Our tours are private and may be customized, combined, lengthened or condensed.

Sip Only Excellence on Our Wine Tour in France

Learn all about the origins of fine wines such as Bordeaux, Champagne, and Burgundy and discover new twists on the legendary grape when you embark on our wine tours in France. At Destination Artisans we connect our neighbors with some of the best vintners in Europe. Wander your way through Provence, the Loire Valley, or Dordogne and pause along the way to sip the finest whites and reds. Spend the nights at luxurious hotels tucked in among the countryside.

Savour the exquisite combination of truffles and champagne when you dig your own. As you continue on your exploration, view ancient castles and tiny churches that lend beauty and character to the landscape. We cater to couples, families or small groups.

Groups of only 8 people. Give Destination Artisans a call today.

General information:

Accommodation: 5* Hotel
Visits led by an English-speaking guide,
Various options can be proposed such as the selection and reservation of gastronomic restaurants
Transportation in a Mercedes Sprinter Minibus for a maximum of 16 passengers

The advantages of this tour:

Behind the scenes access and other benefits offered exclusively to clients of Destination Artisans

The best selection of French wine producers

Day 1: Arrival Marseille

Arrival at Marseille airport

Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Aix-en-Provence by minibus Accommodation 5 * Le Pigonnet Hotel or equivalent

Le Pigonnet is an elegant country house which combines 18th-century refinement with contemporary style. Set in a beautiful 2-acre garden with flowers and chestnut trees, it offers a swimming pool, a fitness room and a hammam.

Each room is different and offers simplistic decor and 5 star service. They feature a satellite TV, free Wi- Fi access, bathrobes and slippers. Some overlook the garden and Sainte Victoire Mountain from a balcony or terrace.

Le Pigonnet features a bistronomic restaurant, La Table du Pigonnet,that serves regional cuisine. During the summer months, guests can have breakfast, lunch and dinner on the open terrace.

The hotel is situated only 800 m from the centre of Aix-en-Provence.

The remainder of the day is at your leisure

Day 2: Discovery of the Alpilles

First up you will visit the village of Les Baux de Provence, including the monument “Carrières de Lumières” followed by a tasting at the winery Baux de Provence. The numerous yet unique wines of Les Baux-de-Provence are defined both by the character of their land and the specific choices made by the producers. Since 1995 by a “controlled appellation of origin,” the winemakers of Baux-de-Provence have united and continue to preserve their land that is naturally protected by the mistral.

For lunch you will stop in the historic village of St. Rémy de Provence. One of the most charming villages in Provence.

We highly recommend Le café de la Place.

After lunch enjoy a walking tour of St. Rémy de Provence where you can find cute shops, art galleries, and local products. Known for its quality of life and beautiful landscapes, St Rémy has hosted Nostradamus and Van Gogh among other renowned names.

Evening at leisure / Overnight in Aix-en-Provence

Day 3: Cassis and the Calanques

This morning with your guide you will discover the wines of Cassis and its “Calanques.” You will savour two wine tastings in vineyards “appellation Cassis.”

At the founding of Marseilles, over 2,600 years ago, the Phocaea’s planted the first grapes in the Cassis bay. They introduced the “Ugni Blanc,” which is still present today. Over time, the Romans perpetuated the culture of the vine in Cassis and shipped the wine by sea, as evidenced by wine amphoras found in the Cassis bay. The first writings about the Cassis vineyard date back to the Middle Ages, and in 1381, a notarial text recounts the presence of vineyard land in a place called “The Arena,” by the sea.

The winery moved from the Mediterranean Sea to then expand into the slopes of the surrounding mountains. In the sixteenth century, Cassis sealed its destiny: the vineyard became known for specialising in the development of white wines. A revolution in Provence! (Of course, red wines dominate as well).

For lunch you will stop in the ancient fishing port of Cassis.

We highly recommend Le Bistro de La Villa Madie, which has a beautiful sea view.

After lunch you will explore 5 coves of the Calanques de Cassis the scenery enough to take your breath away. In Cassis, Calanques formed over 120 million years ago. To the west of Cassis, the Massif Calanques is made of white limestone over 400 m thick (approx. 1312 ft). Marine valleys have widened, creating real miniature fjords, sometimes containing high natural coves.

Evening at leisure / Overnight in Aix-en-Provence

Day 4: Cooking Class in Aix en Provence

Your gourmet cooking course is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the Aix way of life to experience a little of Provence by exploring the incredible outdoor markets. With your chef you will choose fresh seasonal produce and ingredients to prepare in a beautiful house close to Aix en Provence. Your chef will discuss all about the culture of French cuisine while preparing your lunch.

Your 3-course lunch will be accompanied by a tasting of 2 wines. Throughout the meal, you will have the opportunity to discover the world of wine and Provencal food and wine pairings.

Please Note: If you have problems with allergies or dietary restrictions, please advise.

Evening at leisure / Overnight in Aix-en-Provence

Day 5: Discovery of the “Palais des Papes” in Avignon and the wines of Chateauneuf du Pape

This morning you will visit the “Palais des Papes” and the Pont St. Benezet (audio guide provided).“The Palais des Papes” stands as the powerful symbol of the church’s influence throughout the western Christian world in the XIV Century. Edified in 1335, “The Palais des Papes” was completed in less than twenty years under the leadership of Pope Benedict XII and his successor Clement VI. The monument is the largest Gothic palace in the West and has more than twenty rooms, including the private apartments of the Pope and a theater that hosts public events. The beautiful decors in the frescoes were painted by Italian artist Matteo Giovannetti.

Please Note: If you would like a private guide please don’t hesitate to ask and we will arrange for one (at an additional cost out of pocket).

Lunch will be in Avignon. We highly recommend restaurant “La Maison Christian Etienne” 1*at Michelin guide.. Reservations required.

After lunch you will enjoy two wine tastings in the vineyard estates of Châteauneuf du Pape, one of the most famous wine regions in the world. Here are located some of the oldest wineries in France, with old castle ruins dating back to the 13th century. When it comes to world-class red wines, Châteauneuf du Pape has no rival! Only 10% of the high-end production is white, and rosé is not even grown here. Most visitors do not get to see the places that we have carefully selected for you.

Evening at leisure / Overnight in Aix-en-Provence

Day 6: Lavender Day

During the months of June and July see the beautiful lavender fields in bloom, really an amazing site. Discover the gorgeous landscape of Aix en Provence and see the beautiful lavender fields of the Valensole area before reaching the hilltop village of Moustiers Sainte Marie and the Verdon Canyon. You will also have time to visit the Occitane Museum and shop.

Evening at leisure / Overnight in Aix-en-Provence

Day 7: Wine Tastings in Bandol

Savor two wine tastings at wineries while taking in the beautiful coastline of Bandol. Bandol is one of the first regions in which the Phoenicians cultivated vines in a privileged site.

Afternoon: Lunch at leisure, although we highly recommend the restaurant Pied de Nez.

Following lunch, walk the streets of the beautiful medieval village of Le Castellet, which dates back to the 12th century. Conclude the day with one final wine tasting in Bandol.

Dinner at leisure

Day 8: Departure

After breakfast and checking out, you will be transferred to either Aix-en-Provence train station or Marseille airport.

Your tour includes

7 nights accommodation at Le Pigonnet 5* hotel in a deluxe room based on double or twin share, including daily continental breakfast and city tax or equivalent hotel
Guided visits led by an English speaking guide
Wine tastings
Audio Guide in the Palais des Papes
Transportation by minibus
Tour Escort
Cooking class
Group arrival and departure transfers, however individual transfers can be arranged but will incur an additional cost

Your tour does not include

Airfare to/from France
Minibar charges, meals and beverages unless otherwise noted in the itinerary.
Entrance Fees (unless otherwise noted in the itinerary)
Guide and Driver gratuities (discretionary)
Single supplement (price on demand)
Meals other than breakfast

Payment / Cancellation Terms

35% deposit at time of booking and 100% payment 60 days prior to trip
Cancellation penalties: 35% over 61 days, 50% 31-60 days and 100% 30 days or less prior to commencement of trip.
Travel Insurance is recommended.

Please Note: If you have problems with allergies or dietary restrictions, please advise at time of booking.

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