Provence Art de Vivre — Villages, Markets & Southern Light
A private Provence journey through Aix, the Luberon and the Alpilles.
An overview
A private journey through the landscapes and rituals of Provence, from elegant Aix-en-Provence to the hilltop villages of the Luberon, Avignon, Saint-Remy, Les Baux and the Roman light of Arles. This relaxed itinerary connects markets, villages, art, food and beautiful hotel stays in southern France.
- 2 nights in Aix-en-Provence, 2 nights in the Luberon and 2 nights in the Alpilles
- Private introduction to Aix, its fountains, mansions, markets and artistic heritage
- Provençal market visit and hands-on regional cooking experience with a private host
- Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux and selected Luberon villages at a relaxed private pace
- Avignon and the Southern Rhône landscapes, with cultural estate visits tailored to the party
- Saint-Remy, Les Baux, Arles and the art, Roman history and olive-growing traditions of the Alpilles
A Refined Timeline
Day 01: Arrival in Aix-en-Provence — Fountains, Mansions & Southern Light
Meet your private driver at Marseille Airport, Aix TGV station or another arrival point and transfer to your hotel. After settling in, join a licensed guide for a gentle introduction to Aix-en-Provence, beginning around Cours Mirabeau and continuing through the historic center. Discover elegant mansions, shaded squares, fountains and artisan shops, while learning how Cézanne and generations of artists responded to the region’s distinctive light. The evening is free, with dinner reserved according to your preferences.
Day 02: Aix Market & the Provençal Table
Start your day at a lively Provençal market with a private host, meeting local producers and selecting seasonal ingredients such as tomatoes, herbs, olives, fruit and cheeses. Continue to a charming kitchen or countryside setting for a hands-on cooking experience. Prepare a complete regional menu, learn practical techniques and enjoy the meal together. The late afternoon is free for pool time, shopping, spa or further art visits.
Day 03: Aix → Luberon — Lourmarin, Bonnieux, Roussillon & Gordes
Leave Aix with your private driver-guide and enter the Luberon through a sequence of hilltop villages, chosen according to the day and market schedule. Stroll through Lourmarin or Bonnieux, pause for a countryside lunch, and continue to the ochre-colored streets of Roussillon. Arrive in Gordes or another Luberon base in the afternoon. During lavender season, your route may include a field, distillery or abbey landscape; outside the season, the focus is on village architecture, gardens, orchards and panoramic views.
Day 04: Avignon & the Southern Rhône — Papal History and Vineyard Landscapes
Travel privately to Avignon for a guided exploration of the walled city, including the Palais des Papes, medieval streets and Rhône viewpoints. Enjoy lunch and an independent walk in the historic center. Continue through the vineyard landscapes around Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a cultural estate visit, focused on terroir, architecture and regional heritage. The day can be tailored for families with a village walk, craft workshop or countryside stop.
Day 05: Luberon → Saint-Remy — Van Gogh, Glanum & Olive Groves
After breakfast, travel toward the Alpilles and Saint-Remy-de-Provence. With a private guide, walk through the old town, connecting its fountains, shaded lanes and market traditions with the landscapes that inspired Van Gogh. Visit the Roman site of Glanum or the Monastery of Saint-Paul de Mausole, depending on interests and opening hours. A visit to an olive mill or estate may be added before checking into your hotel near Saint-Remy or Les Baux.
Day 06: Les Baux & Arles — Stone, Art and Roman Provence
Begin in Les Baux-de-Provence, dramatically set above the limestone landscape of the Alpilles. Explore the medieval village and, if suitable, visit Carrières de Lumières for an immersive art show inside the old quarry. Continue to Arles with a licensed guide for Roman monuments, atmospheric streets and Van Gogh-related locations. The itinerary can include a contemporary art stop or, for families, a more visual storytelling route through the amphitheater and historic center.
Day 07: Departure or Continue Toward the Mediterranean
After breakfast, meet your private driver for transfer to Avignon TGV, Marseille Airport, Aix-en-Provence, the French Riviera or another onward destination. The journey can be extended with more nights in Provence, a private Mediterranean coast program, or a leisurely stay focused on gardens, markets and hotel relaxation.
A bespoke proposal can be tailored to your dates and party.
Recommended Hotels in Aix-en-Provence, the Luberon and the Alpilles
The journey is designed around three distinct stays: two nights in or near Aix-en-Provence, two nights in the Luberon and two nights in the Alpilles. Below are handpicked hotel recommendations; the final combination is tailored for your trip and confirmed in your private proposal.
Aix-en-Provence
A refined five-star property arranged around elegant villas and landscaped gardens, chosen for its calm atmosphere, pool, generous sense of space and convenient access to central Aix.
Luberon
A landmark palace hotel built into the hilltop village of Gordes, with sweeping Luberon views and period-inspired interiors, offering the experience of staying inside one of Provence’s most celebrated landscapes.
A design-led retreat above Bonnieux with gardens, terraces and a relaxed country rhythm, perfect for travelers seeking a beautiful base with direct access to the villages of the Luberon.
Alpilles
A five-star estate in the Alpilles offering rooms, suites and larger residences, known for relaxed service, extensive grounds, wellness facilities and family-friendly flexibility.
A storied five-star estate on twenty hectares of rock, vines and olive trees, renowned for its heritage, gardens, gastronomy and deeply Provençal sense of place.
The final property and room category will be confirmed in your private proposal, subject to availability. Many countryside hotels operate seasonally and some historic properties have unique room layouts or minimum-stay requirements during peak dates.
In your journey
- 2 nights in Aix-en-Provence, 2 nights in the Luberon and 2 nights in the Alpilles, breakfast daily
- Private arrival, intercity and departure transfers, plus transportation for programmed touring
- English-speaking licensed guides, experienced driver-guides and local hosts as described
- Private guided introduction to Aix-en-Provence
- Private Provençal market visit and hands-on cooking experience with lunch
- Private full-day Luberon villages program
- Private Avignon and Southern Rhône cultural touring
- Private Saint-Remy, Glanum or Van Gogh heritage program
- Private Les Baux and Arles touring with selected reserved admissions
- Restaurant recommendations and concierge support throughout planning
Worth knowing
- International or domestic flights and rail tickets
- Lunches and dinners unless specifically stated
- Hotel city tax, personal expenses and minibar charges
- Optional spa treatments, additional workshops and experiences not listed in the confirmed proposal
- Personal purchases at markets, boutiques and artisan studios
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, hotel staff and local hosts
- Travel insurance and extensions not listed in the confirmed itinerary
A sense of place
Questions, answered
Anything else on your mind? Speak to a concierge directly.
+1 210 303 9960Yes. All transportation, guides and scheduled experiences are arranged exclusively for your party unless a different format is requested.
A journey rewritten in your name
Share your dates, your party and the moments that matter. We’ll return a private proposal within 48 hours.
