs, 1h30m

9:45am

Boat Tour of Calanques

Take a 2-hour guided boat trip along the stunning limestone cliffs and turquoise waters; tours operate from 9am–6pm.
EUR25, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at La Villa Madie

Experience fine dining with produce from the region overlooking the sea, open from 12pm for lunch.
EUR60, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Cassis Harbour and Market

Wander the port and sample local shops and fresh markets depending on day of week.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Cap Canaille

Drive up to the famous cliff for spectacular panoramic views over the coast, perfect for photography.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Aix-en-Provence

Evening at leisure back in town.
Transport costs, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Zinc d'Hugo

Casual dining offering seafood and Mediterranean dishes popular with locals, open till 10pm.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 8: Marseille City Life

Marseille, France on May 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up before heading to Marseille for a full day of city exploration.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Marseille

About 30 minutes from Aix-en-Provence by car or train.
Transport costs, 30m

9:00am

Visit Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde

Explore the iconic basilica with incredible views of Marseille and the sea, open 7am–7pm.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Old Port (Vieux-Port) Walk

Walk along the historic harbour, watch fishermen sell fresh catch, and enjoy vibrant atmosphere.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Le Miramar

Famous for bouillabaisse, Marseille’s traditional fish stew; open 12pm onwards.
EUR45, 1h30m

2:00pm

MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations)

Engage with Marseille’s maritime history and culture in this striking modern museum, open 10am–6pm.
EUR11, 2h

4:30pm

Explore Le Panier district

Wander Marseille’s oldest neighbourhood full of colourful streets, galleries and artisan shops.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at La Table de l'Olivier

Indulge in authentic Mediterranean cuisine in a cosy setting, close to the Old Port, open till 10pm.
EUR40, 2h

9:30pm

Return to Aix-en-Provence or stay overnight in Marseille

Choose accommodation in Aix or Marseille depending on preference.
Variable, 30m–1h
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Day 9: Saint-Rémy and Ancient Rome

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café in Aix

Enjoy a relaxing start with fresh local produce.
EUR12, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

About 45-minute scenic drive to this charming town known for its Roman ruins and art history.
Transport costs, 45m

10:00am

Visit Glanum Archaeological Site

Explore the ancient Roman ruins, including the mausoleum and baths; open 9am–6pm.
EUR8, 1h30m

11:45am

Vincent van Gogh Walk

Visit the places where Van Gogh lived and painted during his stay in Saint-Rémy, including the psychiatric hospital exterior.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at L’Aile ou la Cuisse

Enjoy traditional Provencal dining in the heart of town, open from 12pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:45pm

Explore Saint-Rémy Market and Shops

Browse local produce, crafts, and galleries in the quaint centre.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Avignon

Approximately 45-minute drive back to central Provence base.
Transport costs, 45m

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at La Table Saint-Charles

Celebrate the trip with gourmet Provencal cuisine in Avignon’s charming ambiance.
EUR50, 2h
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Day 10: Departure & Leisure

Avignon, France on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Les Cours Mirabeau Café

Enjoy a final leisurely French breakfast at a popular local spot.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Local Art Galleries or Shops

Spend your morning picking up last-minute souvenirs and enjoying Avignon’s art scene.
Variable, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ô Saveurs

Enjoy a light lunch featuring Provençal flavours in a relaxed setting before departure.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:00pm

Prepare for Departure

Return to accommodation to pack and leave for onward travel.
N/A, Varies
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