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 Tourtour 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. Dotted around its winding, undulating streets are eight village fountains and a number of pretty cafés perfect for a morning coffee or light snack. Small as the village is, it has two medieval castles, around which the village was built, an austere, domed 11th century Church of St Denis, and one of the few olive oil mills that still functions in the traditional manner. This mill is often open for public tours. The local fossil museum was founded by Victor Zaneboni, a carpenter who moved to the Tourtour area from Corsica, whose archaeological finds are all on display, some dating back to 65 million years ago. The lavender festivals of Digne-les-Bains are one and a half hours north of Tourtour, or almost two hours northeast of Joucas, so can be visited on either stop. In the evening, perhaps dine at your hotel, La Bastide de Tourtour, or at Tourtour’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Les Chênes Vertes.
DAYS TWO TO FOUR
Leave Tourtour northwest-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 Tourtour for your final night in France
Consider detouring to Forcalquier on your drive back to La Bastide de Tourtour 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. South of Tourtour is Draguignan, where traditional French markets 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 Tourtour: 1 hour 30 minutes
Tourtour to Crillon-le-Brave: 2 hours 20 minutes
Crillon-le-Brave to Joucas: 50 minutes
Joucas to Tourtour: 2 hours 15 minutes
Tourtour to Nice: 1 hour 30 minutes