Wild Encounters: Southern France
This active itinerary is a journey through southern France’s most captivating natural spaces, designed for those who love to explore on foot, by bike and on the water. From the wetlands of the Camargue to the dramatic cliffs of the Verdon, the red rock trails of the Esterel and the wild beauty of the Mercantour, each day reveals a different landscape and a rich variety of wildlife, all brought together with a sense of adventure and discovery.
Journey highlights
-
Wild Camargue on horseback
Ride through the wetlands and open plains of the Camargue, where flamingos, white horses and traditional bull country create one of southern France’s most distinctive landscapes. -
Canoeing the Verdon Gorge
Glide through the turquoise waters of the Verdon, surrounded by soaring limestone cliffs and some of the most dramatic scenery in Provence. -
Calanques by boat
Set off along the Cassis coastline and cruise into the magnificent Calanques, where white limestone cliffs, hidden coves and clear Mediterranean waters create a truly memorable escape. -
Wildlife walking safari
Explore a remarkable private reserve on foot, with the chance to encounter reintroduced native bison, deer, wolves and Przewalski horses in semi freedom.
Speak to an expert to personalise this tour
Our team of travel specialists are waiting to help you book your dream adventure.
Enquire Now
Itinerary
-
At a Glance
Day 1 - Arrival in Provence
Arrive in Provence and settle into your accommodation, where the pace softens and the landscape begins to unfold around you. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy a gentle first taste of the surroundings at leisure.
Day 2 - Wild Camargue
Spend the day in the Camargue, a land of shimmering wetlands, open plains and extraordinary wildlife. Enjoy a guided horseback ride through this beautiful protected landscape, with time to look out for flamingos, wild bulls and the iconic white horses that define the region.
Day 3 - Through the Alpilles
Discover the Alpilles on an energetic e bike ride through olive groves, limestone ridges and sleepy Provençal villages. Pause for an olive oil tasting and lunch before continuing to Les Baux de Provence and ending the day with a wine tasting at a family estate.
Day 4 - The Verdon Gorge
Head into the Verdon, where dramatic canyon scenery and vivid blue water create one of Provence’s most striking natural settings. Enjoy viewpoint stops and village visits before taking to the water for a canoeing experience through this unforgettable landscape.
Day 5 - Truffles and Ochre
Today brings together some of Provence’s most distinctive pleasures, from truffle hunting in the Luberon to the honeyed tones of Roussillon’s ochre cliffs. Round off the day with a visit to a traditional ceramic workshop, where an age old craft is still beautifully preserved.
Where to stay
Villa Saint-Ange (5 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
More Experiences in This Area
-
At a Glance
Day 6 - Calanques by Sea
Travel towards the French Riviera with a stop in Cassis, where the coastline opens out to the magnificent Calanques. Set off on a private cruise through this dramatic seascape, with white limestone cliffs, hidden coves and clear turquoise waters, while keeping an eye out for bottlenose dolphins, striped dolphins and, in deeper waters, the occasional fin whale.
Day 7 - Red Rock Trails
Explore the Esterel Massif, where rust red volcanic rock meets pine forest and sweeping coastal views. With a mountain guide leading the way, enjoy a rewarding day in one of the Riviera’s most dramatic and untamed landscapes.
Day 8 - Wildlife Safari
Discover a remarkable wildlife sanctuary, home to bison, deer, wild boar, wolves and Przewalski horses living in semi freedom. This immersive walking safari offers a rare opportunity to experience conservation in action before a relaxed lunch and an afternoon at leisure.
Day 9 - Mercantour Heights
Spend the day in the Mercantour, one of France’s wildest and most varied national parks. With a private high mountain guide, follow scenic trails through valleys and ridgelines, taking in the raw beauty and sense of space that make this area so compelling.
Day 10 - Au Revoir
After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to the airport or train station. Depart with a final impression of open landscapes, fresh air and memorable encounters with the wild side of southern France.
Where to stay
Carlton Cannes, A Regent Hotel (4 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination and 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
When to visit
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
The South of France enjoys a pleasant, Mediterranean climate. On average, receiving 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. In January, the mercury rarely dips beneath the -1°C.
Price Guide: (per person based on double occupancy and excludes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 2026 | £11,600 | £1,700 | plan your trip |
| May 2026 | £12,200 | £1,800 | plan your trip |
| June 2026 | £12,800 | £1,900 | plan your trip |
| July 2026 | £12,800 | £1,900 | plan your trip |
| August 2026 | £12,800 | £1,900 | plan your trip |
| September 2026 | £12,800 | £1,900 | plan your trip |
| October 2026 | £11,600 | £1,700 | plan your trip |
| March 2027 | £10,500 | £1,600 | plan your trip |
-
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.
£11,600
Deposit from*£1,700
-
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.
£12,200
Deposit from*£1,800
-
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.
£12,800
Deposit from*£1,900
-
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.
£12,800
Deposit from*£1,900
-
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.
£12,800
Deposit from*£1,900
-
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.
£12,800
Deposit from*£1,900
-
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.
£11,600
Deposit from*£1,700
-
March 2027
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.
£10,500
Deposit from*£1,600
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.
