Provence, France Tour for Women

Your journey begins in the enchanting town of Aix-en-Provence, a place where history, culture, and natural beauty unite.

We recommend flying into the Marseille airport or taking the high-speed train from Paris to the Aix-en-Provence (TGV) train station.

Check in at your hotel is at 3:00 PM. You can always just leave your bags and head out to look around. 

Take some time to relax and settle in, as this will be your home away from home for the entire week. With its historic architecture, splashing fountains, and lively markets, it’s easy to adore Aix. We think you will love being based here. 

As the birthplace of the great artist Paul Cézanne, Aix is also a haven for art lovers and history buffs alike. You’ll have plenty of time to explore and soak it all in. 

This evening, gather with the rest of the group for a welcome drink and an orientation. Meet your fellow travelers and learn about what’s coming up in the week ahead.

After orientation, we’ll head out for a welcome dinner where you can dig into your first delicious French meal and start connecting with your new travel buddies.

Meals: Welcome dinner & orientation cocktail

Hotel: Boutique hotel with rooftop bar in the center of Aix-en-Provence

Getting to Aix-en-Provence: Take the TGV train to the Aix-en-Provence train stop if you are coming from Paris or elsewhere. TGV is the fast train in France. Book First Class on the TGV train. Some trains are double-deckers. Choose the lower deck which is easier if you have luggage.

• You can take a taxi from the Aix-en-Provence TGV station; the ride is 20 minutes.

• You can take a taxi from the Marseille airport which is about 30-45 minutes. A taxi will drop you directly at the hotel.

• If you prefer a private transfer, choose this add-on when you sign up for the tour (additional cost).

This morning you are off to the charming town of Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for Roman monuments dating back to the 1st century B.C.

A local guide will lead you through the historic streets, sharing fascinating stories of Arles' rich past.


After soaking in the sights of Arles, it’s time to head to Mas de Valériole, a family wine estate located in the Camargue region of Provence. You'll be taken for a stroll in the vineyard, followed by a private tasting of the rich varietals of the region.

After wine tasting, enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch prepared by the estate’s owner, Hélène, featuring fresh produce from her garden, including rice from their fields, all paired with wines. 

Back in Aix, you can use the afternoon to explore the Caumont Art Center, a gorgeous 18th-century mansion with beautiful gardens and changing art exhibits. Whether you're into classical masterpieces or contemporary works, there's something for everyone. Feel free to visit this art center on your own. 

Maybe you just want to linger in a cafe and watch Aix life roll by. You do you.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel: Boutique hotel with rooftop bar in the center of Aix-en-Provence

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll kick off the day with a visit to the lively Saturday market in Aix. We’ve timed this just right so you can experience the buzz of the market, filled with local goodies like cheese, wine, soaps, linens, and other treats. It’s the perfect spot to pick up souvenirs to bring home or snacks to enjoy during your stay. 

Your tour leader will introduce you to Provençal shops, such as L’Occitane, the renowned cosmetic brand, and Soleiado, known for its traditional Provençal fabrics.

Once we’ve had our fill of the market, we’ll meet up with our guide for a foodie walking tour in the historical center of Aix. You’ll get to taste some of the region’s best local specialties and you might be full enough after the tour to skip lunch. Or, if you're still hungry, you’ll have some free time afterward to grab a more formal lunch on your own.

In the afternoon, we will visit Cezanne’s Workshop (the post-Impressionist painter) for a guided tour. 

The evening is yours to relax or explore. You can head out to dinner with some of the group or take it easy back at the hotel. Our tour leader will have restaurant recommendations for you.

Meals: Breakfast, Foodie Walking Tour

Hotel: Boutique hotel with rooftop bar in the center of Aix-en-Provence

After breakfast, you'll embark on a scenic drive to Marseille, a vibrant port city known for its rich history, architecture, and Mediterranean charm.

Your first stop is the iconic Notre-Dame de la Garde, a basilica perched high on a hilltop overlooking the city. The spectacular panoramic views offer sweeping vistas of the Mediterranean coastline, the Old Port, and the city's historic neighborhoods. Take a moment to admire the imposing gold statue of the Virgin Mary at the top of the basilica which has long been the symbol of protection for sailors.

Our next stop focuses on the unique local tradition of soap-making with a visit to Savonnerie La Licorne, one of the oldest soap producers in the region. Here, you’ll learn about the famous olive oil-based Marseille soap (Savon de Marseille), an authentic product with centuries of history and a great gift to take home with you.

Then, our private driver will take us to the charming town of Cassis by the Mediterranean, just a short drive from Marseille. You’ll have some free time to explore Cassis and have lunch on your own.

Weather permitting, we’ll embark on a 45-minute private boat tour of the Calanques, a series of rugged inlets with turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs. These protected natural wonders are best explored by boat, allowing you to access hidden coves and get a different perspective on the coastline.

After your boat tour, we will return to Aix-en-Provence where you will have the evening to explore on your own. Whether you prefer a casual bistro or a more upscale dining experience, Aix offers a variety of restaurants serving fresh, local ingredients and regional specialties.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Boutique hotel with rooftop bar in the center of Aix-en-Provence

After breakfast, we’ll head toward Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

A hands-on workshop this morning teaches you how to create your own lavender wand, a fragrant talisman steeped in history and tradition.

Enjoy some traditional Provençal cuisine during today's group lunch.

After lunch, we’ll whisk you away to a special experience at Carrière des Lumières in Les Baux-de-Provence—prepare to be wowed!

Step inside a former quarry that has been transformed into an immersive art show where Masterpieces by Van Gogh, Monet, Chagall, and other iconic artists come to life with light, sound, and color. The combination of music, visuals, and the sheer scale of the projection will leave you speechless. It’s an art experience you’ll want to tell all your friends about.

Later, we’ll hop in the van to return “home” to Aix. The evening is yours.

Dinner on your own.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel: Boutique hotel with rooftop bar in the center of Aix-en-Provence

Today, it’s all about flowers. We’re heading deep into lavender country to areas so beautiful they will have your camera working overtime.

Our first stop is the Lavender Museum in Cabrières-d'Avignon. Learn all about how lavender is grown and distilled into wonderful products as you take an aromatic journey around this lovely stone farmhouse turned museum and store. Lavender fields extend all around the farm.

We’ll head to Gordes to look around its market and enjoy lunch on your own. The town has a handful of charming cafés and bistros tucked into its charming cobbled streets. Whether you’re craving a crisp salad, a simple omelette, or a classic Provençal dish, you’ll find something to satisfy your appetite.

Next we’re off to Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque. What a beauty! This abbey sits in fragrant fields of purple.

Enjoy a historical guided tour in English, followed by some time to poke around the boutique and pose in front of rows of lavender.

Later, we’ll head back to Aix-en-Provence, where you will be able to relax, pick up last-minute gifts, pack up, and prepare for your farewell dinner.

This evening, we have a special dinner planned at one of the town’s top restaurants. This is the time to toast to the adventures of the week, the memories you’ve made, and the new friends you’ve met along the way.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Boutique hotel with rooftop bar in the center of Aix-en-Provence

Alas, our adventure has come to an end.

After breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to say farewell to all your Bold Spirit friends before you catch a cab to the Marseille airport or take the high-speed train from Aix to Paris to see more of France…there is still so much more to see in this amazing country.

Your tour leader can help you set up a taxi to the airport or train station with the hotel front desk. (If you prefer a private transfer, choose this add-on when you sign up for the tour.)

Meals: Breakfast