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Franco-Canadian Nancy McGee, founder of Absolutely, invites you on an intimate journey to discover her favorite places in Provence during the enchanting lavender season. With deep knowledge and personal ties to the region she has called home for over 20 years, Nancy will guide you to hidden gems and unforgettable experiences, creating memories to cherish forever.Imagine savoring a leisurely picnic and wine tasting at a family-owned vineyard, exploring the ancient Roman wonders of Arles, and capturing Provence’s breathtaking landscapes in a painting workshop. Picture yourself embarking on a truffle hunt, crafting your own lavender wand, and strolling through bustling local markets—fully immersing yourself in the essence of Provence.
Saturday, June 14 WELCOME TO PROVENCE
The transfer from Marseille airport will be arranged for you to your 4 star boutique hotel Mas Angelussi with a pool ideally located in the heart of Provence. Tour with Absolutely representative Nancy McGee will be welcoming you at 6pm for a meet and greet cocktail in the gardens followed by dinner.
Sunday, June 15 ROUSSILLON & BONNIEUX
Your first day in Provence will begin in picturesque Bonnieux. You’ll be greeted by American impressionist artist Jill Steinous who has been living in and painting the landscapes of Provence for over 30 years. Regardless of your level, she’ll guide you to creating your Provençal landscape masterpiece to take home. After the workshop, you’ll head to Roussillon one of the most visited villages in the area. You’ll have time to savor lunch at your leisure and spend some time browsing the shops and numerous art galleries followed by a stroll through former ochre quarries to admire the colorful pigmented cliffs.
Dinner will be @ L’endroit
Monday, June 16 ARLES & WINERY
You’ll start your day at a family-owned Provençal mas (ranch), straight out of your best south of France dreams. You’ll be taken for a stroll through the estate’s rice fields and vineyard followed by a private tasting of the richly flavored wines of the region.
Lunch will be prepared by your gracious hostess, Hélène, using fresh produce from her garden, including rice from the fields, paired with their lovely wines from the property. After your picnic lunch, you will go on a guided tour of Arles where Vincent Van Gogh resided for a year producing some of his most notable works. You will be taken to discover two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the ancient theater dating back to the 1st century AD and the Roman arenas built in 90 AD that hosted gladiator combats .
This evening, dinner will be at leisure at the hotel or if you prefer in one of the lovely restaurants, brasseries or cafés near the hotel.
Tuesday, June 17 GORDES AND LAVENDER FIELDS
Your day will start at a secret spot for a photo op of the stunning hillside village of Gordes. French markets are a thrill, and the one in Gordes is particularly appealing as it is set at the foot of the castle. You’ll have some free time to browse stalls with fresh produce along with Provençal fabrics, tea towels, lavender satchels, baskets and soaps, and also to have lunch at leisure. Your next stop will be the iconic Senanque Abbey for a guided tour and more photo ops of the surrounding lavender fields. To complete your day of lavender immersion, you’ll be taken for a guided tour of the lavender museum to discover the history of lavender, its use in perfumery, cosmetics, as well as its medicinal uses.
Wednesday, June 18 ST REMY & LES BAUX-DE-PROVENCE
You will start your day at Saint Paul de Mausole monastery in St Remy, formerly an asylum where Van Gogh spent a year and painted some of his most noted works, including Starry Nights. This moving visit will take you to contemplate the painter’s room in its original state as well as the nurses and doctors’ quarters and inner courtyard gardens where you can admire large scale reproductions of famous paintings right where they were created.
You’ll then spend the rest of the morning browsing the lively market and historical center of St Remy which will be an ideal opportunity to pick up gift items and souvenirs to take home. Lunch will be at the Bistrot du Paradou, Peter Mayle’s favorite restaurant (author of worldwide best selling novel “A Year in Provence”) where you will mingle with the locals and be treated to a hearty 4 course meal including a cheese plate with no less than 25 different varieties.
After lunch, you’ll head to les Baux-de-Provence for an experiential light show in a former limestone quarry where masterpieces are projected onto the huge walls, pillars and floors in a musical atmosphere. In 2025, this unique venue will be featuring an immersive exhibition dedicated to the impressionist painter Claude Monet.
Dinner will be @ L’atelier de la Cheffe
Thursday, June 19 SALON & AIX-EN-PROVENCE
Your professional photographer will spend the morning with you capturing images of life in Provence. After lunch, you will depart for Aix-en-Provence, where Nancy lived for over 20 years. She’ll take you on a stroll through the historical center, and after lunch you’ll tour the Hôtel de Caumont, an art center housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century mansion. You’ll then visit the home and workshop of the renowned artist Cézanne, providing insight into his creative process. The surrounding Provençal landscapes inspired his works, especially the imposing Mount Sainte-Victoire, which he painted 67 times.
On your way back to Salon-de-Provence, you’ll be welcomed by Johan and his truffle-hunting dogs at his family property for a truffle hunt, followed by a truffle-based buffet with champagne, bien sûr!
Friday, June 20 LAVENDER WANDS AND BUFFET
Today will be a relaxing day at the hotel. In the morning, Elsa will arrive with bundles of ribbons and lavender from her gardens guiding you in hand crafting your own lavender wand, an ancestral practice, a centuries old tradition in the area. A lovely buffet lunch will be served in the gardens with the rest of the day leisurely, with time to relax by the pool, enjoy a massage, or stroll to the town center for a cup of coffee in one of the charming squares of Salon de Provence or picking up last minute items in Salon-de-Provence, preparing for your farewell dinner and packing.
Farewell dinner @Villa Salone
Saturday, June 21 ALL GOOD THINGS COME TO AN END
After your last croissant and café au lait, you’ll bid “Au revoir” to your new friends and board the transfer to Marseille airport in the morning.
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 all meals indicated in the program with wine at dinner, gratuities in restaurants, taxes, professional tour facilitator, 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 coach and accommodation as indicated.
Not included
Round trip airfare to France, tip to tour guide 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. If Louise is unable to travel, the tour will go ahead as planned Tour with Absolutely representative Nancy McGee.
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.
Payment
We accept Mastercard and Visa.
Travel with insurance – and rest assured
Check out SquareMouth, insurance specialists that compare coverage, including Covid, from 19 reputable providers. Just select what best suits you. 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, June 14, airport transfers are included from Marseille airport to the hotel. You will be welcomed at the meet-and-greet by Louise Scott and Tour with Absolutely representative Nancy McGee who will be your tour leader for the entire stay. On the last day of the tour, June 21, airport transfers are included in the morning from the hotel to Marseille airport. 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. 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.
Accommodation
Fully privatized 4 star boutique hotel Mas Angelussi, Salon de Provence
Transportation
You will be travelling in a comfortable air-conditioned coach with a professional driver.
Additional Services
Emma Gély of Tour with Absolutely is happy to assist with pre- and post-tour travel planning.
Franco-Canadian Nancy McGee, founder of Absolutely, invites you on an intimate journey to discover her favorite places in Provence during the enchanting lavender season. With deep knowledge and personal ties to the region she has called home for over 20 years, Nancy will guide you to hidden gems and unforgettable experiences, creating memories to cherish forever.Imagine savoring a leisurely picnic and wine tasting at a family-owned vineyard, exploring the ancient Roman wonders of Arles, and capturing Provence’s breathtaking landscapes in a painting workshop. Picture yourself embarking on a truffle hunt, crafting your own lavender wand, and strolling through bustling local markets—fully immersing yourself in the essence of Provence.
Saturday, June 14 WELCOME TO PROVENCE
The transfer from Marseille airport will be arranged for you to your 4 star boutique hotel Mas Angelussi with a pool ideally located in the heart of Provence. Tour with Absolutely representative Nancy McGee will be welcoming you at 6pm for a meet and greet cocktail in the gardens followed by dinner.
Sunday, June 15 ROUSSILLON & BONNIEUX
Your first day in Provence will begin in picturesque Bonnieux. You’ll be greeted by American impressionist artist Jill Steinous who has been living in and painting the landscapes of Provence for over 30 years. Regardless of your level, she’ll guide you to creating your Provençal landscape masterpiece to take home. After the workshop, you’ll head to Roussillon one of the most visited villages in the area. You’ll have time to savor lunch at your leisure and spend some time browsing the shops and numerous art galleries followed by a stroll through former ochre quarries to admire the colorful pigmented cliffs.
Dinner will be @ L’endroit
Monday, June 16 ARLES & WINERY
You’ll start your day at a family-owned Provençal mas (ranch), straight out of your best south of France dreams. You’ll be taken for a stroll through the estate’s rice fields and vineyard followed by a private tasting of the richly flavored wines of the region.
Lunch will be prepared by your gracious hostess, Hélène, using fresh produce from her garden, including rice from the fields, paired with their lovely wines from the property. After your picnic lunch, you will go on a guided tour of Arles where Vincent Van Gogh resided for a year producing some of his most notable works. You will be taken to discover two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the ancient theater dating back to the 1st century AD and the Roman arenas built in 90 AD that hosted gladiator combats .
This evening, dinner will be at leisure at the hotel or if you prefer in one of the lovely restaurants, brasseries or cafés near the hotel.
Tuesday, June 17 GORDES AND LAVENDER FIELDS
Your day will start at a secret spot for a photo op of the stunning hillside village of Gordes. French markets are a thrill, and the one in Gordes is particularly appealing as it is set at the foot of the castle. You’ll have some free time to browse stalls with fresh produce along with Provençal fabrics, tea towels, lavender satchels, baskets and soaps, and also to have lunch at leisure. Your next stop will be the iconic Senanque Abbey for a guided tour and more photo ops of the surrounding lavender fields. To complete your day of lavender immersion, you’ll be taken for a guided tour of the lavender museum to discover the history of lavender, its use in perfumery, cosmetics, as well as its medicinal uses.
Wednesday, June 18 ST REMY & LES BAUX-DE-PROVENCE
You will start your day at Saint Paul de Mausole monastery in St Remy, formerly an asylum where Van Gogh spent a year and painted some of his most noted works, including Starry Nights. This moving visit will take you to contemplate the painter’s room in its original state as well as the nurses and doctors’ quarters and inner courtyard gardens where you can admire large scale reproductions of famous paintings right where they were created.
You’ll then spend the rest of the morning browsing the lively market and historical center of St Remy which will be an ideal opportunity to pick up gift items and souvenirs to take home. Lunch will be at the Bistrot du Paradou, Peter Mayle’s favorite restaurant (author of worldwide best selling novel “A Year in Provence”) where you will mingle with the locals and be treated to a hearty 4 course meal including a cheese plate with no less than 25 different varieties.
After lunch, you’ll head to les Baux-de-Provence for an experiential light show in a former limestone quarry where masterpieces are projected onto the huge walls, pillars and floors in a musical atmosphere. In 2025, this unique venue will be featuring an immersive exhibition dedicated to the impressionist painter Claude Monet.
Dinner will be @ L’atelier de la Cheffe
Thursday, June 19 SALON & AIX-EN-PROVENCE
Your professional photographer will spend the morning with you capturing images of life in Provence. After lunch, you will depart for Aix-en-Provence, where Nancy lived for over 20 years. She’ll take you on a stroll through the historical center, and after lunch you’ll tour the Hôtel de Caumont, an art center housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century mansion. You’ll then visit the home and workshop of the renowned artist Cézanne, providing insight into his creative process. The surrounding Provençal landscapes inspired his works, especially the imposing Mount Sainte-Victoire, which he painted 67 times.
On your way back to Salon-de-Provence, you’ll be welcomed by Johan and his truffle-hunting dogs at his family property for a truffle hunt, followed by a truffle-based buffet with champagne, bien sûr!
Friday, June 20 LAVENDER WANDS AND BUFFET
Today will be a relaxing day at the hotel. In the morning, Elsa will arrive with bundles of ribbons and lavender from her gardens guiding you in hand crafting your own lavender wand, an ancestral practice, a centuries old tradition in the area. A lovely buffet lunch will be served in the gardens with the rest of the day leisurely, with time to relax by the pool, enjoy a massage, or stroll to the town center for a cup of coffee in one of the charming squares of Salon de Provence or picking up last minute items in Salon-de-Provence, preparing for your farewell dinner and packing.
Farewell dinner @Villa Salone
Saturday, June 21 ALL GOOD THINGS COME TO AN END
After your last croissant and café au lait, you’ll bid “Au revoir” to your new friends and board the transfer to Marseille airport in the morning.
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 all meals indicated in the program with wine at dinner, gratuities in restaurants, taxes, professional tour facilitator, 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 coach and accommodation as indicated.
Not included
Round trip airfare to France, tip to tour guide 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. If Louise is unable to travel, the tour will go ahead as planned Tour with Absolutely representative Nancy McGee.
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.
Payment
We accept Mastercard and Visa.
Travel with insurance – and rest assured
Check out SquareMouth, insurance specialists that compare coverage, including Covid, from 19 reputable providers. Just select what best suits you. 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, June 14, airport transfers are included from Marseille airport to the hotel. You will be welcomed at the meet-and-greet by Louise Scott and Tour with Absolutely representative Nancy McGee who will be your tour leader for the entire stay. On the last day of the tour, June 21, airport transfers are included in the morning from the hotel to Marseille airport. 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. 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.
Accommodation
Fully privatized 4 star boutique hotel Mas Angelussi, Salon de Provence
Transportation
You will be travelling in a comfortable air-conditioned coach with a professional driver.
Additional Services
Emma Gély of Tour with Absolutely is happy to assist with pre- and post-tour travel planning.
