We are so excited for the Best of France Travels trip to Provence, France!

This tour begins in Avignon and concludes in Aix-en-Provence.

Registration Instructions:

Select the See Availability button to begin your registration. Select your package type(s) and number of participants per type of package.

You will see a series of questions that MUST be answered for EACH traveler listed underneath Participant Information

Arrive in Avignon (central or TGV train station). Meet your driver and transfer to Saint Rémy-de-Provence (approx. 30 mins drive).

Today is also a public holiday in France (Labour day). Some shops and restaurants will be open.

Arrive at the hotel and check-in.

There will be some free time for your to relax before meeting with Karen to begin your retreat.

Welcome dinner as a group at the hotel.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Karen will lead our first welcome session this morning at our accommodation. As we get to know one another and settle into our surroundings, we’ll take time to appreciate where we have landed and consider what this retreat might open up for each of us. There will be opportunities for reflection and aspirational planning, both together as a group and individually.

Picnic lunch as a group at the hotel.

This afternoon we will walk approx. 1 km (10 mins leisurely walk) to visit St. Paul de Mausole, the hospital where Vincent Van Gogh admitted himself as a patient after his crisis in Arles, following a fight with Gauguin. Vincent stayed here for more than a year, enjoying a certain degree of freedom that allowed him to paint in the surrounding fields. This was an intensely prolific phase of Van Gogh’s career. Over 150 paintings were completed here, including several of his room and the hospital buildings, “Starry Night”, and many different views of the twisted cypress and olive trees.

Optional Activity (with supplement): You many like to visit the famous archeological site, the City of Glanum. (next to Saint Pual-de-Mausole). Your personal audio-guide will explain the history of the area, which was settled by Celtic Ligurians, Greeks, and then the Romans. It is a short 10 min walk back to the hotel.

Return on foot to the hotel.

There will be some free time to relax before a pre-dinner reflection on the gifts and occasional challenges of viewing the world through a creative lens. Together, we’ll explore how softening our assumptions and judgments can help us become more open to new perspectives—and to experiencing creativity in unexpected ways.

Dinner as a group at the hotel.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Retreat activity with Karen at the hotel this morning, building on what we have discovered about ourselves and one another so far. Through a creative approach, Karen will invite us to explore new imaginings and consider what we might like to open ourselves to during the retreat and beyond.

Today brings another sensory experience—a cooking lesson at a beautiful Provençal country estate. Our entertaining chef will welcome us into his home and share his knowledge as we learn to prepare a selection of regional dishes. Over lunch, there will also be an opportunity to taste some special wines from the region.

We’ll return to the hotel mid-afternoon.

Free time this afternoon to relax, enjoy the hotel and surroundings, or simply take some time for yourself.

Late-afternoon workshop with Karen, bringing together some of the threads of our experiences so far. As we continue to learn and discover, we’ll reflect on the insights emerging about ourselves and one another.

Dinner as a group at the hotel.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Today we’ll drive into the Luberon, the land made famous in the stories of Peter Mayle, visiting the hilltop village of Gordes, listed as one of “the most beautiful villages of France.” Explore the village’s narrow streets as they climb between the tall stone houses towards the fortified castle, with wonderful views across the Luberon valley and mountains.

Today is market day in Gordes! Enjoy some free time to wander through the lively market, discovering local arts and crafts, Provençal treats, homewares and other treasures. The village centre will be a vibrant hive of activity this morning.

After our visit to Gordes, we’ll continue to Roussillon, also designated one of “the most beautiful villages of France.”Known for its striking ochre landscape, the village is surrounded by colours ranging from golden yellow to deep red, created by the natural ochre found in the earth around it.

We’ll visit the Sentier des Ocres, walking through the forest and alongside the ochre cliffs while taking in the extraordinary colours and surrounding countryside.

We’ll return to the hotel in the late afternoon where you will have some free time before dinner to relax and enjoy some time at your own pace.

Pre-dinner reflection with Karen, inspired by poetry and the experience of beauty throughout the day. As we pause together, we’ll explore the ways the places, colours, landscapes and experiences we encounter can open our senses and invite us to be more present to the moment.

Dinner as a group at the hotel.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Today is Market Day in St. Rémy, the largest market in the area. We will walk into town as a group to begin the day at the beautiful Provencal market in St. Remy de Provence. If you get up with the birds, you can watch the market setting up. It’s really quite a sight to see...and hear and smell. The artistry with which the vendors display their wares is amazing. Every market is different throughout the region however you may find other lavender products, wine, food products of the region and crafts that you’ve not yet discovered! There is often live music to be enjoyed throughout the marketplace. The market ends around noon.

Free time for lunch on your own and time to explore at leisure this afternoon.

Early dinner at the hotel as a group.

SPECIAL EVENT: “In Concert with Karen Knowles”.

Karen will perform a specially curated public concert this evening at a local venue. You are Karen’s special VIP guests this evening.

Transport to/ from the hotel included.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Check out of the hotel this morning and make our way by coach to Aix-en-Provence, the elegant former capital of Provence and birthplace of Paul Cézanne.

On arrival we will meet our local guide who will take us on a walking tour of the historic town centre. We'll stroll the graceful, plane-tree-lined Cours Mirabeau, pausing at its historic fountains and grand 17th- and 18th-century mansions. Our guide will take us into the old town's narrow lanes to admire the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral and the lively Place des Cardeurs, then follow in Cézanne's footsteps along the "Circuit Cézanne," marked in the pavement with bronze medallions, passing the house where he was born and the café he once frequented.

Lunch on your own in Aix-en-Provence.

Check into our hotel mid-afternoon.

The remainder of the visit is at leisure to browse Aix's boutiques, sample a calisson (the city's famous almond sweet), or relax at a café terrace.

Farewell dinner as a group at a local restaurant.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel.

We will arrange your transportation to Aix-en-Provence SNCF train station, or to Marseille Provence Airport or Marseille Saint-Charles station, for your onward departure.

Karen Knowles is one of Australia’s most beloved musical icons, with a career spanning over four decades. She first captured the public's attention as a star of Young Talent Time from 1975 to 1980, where her extraordinary vocal talent made her a household name. In the 1980s, Karen became a platinum-selling recording artist with hits like "Why Won’t You Explain," topping the charts and solidifying her place in Australian pop culture.

Karen became the lead singer of The Seekers in the early 1990s, recording the first-ever version of "I Am Australian” further endearing her to fans across the country. Her connection to Australian culture has been a constant throughout her career, with memorable performances at Carols by Candlelight events making her a voice synonymous with the festive season.

Beyond her musical achievements, Karen has been a passionate advocate for Indigenous recognition. In 1998, she was appointed as an Inaugural Ambassador of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, and her commitment to this cause is reflected in her 2019 album Solid Ground, which features songs recorded in language at the request of and with the blessing of Wiradjuri elder Min Mia.

Karen’s career has been shaped by a deep desire to connect with people, whether through her music, her wellness company or her coaching. In her latest show, Songs & Stories of Australia, Karen celebrates the rich tapestry of Australian music, performing much-loved classics from artists including Judith Durham, Olivia Newton-John and Archie Roach, alongside her own songs. The concert invites audiences to connect with the music, the stories and one another, while honouring the richness of Australian artistry and the land that inspires it.

Karen Knowles continues to create experiences that encourage connection, reflection and transformation, drawing on the many gifts of the natural world and the power of music, creativity and shared experience.

Bank transfer/ credit card payment fees are not applicable. Clients do not incur additional fees in this regard; however, fluctuations in the participant's local currency may alter the listed cost. Best of France Travels and Karen Knowles Enterprises are not responsible for any fees associated with foreign exchange rate fluctuations and any associated fees.

Travelers are responsible for their expenses relating to meal, excursions, activities, transfers not mentioned in the itinerary. Best of France Travels is not responsible for any additional expenditure incurred by the traveler. 

The tours are designed to offer unique, rewarding travel and cultural experiences in France. Should you choose not to participate in any given activity, this is at your discretion; however non-participation in an activity will not result in any refund for that activity. 

Some tour inclusions may have accessibility challenges, or require additional walking, and all out of our control; and therefore, those with reduced mobility must contact Best of France Travels prior to registration to discuss. Failure to disclose a pre-existing medical/ health condition which could impact your and your fellow traveler’s tour may result in Best of France Travels cancelling your registration. (see page 6-7 of Booking terms and conditions) 

Travelers should be in good health and physical condition in order to participate in a Best of France Travels tour. All dietary restrictions must be disclosed in writing, and any special needs re: assistance must be made known at time of registration and/or at least 60 days prior to travel as your involvement in an activity may need to be reviewed. Due to the nature of access for transport in many local cities in France, it is likely that you may be required to walk additional distances. 

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