Provence is one of the most beautiful regions of Southern France. Lost between cities and the wild, the land of cicadas,  local people and nature have been inspiring many writers who have celebrated its beauty. Giono is famous for the landscape descriptions and the soul he gives them.
Pagnol takes us back in his memories and make us live in the Marseille of the 50’s. Mistral was the one to revival the Provencal language!
By strolling in the countryside and through Avignon, follow the steps of  Petrarch.
 

Program    

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Day 1 In the footsteps of Mistral

Arles is an Art and Craft labeled city. The visit is structured around its main monuments: the roman amphitheater, one of the best preserved in the roman world; the St Trophime’s cathedral and cloister.

Lunch in an Arles city center restaurant.

Then first stop and visit the windmill where Alphonse Daudet used to live in Fontvieille. Discover the beautiful St Paul of Mausole that inspired Vincent van Gogh when he was sectioned at St Rémy de Provence. In Maillane visit the house where Frédéric Mistral was born.
Inside, you will find original objects, items, paintings and books from poet's life.
Dinner and overnight in Apt.

Start the day visiting Avignon following the steps of the great people who lived or spent time there: Petrarch, Pierre Boule, Théodore Aubanel...
Pass through the old streets until climbing to the Dom hill and the Pope Palace.

Enjoy a lunch in Avignon the city center.

In the afternoon, visit the village of Fontaine de Vaucluse. Petrarch retired there after Laura of Noves’ death. This place inspired other famous people such as Mirabeau and Chateaubriand. Free time to discover the water spring.
Then drive and discover the ochre lanes of Roussillon. This geological curiosity of the quarries granted gorgeous colours to Provencal houses.

Dinner and overnight in Apt.

Day2 In the footsteps of Petrarch

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Day 3 In the footsteps of Giono

Enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Luberon region to reach Manosque, Jean Giono birthplace. Visit the town and the place where he used to live and was inspired by.
Guided visit commented with extracts from Giono's novels.

Lunch in a restaurant nearby. 

Afternoon visit of the center Jean Giono and of his house from where he wrote all his books and which still remains in State.

Accommodation and dinner at Apt. 

Literary day in Marcel Pagnol's footsteps talking about the sites where he used to live and film. You will discover famous locations such as Le Garlaban, "My mother's castle",
The Hell's Gate, la Bastide Neuve, and see where Pagnol rolled the movie Manon... Visit the "Le petit monde de Pagnol" house and an artisanal factory of "Provencal santons" (traditional clay puppets).

Lunch in a restaurant.

In the afternoon, guided tour of “château la Buzine”, famous in the book "the castle of my mother" then panoramic tour of Marseille.
Enjoy a walk on the old port and old city.

Accommodation and dinner at Apt.

Day4 In the footsteps of Pagnol

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Day 5 Departure

Leave Apt after the breakfast.

 
Do you need more information or wish a customized program?
Call us on +33 434 53 57 66 

 



These prices include :
    • accommodation in a 3-star hotel, half-board (breakfast, dinner) in Apt,
    • entrance fees to monuments and sites of the program,
    • lunches (3-course-meal + ¼l wine and coffee),
    • full-day guide services,
    • driver’s cost included.
These prices do not include :
    • transportation (contact us),
    • cancellation insurance,
    • personal expenses,
    • what is not mentioned in the program,
    • single room : 90€/person.