Discover the lavender and sunflower fields of Provence
Day-by-Day Itinerary
DAY
ONE
Arrive in Nice and drive to Tourtour
The quaint
cobble-stoned, terracotta-roofed hilltop village of Moissac-Bellevue awaits you upon
your entry into Provence. Surrounded by extensive
beautiful grasslands and meadows, it is the ideal point from which to explore
the best of the Provençal landscape. Within a thirty minute drive is the beautiful Sainte Croix lake and the Gorges du Verdon, often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Europe. The lavender festivals of Digne-les-Bains
are one and a quarter hours north, so can be visited easily. Perhaps visit the nearby town of Draguignan and its historic buildings such as Le Chapelle Saint-Sauveur or the old clock tower that dates back as early as the 12th century. In the evening, perhaps dine at your
hotel, La Bastide du Calalou.
DAYS TWO TO FOUR
Leave Moissac-Bellevue west-bound for Crillon-le-Brave, where you will stay for three
nights
The next stop on this tour of Provence is Crillon-le-Brave,
another hilltop village with spectacular views over the colourful Provençal
countryside. The Hôtel
Crillon le Brave, your hotel for three nights, is an intriguing collection
of buildings that stand on multiple levels; once a number of houses, a school, a
stable, and a presbytery, this hotel has an abundance of attractive character.
Make the most of the hilly landscape, beautiful views, and warm weather by
relaxing by the terrace pool, or indulge in some of the spa treatments
available. Truffle hunting excursions can be booked through the hotel’s
concierge, preferably before arrival, or simply explore on foot, or by bicycle,
the surrounding vineyards and olive groves. Provence is known for the huge
variety of grapes that flourish in its heat and the fertility of its soil, but
make sure to specifically try the local Rosé wines at local restaurants or wine
estates to really taste the best of the Aix-en-Provence and Côtes –de-Provence
regions. Excursions can be organised to the prestigious Châteauneuf-du-Pape and
Vacqueyras vineyards, among others. To accompany the wine, try the local pork
and trout in one of the nearby market towns, or Crillon-le-Brave itself. For the
more adventurous visitor, cycle up the winding path to the summit of Mont
Ventoux, at the base of which the village sit, to look down from the rocky,
chalky mountain top over the lush green fields below. Crillon-le-Brave is less
than an hour’s drive from Sault and also from Valréas, both sites of more famous
lavender festivals, with an opportunity for a tour around some botanical gardens
in Sault.
DAYS FIVE AND SIX
Head south for Joucas,
where you will stay for two nights
Situated just east of the
sunflower fields that link Carpentras to Avignon, Le
Mas des Herbes Blanches in Joucas is the stop on this touring holiday best
suited for viewing those surreal golden fields that fascinated Van Gogh. Joucas
is a picturesque stone village with paved streets that bloom with colourful
flowers, overlooking the ochre cliffs of Roussillon. Various hiking and
horse-riding trails are available around the village for the active tourer, or
remain in the village for the festival at the end of August. Drive just over an
hour southwest to Arles to see the seat of Van Gogh’s inspiration, or south to
Aix-en-Provence and Cézanne’s beloved Sainte-Victoire Mountain. His atelier and
the point from which he painted the mountain are still open to the public today.
Avignon itself is worth at least an afternoon’s visit, with its impressive
Palais des Papes, combination of ancient and medieval architecture, and the
numerous hidden gardens around the town centre. The Avignon Theatre Festival,
founded in 1947 by Jean Vilar, is believed to be one of the greatest in the
world, featuring a colourful explosion of dance, theatre, and various readings.
For something a little more off-the-beaten-track, visit the small village of
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, built around a subterranean spring from which flows
exquisitely clear turquoise water, filtered by the local rock. Or, between
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse and Joucas, sits Gordes, an old town brought up to date by
its associations with film stars and artists, and the home of the Senanque Abbey
and its famous lavender field.
DAY SEVEN
Return to Moissac-Bellevue for your final night in France
Consider detouring to
Forcalquier on your drive back to the Bastide du Calalou in order to spend part of your final full day on a
balloon ride, witnessing the vibrant colour of the lavender fields from the sky.
Or picnic amidst the lavender perfume in Mane after a tour of the modern and
traditional distilleries in the 12th century priory. Perhaps visit the traditional French markets in Draguignan that are held every Saturday and
Wednesday, and on the third Sunday of every month. Draguignan market is teeming
with excellent local produce, and therefore the perfect place to pick up some
edible souvenirs. Just a short drive away, of less than hour, are the lakes and
mountains of Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon, attracting ramblers, hikers, and
leisurely sight-seers.
DAY EIGHT
Drive back to Nice for
your return flight
Make the most of your last few hours in
Tourtour by walking around the village, or having a leisurely coffee in another
of its cafés before heading back to Nice for your return flight to the UK.
Perhaps stop off for a few hours in the Riviera resort of Cannes to soak up the
sun by the harbour, in the old fortified town of Antibes, or in the perfume
capital of the world, Grasse.
Driving times for this touring
holiday:
Nice to Moissac-Bellevue: 1 hour 50 minutes
Moissac- Bellevue to
Crillon-le-Brave: 2 hours 25 minutes
Crillon-le-Brave to Joucas: 50
minutes
Joucas to Moissac-Bellevuer: 2 hours 20 minutes
Moissac-Bellevue to Nice: 1
hour 35 minutes