September 6-13, 2025
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SATURDAY, SEPT 6
Our wonderful, private bastide will be a welcome respite from your travels!
A low-key afternoon of learning the sport (and art!) of pétanque, the Provençal version of bocce, will be followed by a light, chef-prepared dinner on the terrasse.
You’ll have time to relax by the pool, unpack, and unwind.
Please note: This itinerary is subject to change, due to availability of private tour access, new discoveries, weather, and other considerations.
SUNDAY, SEPT 7
After breakfast, we’re off to the world-famous market at L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. This enormous weekly event takes over almost the entire town, a unique combination of marché (farmers market) and brocante (flea market). Plus, there are dozens of permanent antique dealers in various buildings throughout the town.
We’ve picked up wonderful finds on our Sundays here, especially from an amazing resource for vintage and antique textiles. When you’re shopped out, take a break for lunch at one of the many great bistros, including those that line the city’s many canals.
The trip home may include a detour or two to fit in some additional opportunities. A chef-prepared dinner will be waiting for us at bastide.
MONDAY, SEPT 8
Today we’ll visit the fabled vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, for a gourmet lunch followed by a wine tasting at one of the oldest established caves in this famed village.
There’ll be time for some shopping in the village before we head home to relax and a light dinner at the bastide.
TUESDAY, SEPT 9
We’ll head through Les Alpilles (the little Alps) to the Carrières des Lumières, an ancient quarry reinvented as a multi-media immersive art gallery.
Nearby is another magical experience, a chef-owned farm where we be treated to an olive oil tasting, and a farm-to-table private luncheon.
We end our art-filled day with another unique French specialty, the rare chance to work with a plumassier, or feather couturier, in her studio. Everyone will have the opportunity to create their own feather design/accessory.
Light dinner at the bastide.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT 10
A day spent in ultra-charming Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. We absolutely encourage strolling through the pedestrian-only center of this, the epitome of a Provence village. The morning features not only a busy marché, but often a small artisan/clothing/accessory market as well.
When you’re finished at the market, grab lunch in one of the many local bistros, because after lunch, when the market clears out, you can really see all the wonderful local boutiques for more great shopping!
Dinner will be back the bastide.
THURSDAY, SEPT 11
One of our tour’s highlights is always the time we spend with woad dying specialist Denise Lambert, who almost single-handedly brought this ancient color back to life.
It’s no exaggeration to say that this is a transformative experience—most people end up running back to their room to find even more pieces to add to the dye vats!
After a chef-prepared luncheon, everyone will have a chance to create fuseaux de lavande, long-lasting lavender wands, made with dried lavender stalks and ribbon. These are perfect souvenirs and our instructor will bring plenty of extras as they retain their lovely scent for years. Lavender-filled eye pillows and other accessories will also be available.
Chef-prepared dinner at the bastide.
FRIDAY, SEPT 12
A day of indulgence...
One last day to enjoy the warmth and beauty of Provence, while being thoroughly pampered!
• Enjoy a facial, hand, or foot massage—or book yourself for all three
• Have a pedicure or manicure, or both
• Have your portrait taken in your favorite spot in the house or on the grounds
• Create your own aromatherapy balm or oil based on the scents of Provence
In keeping with the relaxed mood, it will be drinks and nibbles all day at the house, a chef-prepared lunch, and one final, farewell-to-Provence dinner!
Note: One massage, one gel nail treatment, and one aromatherapy blend are included. Photography and additional services are available at cost.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• Seven nights at our private bastide
Relaxed luxury, Provençal-style. Rates are for single occupancy; all with private bathrooms. Some of these rooms are shareable, if you want to travel with a friend, there is a moderate discount for sharing a room.
• Local transportation while in Provence
Airfare is not included, nor is your transportation from your arrival airport to Provence, but we’ve taken care of everything else. We recommend flying into Paris CDG and taking a direct TGV (high-speed train) to Avignon, no additional transfers involved. If you are already in Paris, the train to Avignon runs from Gare de Lyon station.
We will pick you up from the Avignon TGV station, bring you to the bastide, and we’ll handle all daily transportation from then on. At the end of our time together, we’ll bring you back to the Avignon TGV to start your journey home, or to your next destination!
• Meals
With the exception of a few lunches, as noted in the itinerary, all meals are included. Many meals will be prepared by local chefs, plus there will be a fully stocked kitchen for breakfasts and snacks, and beverages including wine, water, coffee, tea, and some regional favorites. Let us know what you’d like to have on hand, and we’ll be sure to include that in the pantry.
• Entry fees and passes
All fees for any events listed in the itinerary are included, with the exception of at-cost surcharges for additional services booked on Friday. Tips and gratuities are at your discretion.
• Expertise
We’ve been bringing groups of designers to Provence for 10+ years. We have relationships in place and plenty of favorite spots and recommendations to share. That said, we’re always discovering something new and this tour includes several of these new finds as well!
• What's not included
Flights to/from France or your European destination of choice; train tickets to/from Avignon; meals not specifically listed in the itinerary; mandatory travel insurance; additional services requested as per the registration form; tips, incidentals, and personal expenses. Please read & review the Provence 2025 Terms & Conditions for any additional details.
Cost: $6,500
Sept 6-13, 2025. Single occupancy, en-suite bath accommodations. Double occupancy option available upon request.
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