France Provence

Your journey begins with an overnight flight from home to Marseille France (MRS). (meals on plane)
Please Note: All flights will be multi-city, either Home-MRS/Montpellier (MPL)-Home, or BCN-Home if you are attending the Barcelona extension.

Upon arrival everyone will transfer to accommodations in Aix en Provence on your own, via taxi or shuttle/bus (details will be sent in your packet). Unwind and rest a bit before a brief meeting with your guides to prepare you for the tour program (estimated 3PM). You will then visit Paul Cezanne’s studio. A great opportunity to access his creative and intimate environment. Continue your walking tour with your local guide, followed by a welcome dinner.

Enjoy a day trip to the charming village of Cassis by the sea. Before reaching Cassis, you can capture the breathtaking cliffs from the hiking trail of Cape Canaille and Calanque de Port Miou.  Continue to the picturesque Cassis Harbor, snuggled at the foot of the tall Cape Canaille cliff and white limestone coves. It is filled with many colorful boats, restaurants, and with a view of the Chateau de Cassis in the distance.  The small backstreets are surprisingly quieter as well as bright, colorful, and full of Provencal charm. After having lunch on your own and additional photography you will enjoy sunset photography on your return to Aix.

The following morning meet Kathy in the lobby to depart for one of the many Provencal markets in Aix (formerly the Provencal Capital). The old part of the city is mostly pedestrianized, so you can walk slowly, photographing the rich charm of the buildings and early light on the squares. Its public squares are lined with 17 & 18^th Century mansions, fountains (there are 1000!), and tree lined streets. Walk in the steps of their most famous resident – Paul Cezanne. There should be free time later in the day to wander on your own or continue photographing with Kathy. Overnight Aix en Provence (D; B; B)

Depart after breakfast, travelling north through the Luberon Regional Park. Photograph Roussillon, it is considered an artist’s pallet, with infinite combinations of colors. It is one of the must see of the Luberon region. Famous for red cliffs and ochre quarries, the lush green pine trees present quite the contrast of color and feel. Explore the village and then move next door to the hilltop village of Gordes with tan colored stone architecture, rooting itself into the sharp cliff of the mountainside. Arrive St. Remy late afternoon or early evening, followed by dinner.

Rise early today to reach Avignon. Located on the Rhone River in Provence, Avignon is a beautiful preserved medieval town surrounded by the original fortified city walls. After a walking tour of this lovely city continue north to the Rhone Valley wine region. The ruins of the Pope’s formal summer residence dominate the medieval village of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Set on a hill, the village appears among a sea of vineyards. Learn about the different vine varieties, followed by a visit to the cellar where the wines are aged. Enjoy a tasting of the day and photograph the history of wine making. Afterwards return to St. Remy in time for dinner on your own and evening photography with Kathy. Given time there can be a photo discussion at the hotel this evening.

South of St. Remy is Les Baux de Provence, one of the most gorgeous Southern France villages. It is similar to St. Remy, yet a much warmer feel and less touristy. Photograph the traditional limestone village of Baux-de-Provence, rising above the village are castle ruins, with olive groves in the surrounding valley.

After lunch on your own, photograph and visit the 11th century Saint-Paul-de-Mausole where Vincent Van Gogh painted Starry Night. Since about the year 1000, a monastery was formed for monks from different congregations. Each devoting themselves to caring for those that had the misfortune of falling into insanity. Overnight St. Remy (B, D; B; B)

Today is moving day to Camargue. Arles is along the way, famous for its many Roman monuments, photograph them as you enjoy a walking tour of the places Vincent Van Gogh was inspired by: The Yellow Café, the Langlois Bridge, and Rhone River. Continue your journey and enjoy lunch at a traditional Camargue Manade. Afterwards you will be able to photograph and learn about the equestrian and bullfighting traditions of the region. See the French cowboys practice herding the black bulls of the Camargue while riding the famous white horses. The Camargue’s horses are  a special breed, one of the oldest breeds in the world, and they have lived in the environment of the Camargue’s saline wetlands for thousands of years.

The next day photograph in the Parc Ornithologique de Pont de Gau. A great place to wonder at the spectacle and beauty of flamingos. They are mesmerizing. You can walk as far as you want to, around the lakes or simply find a place to sit down and photograph. Listen to the various bird songs from the parks varied boardwalk and trail system.

Given time and the interest of the group the village of Saintes Maries de la Mer would be an interesting location to wander the narrow cobbled stoned streets. You can also take a walk around the harbor and reach the Crin Blanc beach, the perfect place for a swim. Overnight Camargue (B, L; B, D)

Kathy and the local guide will determine photography locations today considering the interests of the group. There is so much more to see in the Camargue region. Seaside towns surrounded by sandy beaches, or travel to Ecusson to photograph the old town area of Montpellier for architecture and quaint café’s serving their famous crepes. Late this afternoon the group will check in to your accommodations for the evening close to the airport. Enjoy the evening on your own and prepare for departure tomorrow. (B)

You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home or continue on with Kathy to explore and photograph in Barcelona Spain. (B)