Provence & Camargue

The Romans significantly influenced Provence: Arles with its fascinating arena and ancient theater, the Pont du Gard aqueduct, and finally Nîmes with the Maison Carrée. We invite you to the land of sociable Provençals, which attracts with its unique light in every season! The deep violet-blue of the blooming lavender fields dominates the High Provence mostly from mid-June to July (flowering time and duration depend on the weather). Lavender as far as the eye can see – an experience for all the senses. Let yourself be enchanted by beautiful places and breathtaking landscapes!

Day 1 | Arrival (approx. 732 km)

Departure in the morning and drive to Valence for an overnight stay at the 3-star Le Nouvel Hôtel (local category) in Portes-lès-Valence. Check-in and dinner.

Day 2 | Grotte Chauvet – Pont d´Arc – Arles

(approx. 250 km)

Today you will visit the replica of the Grotte Chauvet, discovered in 1994. 36,000 years ago, men and women created unique and stunning works on the walls of the Grotte Chauvet, preserved for eternity in their shrine of calcite and clay. After a photo stop at the famous natural bridge “Pont d´Arc,” you will take a drive through the spectacular gorges of the Ardèche. The varied landscape with its steep rock walls and turquoise river offers fascinating views. In the evening, you will reach your hotel in Arles.

Day 3 | Sand and Salt (approx. 120 km)

Today you will take a guided tour of Arles. Here, the Romans built with precision: the arena, Roman theater, and remains of baths and city walls can still be seen (exterior visits). Then, you will head out to the Camargue, home to white wild horses, pink flamingos, and black bulls. Your tour will take you to Aigues-Mortes and the gypsy pilgrimage site of Ste-Maries-de-la-Mer, located right by the Mediterranean Sea. You will spend the evening with the bull breeders. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4 | In the Footsteps of the Romans

(approx. 125 km)

You will start the day in Nîmes, where after a guided tour, you can visit the impressive arena and the Maison Carrée or stroll through the Jardin de la Fontaine. Not far from Nîmes stands the aqueduct Pont du Gard, the former water supply of the city – a technical masterpiece of the Romans. In the afternoon, the drive will take you to Avignon. At the beginning of the 14th century, the city was the seat of the popes for 67 years. During a guided tour, you will also see the fortress-like papal palace (exterior visit), which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will return to your hotel for dinner.

Day 5 | Where Stones Shine (approx. 190 km)

… lie the mountains of Vaucluse. First, drive to Coustellet and visit the lavender museum, located in a typical Provençal stone house. Passing Gordes, you will reach the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Sénanque, one of the most famous monasteries in Provence. After a photo stop, you will continue towards Roussillon. Here, the rocks shine in all imaginable ochre tones. It is here that everyone falls in love with Provence. Across from it is the beautiful town of Les Baux-de-Provence. Be surprised by the sound and light spectacle at “Les Carrières de Lumières.” You will return to your hotel for dinner.

Day 6 | Light of the South (approx. 160 km)

After breakfast, you will discover Aix-en-Provence. Here, Cézanne saw the light of the world. Aix-en-Provence is rich in architectural treasures and historical monuments. Stroll along the Cours Mirabeau and through the old districts to the Cathedral of St. Sauveur, the Tour de l`Horloge, and the magnificent Hôtel de Ville. You will return to your hotel in Arles for dinner.

Day 7 | Return Journey (approx. 915 km)

After breakfast, you will begin your journey home with many beautiful impressions.

• Travel in a modern coach with 5-star comfort and leg rests
• 1x overnight stay including half board at the 3-star Le Nouvel Hôtel in Portes-lès-Valence (local category)
• 5x overnight stay including breakfast buffet at the 4-star Hôtel Arles Plaza in Arles
  (local category)
• 4x dinner at Hôtel Arles Plaza
• 1x 3-course menu including aperitif, ¼ l wine,
  table water, and coffee at the bull breeder Manade Arnaud
• Full-day guided tour on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and
  5th day
• Entry with German audio guide to the Chauvet 2 cave and free visit of the
  Galerie des Aurignaciens
• Visit to the bull breeding Manade Arnaud with cart ride
• Entry to the Pont du Gard (museum and film)
• Entry and guided tour in German at the
  Musée de la Lavande in Coustellet
• Entry to the sound and light show "Carrières de Lumières" at Les Baux-de-Provence with audiovisual show
• City tour in Aix-en-Provence
• Local tax
• 1 complimentary drink per travel day
• Audio guides for the entire duration of the trip
• Continuous BOHR travel accompaniment

The 4-star hotel (local category) is located on the outskirts of the ancient city of Arles and combines originality, design, and comfort. The city center is only about a 10-minute walk away. The air-conditioned rooms are equipped with a shower, toilet, TV, and telephone. The hotel also features a heated swimming pool.