Top Provence Day Trips

The little medieval villages of the Luberon district are really worth a day tour. At this time of the year however (late November) they are a bit like ghost towns as most of the shops are closed particularly at Gourds as it is not tourist season and inhabitants tend to leave. But without a lot of tourists it is easier to admire the architecture and landscape. Our guide Remy was great. My only complaint is that we were in a car with 7 of us and as Australians we are used to fresh air and tend to get claustrophobic and uncomfortable in the closed areas with the same hot air circulating. I am an asthmatic and had to ask to move from the back to the front of the car as I was having trouble breathing. I was pleased to get out of the car at the end. We never understand in Europe and America why houses are so closed up and even in our accommodation travelling through Europe when it is 0 degrees outside we need at least a gap in the window to let some fresh air in and the stale air out otherwise we tend to get sick.

Our driver and guide Arnoux, is a very knowledgeable wine guy who truly loves showing the sun-drenched vineyards of Chateauneuf du Pape, Beaumes de Venise and Gigondas. He’s a very easy, amiable and a real people person, who travels the World whenever he gets the chance. His tour, I truly enjoyed and I would highly recommend..

Our tour guide Erik took us on a delightful tour of Chateauxneuf du papes in a spacious and comfortable van. We visited several wineries and a wonderful tasting room on top of the hill. The wines we tried were spectacular. After wine we went on a meandering tour of the vineyards up to the old chateau and to the island across the Rhone where we were treated to a sublime view of Avignon. Throughout the whole experience Erik explained the history of the land and the various landmarks we were passing. The tour was easily the best wine tasting experience I have ever been on. Erik was a great guide, he was so patient with our large group, getting the baby seat and stroller in and out of his van and was a very safe and attentive driver. 10/10, wonderful adventure.