Hilltop Villages of Southern France
Embark on an enchanting journey through Southern France, from the golden charm of Provence to the glamorous shores of the French Riviera. Discover hilltop villages, fragrant markets, timeless art and coastal allure, all experienced through privately guided tours that blend culture, beauty and effortless elegance.
Journey highlights
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Gourmet Flavours of Provence
Savour the authentic tastes of Aix-en-Provence on a guided culinary walk through bustling markets, tasting local delicacies and meeting passionate food artisans. -
Lavender and Hilltop Villages
Wander through the postcard-perfect landscapes of the Luberon, where medieval Gordes and the serene Sénanque Abbey reveal the timeless beauty of rural Provence. -
The Artistry of the Riviera
Follow in the footsteps of Cézanne, Van Gogh and Picasso — from sun-drenched Aix to the creative enclaves of Mougins and Saint-Paul-de-Vence, brimming with galleries and inspiration. -
Island Tranquillity on the Côte d’Azur
Sail across the Bay of Cannes to peaceful Île Saint-Honorat, where ancient abbeys, pine forests and sea views evoke the Riviera’s natural grace and spiritual calm.
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination
- Your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support
When to visit
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Provence enjoys a pleasant, Mediterranean climate. On average, Provence gets 300 days of sunshine each year, with warm but mild temperatures. Summer is high season here, with August bringing the hottest weather and the biggest crowds. Spring is a great time of year, the weather is warm, with temperatures swaying between 16 and 20°C, and the crowds are small. If you want to see lavender fields then it would be best to visit the region in June. In October the weather starts to cool. Autumn is also the start of the wettest weeks of the year. October sees an average of 3.7 inches of rain, with an average of three inches following in November. Still, it never gets all that chilly and snow is rare. Hotel Crillon Le Brave is closed in January - mid April.
Itinerary
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At a Glance
Day 1 - A Taste of Authentic Aix
Arrive in the South of France and begin your Provençal adventure in charming Aix-en-Provence, a city long associated with art, elegance and the good life. Elegant squares lined with fountains and golden-hued buildings set the scene for a gourmet walking tour full of local colour.
Follow your expert guide through bustling markets and boutique food shops, sampling rustic breads still warm from the oven, lavender honey, Calissons and silky cheeses. Hear the stories behind these family-run institutions and discover why Aix has inspired generations of artists, chefs and dreamers.Day 2 - Hilltop Jewels of the Luberon
Explore the northern Luberon, where rugged landscapes and honey-coloured villages have made this region one of Provence’s most beloved. Amble through Gordes, a picture-perfect hilltop village famed for its stone houses stacked along dramatic cliffs, then visit the tranquil Sénanque Abbey. Framed by ribbons of lavender each summer, the 12th-century monastery embodies the quiet spirit of Provence.
Throughout the day, uncover timeless scenes of olive groves and vineyards, with each turn offering another postcard view of the French countryside.Day 3 - The Art of Provence
Provence has long lured artists with its crystalline light and today you’ll understand why. In Aix-en-Provence, wander cobbled boulevards shaded by plane trees and trace the steps of Paul Cézanne, whose love for the Sainte-Victoire mountain defined his life’s work.
Later, head south through the Luberon Regional Park, where gentle valleys shelter some of France’s most graceful villages. Pause in Lourmarin, celebrated for its Renaissance château and creative atmosphere, and in the pastel-washed charm of Cucuron, its plane-lined pond reflecting the languid rhythm of rural Provence.Day 4 - History and Harmony in the Alpilles
The Alpilles region, with its limestone peaks and silvery olive groves, captures the essence of Provençal life. Begin in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a maze of romantic streets where Van Gogh painted some of his greatest works, and Roman ruins whisper of past civilisations.
Continue to the medieval stronghold of Les Baux-de-Provence, its stone lanes perched high above the plains and home to the spectacular Carrières des Lumières - an immersive art exhibition set within a vast rock quarry. In Arles, Roman amphitheatres and elegant cloisters reveal centuries of cultural grandeur in a city that continues to brim with artistic energy.Where to stay
Domaine de Fontenille (4 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
More Experiences in This Area
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At a Glance
Day 5 - From Hills to the Sea
Leave the pastoral tranquillity of Provence behind and journey south towards the radiant shores of the French Riviera, where the mountains meet the Mediterranean in glittering splendour.
Day 6: Serenity on the Bay of Angels
Begin the day with a short boat ride from Cannes harbour, carrying you over sparkling waters to Île Saint-Honorat, the quieter of the Lérins Islands. Here, monks have tended vines and prayed in solitude for over a thousand years.
Explore the abbey’s stone chapels and fragrant gardens, then enjoy free time to wander pine-lined paths or savour lunch by the sea. Back on the mainland, the charm of Antibes beckons with its old ramparts, lively market and the same turquoise views that once inspired Picasso.Day 7 - Scents of Grasse and Beyond
Today is devoted to the art of perfume and the beauty of Provence’s hinterland. In Grasse, the fragrance capital of the world, learn centuries-old techniques that transform local blooms into liquid gold and craft your own signature scent under expert guidance.
Then meander through the sleepy lanes of Valbonne, with its lively market square, and on to Mougins, an artists’ paradise perched high above the coast where Picasso himself once lived. Each village radiates its own Provençal charm, colourful shutters, café terraces and the ever-present perfume of jasmine in the breeze.Where to stay
Carlton Cannes, A Regent Hotel (3 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
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At a Glance
Day 8 - The Essence of the Riviera
Venture along one of Europe’s most scenic stretches where mountain villages tumble towards a turquoise sea. In Èze, lose yourself in cobbled paths rising to the Exotic Garden, prized for its rare succulents and sweeping views of Cap Ferrat.
Further along the coast, discover the Belle Époque splendor of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, where pine forests cloak ornate villas and Mediterranean gardens spill down to the water’s edge. Wander through the rose-pink Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, filled with art and surrounded by elegant, musical fountains that capture the Riviera’s golden-age glamour.Day 9 - Art and Wine in Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Few places embody the spirit of the Côte d’Azur quite like Saint-Paul-de-Vence. This fortified hilltop village has long been a muse for artists and writers drawn by its light and its charm. Admire world-class modern art at Fondation Maeght before exploring its atmospheric lanes lined with studios and galleries.
Later, journey through a landscape of terraces and vines to Saint-Jeannet, a picturesque winemaking village tucked beneath dramatic limestone cliffs. Here, enjoy a private tasting of refined Provençal wines in a setting as beautiful as the flavours themselves.Day 10 - The Riviera in Full Colour
Experience the French Riviera’s most iconic destinations on one unforgettable day. Begin in Monaco, where superyachts line the harbour and the Prince’s Palace overlooks a world of polished elegance. Marvel at the grandeur of Monte Carlo’s casino and stroll through Monaco-Ville’s centuries-old streets, steeped in royal heritage.
Then travel to Nice, a city beloved for its creative energy and seaside allure. From Mont Boron, gaze over the Bay of Angels before following the Promenade des Anglais into the Old Town — a whirl of colourful markets, sun-dappled piazzas and Belle Époque charm.Day 11 - Farewell to the Riviera
Your Provençal journey draws to a close as you bid farewell to the Riviera’s shimmering coast. Memories of art, scent, sunshine and stone will linger long after you’ve returned home - the perfect keepsake from the South of France.
Where to stay
Chateau de La Chevre d’Or (3 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
Price Guide: (per person based on double occupancy and excludes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 2026 | £12,700 | £1,900 | plan your trip |
| May 2026 | £12,700 | £1,900 | plan your trip |
| June 2026 | £13,100 | £2,000 | plan your trip |
| July 2026 | £13,100 | £2,000 | plan your trip |
| August 2026 | £13,100 | £2,000 | plan your trip |
| September 2026 | £13,100 | £2,000 | plan your trip |
| October 2026 | £12,700 | £1,900 | plan your trip |
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April 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£12,700
Deposit from*£1,900
-
May 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£12,700
Deposit from*£1,900
-
June 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£13,100
Deposit from*£2,000
-
July 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£13,100
Deposit from*£2,000
-
August 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£13,100
Deposit from*£2,000
-
September 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£13,100
Deposit from*£2,000
-
October 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£12,700
Deposit from*£1,900
- plan your trip
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itineraryis a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you. Call us on 020 8682 5040 to start planning your holiday.
