- 08:50am Meet at the Aix en Provence Tourism Office
- 09:00am Depart from Aix en Provence
- 10:00am Arrive in Lourmarin
- 11:00am Arrive at Olive Oil Domaine
- 11:45am Arrive at Ansouis Village
- 12:25am Depart from Ansouis village
- 01:00am Arrive in Aix en Provence
Meet your English Speaking Driver/Guide who is a local Expert of Provence
Upon arrival at the meeting point, you will be welcomed by your English speaking guide who will be waiting with a sign bearing the name of the tour and with the Ophorus logo on it. Also, all our guides have a nominative badge so that it will be easy for you to recognize them.
Once you have met your guide, he/she will go over the program and itinerary of this small group half day from Aix en Provence with you. Then, board your comfortable, air conditioned Mercedes minivan and begin to make your way to visit Lourmarin village, visit an Olive Oil mill followed by a tasting session and finally visit the village of Ansouis.
All our vehicles are equipped with an on board P/A system which means that everyone will hear the guide's commentary during driving time, even if you are seated in the back of the van! Also, we have bottled water at your disposal and you can use our free wifi as you travel from one destination to another.
Depart for the Luberon region of Provence
The Luberon is without a doubt one of the most exquisite destinations in Provence. A small mountain range of the pre-alps, the area was declared a Regional Natural Park in 1977. What makes the Luberon region so attractive is the landscape with its rocky canyons, ridgelines, hilltop villages and towns surrounded by Olive trees, lavender fields and vineyards. Your half day tour today will take you to some of the best rated Luberon Villages that are classified as some of the most beautiful villages in France.
Reach the Village of Lourmarin
After your departure from Aix en Provence and a short drive, arrive in the village of Lourmarin. Unlike the more crowded hilltop villages of the Luberon, Lourmarin is set in plain and is easily accessible to all visitors. Upon arrival, follow your guide through the narrow streets of the village for a short walking tour. Highlights of the tour include the 17th century Private Mansion of Philippe de Girad, the numerous fountains that are scattered across the village, the 17th century belfry or the Protestant Temple that is the largest in the Vaucluse area.
Visit and Olive Oil mill followed by a commented tasting
After the visit of Lourmarin and a scenic drive, reach a local Olive Oil mill. Here, your guide will explain all there is to know about how local Olive Oil is produced from harvest to press using the cold extraction procedure. Once the process of Olive Oil making has been explained, it will be time for you to taste a minimum of 5 different Olive Oils. Here, it as all about color, texture, aromas and flavors. This commented tasting will enable you to make the difference between Olive Oils obtained from Green fruity olives, ripe fruits or matured ones.
Visit the Village of Ansouis
Once the Olive Oil tasting is over, we will take you to the authentic village of Ansouis. Far from the crowds that flock in the other touristy villages of Gordes or Bonnieux, Ansouis has remained authentic and was justly proclaimed as one of the most beautiful villages of France in 1999. The village is typical or the area with its stone houses and narrow streets. For a stunning view over the valley, your guide will lead you to the top of the village where the Castle of Ansouis still stands. Along the way you will discover the 13th century church of Saint-Martin, medieval houses, ornate fountains and intricate doorways. For those of you that would rather relax to soak up on the Provence atmosphere, why not take some time at the local pastry shop know for its home made Sainte-Delphine or Mont-Ventoux pastries.
After the visit of the village, we will make our way back to Aix en Provence. We will drop you off in the city centre of Aix en Provence at that will be the end our services.
Guide: English