France
Provence: The Art of Living
Program No. 3729RJ
Alongside experts, immerse yourself in the heritage, architecture, culture and artistry of Provence, enjoying unique access to some of the region’s most fascinating landmarks.
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DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
May 2 - May 14, 2025
Starting at
5,649Sep 5 - Sep 17, 2025
Starting at
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13 days
12 nights
23 meals
11B 7L 5D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
2
Arrive Marseille, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Aix-en-Provence
3
Aix-en-Provence, French Language Workshop
Aix-en-Provence
4
Marseille, Old Port, Le Panier, Cassis
Aix-en-Provence
5
Cézanne, Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence
6
Roussillon, Loumarin, Silvacane Abbey
Aix-en-Provence
7
Free Time, French Life, Granet Museum
Aix-en-Provence
At a Glance
Open markets of regional produce, lively sidewalk cafés, the old stone and tile of hilltop villages, the rugged virility of Marseille, the feminine charms of Aix — the many facets of Provence have made it a coveted destination for centuries. Discover its simple elegance through an insider’s view of the places, people, architecture, food, wine and décor, all imbued with a seductive philosophy of life that has inspired writers and expatriates worldwide. Come to understand the special provençal relationship with the present and past, the seasons and the earth, the family and its traditions.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Walking 3-5 miles each day on cobblestone and irregular terrain.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Explore the palace of the popes in Avignon.
- Gain rare access to one of the oldest family ranches in the Camargue, France’s national wildlife reserve near Arles.
- Enjoy a taste of local life in Aix-en-Provence. Peruse the stalls overflowing with fresh flowers and produce on market day and sit down to dinner with locals.
Suggested Reading List
(14 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Provence: The Art of Living
Program Number: 3729
Provence A-Z
A companion to all things Provencal, from bouillabaisse to lavender and vinaigre, by the British expatriate and Francophile Peter Mayle.
The Food & Wine of France: Eating & Drinking from Champagne to Provence
Behr seeks out the best of French food, in encounters from Champagne to Provence, to tell the stories of French artisans and chefs who work at the highest level. He shares what he learns from these experts on French traditions and how to best enjoy this food.
Provence: Food, Wine, Culture and Landscape
A stunning portrait of an alluring, sun-drenched region. Whet your appetite for Provence with over 700 jaw-dropping images of the food, landscape, and local people.
Four Queens, the Provencal Sisters who Ruled Europe
Transporting you back to back to the apogee of independent Provençal power in the Middle Ages, Goldstone captures the drama of 13th-century Europe in this history of the four daughters of the count of Provence -- future queens of France, England, Germany and Sicily.
Cezanne and Provence: The Painter in His Culture
Cezanne departed from Paris in 1886 to permanently resettle in his native Aix-en-Provence. This book explores the importance of this place for the artist as well as the regionalist politics of his day.
The Popes of Avignon: A Century in Exile
Grounded in the architecture and papal legacy in Avignon and the surrounding area, this engaging history sets the 70-year period of papal exile in the south of France against the context of Europe's turbulent transition from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance.
Van Gogh in Arles
A study of Van Gogh in the stunning setting of Arles in Provence.
Lonely Planet French Phrasebook
This handy phrasebook focuses on pronunciation, basic grammar and essential vocabulary for the traveler.
Waiting for Godot
One of the classics of English literature, this famous play is set in Provence. Two characters await a third, Godot, who never arrives.
Two Towns in Provence
Celebrated food writer M.F.K. Fisher contrasts village life in Aix-en-Provence with bustling Marseilles, evoking both with anecdote and loving description.
The Yellow House
Gayford chronicles the turbulent three months and texture of the daily lives of Van Gogh and Gauguin in Arles, where they worked side by side in 1888. With 60 B&W reproductions.
Made in Marseille: Food and Flavors from France's Mediterranean Seaport
An enticing portrait of a historically mischievous town, followed by a robust collection of recipes.
A Year in Provence
The original best-selling tale of an ex-pat settling down in Provence, told with warmth and a great deal of humor. It offers a wonderful inside look at the charms and quirks of the people and the countryside in the south of France.
The Markets of Provence: Food, Antiques, Crafts, and More
An in-depth pocket guide to 30 of the best markets in Provence. Dive into the heart of Provencal culture and navigate the markets like a local with maps, tips, and handy phrases.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
13 days
12 nights
What's Included
23 meals (
11B, 7L, 5D
)
8 expert-led lectures
20 expert-led field trips
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
11 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive Marseille, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Meals:
D
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant, we'll enjoy a welcome meal together with a glass of wine or soft drink; other beverages available for purchase. French restaurants take pride in creating a relaxed atmosphere where patrons expect to take their time, savor every bite, and set the pace of the meal, requesting “l’addition” — the check — only when they are ready. Meals are accompanied by complimentary “pain” (bread) and “eau” or “l’eau” (water), so you need not ask for them. When wine is offered, it is customary to fill your glass only half way so the wine can breathe and to be sure everyone has a share. Servers wait until everyone at the table has finished their dish before clearing and bringing the next course. To indicate that you have finished your meal, place your utensils together on the right hand side of your plate.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
3
Aix-en-Provence, French Language Workshop
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Walking up to 4 miles on cobblestone streets and uneven ground. Standing for up to 2 hours throughout the day; even and uneven ground.
Breakfast:
At the hotel, we'll select from a buffet including options such as coffee, tea, juices, eggs, breakfast meats, breads, cheese, cereals, jam, butter, yogurt, and fruit.
Morning:
In a private meeting room near the hotel, we will enjoy a presentation on the history of Aix-en-Provence by a local expert. We will then depart on foot with our local expert to explore the center of Aix-en-Provence. Here we will have a chance to see many historical sites such as the Saint Sauveur Cathedral, the Museum of Old Aix, the Archbishops' Palace, Town Hall, Albertas Square, and the Palace of Justice. We'll walk along medieval streets and discover the city's architectural heritage ranging from the 5th to the 18th centuries. Aix is renowned for its extraordinary history and exceptional beauty. It was one of the earliest Roman colonies of ancient Gaul, then called Aquae Sextiae. The conquering Romans named their new domain Provincia, which became Provence. After the Romans came the Franks, Visigoths, Lombards, Saracens, and finally the French, each leaving their mark on the collective consciousness. “Aquae Sextia” became “Aix” and as the capital of Provence, Aix-en-Provence, which developed over centuries into a notable center of learning and the arts.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant, we'll have a plated meal plus a glass of wine or soft drink; other drinks available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We will continue our walking exploration of Aix-en-Provence with a stroll down the Cours Mirabeau, Aix's elegant tree-lined main street, dotted with fountains of fresh spring water discovered by the Romans. We will also visit the Mazarin district with its discretely ornate 17th-century private townhouses.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
In a private meeting room near the hotel, we will participate in an introductory French workshop led by our Group Leader. We'll learn basic French expressions and key phrases to help us throughout our journey together!
Day
4
Marseille, Old Port, Le Panier, Cassis
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 73 miles (117 km), approximately 2 hours throughout the day with stops in Cassis and Marseille. Walking up to 4 miles; many unavoidable steep steps (30-50) to get to the basilica in Marseille; inclined and uneven terrain. Getting on/off a boat in Cassis. Standing for up to 2 hours total; cobblestone streets and even ground; if standing on boat in Cassis to see the sights, be prepared for wave action that may cause the boat to rock.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We will depart by motorcoach for Cassis along the Routes des Cretes, which offers breathtaking views. As we travel along, our local expert will discuss the Mediterranean environment and the impact of civilization on the landscape. When we arrive in Cassis, we will discover the famous and unique calanques (deep narrow bays) by boat. We'll learn about their geological history and how they determine the way of living in this little Provençal village.
Lunch:
At a restaurant in Cassis, we'll enjoy a plated meal plus a glass of wine or soft drink; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We'll continue by motorcoach to Marseille and uncover the rich diversity of this city, the 2013 Cultural Capital of Europe, with our local expert. We will find the picturesque fishing village of Vallon des Auffes, the majestic seaside drive Corniche Kennedy, and the city's Old Port founded in 600 BCE by the Greeks. We will visit the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde, a major landmark that dominates the city. It was built 800 years ago in a Romanesque-Byzantine style and features a monumental sculpture of the Virgin Mary, which has become the emblematic, protective figure of Marseille. Don't miss the handcrafted wooden boats hanging in the chancel, offered as ex-votos by fishermen for their safe return to shore. We will also have time to enjoy the exceptional panoramic view of Marseille from up here. We'll continue exploring Marseille and venture through the winding, narrow streets of the city's oldest district, Le Panier. See the Town Hall overlooking the Old Port, and climb the steps of the Montée des Accoules. Discover the austere splendor of the galleries, inner courtyard and chapel of La Vieille Charité.
Dinner:
Upon our return to Aix-en-Provence, dinner will be on your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Cézanne, Aix-en-Provence
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day; inclined and uneven terrain.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
After walking to a nearby meeting room, we will listen to an expert lecture on the living landscapes of Cézanne and Van Gogh. Via motorcoach we will go to and admire the landscapes that served as inspiration to Paul Cézanne, prodigal son of Aix and post impressionist painter considered the father of the modern art. We'll stand in awe of the Sainte Victoire mountain, the subject of many of Cézanne's chefs d'oeuvres, get a glimpse of the Château Noir, and discover the rugged countryside and sharp light of Provence, made famous by Cézanne's work.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant in the countryside, we'll enjoy a plated meal plus a glass of wine or soft drink; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We will continue on to the Terrain des Peintres, an inspiring and different take on Cézanne's cherished Sainte-Victoire Mountain. We will also enjoy a stop at the Château de Vauvenargues, the brief home and burial place of Picasso. We will also have the opportunity to visit Cézanne's studio. Built in 1901, according to the plans of Cézanne himself, the workshop contains much of the original furniture and still-life materials we find in Cézanne's paintings.
Dinner:
On your own in Aix-en-Provence.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
Roussillon, Loumarin, Silvacane Abbey
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 86 miles, approximately 2.5 hours throughout the day. Walking up to 2 miles on uneven and even ground.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We will depart on the motorcoach for Roussillon, or the "Red Village," named after the rich pigments found in the nearby quarries. Here, with our local expert, we will be charmed by this little village evoked by Samuel Beckett in his play, "Waiting for Godot."
Lunch:
On your own in a Provencal town en route to the Abbaye de Silvacane.
Afternoon:
We will visit the Abbaye de Silvacane, a 12th-century Romanesque Cistercian monastery, with our local expert. It is one of the "three sisters of Provence," the other two being Sénanque and Le Thoronet abbeys.
Dinner:
With some locals at a restaurant in Aix-en-Provence, we will enjoy a plated meal with a glass of wine or soft drink included; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
7
Free Time, French Life, Granet Museum
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles during visits; standing for up to 2 hours; even and uneven ground.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. You may like to discover the wonderful market day in Aix-en-Provence. Explore the various squares and streets of the city bursting with colors, sounds, and smells. Open-market stalls overflow with fresh flowers and ripe produce. In the antiques/flea market section, tables are cluttered with silver spoons and ancient family portraits – ideal for browsing.
Lunch:
We will hear an expert-led lecture on French loves and contradictions to learn about the foundations of the French attachment to the art of living, what societal structures sustain their love of pleasure, and how they are still among the most openly rebellious people in the world. While we enjoy the presentation, we will have a light lunch featuring local and regional specialties.
Afternoon:
With a local expert, we will visit the Musée Granet – Granet Museum – whose permanent collections make it one of the richest provincial museums of France. The museum houses 10 works of Aix-born painter Paul Cezanne, including the Portrait of Zola and the "Baigneuse."
Dinner:
At a local restaurant, we'll enjoy a plated meal with a glass of wine or soft drink; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
8
Transfer to Arles, Wines, Museum of Ancient Arles
Location:
Arles
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Hotel Le Calendal
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 46 miles, approximately 1 hour. Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day; standing for up to 2 hours; cobblestone streets, uneven and even terrain.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We will check out of the hotel in Aix and board a motorcoach to head to Arles. Along the way, we will stop and enjoy a wine tasting and lecture on the distinctive wines of Provence.
Lunch:
On your own to explore local cuisine en route to Arles. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:
During an expert-led exploration of the Musée départemental de l'Arles antiques (Museum of Ancient Arles), we'll learn about the city’s amazing history. Housed in a contemporary building near the remains of the Roman Circus arena, the museum displays evoke Arles at the peak of its importance, encompassing models of ancient monuments, objects from daily life in Roman times, and a variety of religious art ranging from the prehistoric period to the 6th century CE. We'll see a rich selection of sculptures, mosaics, and daily objects that bring to life the ancient origins of Provence. Arles was founded in the 7th century BCE on a favorable location where the Rhône River forks and flows to the sea. It eventually became a major Gallo-Roman town and has been an important trade center since ancient times. Today, the Roman and Romanesque monuments of Arles are a designated World Heritage Site. Upon arrival at the hotel, we'll check in and have some time to relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant, we'll enjoy a plated meal plus a glass of wine or soft drink; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
9
Roman & Romanesque, Ancient Arles
Location:
Arles
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Le Calendal
Activity Note
Walking up to 4 miles on uneven and even streets; standing up to 2 hours during visits. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during independent exploration.
Breakfast:
At the hotel, the buffet includes choices such as coffee, tea, juices, boiled eggs, breads, meats, cheese, cereals, jam, butter, yogurt, and fruit.
Morning:
At the hotel, we will learn about the presence of the past in Arles with a focus on, Roman history of and Romanesque architecture--from Roman ruins to more contemporary landmarks. A local expert will present this history to us.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant in Arles, we'll enjoy a plated meal plus a glass of wine or soft drink; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We'll have a walking exploration of Arles' historical city center with our local expert. Local landmarks will come alive as we trace the daily habits of a typical Roman through the streets of Arles 2,000 years ago. We will see the Roman amphitheater, a splendid and complex piece of architecture in the middle of the city. We will also explore the Roman theatre, cryptoporticus (subterranean galleries), and the 12th-14th century Basilique Saint-Trophime (Basilica Church of Saint Trophime) and its cloister. This is one of Provence's major Romanesque monuments – strongly influenced by ancient art. We will also learn about the time Vincent Van Gogh spent here and places that inspired some of his finest and best-known works. Afterwards, we'll have some time to ourselves to explore Arles further, or simply relax. In the early evening, we will come together for a lecture by our Group Leader on the wine and cheese found in this area. The lecture will include a tasting.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
10
Les Baux de Provence, Carrières de Lumière, St Remy
Location:
Arles
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Hotel Le Calendal
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 33 miles (53 km), approximately 75 minutes throughout the day with several stops. Walking up to 2 miles over uneven terrain; inclined path at Les Baux de Provence.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We will depart by motorcoach for Les Baux de Provence with a local expert. When we arrive, a short walk up the hill will take us to the village of Les Baux de Provence, where an "eagle's nest" fortress was built in the 10th century. Located on a rocky plateau, this medieval stronghold provides a panoramic view of Arles and the Camargue region. Entirely restored, Les Baux counts 22 architectural treasures classified as Historic Monuments by the French government such as a Romanesque church, medieval castle, renaissance façades, and ancient townhouses. All of these sites can be visited only on foot, as no cars are allowed in the village. We will also visit the Carrieres de Lumiere artspace.
Lunch:
On your own in St. Remy.
Afternoon:
We will visit the St Paul de Mausole hospital, where Van Gogh was confined. Built in the 12th century as an Augustine monastery, it was repurposed as an asylum in the 19th century and has continued to serve as a psychiatric hospital to the present day. Several months after the infamous incident in which he cut off part of his ear, Van Gogh checked himself in during the spring of 1889, rotating between phases of crippling illness and creativity inspired by his surroundings. During his yearlong stay, he produced a series of now iconic paintings including "The Irises," "At Eternity's Gate," and "The Starry Night."
Dinner:
At a local restaurant in Arles, we'll enjoy a plated meal plus glass of wine or soft drink; other beverages for purchase.
Evening:
We'll discover the history and the uplifting sounds of Provencal folk music, its Italian influences, and the traditional use of fife and drum, called galoubets-tambourins.
Day
11
The Camargue, Manade, Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
Location:
Arles
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Le Calendal
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 61 miles, approximately 1.75 hours. Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day on even and uneven ground.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We will depart by motorcoach for Saintes Maries-de-la-Mer where, according to legend, the "three Mary's" (Mary Magdalene, Mary Jacob, and Mary Salome) and Saint Sarah were washed ashore after being forced to flee the Holy Land by boat. This small fishing village has since become a place of pilgrimage for Gypsies who vow an intense devotion to Saint Sarah. We will continue our discovery of the Camargue, the largest river delta in Europe made up of large lakes, natural salt flats, marshlands, and lagoons. This natural reserve, the Pont au Gau Ornithological Park, is home to flamingos, egrets, wild white horses, and black bulls. It is also famous for the bull ranches maintained by “Les Gardians” (cowboys).
Lunch:
We will head to a local manade, or ranch, where we will enjoy a personal welcome from one of the area's oldest ranching families and be treated to lunch.
Afternoon:
At the ranch, we will see traditional practices come alive with Provençal cowboys (Gardians) on horseback.
Dinner:
On your own to explore local cuisine.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
12
Avignon, Palace of the Popes, Free Time
Location:
Arles
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Le Calendal
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 55 miles, approximately 1.5 hours. Walking up to 2 miles on even and uneven ground. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We will head out by motorcoach for Avignon. Occupied since the Celtic era, Avignon is one of the few cities in France that still has its medieval ramparts. The complex of monuments including the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), the remains of a 12th-century bridge, the so-called Petit Palais, and the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-des-Doms has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, we will meet a local expert and stop at the Barthelasse Presqu'île to enjoy the view of the Rhône and the celebrated bridge "Pont d'Avignon." The bridge was formerly one of the entrances to this fortified city, whose ramparts represent some of the finest examples of medieval fortifications in existence. We will then take a short walk to Les Palais des Papes, where we will pay a visit with our local expert to the official papal residence of the 14th century, one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic structures in Europe.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant in Avignon, we’ll have a plated meal plus wine or soft drink; other beverages available for purchase. Share favorite experiences with fellow Road Scholars during our farewell meal.
Afternoon:
Upon our return to Arles, the afternoon is free to do as you wish.
Dinner:
On your own to explore local cuisine.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
13
Program Concludes, In Transit From Program
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out 12:00 Noon. See your program’s Transportation Information regarding transfers at the conclusion of the program.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
23 Meals
11 Breakfasts
7 Lunches
5 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Oct 17, 2025 - Oct 29, 2025
- May 02, 2025 - May 14, 2025 (Aix-en-Provence to Arles)
- May 16, 2025 - May 28, 2025 (Aix-en-Provence to Arles)
- Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 17, 2025 (Aix-en-Provence to Arles)
- Sep 26, 2025 - Oct 08, 2025 (Aix-en-Provence to Arles)
- Oct 10, 2025 - Oct 22, 2025 (Aix-en-Provence to Arles)
- Oct 17, 2025 - Oct 29, 2025 (Aix-en-Provence to Arles)
Participant Reviews
Based on 16 Reviews
Sort By:
The strengths of the program are the leaders and local experts, as well as the cultural content, as well as the tour group itself, based on its shared level of interest, participation, and mutual respect. In this program, we saw everything we hoped to see in Provence, and learned a great deal about impressionist and post impressionist art, as well as the local culture.
— Review left October 12, 2024
A beautiful part of France to experience and enjoy. Our Group Leader, Emmanuelle Bergerault, made this tour even more interesting with her commentary and personal knowledge. I highly recommend this tour. You will not be disappointed.
— Review left June 3, 2024
From Pat: This was one of the best trips we have taken in the last 11 years and 23 RS adventures. However, don’t wait - the younger and healthier you are, the better. This trip level is significantly more difficult than “On the Go”, which we were more used to. The surfaces are often uneven, cobblestones are difficult to walk on, and many inclined surfaces, stairs and curbs both in and out of buildings are without railings; I found a walking stick helpful. I was amazed at the Roman artifacts still intact especially in Arles. The markets were fun to explore. The cuisine was amazing. The hotels were very comfortable and conveniently located. The local experts were very engaging and Martin was a wonderful leader. May is too early to see blooming lavender - if that is a must, go later in June/July. But May weather is perfect with a.m. coolness and warm afternoons.
From Michael, spouse: Yes, an excellent trip and Martin is wonderful. If you use a CPAP, be content to go without distilled water. Very hard to find. One pharmacy had small bottles and whenever we tried to get more, it was closed.
— Review left May 19, 2024
This program was outstanding, especially because of the tour group leader, Martin Penicaud, who with his outstanding leadership, good humor, compassion, knowledge and organization skills made this one of the best travel experiences my husband and I have had in our many years of travel. Provence is beautiful and the food was outstanding.
— Review left May 18, 2024
Provence: The Art of Living is a wonderful introduction to a beautiful region of France. This is the best of 13 programs I have experienced with Road Scholar and I highly recommend it. In addition to touring various locations and villages, the program encompasses history, art and culture, among other aspects. It also provides glimpses of everyday living and an opportunity to savor the food, cheese and wine of the region. Come enjoy what Provence has to offer!
— Review left May 17, 2024
Five Stars
This trip was fantastic in every possible way. Our accommodations were spacious and comfortable. The meals were delicious and varied. There were opportunities to get meals on our own but we were so well fed that on most of those occasions my husband and I needed at most a supplemental sandwich or dessert. More important than those features were the guided tours, lectures, and other activities. There were museums, religious sites, Roman ruins, of course, but also strolls through villages, open air markets, gorgeous scenery, and a few surprises, too. Every day had an adventure awaiting us. The tour guides were friendly, knowledgeable and very engaging. Most all, I would like to mention our group leader, Martin Pénicaud, who brought Provence to life for us every day and made the trip run smoothly from start to finish. His breadth of knowledge was incredible and his willingness to answer all questions, engage in conversation with everyone, and look after all of us was outstanding. The group consisted of 22 travelers plus Martin, and we believe it was largely his friendly and engaging manner that made the entire group feel like old friends by the time we went home. This tour exceeded all my expectations and I would highly recommend it.
— Review left November 6, 2023
This Road Scholar trip to Provence offered lots of variety and excellent local experts. The pace matched the description. We enjoyed our first group trip, and will certainly consider more in the future.
— Review left October 28, 2023
We had a fantastic time on this tour! Provence is full of history, beauty, art, and friendly people. Our guide Martin was great! He educated us on the history, culture, and language of the region. We would have never learned nor seen as much on our own. It is a wonderful tour and we highly recommend it!
— Review left October 23, 2023
This was my first trip with Road Scholar. This wonderful trip with an outstanding itinerary not only met my expectations, it far exceeded them. From the moment I met our tour leader Jo Lurie, she went above and beyond to ensure our group’s comfort. Local guides were very knowledgeable; accommodations comfortable and enjoyable; restaurants excellent, etc. etc. RS was such an outstanding experience that I just booked a 2nd trip for this February to Portugal/Spain.
— Review left November 9, 2022
It was an excellent trip. I have been wanting to visit Aix-en-Provence for quite some time. It did not disappoint. It is a vibrant small city with a college town atmosphere. It is a great place to explore - such as the Cezanne studio -and has several nice cafes and restaurants in which you can relax and enjoy French life. I had been to Arles before. The hotel was right by the Roman arena and theater. It is a good walking town and offers the opportunity to follow in Van Gogh's footsteps and to see several sites that he painted. Two highlights of the tour in Arles. were a visit to a wildlife preserve and a lunch at a local ranch.
— Review left October 15, 2022
This was a fantastic program. Provence is a place of unbelievable beauty and charm. The fantastic food and wine is a major asset. You couldn't ask for a better Project Leader than Jo Lurie. She was well-organized, informative, engaging and responsive to the needs and requests of the members of the group. If I saw she was leading another program, it would certainly be a plus in deciding whether to sign up.
— Review left October 6, 2022
Excellent program! We saw so much of Provence, experienced great food and culture. Besides charming towns, the art and history museums were excellent with great educational presentations. Lots of exposure to this region of France and all it has to offer. Highly recommended!
— Review left May 20, 2022
I was a little disappointed that our guide, Bill, did not seem as enthusiastic as he had been on the Normandy trip. Granted , he's still a good guide and I'm sure I would enjoy traveling with him again.
— Review left February 24, 2020
I had a great time, all I had to do was show up. Every detail of the trip was taken care of, it was a pleasure.
— Review left November 17, 2019
Penny our tour guide exceeded our expectation. FUN TRIP
— Review left October 3, 2019
This is a lovely itinerary and overall it was a wonderful travel experience - it exceeded my expectations. The tour leader and local experts were great - very capable, knowledgeable, patient & fun to be around! As a solo participant I enjoyed spending time with the group and made some new friendships. I am looking forward to my next Road Scholar destination!
— Review left June 10, 2019
