LIVE LIKE A LOCAL IN PROVENCE

Slideshow & Summary

Provence is one of the most popular tourist destinations in France. Sun bathed days, vibrant colors, warm breezes perfumed with wild thyme and rosemary, cobble stoned villages perched atop hills, mouthwatering dishes prepared with the local olive oil... it is little wonder people are drawn to Provence.

Did you ever wish you had a friend in France whom you could go visit? Now you do! The owners of Sojourner Tours, Lisa & Francis, will be the friends you wished you had (but haven't met yet) as they host you and your small group of fellow sojourners in a countryside  villa.  They'll invite you to experience "living like a local" in Provence. Each morning you'll enjoy a typical French breakfast with fresh bread and croissants from a local bakery.  Then, you'll go on a day-trip with them to explore their favorite villages and sights in the region, including several of France's "Most Beautiful Villages". You'll shop in local markets. You'll go wine tasting. And, each evening you'll have time to relax at the villa while they prepare a light dinner featuring local produce and specialties for you. Some evenings you might like to take a dip in the pool, other nights you might unwind with a glass of wine, and there may even be an evening when you decide to pop in the kitchen to pick up some local recipes

On this sojourn you'll unpack your bags in an unexpected corner of the countryside where you can get away from the fast paced life and really enjoy the slow pace of the French Provencal lifestyle.  Each day you'll head out on excursions that go beyond the typical tourist experience: your hosts have selected a collection of their favorite spots in the area to share with you.  These places range from the famous city of Aix-en-Provence and villages with the official title of "Most Beautiful Village in France" to places that many French people don't even know exist because they are tightly guarded local secrets.  If you are looking to really get away from it all and immerse yourself in French culture for a week, this sojourn is for you.

(Be sure to look at the detailed itinerary)

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

You'll be based in a comfortable villa with a swimming pool and outdoor terrace. Sojourning in one house for the whole trip means you can unpack your bags and make yourself at home for a relaxing trip without having to repack or change accommodation. Some of the highlights of this sojourn include:

• A focus on discovering Provence's charming remote villages which are inaccessible by public transportation, including no less than five villages that have been awarded the title of “Most Beautiful Village of France”;

• Visits to traditional artisans and producers of local wines and lavender;

• A visit to the city of Aix-en-Provence;

• Shopping in several traditional Mediterranean outdoor markets;

• Enjoying the French lifestyle in authentic restaurants, cafes and historic town centers;

• Tours of historic monuments including Roman ruins and a castle;

• Laid-back breakfasts and dinners served family-style at your villa.

• A lavish meal in a Michelin star restaurant.