Your full-day, small-group tour starts with morning pickup from your Avignon hotel. As you head out of town, admire the rare beauty of the sun cresting over endless fields of lavender in full bloom. Your first stop is one of Provence’s postcard-worthy villages.
Depending on the blooms, you’ll disembark in Sault or Roussillon for some free time to explore. Wander narrow cobblestone streets and shop for heavenly lavender soaps, sachets, oils and honey. Visit an open-air market selling a colorful bounty of local produce. Put together a delicious self-catered lunch at the market or pop into a rustic café for a bite (own expense).
After lunch, hop back in the minivan for a scenic westbound drive, passing the sweet Provençal villages of St Jean and Lioux en route to Gordes, one of France’s most gorgeous towns. Witness the simple beauty of the architecture which – under strict regulation – is composed almost exclusively of white stone with terra-cotta roofs. Then head to the medieval Sénanque Abbey – situated in the middle of an sea of lavender – to take some great photos (stop only included from June 15 to July 15).
Your final stop is the Lavender Museum in Coustellet. Here, learn more about lavender cultivation in Provence, see a distillation demonstration and discover the many versatile products created from the iconic Provençal flowers. Purchase some fragrant oils and cosmetics products before you leave.
Your 8.5-hour tour ends with drop-off at your Avignon hotel by evening.
