Photo copyright: Jeff Sainsbury

The irresistible south of France has long attracted the rich and famous, as well as inspiring many of the great modern painters. It is not hard to see why, blessed as the region is with spectacular scenery, picturesque hilltop villages, evocative historical monuments, and a warm Mediterranean climate. The region also boasts an abundance of fine gardens, many of which have been created by designers and expatriates since the 19th century, when this magical part of France first became a popular wintering spot.   Based in the dreamy old towns of St Remy-de-Provence and St Paul de Vence and the exciting Mediterranean city Nice, we will visit an array of wonderful private gardens which seldom feature on garden tours and at which we'll be the exclusive guests of the owners. Renowned public gardens, such as Monaco's exotic cactus garden, the Rothschild's Villa Ephrussi, and Lawrence Johnston's Serre de la Madone also feature. Other highlights include the charming hilltop villages of Bonnieux and Les Baux, free time in some of Provence's best markets, and visits to the world class Maeght Foundation modern art museum.  Throughout the tour we will stay in comfortable, well-located hotels and sample some of Provence's renowned wine and gourmet food.

Land Tour Price:
9 Nights -- $4450.00
Single supplement: $825.00
Meals included: all Breakfasts (B), 2 Lunches (L), 1 Teas (T), 3 Dinners (D).
Limited to: 16 members

Hosted by: Dr. Lois Stack


ITINERARY

April 28 (Monday) -- Depart
Board the plane for the overnight flight to Marseilles. 

April 29 (Tuesday) -- St Remy de Provence
On arrival at Marseilles Airport we transfer to St Remy-de-Provence in the magical Alpilles Hills.  After checking in to our well-located hotel, there will be time to relax or to explore the narrow streets in the lovely old town immortalized by Vincent van Gogh.  We meet later for a welcome dinner at a restaurant nearby. (D)

April 30 (Wednesday) -- Alpilles Hills: a Private Garden, Les Baux, and Jardin de l'Alchimiste
This morning we enjoy St Remy's colorful weekly market in the squares close to the hotel.  We then visit a wonderful private garden, which the owner has divided into nine beautifully designed areas, including, flower borders and tasteful formal terraces.  We also spend time in the spectacular hilltop village of Les Baux-de-Provence, before visiting the intriguing Jardin de l'Alchimiste, a modern alchemy and botanical garden of magical plants created by two of France's most original designers.  Return to St Remy. (B)

Photo copyright: Jeff Sainsbury

May 1 (Thursday) -- Private Garden, Avignon, and Abbey St Andre
Following breakfast, we travel to the private garden of a leading designer, who since the 1990s has created the most exquisite Italian style garden around her beautiful Provencal Mas.  We then enjoy free time in Avignon, a lovely city with a well-preserved historic center enclosed by medieval walls.   We cap the day with a visit to nearby Abbey St Andre, where the delightful Madame Bacou will show us around her magnificent home and terraced gardens, with wonderful views over Avignon.  Return to St Remy. (B)

May 2 (Friday) -- Luberon Hills: Chateau Val Joanis, Bonnieux, and a Private Garden 
This morning we head into the scenic Luberon Hills, stopping first at Chateau Val Joanis to explore its beautifully laid out terraced gardens, with an ornamental potager and roses.  We sample some of the estate's fine wines and enjoy lunch on the estate, then visit a renowned private garden in Bonnieux, a lovely Provence village perché.  The garden's neat, beautifully clipped shrubs and trees lend an Italian and Japanese feel.  Return to St Remy. (B,L)

May 3 (Saturday) -- Aix-en-Provence and a Private Garden
Leaving St Remy, we travel to Aix-en Provence, one of France's most elegant cities, where we spend time at Aix's famous Saturday market and enjoy free time to explore the narrow streets, leafy squares, and elegant stores of this historic city.  After lunch we continue to a private garden on the Cote d'Azur, with parterres, pools, and a wisteria-covered pergola.  From here it is a short drive to our hotel in the beautiful hilltop town of St Paul de Vence. (B,D)

May 4 (Sunday) -- Two Private Gardens and Grasse
After a leisurely start, we visit two outstanding private gardens in the hills around Grasse, the first a refined garden with many rare plants, scented shrubs, and fine vistas; the second a superbly executed modern garden created by one of the region's leading designers.  We then travel to Grasse, the perfume capital of the world, for lunch at leisure followed by a tour of one of the town's best perfumeries.  Return to St Paul de Vence.  (B)

Photo copyright: Jeff Sainsbury

May 5 (Monday) -- Maeght Foundation, Gourdon, and a Private Garden
We start the day with a visit to the famous Maeght Foundation, home to a world class collection of modern art in beautifully landscaped surroundings.  Later we drive into the mountains to the wonderfully situated village of Gourdon for lunch and a visit to the terraced formal gardens at Chateau de Gourdon, said to have been laid out by Andre Le Notre.   Following lunch , we travel to an informal private garden where the delightful owner will take us on a tour of terraces and roses and serve us tea on the shady terrace.   We journey to the exciting city of Nice, the capital of the Cote d'Azur, and check in to our hotel, close to the old city and the daily flower market.  (B,L,T)

May 6 (Tuesday) -- Monaco's Jardin Exotique and Serre de la Madone
Today we drive along the famed Riviera coast to the Principality of Monaco. We visit the impressive Jardin Exotique cactus garden, dramatically set on a rocky cliff overlooking the royal palace, then continue to Menton close to the Italian border to visit Serre de la Madone, the 1920s Riviera garden of Lawrence Johnson, the American who also created Hidcote, one of England's finest gardens. Now being restored to its former glory, Serre de la Madone is one the region's best gardens. Return to Nice. (B)

May 7 (Wednesday) -- Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and Free Time in Nice
There will be time to enjoy Nice's colorful flower market before we make the short journey to St Jean Cap Ferrat to see the house and elaborate themed gardens of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, overlooking the Mediterranean.  We return to Nice for free time for personal sightseeing or shopping, gathering later in the evening for our farewell dinner. (B,D)

May 8 (Thursday) -- Depart
We make the short drive to Nice Airport for the flight home. (B)

Included in the tour price:
-- 9 nights accommodation in comfortable hotels with private bathroom
-- tour coach throughout with P.A. system and air-conditioning
-- entry to all gardens and sites as per the itinerary
-- all breakfasts and other meals as indicated in the tour itinerary
-- services of tour manager, usually Jeff Sainsbury, from Marseilles airport until departure of return flight
-- tips for hotel porters, bellmen, doormen, waiters at tour meals, and sightseeing guides
-- arrival and departure transfers (certain restrictions apply; please ask for details)

Not included in the tour price:
-- airfare and airport taxes
-- excess baggage charges
-- personal expenditure such as room service, telephone calls, drinks, and optional activities
-- meals other than those specified in the itinerary
-- tour manager and driver gratuities
-- travel insurance
-- any other items not specifically included