Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Paris (Charles de Gaulle Airport)

Step off the plane into the timeless allure of Paris. On arrival transfer to our hotel. For those with energy, take a gentle stroll or linger over a glass of wine – the
perfect introduction to France’s famous “art de vivre”. Join us for our included welcome dinner tonight. Overnight Paris area. D

Day 2 – Paris to Clermont-Ferrand

Leave the capital behind and journey south through ever-changing scenery to the volcanic heart of France. Arrive in Clermont-Ferrand, where soaring towers of the black-lava cathedral rise dramatically against the sky. Wander lively squares and soak up the easy pace of this welcoming city. Tonight, share a convivial welcome dinner with your fellow travellers. Overnight Clermont-Ferrand. B

Day 3 – Puy de Dôme & Volcanic Landscapes

Ascend the mighty Puy de Dôme by cog railway. From the summit, gaze across a necklace of extinct volcanoes – gentle green domes rolling to the horizon, dotted with shimmering lakes and patchwork fields. Enjoy the crisp mountain air and sense of vastness. Later, visit villages where life moves slowly, stone houses warmed by flower boxes and local markets brimming with cheese, honey, and breads. Overnight Clermont-Ferrand. B

Day 4 – Le Puy-en-Velay

Arrive in Le Puy-en-Velay, a town of astonishing drama and spiritual resonance. The chapel of Saint-Michel perches impossibly on a volcanic spire, while the
Romanesque cathedral glows golden in the light. Wander cobbled streets where lace-makers still ply their craft, and sense the footsteps of pilgrims from centuries past. Overnight Le Puy-en-Velay. B

Day 5 – Aubrac & Cantal Highlands

Next we visit the tranquil Aubrac plateau. Vast skies stretch over rolling pastures, where cows graze among stone barns and wildflowers. Enjoy the creamy Laguiole cheese and rustic charcuterie. This is France at its most timeless – peaceful, simple, and deeply nourishing to the soul. Overnight Le Puy-en-Velay. B

Day 6 – Into the Languedoc: Carcassonne

Journey into the south, where the sun burns brighter and landscapes take on a Mediterranean glow. Arrive at Carcassonne, a fortress that looks lifted from a
fairy tale. Twin rings of ramparts, towers and turrets crown the hill, enclosing winding lanes and restaurants. As evening falls, the walls shimmer golden and
you’ll feel transported back to the Middle Ages. Overnight Carcassonne. B

Day 7 – Canal du Midi & Narbonne

See the amazing Canal du Midi, shaded by grand plane trees, their branches arching like a cathedral ceiling. Later in Narbonne, once Rome’s capital of Gaul. Its
Gothic cathedral soars skyward, while the bustling markets overflow with olives, cheeses, and cured meats – a feast for the senses. Overnight Carcassonne. B

Day 8 – Cathar Castles & Corbières Wine Country

See the hills where the Cathar castles clung like eagles’ nests on rocky ridges. The ruins of Peyrepertuse or Quéribus whisper tales of faith and resistance, with
views over the valleys below. Afterwards visit Corbières wine country, where the sun warms terraced vines. Share a tasting of bold reds and fragrant whites in the company of passionate vintners. Overnight Carcassonne. B

Day 9 – Avignon & Papal Palace

Cross into Provence and enter Avignon, the City of the Popes. Stroll its famous bridge, admire the massive Papal Palace, enjoy the hum of street life spilling into cafés and shaded squares. Avignon has its own charm, with musicians playing in alleyways and picturesque medieval walls. Overnight Avignon. B

Day 10 – Pont du Gard & Uzès

Marvel at the awe-inspiring Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct of monumental grace, arching elegantly across the Gardon River. Continue to Uzès, a jewel of
Provence with its arcaded market square and honey-coloured stone. On market day, the air is alive with the scents of lavender, rosemary, and freshly baked
bread. Overnight Avignon. B

Day 11 – Arles & Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Step into history in Arles, where the Roman amphitheatre still echoes with the roar of ancient crowds. The sunlit squares inspired Van Gogh’s luminous
paintings, and the atmosphere is artistic and vibrant. In the afternoon, explore Saint-Rémy, with its Roman ruins, stylish boutiques, and the serene monastery
where Van Gogh created masterpieces among olive groves and cypress trees. Overnight Avignon. B

Day 12 – Luberon Villages

Enter the poetic landscapes of the Luberon hills. In Gordes, honey-coloured stone houses cascade down the hillside. In Roussillon, ochre cliffs glow in shades of gold, orange and crimson. Between the villages lie lavender fields (in season), silvery olive groves, and vineyards where time seems to pause.
Overnight Luberon area. B

Day 13 – Countryside Touring

Today is pure Provençal pleasure. On market days the square overflowing with flowers, baskets of figs, lavender soaps, and bright fabrics. The atmosphere is
lively and warm, with vendors calling out cheerfully. In the afternoon, wind through quiet country lanes to discover sleepy villages, vineyard estates, and the
easy rhythm of rural Provence. Overnight Luberon area. B

Day 14 – Aix-en-Provence & Camargue Excursion

Arrive in Aix-en-Provence, where elegant boulevards feature fountains and leafy plane trees. Sit in a café on the Cours Mirabeau and watch the world drift by. In the afternoon, venture into the Camargue Natural Park: a vast wetland where pink flamingos take flight, herds of white horses gallop free, and salt flats
shimmer under the Mediterranean sun. Tonight join us for our included farewell dinner. Overnight Aix-en-Provence. B,D

Day 15 – Aix-en-Provence & Departure from Marseille

Your final morning is free to savour the spirit of Provence. Visit Cézanne’s studio, filled with light and history, or simply sip coffee before our transfer to Marseille Airport for onward travel.

THIS ITINERARY IS THE PROPERTY OF THE TOUR COMPANY AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

Available dates: May and September
Pricing: Available on application. Email info@travlink.net or within NZ call 0800 99 77 88 for more about this unique tour.