Photo by: Pixabay
Location: France
PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR

France Provence

Tentative dates and itinerary

• Local guide and Professional Photo Leader Kathy Adams Clark.
• Famous villages of Arles, Avignon, St. Remy, Aix en Provence, and the lesser known in the Luberon region.
• Day trip to the lovely Cassis on the Southern Coast.
• Photographic locations filled with unique culture, landscape, and the traditions of Southern France.
• Authentic Camargue ranch, photographing the French cowboys and beautiful horses of the region.
• Photograph the wildlife of the Ornithological Parc de Pont Gau.
• Tour limited to twelve participants.
• Extend your stay with Kathy as she returns to Barcelona, Spain.

Region

Europe

Destination

France

Dates

October 20-30, 2023

Duration

10 days

Available Post-Trip Extension

Barcelona

$8295

per person, double occupancy*

*U.S. dollars based upon minimum of 7 participants. We try to accommodate travelers who request single accommodations, as well as travelers who are looking for a roommate. If a single room is requested (subject to availability), or if we are unable to find a suitable roommate, there is a single room surcharge of $1495.

Tour Overview

Southern France’s Provence is a favorite of both the French and international visitors. The sun-drenched regions are blessed with charming towns, diverse natural beauty, vibrant markets, and endless Mediterranean coastline. Van Gogh and Cézanneimmortalized Provence’s beauty on canvas capturing its striking colors – azure sky, bright pastel façades, deep purple lavender fields, and vibrant yellow sunflowers. Photograph Arles, Avignon, Cassis, St. Remy, and...

Southern France’s Provence is a favorite of both the French and international visitors. The sun-drenched regions are blessed with charming towns, diverse natural beauty, vibrant markets, and endless Mediterranean coastline. Van Gogh and Cézanneimmortalized Provence’s beauty on canvas capturing its striking colors – azure sky, bright pastel façades, deep purple lavender fields, and vibrant yellow sunflowers. Photograph Arles, Avignon, Cassis, St. Remy, and the ranch horses in the Camargue region.

You will wander through wonderful vineyards and charming markets. Enjoy the delicious local food and beautiful landscapes that define Southern France. Exploring regional specialties, such as wine, oysters, and traditional regional recipes. Follow the road to visit the charming villages in the Luberon Regional Park. The historical monuments in Montpellier, and Aix-en-Provence are sure to impress. Make sure to leave some room for the exceptional fine dining restaurants that await you.

Extend your stay with Kathy, taking you Barcelona, Spain for a wonderful introduction to this famous city. The visitor, unfamiliar with its history, might be surprised that such a modern and enterprising city preserves its historic Gothic center almost intact. Fabulous architecture, brilliant Spanish cuisine, flamboyant culture, and wonderful weather combine to make Barcelona a truly magnificent city. Enjoy a few days devoted to the arts and culture of this unique city.

Photo Leader

Kathy Adams Clark

Tour Itinerary

October 20: Home

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.

October 21-23: Aix en Provence

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 & 18th 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)

October 24-26: St. Remy

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)

October 27-28: Carmague

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)

October 29: Carmague-Montpellier

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)

October 30: Montpellier-Home-or on to Barcelona Extension

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

Post-Trip Extension

Extension Name

Barcelona

Price

$1695*

Dates

October 30-Nov 2 2023

Duration

3 days

* Based upon minimum of 8 participants. There is a small group surcharge of $200 if 5-7 participants. Single room surcharge is $665.


Extend your stay with Kathy, taking you Barcelona, Spain for a wonderful introduction to this famous city. It is more than just a single city; it is actually a collection of multi-faceted and diverse cities. The visitor, unfamiliar with its history, might be surprised that such a modern and enterprising city preserves its historic Gothic center almost intact. Fabulous architecture, brilliant Spanish cuisine, flamboyant culture, and wonderful weather combine to make Barcelona a truly magnificent city. Enjoy a few days devoted to the arts and culture of this unique city.

October 30: Montpellier - Barcelona

Those going on to Barcelona with Kathy will take the high-speed train this morning from Montpellier to Barcelona (duration 3). You will be transferred upon your arrival to the hotel for check in. Gather again in the lobby for an introductory walk and welcome dinner with your Barcelona guide. This walk will include La Boqueria Market and picturesque cafes and La Rambla, a tree-lined pedestrian boulevard packed with buskers, living statues, mimes, and itinerant salespeople selling everything from lottery tickets to jewelry. The noisy bird market on the second block of La Rambla is worth a stop. We hope to capture the golden light from Port Vell, at the foot of La Rambla. Overnight Barcelona (D)

October 31-Nov 1: Barcelona

Kathy will organize an early morning photo shoot, returning to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast meet with the local guide as you venture into the streets. Be sure to have comfortable walking shoes, as we will use public transportation, where possible, to explore the sights and sounds of the city. Casa Batllo, with Gaudí’s renowned facade in stunning organic forms, fantastic chimneys, and rooftop, has been said to symbolize the legend of St. George killing the dragon.

Güell Park, designed by Antonio Gaudí, is the most famous park in Barcelona. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it has been subject to all types of praise and criticism, including comments such as “outrageous modernism”, “surrealistic island”, and “nightmare expressionist park”. First conceived as a private estate, it became a public park in 1922.

A tour of Barcelona would not be complete without a visit to La Sagrada Familia, Europe’s most unconventional church. The life’s work of Barcelona’s favorite son, Antoni Gaudí, the magnificent spires of the unfinished cathedral imprint themselves boldly against the sky. They are encrusted with a tangle of sculptures that seem to breathe life into the stone.

The last full day in Barcelona Kathy will organize a morning photography walk, as well as at dusk. The afternoon will be free to enjoy revisiting previous photo locations at different light or optional activities such as: The Picasso Museum is housed in five adjoining medieval palaces, displaying various works by the famous artist. You may choose an optional visit to learn more about Gaudi at the colorful, La Pedrera, Palau de la Musica Catalana, various art museums, or simply photograph the wonderful harbor. Overnight  Barcelona.  (B, L; B)

November 2: Barcelona - Home

There will be a group transfer time (to be announced) to the BCN airport for flights home. (B)