Journeys: Stories of Provence

Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Begin your morning stepping into the heart of Avignon’s medieval history alongside a local guide. Thread through winding cobblestone lanes and past ancient stone ramparts toward Avignon Cathedral (Notre-Dame des Doms). Marvel at the gleaming golden statue of the Virgin Mary crowning its bell tower before stepping inside to appreciate its serene Romanesque architecture. Afterward, head downhill to the historic Pont d'Avignon (Pont Saint-Bénézet). Walking onto this celebrated 12th-century structure offers sweeping, unobstructed views across the Rhône River and the city's fortified walls.

Explore the Palais des Papes’ vast Grand Halls at your own pace, including the Grand Tinel feast hall. Using the interactive HistoPad tablet, augmented reality transforms bare stone walls into lavish 14th-century scenes filled with tapestries, furnishings, and grand papal banquets.

Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.

Enjoy a self-guided tour of LUMA Arles, a 27-acre creative arts campus transformed from a historic 19th-century railway yard in Arles, France. Its iconic centerpiece is the 56-meter-tall Frank Gehry Tower, a striking structure clad in 11,000 stainless steel panels designed to catch the unique light of Provence. The design draws inspiration from the region's rugged limestone cliffs, Roman ruins, and the swirling brushstrokes of Vincent van Gogh's Starry Night.

Built by the Romans in 90 AD, the magnificent two-tiered Arles Amphitheatre once held over 20,000 spectators for thrilling gladiatorial combat. Today, this astonishingly preserved ancient structure remains at the heart of Provençal life, seamlessly bridging history and modern culture by continuing to host live performances, traditional spectacles, and regional festivals.

Stroll through the enchanting medieval streets of Arles' Old Town, where centuries of southern French history come alive around every cobblestone corner. Follow directly in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh as your Expedition Leader guides you to the vibrant Place du Forum and the famous Van Gogh Café (Café la Nuit). Immortalized in his iconic 1888 masterpiece Café Terrace at Night, this historic square offers the rare opportunity to step inside a living canvas and feel the unique light and atmosphere that inspired one of history's greatest artists.

Pétanque is a central ritual of French art de vivre (the art of living). Originating in Provence in 1907, the name comes from the Provençal phrase pèstanca, meaning "feet planted". Players stand inside a drawn circle and throw hollow steel boules, aiming to land as close as possible to a small wooden target ball called the cochonnet (the "piglet"). In village squares across France, playing pétanque under plane trees—often accompanied by a glass of pastis or local wine—is a cherished social tradition that brings generations together to relax and converse. Having an Expedition Leader demonstrate the game offers guests a hands-on, authentic taste of local leisure culture.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Explore the famous outdoor market of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence alongside your Expedition Leader. Thread through lively, shade-dappled squares filled with stalls displaying regional treasures—from fragrant lavender and fresh goat cheeses to sun-ripened olives and handcrafted textiles. This immersive walk offers an authentic taste of daily Provençal life and rich culinary traditions.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Embark on a guided walk through Les Baux-de-Provence, a medieval fortress village perched on jagged limestone cliffs. Explore ancient cobblestone lanes and castle ruins while enjoying breathtaking, panoramic views across the valley's olive groves and Alpilles mountains.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Board an open-air train to venture across the sweeping Camargue salt marshes, where centuries of Mediterranean salt-harvesting tradition meet a striking natural phenomenon. As you travel alongside vibrant, rose-tinted salt basins, learn how local salt masters (sauniers) have cultivated this "white gold" since antiquity, creating a unique coastal sanctuary for native wildlife like flamingos and other birds.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is the vibrant capital of the Camargue region in southern France, where the Rhône Delta meets the Mediterranean Sea. An orientation walk led by an Expedition Leader introduces the town's unique blend of seaside culture, sacred history, and local traditions. During the walk, visitors explore the narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses, view the seaside promenade, and discover the fortified 9th-century Church of the Saintes Maries ⛪.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Join your Expedition Leader for a walk through the Provençal market (marché). This is far more than a place to shop—it is the social and sensory heartbeat of daily life in southern France. In Aix-en-Provence, the market spills across interconnected historic squares, each offering its own distinct atmosphere under the shade of ancient plane trees. Strolling through these open-air stalls alongside local residents offers an authentic glimpse into the region's culinary heritage and traditional art de vivre (art of living).

Free time for lunch on your own in town.

Walk through Aix-en-Provence with a local guide to trace Paul Cézanne’s post-Impressionist legacy. Discover the golden limestone landmarks that shaped his vision—from his childhood home on the Cours Mirabeau and the Café Les Deux Garçons to the Cathedral of Saint-Sauveur—while immersing yourself in today’s vibrant culture, spanning bustling open-air markets and historic café terraces.

Step into the fragrant world of Aix-en-Provence’s legendary calissons (traditional confectioneries) on a guided stroll through serene gardens and historic workshops. Discover how local artisans craft these diamond-shaped delicacies by blending sweet almonds, candied melons, and orange peel, concluding with an indulgent tasting of Provence’s sweetest tradition.

Spend a relaxing free afternoon strolling down the plane-tree-shaded Cours Mirabeau, or sipping coffee at a historic café terrace, or exploring the fountain-filled squares of the Old Town.

Not ready to leave? Your Expedition Leader can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.