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Summary
Itinerary
Roman & Medieval Provence
pages 1-5
Getting there
and away page 5
Accommodation
Self drive discovery tour
page 5
Hotels
- Prestige pages 6 & 7
- Luxe pages 7 & 8
SD05 Prestige & Luxe –
A 8-day tour, a travel through Provence history,
a discovery of these cultural sites, most of them are ranking among UNESCO World heritage.
Day 2 - Visit of Villeneuve
les Avignon and Avignon
Day 1 - Avignon, visit of the town
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Avignon was already an important town during the XII
century thanks to the Benezet Bridge, which
allowed the crossing of the river. Along with the Popes
arrivals during the XVI century, it became a second
Rome. The Palais des Papes, is the biggest gothic palace
in Europe and the famous Pont Benezet - which was
swept away by the floods several
times– are both ranked among the
UNESCO World Heritage sites. The
town harbors many monuments,
numerous churches,
magnificent plazas, the Saint Louis
Cloister, fortifications, quaint alleys,
private hotels and last but not least,
districts
such
as
the
‘Teinturiers’ (Cleaners) which are a
must to visit.
In the morning a taxi
shall take you to Villeneuve les Avignon located on the other bank
of
the
Rhone
river.
Founded around the Abbey of Saint Andre and
built during the X century
atop Mont Adaon, the
town was located at the
frontiers of the French
Kingdom and was a strategic site.
Philippe Le Bel ordered the building of
a fortress which only remains are the
Donjon (Tower Philippe Le Bel). During the Papacy stay in Avignon, the
town became residence to Popes, Cardinals and Prelates of the pontifical
court. They erected fortified palaces
or livrés, churches and monasteries
such as La Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction (Charterhouse) or the collegiate church of Notre Dame. You shall
reach Avignon on foot to better admire the Benezet Bridge. You shall then continue to visit
Avignon, its quaint districts and numerous museums. the
Petit Palais (Italians and Provencal paintings dating from
the XIII to the XVI centuries), the Calvet Museum…
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Day 3 - Carpentras and Vaison la
Romaine
Day 4 - Orange, Uzés
& the Pont du Gard
You will reach Orange by passing through vineyards and
picturesque wine-producing villages as Rasteau,
Cairanne or Ste Cécile les Vignes. Today, the town is
mainly renowned for its antic monuments such as the
Arc de Triomphe and its antic theater, one of the best
preserved of the Roman Empire era. You cannot afford
not to visit the old town and the Cathedral Notre Dame
of Nazareth.
Visit of the ancient town of
Carpentras. This city has always been a place for trade
and flourished when the region
became property of the Papacy. Once surrounded by fortifications, unfortunately
destroyed during the XIX century, it is home to the
Saint Siffrein Cathedral, a southern gothic masterpiece,
numerous palaces, churches as well as the oldest synagogue in France.
You shall then go round the Dentelles of Montmirail, the
first sign of the Alps in
the Rhone River’s valley. These low altitude
hills (from 500 to 735
meters), covered by
Mediterranean flora aromatic plants, green
oaks, Alep pine trees are dominated by a
limestone crest, finely
sculpted by the erosion
conferring their name as
white stone ‘Dentelles’ –
Laces- You shall then discover Baumes de Venise,
famous for its sweet
wines
Vacque ras,
perched atop a hill and
which kept part of its Medieval fortification - Gigondas, set in its fortifications on the side of the hill - Sablet, built upon a hill top and which concentric streets
mount towards the church atop the village and Seguret,
a magnificent Medieval village nested on the hill side.
Visit of Vaison-La-Romaine, Roman ruins from the
Puymin and Villasse districts, the ruins of the Roman
theater and the famous bridge. You may also see Notre
Dame of Nazareth Cathedral
and its cloister, the Saint
Quentin chapel as well as the
Medieval town dominated by
its imposing castle perched
upon a rocky headland.
You shall then cross the brush land to reach Uzés. You
just must visit this Medieval city
which lost its fortifications but
preserved its charm with the help
of the Duché – a feodal castle remarkably preserved even though
it evolved during centuries; the
Fenestrelle Tower, the only remain of the Roman cathedral destroyed during religion wars and
its numerous alleys and private
hotels.
The Pont du Gard is the most
beautiful edifice
and the most
important of the aqueduct, which used
to take water from sources of the Eure
River to the castellum in Nîmes for
over 50 kms. It is the tallest aqueduct
bridge in the Roman world with its 49meter high and its three levels of
archway.
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Day 5 – Beaucaire, Tarascon,
Nîmes, Aigues-Mortes
and Camargue
Beaucaire
knew
three
golden ages that make the
city you see today. The fortified castle, partly destroyed at Richelieu time,
towered the old town with
its luxurious hotels and
prestigious monuments. You
shall cross over the Rhone
to reach Tarascon, city of
the legends and stories. The chateau Rene stands
proudly on the Rhone bank
and is one of the most
beautiful medieval castles in
France. Close to the chateau, the Collegiate Church
Ste Martha, built in the 12th
and 13th centuries, houses
the relics of the Saint. You
will stroll through the picturesque streets of the city,
discovering beautiful mansions, some restored houses and the Souleïado museum
that exhibits the famous Provencal fabrics.
You shall arrive at Nîmes. The town was built thanks to
a source, the Fountaine source that was deificated by
the first inhabitants five centuries before the arrival of
the Roman . You will visit the arenas, very well preserved – La Maison Carrée, a magnificent temple - The
Fountain Garden located at the bottom of a hill -
tecture from the XIII
century.
You shall walk along
the
Salins
(salty
lands) and the high
salt mountains to
reach Les Saintes
Maries de la Mer,
lost between the
Mediterranean
Sea
and the ponds. From
afar, you shall see its fortified
church, which used to protect
villagers from enemy attacks
and the home to the remains
of the saints.
You shall then cross rice fields
to reach Arles, the capital of the Camargue region.
Day 6 – Visit of Arles
An ancient residence to the
Celts, colonized by the
Greeks, Arles became Roman by Cesar’s grace when
he installed veterans from
his legions back in 46 BC.
That started the golden age
of the Little Rome from Gaul,
which became later on a big
religious center at the beginning of Christianity. Battled
and bruised from invasions
during the Middle Age, the
town was resuscitated during
the XII century and the
splendor of its Medieval
monuments are testimonies
of its liveliness and richness
in those times.
During the XVII and XVIII, numerous private hotels were
built. They may be seen in the quaint center of town
where
many
classified
monuments are regrouped,
an inheritance of 2000 years
of a rich past. Since 1981,
the ensemble of the Roman
and Latin monuments is
c l a s s i f ie d
among
the
UNESCO World Heritage
sites.
The Mount Cavalier, overlooked by the Magne Tower.
The garden is host to the
Diana’s Temple, a delicate
edifice which true function remains unknown. Further
down the Castellum was the arrival of the famous aqueduct, which, passed over the Pont du Gard.
From Nîmes, you shall cross the Petite Camargue to
reach Aigues-Mortes, a medieval city built among ponds
and swampland. French King Louis IX bought this land
back from monks in 1240 to set up a port, a departure
point of two crusades. You shall be able to admire the
fortifications, the Porte de la Garderette as well as the
Constance Tower, a true example of the military archi-
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Day 7 – Historic and religious sites
in Alpilles
Day starts with the visit
of the Montmajour Abbey. Built on a rock in
the middle of swampland, which have now
been dried and turned
into rice fields, this
Benedictine abbey has
always
been
transformed
and
embellished. Its cloister, dating from the XII century, is one of the most
be autiful
of
the
Provence region.
Acqueducts and flour
mill at Barbegal. Built in
the
first
centuries,
these acqueducts carry
water to Arles and to a
roman water-powered
factory, sole unit known in the Roman
world.
You shall make a stop in Fontvieille
and go up towards the Alphonse Daudet’s windmill (famous French writer),
which is erected, on a magnificent site
from where you shall have a marvelous view of the Alpilles Mountains. At
the bottom of the Alpilles is nested
the tiny and beautiful St Gabriel
chapel, a Provence Romanesque masterpiece. The road
meanders through vineyards and olive tree fields before
reaching the Baux de Provence, a rocky fortress overlooking the valley. This
city of the Princes of the
Baux, abandoned during the XVIII century
and restored during the
XX century. You will
visit the quaint village
and its alleys, the
chapel of the White
Penitents, the Saint
Vincent church and the
fortifications of the castle.
You shall then cross the Alpilles Mountains to discover
the antique city of Glanum, which, during centuries, was
an important commercial center on the Avignon road at
the bottom of the Alpilles. Only the center of town was
unearthed. You shall admire the Antiques: the Arc de
Triomphe, an entry to the town, which symbolizes the
victory of Rome against the Gaul and, the Mausoleum,
the only Roman mortuary monument of its kind in
Europe.
Further down, on the road to Saint Remy, you shall
make a halt to visit the Saint Paul of Mausole’s monas-
tery where Van Gogh resided and which church and
cloister are remarkable.
St Remy of Provence, its hotels and quaint residences,
its shadowed plazas with their fountains and its quaint
alleys will charm you without a doubt.
Day 8 – Luberon and abbeys
You shall leave Saint
Remy for Fontaine de
Vaucluse. This city is
famous for its Fountain ,mysterious hole
where the Sorgue
River springs, as well
as for the humanist
and poet Petrarque
who lived there for
many years.
You shall then follow
the first foothills of the Mounts of Vaucluse. The road
leads you to the glen of the Senancole where the Senanque Abbey is nestled. Austerity and esthetic are the main
characteristics to this
Cistercian
abbey,
which
w i t ne s s ed
many ordeals but always managed to
preserve the majority
of its buildings of Roman origins (XII and
XIII centuries).
Your way shall then take
you to Gordes, which
spreads out from the slopes of a cliff. You shall discover
this quaint Provencal village while strolling down its pebbled alleys.
Through the vine and orchard covered plain, you shall
reach Roussillon. Built upon a rocky peak, this ochre facade village is surrounded by quarries and ochre cliffs.
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You will visit Apt, typical Provencal city with
streets
shaded
by
venerable plane trees,
small squares and its
fountains, the lanes
around the St Anne
cathedral.
You shall take the direction of the Luberon
mountain and pass the
Pont Julien (bridge), built by the Romans during the
year 3 BC. You shall cross the Combe de Lourmarin
where the Aigue Brun River carved narrow gorges with
steep inner walls. For centuries, this only passage was
protected by the Fort of
Buoux built atop a rocky
peak. You will go through
Lourmarin, pleasant village topped by its castle.
you shall cross the Durance river to reach the
Abbey of Silvacane. This
monastery was built in
1144
on
a
deserted
stretch land covered by
swamps. The pure Roman style church was built between 1175 and 1230, its cloister and the cloistered
buildings dating from the XIII and XIV centuries. The
cloister was abandoned during the XV century after pillages and poor harvests.
Tour ends at Avignon
hotel. We can arrange this extra.
By train : 2 rail stations in Avignon
- Avignon TGV train station (Quartier de Courtine)
Direct TGV to Paris (2h40), Roissy-Charles de Gaulle
airport, Lille, Nantes, Rouen, Metz, Montpellier, Geneva, Brussels, Lyon, Marne la Vallée, Rennes, Strasbourg and Toulouse.
Bus connection to centre city
- Avignon centre city train station (boulevardd St
Roch) Regional trains, inter-city trains and Paris TGV
(3h20), Eurostar Avignon-London in summer.
By plane
- Avignon Caumont airport
Direct flights for Paris Orly west 4 times a day
3 flights a week from Southampton and Exeter (Flybe)
from March to October
- International Marseille airport— from the airport, shuttles to Saint Charles rail station (every 20mn) and train
to Avignon central station (journey time : 1.15 hours)
Car rental : Pick up office at Avignon Centre.
Tour end
The tour ends at Avignon (day 8 in late afternoon)
Car rental : return office at Avignon centre or TGV rail
station.
The tour package will be delivered to you at your last
hotel you will stay before the tour or at the pick up office
Accommodation
Prestige category
7 B&B accommodation in 4*Luxe hotels
D1 & D2: Avignon - Hotel d’Europe
D3 :Orange – Chateau de Rochegude
D4: Castillon du Gard – Le Vieux Castillon
D5 & D6 : Arles – Hotel Jules Cesar
D7 : St Rémy de P. – Chateau Vallon de Valrugues
or equivalent depending on vacancies
Getting there and away
Arrival
The starting point of the tour is at Avignon that you
can reach
By car : A7 and A9 motorways or N7 and N100 National
roads
We recommend you to arrive on site the day before and
stay overnight in the neighbourhood or in the first tour
Luxe category
7 B&B accommodation in 3 & 4*Luxe hotels + 2 dinners
D1 & D2: Avignon - Le Cloître St Louis
D3 : Vaison la Romaine – Le Beffroi (dinner)
D4: Pont du Gard – La Bégude St Pierre (dinner)
D5 & D6 : Arles – Hotel Particulier
D7 : St Rémy de P. – Chateau Vallon de Valrugues
or equivalent depending on vacancies
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Prestige hotels
Hotel d’Europe at Avignon
The building dates back to 1580, when it was the city home to the
Marquis of Gravezon. The Gravezon and the Forbin families lived in
this luxurious residence which looked out onto the most beautiful
square of Avignon until the French revolution. In 1799 Madame Pierron, ladyfriend of Napoleon Bonaparte , created her hotel, then giving
it the name it still bares today : Hotel d'Europe. (Napoleon was no
stranger to that idea). Hotel d'europe has 41 appartments and 3
suites each of which offers a rewarding union of legendary style, upto-the-moment convenience and luxurious comfort.The streetside rooms benefit from a highly perfectioned soundproofed atmosphere (double windows-double glazing) . All rooms and public areas
are equipped with air conditioning through individual units, providing the optimal in temperature
regulation. The restaurant, expertly run by Chef Bruno d'Angelis, has since many years received
excellent write-ups in the best known guide books. Best quality products are the base of the Chef's
cuisine, savour and colours are his guidelines. Creativity and innovation are expressed through
this regional approach with many Mediterranean.
Château de Rochegude near Orange
During the thousand years of this
château's existence, its owners have
included popes, dauphins, and less
prominent aristocrats who showered
it with taste and money. This magnificent XIIth century fortress, once
the summer residence of the Marquis de Rochegude, towers majestically above the Côtes-du-Rhône and
its sumptuously furnished, air-conditioned rooms offer superb vistas of the vineyards. Today each room is outfitted
in a style inspired by a specific emperor or king. The setting is 20 acres of parkland adjacent to the Rhône, outside
Orange. The Château's main building was rebuilt in the 16th and 17th century and surrounds the 12th century
tower. The private 10 ha (24.7 acres) park has a heated outdoor swimming pool and a tennis court. Enjoy Philippe
Boucher’s inspired cuisine in the restaurant or on the terrace. The chef learnt his trade with two French masters Bocuse and Georges Blanc. He is accompanied by André Trestour, the outstanding wine waiter.
Le Vieux Castillon at Castillon du Gard
Between Nimes and Avignon,
close to the Cevennes national
park, the Camargue and the Alpilles, this hilltop hamlet offer
breathtaking vistas of the Ventoux Valley. With its magnificent
patios, medieval architecture and
honey-colored stone terraces set
in the heart of a Provencal village, Le Vieux Castillon is a truly unique domain. Enjoy musical evenings,
sun-drenched cuisine and an exceptional selection of Cotes-du-Rhone.
Hotel Jules Cesar at Arles
Where better then, to feel the weight of history
than in a 17th-century convent in the heart of
the old town, now a luxury hotel. Hotel Jules
César is close to the UNESCO World Heritage
Sites of Alyscamps, Arles' famous Roman Arena
and the Roman theatre. The hotel offers 21stcentury facilities in this former 17th-century convent. The nun's cells have been turned into large,
indulgent bedrooms. The cloistered galleries now
house the Restaurant Lou Marques offering Provençal cooking that knows no moderation while the lavender gardens,
where monastic peace still prevails, envelop a heated pool.
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Hotel du Vallon de Valrugues at St Remy de Provence
Hostellerie du Vallon de Valrugues is a
charming hotel set within a Roman villa
close to the gem-like village of SaintRemy-de Provence. Each of Hostellerie
du Vallon de Valrugues' 53 rooms and
suites offers absolute comfort and the
Provençal magic of the Alpilles, one of
the highlights of Southern France. When
the time comes to dine, whether in the
glorious restaurant hall or under mulberry trees by the hotel swimming pool, you'll enjoy dishes that make Provençe
a gourmet's delight. There's a whole range of activities on the premises and near at hand. Or simply relax over a
quiet drink at the bar. No matter what pace of life you desire, Hostellerie du Vallon de Valrugues will give you a new
appreciation of the 'l'art de vivre'.
Luxe hotels
Le cloître Saint Louis at Avignon
Situated in a historical building dating back to the 16th century,
the hotel offers an extremely quiet and serene environment.
Initially a religious school for Jesuits, the Cloister saw its function changed over the centuries to a military hospital, and a
home for the elderly. After a thorough renovation in 1990, the
building is now a prominent cultural center and a four star hotel. Rooms and facilities are found both in the ancient cloister,
and in the splendid modern extension designed by the famous
French architect from Nouvel. The spacious rooms, all furnished
in a contemporary design, are located in the 16th century Cloister and in the modern extension. The majority of rooms are overlooking the Cloister inner courtyard (superior and suites)
or the peaceful private garden (standard garden view). Unheated open-air pool (MaySeptember), roof-top sun terrace and peaceful interior garden.
Le Beffroi at Vaison la Romaine
This hotel high up in the medieval part of Vaison consists of several mansions joined together. The
buildings’ character has been preserved with
tiled floors, polished paneling, spiral staircases and beautiful antiques, paintings, and
curios. The bedrooms are all different; antique lovers will be especially taken by the
quality of the period furniture. The lounges
are also pleasantly furnished and have open
fireplaces. A superb terrace garden offers a
lovely view over the rooftops of Vaison
La Begude Saint Pierre by Vers Pont du Gard
This property, located near Pont du Gard, was a seventeenth-century postal station and later a farm house. Today
the property is a charming hotel with twenty-eight rooms and a gastronomic restaurant.
Rooms and suites are all decorated in Provençal style and include TV, mini bar, telephone and airconditioning. Many of the rooms have beautiful wood beam ceilings. The hotel's restaurant serves
both lunch and dinner. In summer,
meals featuring meats from the outdoor grill and salads are served
around the pool. There is also a wine
bar located in the complex with views
into another enclosed courtyard.
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Hotel Particulier at Arles
Located right in the
heart of Arles ancient
district, secretly hiden
behind its large gate
is L’Hotel Particulier.
Smooth indolence in
the centurial leafy
garden and daydream
by the pool. Invitation
for a sensual journey from your gently luxuriant suite, to the heavenly scents
and whispering waters of the white paved hammam…
High ceilings, huge rooms and beds, big windows opening to the leafy courtyard below.. The owner has tastefully
and uniquely restored this historic property. If you are a fan of Charleston or Savannah, this hotel is for you. Lovely
French breakfast served al fresco by the pool. Candles scent the air. Quiet nights lulled by cooing pigeons and bubbling pool fountain. History and elegance lovers wil appreciate this XVIIIth century old mansion, where the first
owner, Baron de Chartrouse's prestige goes along with today's comfort and sophistication.
Hotel du Vallon de Valrugues at St Remy de Provence
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