Provence 6-Day Itinerary
The southern region of France is a place of fairytales and folk legends waiting to be discovered. From the lavender fields of Provence to the coast of the Côte d’Azur, every corner holds something special—and perhaps even a bit mysterious. However, some of the most precious sites are tucked away further inland, in the Var and surrounding regions. Here, hikers will find a landscape dotted with picturesque hilltop villages that have remained largely unchanged since Crusader times.
Adventures filled with old-world wonders await travelers who make the trek into the Var’s valleys, forests, and canyons. Ancient walls guard cobbled pathways that whisper stories of centuries past, while steeples and towers offer hints of long-forgotten secrets. Trek along these historic routes to uncover hidden gems like churches packed with beautiful religious artifacts and remnants of medieval fortresses overlooking tiny hamlets.
Of course, no journey through Provence would be complete without sampling its traditional fare. Fortunately, you won’t have to look far! Local restaurants proudly display their menus filled with Delpech chicken and Thuot duck, and wineries welcome visitors for tastings of their finest provincial wines dating back thousands of years—making this an epicurean paradise.
So join us on an enchanting adventure through Southern France. Follow the paths of history and legend as you wander through the Var and its neighboring regions in search of timeless flavors and remarkable sights. A fabled itinerary awaits you just around the corner!
Day 1: Pick Up in Nice
Our Provence tour began bright and early as our guests were picked up from their hotel in Nice at 9.30 am. From there, we transferred to our first accommodation – a luxuriously appointed villa nestled amongst lush gardens. After settling in, we kicked off the day with a visit to the Chagall Museum, where our knowledgeable art curator guided us through the works of one of the foremost 20th-century artists.
Matisse Chapel
Next, we headed over to view the stunning Chapel of the Rosary, decorated entirely by Matisse himself. This was a truly remarkable experience and one that none of us will soon forget! Afterward, we broke for lunch before heading to the medieval town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, allowing guests to explore the cobblestoned streets and soak in the history of the south of France.
Finally, we ended the day on a high note with a visit to an exquisite family-owned vineyard for dinner. Here, we were able to sample fine wines and enjoy delicious traditional fare while admiring the spectacular views.
All in all, it was an unforgettable day full of art, culture, and gastronomic delights. We couldn’t wait to see what tomorrow has in store!
Day 2: Visit the Renoir Museum Set at the Renowned Artist’s Home
As the morning sun glinted off of the centuries-old olive trees, we arrived at the magnificent estate that served as home to the renowned French artist, Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Accompanied by an art curator, we spent the morning exploring the museum set in his beloved home, marveling at Renoir’s grand vision and artistry.
Lunchtime brought us to a local cafe where we were treated to traditional French country cuisine that truly satisfied our taste buds. Afterward, we sampled the sweet treats from a local confectionery – a bakery whose delightful delicacies you’ll certainly want to remember for future visits with your children and grandchildren.
Exploring Mons & Grasse
Our afternoon was devoted to exploring the nearby quaint town of Mons. Here, we experienced the vibrant culture of small-town France and even stopped in at a few of the charming boutiques. From there, we headed to Grasse, a town known far beyond France for its perfume production. We were captivated by the unique scents created through the craftsmanship of local artisans.
Finally, dinner was a highlight as we enjoyed amazing Provençal cooking and partook in an unforgettable experience amid unique surroundings that will surely have you come back for more. All in all, it was an incredible day spent at the Renoir Museum that will stay with us forever.
Day 3: A Five-Star Retreat with Amazing Views
Today, we upgraded our accommodation to a luxurious five-star resort. With breathtaking views of the shimmering sea and lush greenery, this pristine retreat was the perfect spot for unwinding after an action-packed day.
After some well-deserved rest and relaxation, we set out on a scenic bike ride to the protected headlands of Les Trois Caps. En route, we stopped by a renowned local vineyard for a sample of their organic natural wines. Refreshed by the beautiful outdoor scenery and delicious organic wines, we continued our journey with a great picnic in the idyllic countryside.
Then, as the sun dipped below the horizon, we enjoyed an unforgettable two-and-a-half-hour excursion in a four-wheel jeep. Afterward, we savored dinner with another esteemed winemaker, capping off an incredible day.
All in all, Day 3 was a true highlight of our trip. From luxurious resorts to charming vineyards and majestic landscapes, this experience will stay with us for many years to come.
Day 4: Horseback Ride Through a Nature Reserve
We embarked on a captivating horseback ride through the majestic Provence Nature Reserve. Our journey began with a scenic breakfast overlooking lush green fields, wonderfully dotted by colorful wildflowers.
We rode through this breathtaking landscape, marveling at the natural beauty of our surroundings and taking many opportunities for photos. As we continued along the trail, we stopped for a delightful picnic lunch which was served in a shady grove near an 11th-century fortress. After lunch, we took some time to explore the historical structure and its picturesque village.
In the afternoon, we visited an ancient abbey where we listened in awe to exquisite Gregorian chants. We then ended our exciting day with a luxurious Michelin star dinner at a prestigious chateau. It was truly an unforgettable experience that nourished our bodies and minds and left us feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Day 5: Transfer to Our Next Lavish Retreat
We continued our Provence tour with a transfer to the idyllic village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie in the south of France. Our luxurious accommodation for the night was set amidst the picturesque scenery of the area, and we were certainly in for a treat!
Truffle Hunting
After settling into our lavish hotel, we embarked on a truffle-hunting adventure with an expert guide. We spent hours exploring the dense forests surrounding the village, learning fascinating details about the history and culture of the region as well as picking up tips for truffle hunting from our local host.
Cheese Tasting
The afternoon was dedicated to cheese tasting, where we sampled some of the finest regional cheeses. We learned all about the different types of cheese, from cow’s milk cheeses to goat cheese, as well as the perfect accompaniments for them to bring out their delicate flavors. It was truly a delicious experience!
Horseback Riding Through The Countryside
After dinner, we took advantage of our stunning setting by going horseback riding through the countryside. As we trotted past the rolling hills and lush vineyards, we felt a deep connection to the land around us and truly appreciated the beauty of this wonderful corner of France.
Exploring The Beautiful Village Of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Finally, before packing our bags for the next destination, we explored the charming streets and alleyways of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. We took in its Medieval architecture, trying local delicacies along the way, before capping off the day with an exquisite dinner prepared by our hotel chef.
It was an unforgettable day filled with experiences that we will cherish forever. From truffle hunting to cheese tasting to horseback riding through the countryside, it was truly a magical stay in one of France’s prettiest villages.
Day 6: Hot Air Balloon or Paragliding
Our trip to Provence culminated with an aerial adventure that took us up and away into the clouds. We opted for a hot air balloon ride and paragliding experience, which gave us unparalleled views of the French countryside.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
The sun had just started to rise, casting a pinkish glow over the horizon as we ascended slowly in the hot air balloon. The stillness of the morning created an almost magical atmosphere, and we watched in awe as the countryside below came into view. From the sky, we could take in unique perspectives of villages, vineyards, and rivers, all the way to the stunning Mediterranean coast.
Paragliding
After our hot air balloon ride, we donned our paragliding gear and jumped from the cliffs outside of Carpentras. Immediately, we were engulfed by the fresh sea breeze and charged with adrenaline as we soared above the rooftops of the quaint Provencal towns. With the sun on our backs, we let ourselves be carried away by the currents until we reached our destination on the sandy shores of Nice.
Transfer to Nice
Our hot air balloon flight and paragliding experience were definitely the highlights of our trip to Provence. As we packed our gear into the car in preparation for our transfer to Nice, we looked back fondly on our incredible journey and smiled at the memory of our last day in this beautiful region.
Final Word
Travelers who journey through Provence, the Var, and the Côte d’Azur will surely find themselves enchanted by its irresistible beauty. These lands have inspired countless folk legends, fairytales, and cultural norms that have been preserved for generations. By exploring this region, visitors can truly immerse themselves in its culture, from visiting picturesque hilltop villages to indulging in delicacies crafted with traditional recipes. Whether you traverse the coastlines or meander through the lavender fields, you are sure to be captivated by the magical and mysterious allure of these provinces.