Itinerary

Day 1 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Depart U.S./Fly overnight to Paris

Depart from the U.S. for France. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary and airline tickets.

Day 2 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Arrive in Paris/Begin your Pre-Trip Extension

Upon arrival at Paris' Charles-de-Gaulle (CDG) Airport, claim your luggage and clear customs. If your luggage is lost, fill in a PIR form before leaving the customs area: VBT representatives are not allowed into the customs area. Make sure that your VBT luggage tags are attached to your bags. This helps the representative identify you.

After exiting customs, enter the arrival hall and look for your VBT representative holding a VBT sign. Your representative will welcome you to France and arrange for your transfer via taxi or van (approximately 60 minutes depending on traffic) to your Paris hotel. (Please verify with your VBT Trip Leader the time of your transfers at the end of your trip, from your Aix-en-Provence hotel to the Marseille airport, or Nice hotel to Nice airport if you are taking the post-trip extension). Important: If you are delayed in meeting your VBT representative at the CDG Airport, please call 06 72 07 59 24 or 06 15 15 15 25 from within France. Outside of France, call +33 672 07 59 24 or +33 615 15 15 25.

At the hotel, a City Information Packet containing maps and recommendations on what to see and do in Paris will be waiting for you. Use the rest of the day to relax or to begin exploring the City of Light. You may book an optional 2 hour guided walking tour of Paris, starting at your hotel, at your own expense—you must reserve this optional tour with your VBT representative upon arrival. The price is 25 Euro per person (must be paid in Euro cash), with a minimum of 4 passengers.

Day 1 of AIR PACKAGE Depart U.S./Fly overnight to Paris

Depart from the U.S. for France. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary and airline tickets.

Day 3 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of Paris

Today, see for yourself why this city has inspired poets, lovers, emperors and artists for centuries. Visit Montmartre and its charming cafés and artists' colony, along with the Moulin Rouge, made famous by Toulouse-Lautrec in his vivid artwork. Or venture to the top of Notre Dame for a gargoyle's view of the city. Make a stop at the Eiffel Tower or one of the magnificent museums, such as the Musee Picasso or the Musee d'Orsay. Take a stroll through the Tuileries Gardens on your way to the Louvre. You can walk to many of the major sights from your centrally located hotel.

Day 2 of AIR PACKAGE Arrive in Paris and transfer to your Paris hotel

Upon arrival at Paris Charles-de-Gaulle (CDG) Airport, claim your luggage and clear customs. If your luggage is lost, fill in a PIR form before leaving the customs area -- VBT representatives are not allowed into the customs area. Make sure that your VBT luggage tags are attached to your bags. This helps the representative identify you.

After exiting customs, enter the arrival hall and look for your VBT representative, who will be holding a VBT sign. Your representative will welcome you to France and arrange for your transfer via taxi or van (approximately 60 minutes depending on traffic) to your Paris hotel. (Please verify with your VBT Trip Leader the time of your transfers at the end of your trip, from your Aix-en-Provence hotel to the Marseille airport, or Nice hotel to Nice airport if you are taking the post-trip extension). Important: If you are delayed in meeting your VBT representative at the CDG Airport, please call 06 72 07 59 24 or 06 15 15 15 25 from within France. Outside of France, call +33 672 07 59 24 or +33 615 15 15 25.

At the hotel, a City Information Packet containing maps and recommendations on what to see and do in Paris will be waiting for you. Use the rest of the day to relax or to begin exploring the City of Light. You may book an optional 2 hour guided walking tour of Paris, starting at your hotel, at your own expense—you must reserve this optional tour with your VBT representative upon arrival. The price is 25 Euro per person (must be paid in Euro cash), with a minimum of 4 passengers. Dinner is on your own.

Day 4 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of Paris/Join VBT Air Package guests

Take another day to discover Paris.

VBT Air Package guests arrive throughout the day.

Day 1 of WALKING TOUR Transfer to Avignon/Meet Trip Leaders/Transfer to Vaison la Romaine

VBT No-Air Package guests: Meet at the Avignon TGV (high-speed train) station at 2 p.m. Important: Please make sure you go to the correct train station. There are two train stations in Avignon, one outside of town called Avignon TGV— which is the one where you meet your fellow travelers — and another downtown called Centre Ville. Both train stations serve the TGV lines. Meet the group near the doors of the main exit (“sortie”), located on the ground level. Your VBT Trip Leaders will be wearing VBT staff garments, so they are easy to recognize. If your arrival at Avignon TGV train station is scheduled later than 2 p.m. or if your arrival is delayed, you must take a taxi (approximately 60 minutes) at your own expense (approximately 130 euros/$200 USD) to the first hotel. Please contact the hotel, to advise if delayed or changes. The hotel will pass your message to your VBT Trip Leaders.

VBT Air Package and Pre-Trip Extension guests: Meet your VBT representative in the hotel lobby at 9:15 a.m. and receive your TGV (high-speed train) ticket. The representative helps you transfer to the Gare de Lyon train station, where you board a train to the Avignon TGV train station (approximately 2 hours, 40 minutes).

Plan to have lunch on your own and use bathroom facilities before leaving the train and meeting your VBT Trip Leaders. Perhaps buy a sandwich or picnic style lunch in Paris and eat it on the train. Once the entire group is assembled, transfer a short distance to a small farm on the outskirts of Avignon for a short welcome meeting and safety talk. Then take a local ferry across the Rhone River into Avignon. There's no question you are in Provence when you experience a short stroll through the timeless cobblestone streets of this ancient city.
Later, transfer to Vaison la Romaine, your home for the next two nights. Upon arrival, enjoy a short orientation walk through this ancient town with cobblestone streets, small squares, fountains and a belfry with wrought-iron campanile, while your luggage is being delivered to the hotel in the medieval section.

You then have free time to relax and settle in before attending a welcome reception and dinner in the hotel.

Day 2 of WALKING TOUR Mont Ventoux Botanical Trail/Sault Lavender Walk

After breakfast, we drive through the countryside to the mountain that dominates the skyline; the huge massif that is the northern boundary stone of Provence, the Mont Ventoux. On the lower slopes of the mountain, known for its occasional appearance in the Tour de France cycling race, we walk in the footsteps of the famous entomologist, botanist, scientist and poet, Jean-Henri Fabre (1823-1915). A prolific writer who was twice nominated for the Nobel Prize for literature, his passion was studying fauna and flora, as the marked panels along the botanical trail illustrate.

Weather permitting we will enjoy a picnic lunch along the trail before joining our bus and driving to the gravelly wasteland at the summit of Mont Ventoux (6,200 feet). The temperature can plummet as the almost permanent winds make themselves known, but on a clear day the view is magnificent. Make sure you bring some warm clothes.

Descending the eastern side of the mountain, we arrive in one of the least-visited backwaters of Provence, a land of shepherds and lavender fields to the attractive village of Sault sitting on the mountain outcrop. Here, we visit the local shop of Andre Boyer, a Maitre Nougatier. The shop was founded in 1887, and we are shown around the small kitchen where the delicious nougat is made.

Our afternoon walk starts outside the shop and takes us through woodland and passed lavender fields, to the pretty little village of Aurel. Along the way we'll hear an explanation of how a lavender farm operates.

After time to relax back at the hotel, join your VBT Trip Leaders for a lesson in the French language.

This evening is free for you to walk through the medieval town and try one of the wonderful restaurants.

Day 3 of WALKING TOUR Vaison la Romaine market/Chateauneuf du Pape wine tasting

After breakfast, we walk straight from the hotel to the market of Vaison la Romaine. Immerse yourself in the wonderful scents, colors and sounds of Provence. Here, you will find local produce, baked goods, linens, baskets, cheeses, flowers and much more. You may wish to choose local delicacies for your independent lunch today. Afterwards, we continue the walk through open countryside to the pretty village of Crestet. Weather permitting you will get a magnificent view across the valley to Mount Ventoux.

This afternoon, we join our bus in Vaison la Romaine and drive 50 minutes to the town of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, renowned for its wine of the same name. From the hilltop town, the views extend over thousands of acres of vines. Our afternoon walk will take us on trails used by locals who work in these vineyards. We finish our walk at the cave of Ogier for a tour of the winery followed by wine tasting.

Our next hotel is a short drive away, and free time is set aside to settle in and wander through the garden before tonight's included dinner. Or you may wish to try your hand at the very Provencal pastime of boules on the hotel grounds.

Day 4 of WALKING TOUR Uzes and Pont du Gard

This morning, we drive a short distance to the center of Uzes, This was the starting point for the Roman Aqueduct of Nimes and the seat of a diocese until the Revolution. The town was marked by the Wars of Religion, but was affected little, if at all, by the Industrial Revolution, so it preserves its glorious heritage. Here, we begin our mornings loop walk, following just one segment of a 30-mile long aqueduct created to provide needed water to the city of Nimes. Returning back into Uzes you will have free time for lunch.

After a short shuttle, we will start our afternoon walk from St Bonnet du Gard across open countryside to the Pont du Gard. There will be no mistaking the aqueduct's three tiers of arches, constructed of golden stone -- without mortar -- when you approach. It was built by the Romans in the first century BC, (and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985). During the visit with your Trip Leader, note how it is slightly curved (the better to stand up to floods) and how the Roman engineers left cavities and protruding stones to support future scaffolding.

We return to the hotel and enjoy dinner there.

Day 5 of WALKING TOUR Les Baux/St Remy

Our first destination today is the village of Les Baux, perched on a rocky plateau 803 feet high, commanding brilliant views over the surrounding countryside. The village can only be visited by foot, so you can wander around, admiring the carefully restored Renaissance facades, art galleries and many craft shops selling Provencal goods. The 500 permanent residents surely have the impression of living in a real-life museum!

After time to visit Les Baux we transfer a few minutes to the top of the ridge and start our mornings walk in Les Alpilles. This chain of limestone hills running east-west is where bauxite was first discovered (named after the village of Baux-de-Provence), and are an extension of the Luberon mountains. Although the ridge along the top seems white and barren, the Alpilles have been rich in almonds, apricot, olives and grain since the Middle Ages. Our walk enables magnificent views along the surrounding plains before we drop down through the wooded slopes into St. Remy and the home of Odile Mifsud, a renowned pastry maker who will invite you into her home for lunch.

After lunch we meet the second of our local friends, historian Mathilde Hamel, who will escort you on a walking tour following the footsteps of van Gogh. His paintings come alive as you visit the very scenes he immortalized. After the tour we will check into the centrally located hotel in St. Remy then you have the remainder of the afternoon and evening to explore its tranquility. St. Remy is enclosed by boulevards lined with plane trees and the old section has carefully restored, ancient houses, many with beautiful Renaissance facades. There are also several magnificent hotels, which today serve as art galleries or museums. As you stroll, the cobblestone streets browse the many craft shops selling Provencal products and souvenirs. Dinner is free for you to take advantage of one of the many local restaurants.

Day 6 of WALKING TOUR Gordes/Roussillion

Our drive this morning takes us into the Luberon region, to the perched village of Gordes, included in the listing of “The Most Beautiful Villages in France.” An inspiration to artists, its cobbled streets are full of shops and cafes.
This morning's walk takes us to the Abbeye de Senanque, a 12th--century Cistercian abbey set among lavender fields and oak groves. The small community of Benedictine monks of Ile St-Honorat who live and work here cultivate honey and lavender on the grounds.

Back in Gordes, you are free to browse the shops and select lunch on your own.

In the afternoon, our destination is Roussillon, which occupies a spectacular hilltop site. A warm ochre stone is quarried here, and its color graces the buildings, rocks and outcrops. Our afternoon walk takes us through the old quarries, known locally as the Sables de Roussillon.

We drive back to St. Remy where you can either have free time to explore the pretty little town or return back to the hotel for a relaxing swim in the hotel's pool.

Tonight, celebrate with your fellow travelers during a farewell dinner.

Day 7 of WALKING TOUR Transfer to Aix-en-Provence/Free Time/VBT No-Air Package ends

VBT No-Air Package guests: After breakfast, transfer to the Aix-en-Provence Hotel Aquabella, arriving at approximately 11 a.m. Your tour ends here. If you need to depart at an earlier time, you must make your own transfer arrangements.

VBT Air Package guests: After breakfast, transfer to Aix-en-Provence. Upon arrival, transfer to your centrally located hotel. Here you say goodbye to your Trip Leaders. You will receive an information package, so you may spend the rest of the day relaxing and discovering this magical city on your own. You may wish to head out to visit the large morning market that sells wonderful fruit, vegetables, flowers and spices, and also Provencal goods (such as soaps, tablecloths, aprons, pottery) and clothes. There's a flea market, too.

Day 8 of AIR PACKAGE Depart for U.S.

After breakfast*, transfer to the Marseille airport for your return flight. Please ensure you are ready in the hotel reception area at the designated time.

Please note: VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you extend your stay beyond the scheduled program dates, return transportation to the airport will be at your own expense.

*Please note: For guests with early-morning departures, breakfast at the hotel may not be available. Please check with the Front Desk to verify the times that breakfast is served.

Day 1 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Begin your optional Nice extension

VBT Post-Trip Extension guests: After breakfast, transfer to the Aix-en-Provence TGV railway station and catch the train to Nice. Upon arrival in Nice, you will be met by a VBT representative and transfer to the hotel (about 10 minutes).

At the hotel, a City Information Packet containing maps and recommendations on what to see and do in Nice will be waiting for you. There will also be details of your departure transfer to the Nice Airport. Use the rest of the day to relax or to begin exploring the city from your centrally located hotel. Dinner is on your own.

Day 2 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of Nice

Today, you may wish to visit one of the many museums and art galleries, or stroll through the gardens. Or return to the railway station (a 15-minute walk) and take a local train (TER – Transport Express Regional) to one of the other famous coastal towns, such as Cannes, Monaco, Monte-Carlo or Menton.

Day 3 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of Nice

Today, you may wish to start with a visit to the famous flower market (closed Mondays), on Cours Saleya, in one of the busiest parts of Old Nice. Continue through the narrow streets to the largest outdoor shopping area on the French Riviera, with more than 600 shops to chose from, many offering local specialties. Relax in one of the outdoor cafes with views over the Mediterranean, or take a dip in its blue waters. Whatever you decide to do, enjoy the French Riviera.

Day 4 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Depart for U.S.

After breakfast*, transfer to the Nice airport for your flight home. Please ensure you are waiting in the hotel reception area at the designated time.

Please note: VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you extend your stay beyond the scheduled program dates, return transportation to the airport will be at your own expense.

*Please note: For guests with early-morning departures, breakfast at the hotel may not be available. Please check with the Front Desk to verify the times that breakfast is served.

France: Slow Road Through Provence 2010

Pre and Post Trip Extensions

Pre-Trip Extension

Paris - 2010 Walking - 2 nights for only $395

Begin your adventure with a visit to Paris and see for yourself why the City of Light has inspired poets, lovers, emperors and artists for centuries. Visit Montmartre and its charming cafés and artists’ colony. Here, too, is the Moulin Rouge, made famous by Toulouse-Lautrec in his vivid and lively drawings and paintings. Or venture to the top of Notre Dame for a gargoyle’s view of the city. You have plenty of time to make a stop at the Eiffel Tower or one of the magnificent museums, such as the Musee Picasso or the Musee d’Orsay. You might take a stroll through the Tuileries Gardens on your way to the Louvre. You can walk to many of the major sights from your centrally located, 4-star hotel.

Available only with the Air Inclusive Package.

Note: Single supplement for this extension is $345.

Post-Trip Extension

Nice - 2010 Walking - 3 nights for only $545

Begin your extension with a train ride along the French Cote d’Azur. This enables you to sit back and enjoy the scenery as the track runs inland and along the coast. Superbly set on the Bay of Angels, Nice has much to offer. Stroll down the palm tree-lined Promenade des Anglais; meander through the labyrinth of streets which form the now trendy Old Town with its cafes, galleries, designer boutiques and bistros; visit the colorful flower market, museums, churches and gardens, or just savor the gastronomy delights. You can walk to all of the major sights from your centrally located, 4-star hotel. You may also wish to venture farther afield along the coast. It is easy to take a local train to Monaco or Monte Carlo.

Available only with the Air Inclusive Package.

Note: Single supplement for this extension is $295.

Accommodations

Millennium Hotel Paris Opera

The Millennium Opera Paris combines the elegance and splendor of the 1920s with modern, comfortable amenities. The hotel features 163 air-conditioned guestrooms with traditional decor in light colors and includes period-style wood furniture with green leather-topped writing desks. All rooms offer satellite television, pay movies, safe, trouser press, mini-bars and coffee/tea-making facilities. En-suite bathrooms come with hair dryers. The full-sized desks also feature high-speed Internet connections. In addition to a restaurant, the Millennium Opera Paris offers a lounge bar where guests can enjoy snacks and drinks by the fireplace and cocktails in the evenings, all with the background of music from the grand piano. Room service is available around the clock. Multilingual staff on the 24-hour front desk can provide concierge services, including theater and opera reservations and transportation arrangements, as well as recommending places to visit in the area. Wireless Internet access covers all public areas of the hotel.

Hostelellerie Le Beffroi

This small, family-run hotel dates back to 1554. It still has the feel of a private home, since each room is totally different and much of the furniture is original. It is located in the medieval section of the town, on a cobblestone street.

It does not have air-conditioning. Fans can be placed in the rooms on request.

Chateau de Varenne

Set in the tranquil heart of Provence, Varenne is an enchanting chateau set within 7 acres of gardens overlooking the charming village of Sauveterre, just a 10-minute drive from Avignon. Built in 1610, the chateau was purchased in the 19th century by Guillaume Puy, “the Perfect Mayor” of Avignon, according to Napoleon, and then occupied by his son-in-law, the Marquis of Cambis. The chateau was later sold to the Prefect of Gard before World War I. Newly renovated, Varenne is now a charming hotel, with all the splendor and authenticity of the chateau. From its tower, enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of the Ventoux, Luberon and surrounding vineyards. An enchanting, heritage-protected, 400-year-old Liban cedar tree grows in the garden, which also has a fountain with a natural water supply. Relax on the tree-shaded terrace or beside the picturesque swimming pool.

Hotel Les Ateliers de L’Image

Located in the center of St. Remy de Provence s, the Hotel Les Ateliers de l’Image is one of Provence’s most charming hotels, and was established around the theme of photography. It has a gallery, private collection, projection hall and fully equipped photo lab.

Hotel Aquabella

Ideally situated in the heart of the old town of Aix-en-Provence, at the foot of the ancient fortifications and in the center of the markets of Provence, Hotel Aquabella offers you an exceptional environment for your active vacation.

Rating Level

Easy/Moderate

This tour features a combination of easy terrain and paved roads mixed with moderate hills, open countryside and uneven footpaths and cobbled streets, ideal for enthusiastic beginners and experienced walkers. Due to Provence’s summer climate, some areas may be closed, in case of closings we have equally rewarding footpaths planned. Our VBT minibus is available at specific meeting points for those who need assistance. Both morning and afternoon options are available most days.