Undiscovered Provence by Air or Eurostar

Of all the regions of France, Provence is the most irresistible. The borders are defined by nature: to the west, the River Rhone; the south, the Mediterranean; the east, the Alps; and to the north, where the olive trees end.

It is a land of striking natural beauty and great diversity - from sun baked plains with fields of lavender, interspaced with vineyards and olive groves crowned in the distance by the hills of the Luberon and the azure blue sky. The deep valleys are the home of vast oak and pine forests giving that unmistakable Mediterranean aroma to the air.

Historically the Greeks visited, the Phonecians traded, the Saracens looted, but most of all the Romans settled. All have left their legacies but the Romans loved Provence so much that there are more remains of their remarkable civilisation here than anywhere else outside Italy.  The desolate wilderness of the Camargue is fascinating, with its white horses galloping across flat wetlands, herds of black bulls and striking flocks of pink flamingoes, which appear to fly and land in perfect formation!

The towns are a delight and so distinctive - perhaps the most famous being Aix-en- Provence: its old quarter is street upon colourful street of traditional shops with quiet and hidden squares, complete with the soft murmur of ancient fountains giving an atmosphere of cool tranquillity. It has vibrant, colourful markets and crowded café terraces nestling under the shade of countless plane trees. The majestic Mont St. Victoire, so immortalised by Cezanne, towers over all. Paris-like in stature and style yet village-like in gentility, pace and ambience. This is the real France so beloved by Van Gogh, Renoir and countless other artists who worked here, finding inspiration in the fullness of colour and luminosity of light.

All the fragrances and colours of this sunburnt land are concentrated in its cuisine. No place for boredom here, a hint of garlic and olive oil combined with seafood and fresh Mediterranean vegetables blended with fragrant herbs. Succulent lamb is a speciality, simply roasted over grape vines. All washed down with a glass of the local Châteauneuf du Papes – some of the finest wine in the world – what could be better. So, for a unique blend of interesting and superb monuments, fine food, culture and most of all some outstanding scenery, come with us and see . . .

Fully escorted price includes:

• Return flights to Nice, or return standard class on Eurostar and TGV to Aix en Provence
• Guided walking tour of Aix-en-Provence
• Visit to Avignon – home of the Pope’s Palace
• Walking tour of Arles
• Tour of the Camargue
• Superb scenery
• Tour of the Luberon hills
• Excellent quality 3-star superior air-conditioned hotels
• Executive touring coach
• Services of an experienced French speaking tour manager

Please click here to view prices for specific departures.

Entrance to some places of interest not included (approximately £25 payable locally). Prices based on two people sharing a twin room. Single rooms, Eurostar Leisure Select upgrades and optional insurance available at a supplement. Single supplement £85pp.

Follow this link to view a sample Undiscovered Provence by Air or Eurostar itinerary.

Please click here to request your Undiscovered Provence brochure & booking form, alternatively please call 01283 742346.

This holiday is operated by and your resulting contract will be with: Riviera Travel, New Manor, 328 Wetmore Road, Burton upton Trent DE14 1SP, fax: 01283 742 301, ABTA V4744 and ATOL 3430 protected, a company wholly independent of the Mail Group Limited.