MONDAY
A popular visit with Ellie to the colourful market in nearby Cavaillon -- an opportunity to talk about the local produce as she shops. Back for one of those lazy Provençal lunches under the vine clad trellis, and time after to relax, siesta or swim. A short drive in the afternoon to the delightful red sand  perched village of Roussillon, an artist’s haven. A walk along the base of its ochre cliffs is a step out of time. After an early evening game of boules -- a surprisingly competitive game --a meander into the village for dinner at our favourite local restaurant.

TUESDAY
A scenic drive over the Luberon and through Cezanne country to his home at Aix-en-Provence. A lively, sophisticated university town, the wide Renaissance boulevards and quaint back streets of Aix  wind up through atmospheric squares to a truly bizarre cathedral. Back home, in the courtyard, Dennis will present one of his popular and informative wine tastings that makes the perfect intro to Ellie's Provençal dinner.

WEDNESDAY
Off to Avignon, to the famous half bridge and the Palace of the Popes. Jamie will shed light on the period when the Popes abandoned Rome to hold court here on the banks of the Rhone. Back to Ellie for lunch. In the afternoon some may wish to wine taste with Dennis at Chateauneuf du Pape; others may prefer to visit the Pont du Gard  a magnificent feat of early Roman engineering, and one of the wonders of the world. Dinner will be out at one of our favourite restaurants.

THURSDAY
An excursion to Van Gogh’s Arles with its Gypsy-king feel and its imposing Roman amphitheatre. So different from grandiose Aix, Arles is Provence, true colours. On the way home we will wind our way up to the spectacular cliff-top oppidium at Les Baux, an impregnable crag which was home to Provence’s most notorious clan, the Seigneurs des Baux. Another sumptuous dinner with Ellie, after an informative  olive oil tasting with Dennis.

FRIDAY
How about a day on the Mediterranean? The beautiful fishing village of Cassis is the perfect place to sit on the water’s edge, eat a steaming bowl of Bouillabaisse with a chilled bottle of the local white Cassis (supposedly the perfect accompanying wine), and then stroll through quaint streets to pick up some last minute gifts. We return early enough to pack and to have a revenge game of boules before cocktails and a farewell dinner.

SATURDAY
The end of the week and your party will be driven to their pre-arranged departure point after a good breakfast.

The above is meant as a guide only. We have the flexibility of 2 minibuses allowing your party to split if requested  There are many other excursion options in this area.

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For booking details contact:
Jamie Blair Gould papillon@attglobal.net
Telephone: 00 (+44) 1761 470363
Facsimile: 00 (+44) 1761 472995



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