You’ve probably heard of the well-known “Plus Beaux Villages de France” label (Most Beautiful Villages of France). Villages that are granted the label meet a wide range of criteria relating to environmental, heritage and architectural preservation and enhancement... and, more globally, to quality of life. 155 villages to date have obtained the label, throughout France.
We invite you to discover a few of them during this tour through Rhone Alps and Provence ... you’ll be amazed!
Day 1- 1/2 day tour from lyon
Excursion to Pérouges, a medieval village right at the heart of the Dombes. A village that entices and charms with its cobblestoned streets and half-timbered facades.
And, a definite must-not-miss before leaving Pérouges... a gourmet afternoon snack to taste the famous sugar-topped galette!
Back to Lyon
Day 2- sunkissed south, here we come !
Mirmande
This authentic, unspoilt village commands a majestic panorama over the Rhône Valley. Step back in time to the medieval past. A tour through the village and a visit to artists’ and craftspeople’s workshops.
Le Poët Laval
Just a few kilometres along the road, another 12th-century, perched on a hilltop and dominated by its medieval dungeon.
A must-stop in Montélimar to visit an artisanal nougaterie and enjoy a few bites of this famous confectionery.
The journey continues down to Vallon Pont d’Arc and its iconic natural arch
Day 3
The day begins with a trip back in time during a visit to the Pont d’Arc Cavern : Grotte Chauvet 2. This site, the only one of its kind in the world, offers a powerfully-stirring experience of the decorated Pont-d’Arc Cave (known as Chauvet Cave) by creating a replica of paintings dating back 36,000 years.
The afternoon will be spent discovering 2 villages :
Balazuc
This village, perched above the river, offers an authentic taste of the South with its trefoil windows, pointed-arched doorways, vaulted passageways, steeples, cobbled alleyways, labyrinth of steep-sloping streets and small fig-tree-lined squares!
Vogüe
A few kilometres on, the Château of the Lords of Vogüé stands majestically on the banks of the Ardèche River, reclining against a cliff, with its four rounded corner towers watching over the village and its amphitheatre-designed streets interspersed with arcades and vaulted passageways. The pretty warm-coloured houses topped with rounded tiles illustrate the southern spirit of this delightfully-charming location.
Day 4
Today the spotlight is on craftsmanship and local products:
- Lavender... and a trip to a museum dedicated exclusively to the plant where you will discover the various techniques used and products derived from this famous flower.
- A homemade-jam workshop where everything is done by hand and the jam is made with seasonal fruit.
And, the must-see village of Aiguèze and its incredible location that commands a panoramic view over the Rhône and the Côtes du Rhône vineyards.
Day 5 - arrival in Provence
Avignon, City of the Popes! The day begins with a tour of the Palais des Papes and the historic centre of the city.
Then, back on the road, direction Roussillon.
You will have the chance to discover this wonderful village located at the heart of the world’s largest ochre deposit. You will be wowed by the explosion of colours and lights in unspoilt natural surroundings between Ventoux and Luberon.
Then on to Gordes.
The village of Gordes, perched on top of its rock, embellished by centuries of labour and handiwork, overlooks the Luberon Massif. With its rich architectural and cultural heritage, its history and spectacular panoramic views, this jewel of Provence is a definite must-not-miss!
Day 6
We propose a choice of 2 visits for the morning:
The Bories Village: where the constructions are made out of dry stone. An open-air museum depicting rural dwellings, listed as a Historic Monument. 30 min go-as-you-please visit.
or
Sénanque Abbey: a jewel of Romanesque architecture and one of the iconic symbols of Provence. Nestling at the heart of a glen, it has been home to Cistercian monks since its construction back in the 12th century. Listed as a Historic Monument. 1-hour guided tour.
Then on to Baux-de-Provence
Baux-de-Provence is commune, set atop a rocky outcrop, at the heart of the Alpilles, commanding an incredible view overlooking Arles and the Camargue. Patiently restored over the years, the village has a rich historic and architectural heritage with 22 listed monuments.
The break comes to an end after this visit.
Your 6-day getaway comes to an end after this visit