Travel as a pair — whether mother and daughter, aunt and niece, grandmother and granddaughter(20+), or godmother and goddaughter — and discover our favorite places in Provence during the enchanting lavender season.
Straight out of your South of France dreams, you’ll be based in the quintessential village of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a place steeped in history and charm. Nostradamus was born here, Van Gogh once sought inspiration in its landscapes, and Princess Caroline of Monaco has spent her summers strolling its streets.
Most agree it’s the perfect French village, with cobblestone lanes, sun-drenched squares, and boutiques that make every woman’s heart skip a beat.
With our deep knowledge and personal ties to the region, we’ll guide you to hidden gems and curate unforgettable experiences, creating memories you’ll cherish forever.
Your private transfer will meet you at Marseille Provence Airport and escort you to the elegant Hôtel Le Saint Rémy***** in the heart of town. Settle in, relax at the pool, enjoy a spa treatment to recover from the travel or explore the surrounding streets. At 6 pm, meet Emma, your tour escort and Tour with Absolutely director, in the hotel courtyard for a welcome cocktail followed by a bistronomic dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Wednesday, June 24: Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Step out of your boutique hotel and immerse yourself in the charm of Saint-Rémy. Spend the morning exploring one of the largest and most colorful markets in Provence, where stalls overflow with fresh produce, regional specialties, and artisanal treasures. Take your time to browse, taste, and soak in the lively atmosphere.
For lunch, enjoy the freedom to choose from a variety of inviting restaurants, cafés, and bistros nestled in shady squares, perfect for a relaxing pause.
In the afternoon, embrace a true Provençal tradition with a friendly game of pétanque, the beloved local version of boules, under the plane trees.
As evening approaches, prepare for a hands-on Provençal cooking workshop with Jane Satow, a passionate Francophile who delights in sharing her love of the region’s cuisine, wine, and food culture. Together, you’ll create an authentic Provençal dinner, learning regional techniques and using seasonal ingredients. The class is practical, convivial, and designed to bring the flavors of Provence back home with you.
You start your day with a guided visit of the Lavender Museum, where you’ll discover the history of this Provençal treasure, from its use in perfumery and cosmetics to its medicinal properties. Then we’ll stop at a secret viewpoint, for a photo op, of the stunning hillside village of Gordes, before continuing to Roussillon, one of the most visited villages in the Luberon, and you will understand why. Afterward, savor lunch at your leisure and take time to browse the village’s art galleries and charming boutiques and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the former ochre quarries, where sculpted cliffs glow in shades of red, orange, and gold, a true photographer’s paradise. As the sun sets, we will experience the thrill of a seasonal truffle hunt. On the way back to St-Rémy, you’ll be welcomed at a family estate, where his dogs will guide us through the truffle fields. The adventure will conclude with a convivial truffle-based buffet, paired with champagne bien sur!
This morning, we will depart in our private van. You will be welcomed by Elsa in her lavender fields, where bundles of colorful ribbons will guide you in handcrafting your very own lavender wand — an ancestral Provençal tradition passed down through centuries. This fragrant keepsake will be a beautiful reminder of your time in Provence.
Lunch awaits at the iconic Bistrot du Paradou, once the favorite of Peter Mayle, author of the worldwide bestseller A Year in Provence. Here, you’ll mingle with locals while savoring a hearty four-course meal, complete with a legendary cheese platter featuring no fewer than 25 varieties!
In the afternoon, we’ll take a scenic drive to the Carrières des Lumières, nestled below the medieval village of Les Baux-de-Provence. Step inside the vast, cathedral-like quarry, now transformed into a monumental art space, where masterpieces are brought to life through immersive sound and light projections.
Dinner at leisure
This morning, we will depart for the ancient Roman town of Aix-en-Provence, beginning with a guided shopping tour through its historic center and the elegant Cours Mirabeau. Along the way, we’ll browse the lively craft market, where our local guide will introduce you to Provençal treasures such as baskets, soaps, and linens. We’ll also stop at some of Aix’s most iconic shops, featuring Provençal fabrics, cosmetics, and, of course, take a sweet break to savor the city’s most famous treat — the Calisson d’Aix.
Lunch will be at leisure in Aix. With its leafy boulevards, gurgling fountains, and grand 17th- and 18th-century mansions, Aix is a delight to explore at your own pace.
In the afternoon, craft your very own signature home perfume at the renowned Rose et Marius atelier. Explore luxurious notes, blend your favorite scents, and take home a unique fragrance as a lasting memory of your Provençal journey.
Dinner at leisure
Sunday, June 28: St Remy & Fontveille
As you step into the world of Vincent Van Gogh, with a visit to the Saint-Paul de Mausole Monastery, you’ll be welcomed by an American artist, Jill Steenhuis, who has lived and painted the landscapes of Provence for more than 30 years. It was here that Van Gogh created some of his most iconic works, including Starry Night. His presence can still be felt in the tranquil cloisters and gardens adorned with large-scale reproductions of his paintings—displayed right where they were originally created. Regardless of your level, Jill will gently guide you in capturing the spirit of Provence in a watercolor painting, helping you create your own masterpiece to take home.
In the afternoon, we will immerse ourselves in another Provençal treasure with a private olive oil tasting. As the day softens into golden hour, a photographer will capture unforgettable moments among the olive groves, with a château as a backdrop.
Our journey concludes with a farewell dinner at the Château d’Estoublon and indulge a final Provençal feast, a perfect closing to an unforgettable week in the South of France.
Enjoy a final breakfast before your private transfer to Marseille Provence Airport. You’ll leave Provence not only with your luggage, but with recipe notes to recreate at home, cherished memories of lavender fields and their fragrance, the luminous colors of the Provençal landscape, and the warmth of new friendships. The flavors and traditions of Provence will remain close at hand, ready to inspire you long after your journey ends.
Deposit
To secure a place on our tour, we ask that you fill in our reservation form, which indicates that a deposit of 30% will be required to secure your space. The balance will be due 2 months prior to the tour.
Included
Breakfast and one meals per day as indicated in the program with wine, gratuities in restaurants, taxes, professional tour escort, activities and admission fees as indicated in the program, airport transfers on the first day of the tour and in the morning of the last day of the tour, transportation in a van and accommodation in a 5 star boutique hotel with a pool and wellness area.
Not included
Round trip airfare to France, tip to tour escort and coach driver, any personal souvenirs or purchases outside of this tour and not indicated above, additional wine, beer or spirits beyond what is offered at meals, and all the sweet treats you pick up along the way, spa services at the hotel, travel insurance (highly recommended) and trip medical coverage (required for travelers over 50 years of age).
Terms and Conditions
If an insufficient number of participants register for the tour or in the event of conditions deemed unsafe for our clients, the tour may be cancelled or postponed. While we endeavor to operate all trips as described, we reserve the right to change the trip itinerary owing to circumstances beyond our control or if more interesting opportunities arise. Any changes will be of similar or superior quality and content.
Payment
We accept Mastercard and Visa.
Available Discount
–“Early Bird” Discount: Register before Sept 30, 2025, and receive a special discount on your tour price.
– “Loyalty” Discount: If this is your second trip or more with Absolutely, you are entitled to a loyalty discount as our way of thanking you for your continued trust.
Cancellation Policy
This is a packaged group tour with no refunds, even in the case of injury, illness or personal emergency. Cancellation must be notified by email to emma@tourwithabsolutely.com. We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance including medical assistance and cancellation. If you become sick from Covid, or any other disease, before the trip departs or during it, you will need to have your own medical and trip cancellation insurance to cover any costs incurred.
Travel with insurance – and rest assured
Check out Insure My Trip, insurance specialists that compare coverage, including Covid, from 19 reputable providers. Just select what best suits you (cancellation for any reason, interruption, medical evacuation…). Prices are reasonable and well worth it for a stress free trip.
Physical Requirements
This tour is “physically active.” Tour guests must be able to walk without assistance and carry their personal luggage. You will be travelling in a coach for day trips. You may be on your feet, walking and standing, on uneven sidewalks, going up and down stairs, for a few hours, indoors and outdoors, rain or shine. If you need help climbing on to a tour bus or if you are winded after walking 50 feet, Emma will have other trips for you to join.
Arrival and Departure
On arrival, airport transfers are included from Marseille airport or Avignon TGV High Speed Train Station the hotel. You will be welcomed at 6 PM at the meet-and-greet by Emma Gély, your tour escort for the entire week and Director of Tour with Absolutely. On the last day of the tour, airport transfers are included in the morning from the hotel to Marseille airport or Avignon TGV Hight Speed Train Station. When searching for flights, check out Skyscanner which compares flights and prices from numerous airlines.
Photo Release
You hereby grant Tour with Absolutely permission to use your likeness in a photograph, video or other digital media in any and all of its publications including web-based publications, without payment or other consideration. In addition, you waive the right to inspect or approve the finished product wherein your likeness appears.
What to Pack
Phone chargers, medication, hat, sunscreen, bug repellent, comfortable walking shoes, swimming wear if you wish to use the hotel pool and spa.
Temperatures should be pleasant. We expect clear sunny skies with average daytime temperatures of between 29C / 84,2F and overnight lows of 16C / 60,8F.
Behavior Expectations
As a group, you are all on this trip to have a good time and to bond with one another. We expect you to do everything in your power to get along with the crew and make other guests feel welcome. If you have an issue with someone or something please speak with your trip leader, do not complain to the other guests. Your trip leader is there to solve any problems.
Accommodation
5 star boutique hotel with a pool and wellness area, Le Saint Rémy, St Rémy de Provence.
All hotel rooms are not created equal. We chooses unique hotels for our trips and you will be assigned a room at random. Your room might be smaller, larger, or different from the other guests’ rooms.
Transportation
You will be travelling in a comfortable air-conditioned van with a professional driver.
Additional Services
Emma Gély of Tour with Absolutely is happy to assist with pre- and post-tour travel planning.
Travel as a pair — whether mother and daughter, aunt and niece, grandmother and granddaughter(20+), or godmother and goddaughter — and discover our favorite places in Provence during the enchanting lavender season.
Straight out of your South of France dreams, you’ll be based in the quintessential village of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a place steeped in history and charm. Nostradamus was born here, Van Gogh once sought inspiration in its landscapes, and Princess Caroline of Monaco has spent her summers strolling its streets.
Most agree it’s the perfect French village, with cobblestone lanes, sun-drenched squares, and boutiques that make every woman’s heart skip a beat.
With our deep knowledge and personal ties to the region, we’ll guide you to hidden gems and curate unforgettable experiences, creating memories you’ll cherish forever.
Your private transfer will meet you at Marseille Provence Airport and escort you to the elegant Hôtel Le Saint Rémy***** in the heart of town. Settle in, relax at the pool, enjoy a spa treatment to recover from the travel or explore the surrounding streets. At 6 pm, meet Emma, your tour escort and Tour with Absolutely director, in the hotel courtyard for a welcome cocktail followed by a bistronomic dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Wednesday, June 24: Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Step out of your boutique hotel and immerse yourself in the charm of Saint-Rémy. Spend the morning exploring one of the largest and most colorful markets in Provence, where stalls overflow with fresh produce, regional specialties, and artisanal treasures. Take your time to browse, taste, and soak in the lively atmosphere.
For lunch, enjoy the freedom to choose from a variety of inviting restaurants, cafés, and bistros nestled in shady squares, perfect for a relaxing pause.
In the afternoon, embrace a true Provençal tradition with a friendly game of pétanque, the beloved local version of boules, under the plane trees.
As evening approaches, prepare for a hands-on Provençal cooking workshop with Jane Satow, a passionate Francophile who delights in sharing her love of the region’s cuisine, wine, and food culture. Together, you’ll create an authentic Provençal dinner, learning regional techniques and using seasonal ingredients. The class is practical, convivial, and designed to bring the flavors of Provence back home with you.
You start your day with a guided visit of the Lavender Museum, where you’ll discover the history of this Provençal treasure, from its use in perfumery and cosmetics to its medicinal properties. Then we’ll stop at a secret viewpoint, for a photo op, of the stunning hillside village of Gordes, before continuing to Roussillon, one of the most visited villages in the Luberon, and you will understand why. Afterward, savor lunch at your leisure and take time to browse the village’s art galleries and charming boutiques and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the former ochre quarries, where sculpted cliffs glow in shades of red, orange, and gold, a true photographer’s paradise. As the sun sets, we will experience the thrill of a seasonal truffle hunt. On the way back to St-Rémy, you’ll be welcomed at a family estate, where his dogs will guide us through the truffle fields. The adventure will conclude with a convivial truffle-based buffet, paired with champagne bien sur!
This morning, we will depart in our private van. You will be welcomed by Elsa in her lavender fields, where bundles of colorful ribbons will guide you in handcrafting your very own lavender wand — an ancestral Provençal tradition passed down through centuries. This fragrant keepsake will be a beautiful reminder of your time in Provence.
Lunch awaits at the iconic Bistrot du Paradou, once the favorite of Peter Mayle, author of the worldwide bestseller A Year in Provence. Here, you’ll mingle with locals while savoring a hearty four-course meal, complete with a legendary cheese platter featuring no fewer than 25 varieties!
In the afternoon, we’ll take a scenic drive to the Carrières des Lumières, nestled below the medieval village of Les Baux-de-Provence. Step inside the vast, cathedral-like quarry, now transformed into a monumental art space, where masterpieces are brought to life through immersive sound and light projections.
Dinner at leisure
This morning, we will depart for the ancient Roman town of Aix-en-Provence, beginning with a guided shopping tour through its historic center and the elegant Cours Mirabeau. Along the way, we’ll browse the lively craft market, where our local guide will introduce you to Provençal treasures such as baskets, soaps, and linens. We’ll also stop at some of Aix’s most iconic shops, featuring Provençal fabrics, cosmetics, and, of course, take a sweet break to savor the city’s most famous treat — the Calisson d’Aix.
Lunch will be at leisure in Aix. With its leafy boulevards, gurgling fountains, and grand 17th- and 18th-century mansions, Aix is a delight to explore at your own pace.
In the afternoon, craft your very own signature home perfume at the renowned Rose et Marius atelier. Explore luxurious notes, blend your favorite scents, and take home a unique fragrance as a lasting memory of your Provençal journey.
Dinner at leisure
Sunday, June 28: St Remy & Fontveille
As you step into the world of Vincent Van Gogh, with a visit to the Saint-Paul de Mausole Monastery, you’ll be welcomed by an American artist, Jill Steenhuis, who has lived and painted the landscapes of Provence for more than 30 years. It was here that Van Gogh created some of his most iconic works, including Starry Night. His presence can still be felt in the tranquil cloisters and gardens adorned with large-scale reproductions of his paintings—displayed right where they were originally created. Regardless of your level, Jill will gently guide you in capturing the spirit of Provence in a watercolor painting, helping you create your own masterpiece to take home.
In the afternoon, we will immerse ourselves in another Provençal treasure with a private olive oil tasting. As the day softens into golden hour, a photographer will capture unforgettable moments among the olive groves, with a château as a backdrop.
Our journey concludes with a farewell dinner at the Château d’Estoublon and indulge a final Provençal feast, a perfect closing to an unforgettable week in the South of France.
Enjoy a final breakfast before your private transfer to Marseille Provence Airport. You’ll leave Provence not only with your luggage, but with recipe notes to recreate at home, cherished memories of lavender fields and their fragrance, the luminous colors of the Provençal landscape, and the warmth of new friendships. The flavors and traditions of Provence will remain close at hand, ready to inspire you long after your journey ends.
Deposit
To secure a place on our tour, we ask that you fill in our reservation form, which indicates that a deposit of 30% will be required to secure your space. The balance will be due 2 months prior to the tour.
Included
Breakfast and one meals per day as indicated in the program with wine, gratuities in restaurants, taxes, professional tour escort, activities and admission fees as indicated in the program, airport transfers on the first day of the tour and in the morning of the last day of the tour, transportation in a van and accommodation in a 5 star boutique hotel with a pool and wellness area.
Not included
Round trip airfare to France, tip to tour escort and coach driver, any personal souvenirs or purchases outside of this tour and not indicated above, additional wine, beer or spirits beyond what is offered at meals, and all the sweet treats you pick up along the way, spa services at the hotel, travel insurance (highly recommended) and trip medical coverage (required for travelers over 50 years of age).
Terms and Conditions
If an insufficient number of participants register for the tour or in the event of conditions deemed unsafe for our clients, the tour may be cancelled or postponed. While we endeavor to operate all trips as described, we reserve the right to change the trip itinerary owing to circumstances beyond our control or if more interesting opportunities arise. Any changes will be of similar or superior quality and content.
Payment
We accept Mastercard and Visa.
Available Discount
–“Early Bird” Discount: Register before Sept 30, 2025, and receive a special discount on your tour price.
– “Loyalty” Discount: If this is your second trip or more with Absolutely, you are entitled to a loyalty discount as our way of thanking you for your continued trust.
Cancellation Policy
This is a packaged group tour with no refunds, even in the case of injury, illness or personal emergency. Cancellation must be notified by email to emma@tourwithabsolutely.com. We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance including medical assistance and cancellation. If you become sick from Covid, or any other disease, before the trip departs or during it, you will need to have your own medical and trip cancellation insurance to cover any costs incurred.
Travel with insurance – and rest assured
Check out Insure My Trip, insurance specialists that compare coverage, including Covid, from 19 reputable providers. Just select what best suits you (cancellation for any reason, interruption, medical evacuation…). Prices are reasonable and well worth it for a stress free trip.
Physical Requirements
This tour is “physically active.” Tour guests must be able to walk without assistance and carry their personal luggage. You will be travelling in a coach for day trips. You may be on your feet, walking and standing, on uneven sidewalks, going up and down stairs, for a few hours, indoors and outdoors, rain or shine. If you need help climbing on to a tour bus or if you are winded after walking 50 feet, Emma will have other trips for you to join.
Arrival and Departure
On arrival, airport transfers are included from Marseille airport or Avignon TGV High Speed Train Station the hotel. You will be welcomed at 6 PM at the meet-and-greet by Emma Gély, your tour escort for the entire week and Director of Tour with Absolutely. On the last day of the tour, airport transfers are included in the morning from the hotel to Marseille airport or Avignon TGV Hight Speed Train Station. When searching for flights, check out Skyscanner which compares flights and prices from numerous airlines.
Photo Release
You hereby grant Tour with Absolutely permission to use your likeness in a photograph, video or other digital media in any and all of its publications including web-based publications, without payment or other consideration. In addition, you waive the right to inspect or approve the finished product wherein your likeness appears.
What to Pack
Phone chargers, medication, hat, sunscreen, bug repellent, comfortable walking shoes, swimming wear if you wish to use the hotel pool and spa.
Temperatures should be pleasant. We expect clear sunny skies with average daytime temperatures of between 29C / 84,2F and overnight lows of 16C / 60,8F.
Behavior Expectations
As a group, you are all on this trip to have a good time and to bond with one another. We expect you to do everything in your power to get along with the crew and make other guests feel welcome. If you have an issue with someone or something please speak with your trip leader, do not complain to the other guests. Your trip leader is there to solve any problems.
Accommodation
5 star boutique hotel with a pool and wellness area, Le Saint Rémy, St Rémy de Provence.
All hotel rooms are not created equal. We chooses unique hotels for our trips and you will be assigned a room at random. Your room might be smaller, larger, or different from the other guests’ rooms.
Transportation
You will be travelling in a comfortable air-conditioned van with a professional driver.
Additional Services
Emma Gély of Tour with Absolutely is happy to assist with pre- and post-tour travel planning.
Copyright 2025 | Tour with Absolutely
Copyright 2025 | Tour with Absolutely
