Drome Provencale

This 7-day private guided gastronomic and cultural tour will take you in the area of Grignan, the gateway to Provence, a unique place in the Southern France. The program covers the highlights of the region, such as the picturesque medieval villages of Grignan, Nyons, Vogüé and La Garde Adhemar, as well as the scenic natural site of Gorges of Ardeche, the beautiful lavender fields and more. You will also get to try some of the best French cuisine. This is a fun-packed trip, including sightseeing, cycling, swimming, looking for truffles, pampering up and tasting a lot of delicacies. Romantic, relaxed and rich in history and culture, the area of Grignan is a hidden gem of Southern France and a truly awesome location. Wake up with the sounds of nature, learn about local lifestyle and taste delicious French food. This trip make a great family holiday, a good option for a romantic getaway, as well as for senior travellers. The program includes accommodation at two of the best hotels in the whole region.

07 Days – From £1,180 per person

*equivalent in USD, EUR accepted

Itinerary: Grignan, Nyons, Gorge de l’Ardeche, Vogüé, La Garde-Adhémar

Included

Price is per person, based on two people sharing in a double/twin room
Accommodation with breakfast
All the excursions mentioned in the itinerary
All transfers by car on a private basis
Entrance & guiding fees
All mandatory local taxes

Excluded

Visa, where applicable
International & Domestic Flights / Train Ticket
Personal Expenses
Insurance
Tips & Gratuities
Meals not mentioned in the description

Flights

International flights are not included in the package price. We give you the freedom to book the flights yourself, use miles and choose your preferred airline, and if you are stuck we can help you find the right connections. The starting point is Marseille Airport (MRS) which has good connections to the major European and international cities. Marseille is 1,5 h away from Grignan.

Alternatively, the closest train station is Montelimar, which is 30min away by road. There is a TGV high-speed train stop in Montelimar when coming from Paris.

How to Book

Send us a message on WhatsApp (+44 7 308 449 233) or email us at explore@boutiquetravelexperts.com to check availability, discuss your preferences and get a quote.

This is a sample itinerary and prices are correct at the time of writing. We can tailor it to suit your plans by changing the length of the trip or the order of activities. More days can be added.

Day 1 - Welcome to Grignan

Today you will arrive at the gateway to Provence. You will be met on arrival and transferred to the hotel in Grignan. After refreshing, enjoy a tour of the village on foot. Along the centuries, the beautiful architecture has been preserved. Visit the Castle of Grignan, the biggest Renaissance palace in the South East of France, a former property of Madame De Sevigné. Enjoy the amazing 360° view from the terrace over the lavender fields, the Mont Ventoux and the village. Learn a little bit more about the lifestyle in Provence and the history of the village. Grignan is also a great place to try some of the typical French food. Overnight at Le Clair de la Plume.

Day 2 - Truffles and Nougat

Today it is all about tasting experiences. From the end of November to March, discover the truffle from A to Z in the heart of the 1st French truffle production area. You will go out with an experienced dog to search for truffle and learning about the mystery of this “black gold”. After the picking, visit the truffle market. Later on taste a meal completely dedicated to truffles: mashed potatoes, egg in crust and the fabulous brouillade, the salad and brie with truffles and more. In the afternoon, visit a local nougat factory where you will be able to learn about the production, but also taste different delicacies. Overnight at Le Clair de la Plume.

Day 3 - Wine & Food Culture

After champagne breakfast explore local vineyards by foot or by bicycle. Visit the wine cellar to learn about the importance of a good aging in oak barrels. Enjoy a tasting experience of the three different kind of wines from the region of Drôme: white, rosé and red. Familiarize yourself with all the senses of colour, smell and taste. With the help of a little game, discover certain secrets of food & wine pairings. Enjoy a gourmet moment with a platter of cheeses, fine delicatessen and other dishes to enhance the wine tasting experience. Treat yourself with a lunch in the vineyards. Overnight at Le Clair de la Plume.

Day 4 - Lavender

After champagne breakfast, visit an organic lavender farm, a peaceful haven. Smell the different spices, see how distillation is set and the handcrafted cosmetics are made. Enjoy a chic lunch in the middle of the lavender fields with quality local products. Pick your own picnic basket and head out to find your perfect spot, in the shade of truffle oak trees close to the lavender fields. Taste tapenades, quinoa salads or truffles ravioles, goat cheeses, local “charcuteries” and flavored sorbets. Later, enjoy a relaxing massage with herbal oils in the middle of the lavender fields – a sensory journey of well-being. Floral fragrances, mixing with the perfumes of the fields create a wonderful experience. Breathe it all in. Overnight at La Ferme Chapouton.

Day 5 - Olive Tree Route

After champagne breakfast you will be taken to the charming medieval village of Nyons and its surroundings, around 30 min away. Picturesque landscapes, olive-growing towns and villages will guide you on this route. Nyons, also nicknamed ‘Little Nice’, is famous for its olive orchards listed as Remarkable Site of Taste and its olive oil has earned PDO certification. The Roman bridge and the old oil mills have been preserved through centuries. Discover the old Nyons and the district of Olivettes set ablaze by this firework of colors. Visit the Museum of the Olive Tree and hike along olive tree groves. Indulge into an interesting tasting experience of various local products at local farms. Overnight at La Ferme Chapouton.

Day 6 - Gorges de l'Ardèche & Caves

After champagne breakfast depart to Gorde de l’Ardeche (1h away), an exceptional natural site with vertiginous cliffs, canyons and the natural bridge of Pont d’Arc. Discover the beautiful surroundings by kayak and visit a few viewpoints around the gorge for spectacular views. Later on, make a stop in the charming medieval village of Vogüé for lunch. Continue to the pre-historic caves of Grotte de la Madelaine, Grotte Saint-Marcel and Aven d’Orgnac, some of the most beautiful in France. Experience the magnificent world of paintings, stalactites, underground waterfalls and even a unique wine tasting in an underground vinotheque of local aging wines. Overnight at La Ferme Chapouton.

Day 7 - La Garde-Adhémar & Departure

After champagne breakfast spend a relaxing morning at the hotel, enjoying the sounds of nature. The transfer back to Montelimar / Marseilles will be organised according to your train/plane departure. We usually recommend choosing an evening departure, so you can enjoy a nearby sightseeing stop in one of the most beautiful villages of France, La Garde-Adhémar. The medieval charm is well preserved everywhere in the the arches, the vaulted passages, lovely gardens, old houses and churches. It offers a beautiful view of the Rhône valley and the Vivarais mountains.

* NOTE : the Michelin star chef Julien Allano, a visionary chef advocating a spontaneous, zero-waste, product-oriented cuisine, who has worked for the finest restaurants in the South of France, is based in Grignan. A fine dining 4-5 course meal experience is available on request, accompanied with selected wines, including some of the best ones from the Rhone Valley.