Are you searching for the perfect 28-day Provence itinerary? To truly understand the essence of the South of France, you must surrender to its relaxed pace. After three decades in the luxury travel industry, I have learned that the most transformative journeys are never rushed. At The H Group Travel Agency, we design exclusive escapes that invite you to step away from the crowds and embrace the quiet luxury of authentic local life.
Why You Need a 28-Day Provence Itinerary
This signature 28-day Provence itinerary serves as your perfect blueprint for a month-long French sabbatical. First, you will experience the curated elegance of our 7-day “Colors of Provence” river cruise, sailing in July and August 2027. Following the cruise, your 28-day Provence itinerary transitions into a profound 21-day residency at a private bastide in the stunning Alpilles region. Below, you will discover exactly how to spend a month living like a local, featuring bespoke daily excursions and extraordinary culinary moments.
Part 1: the river cruise experience ( Days 1-7)
Accommodation: A luxury suite aboard our premier river cruise on the Rhone River
Day 1: Arrival & the Secrets of Lyon
- Breakfast: A buttery croissant and cafe creame at a quiet patisserie in Lyon
- Activitiy: A bespoke, private walking tour of Lyon’s traboules – hidden Renaissance passageways used by silk weavers completely away from the main squares. Embark on the ship in the afternoon
- Lunch: A traditional meal at a historic family-owned bouchon
- Dinner: The ship’s Welcome Chef’s Table, featuring elevated Lyonaise cuisine
Day 2: The Gastronomic Capital
- Breakfast: Fresh fruit and pastries delivered to your suite’s balcony
- Activity: An Exclusive, chef-led tour of Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse. Meet the artisan cheesemongers and charcutiers before the crowds arrive. Sail south in the afternoon
- Lunch: A private picnic nestled directly among the steep, terraced Syrah Vines
- Dinner: An elegant, wine-paired dinner onboard inspired by the Rhone Valley
Day 3: The Vineyards of Hermitage
- Breakfast: Early riser breakfast onboard as you dock in Tournon
- Activity: A closed-door tasting and cellar tour at a boutique, family-owned vineyard in Tain l’Hermitage
- Lunch: A private picnic nestled directly among the steep, terraced Syrah vines
- Dinner: An elegant, wine-paired dinner onboard inspired by the Rhone Valley
Day 4: The Silent history of viviers
- Breakfast: A leisurely breakfast in the panoramic lounge
- Activity: After a relaxing morning of scenic sailing, embark on a twight, private walking tour of Viviers. The medieval cobblestones are eerily beautiful and completely empty of tourist at night
- Lunch: A light, Mediterranean-style lunch in the ship’s casual bistro
- Dinner: A rustic, regional dinner reserved onboard
Day 5: Avignon beyond the popes
- Breakfast: A rich buffet breakfast on the ship
- Activity: A VIP, pre-opening tour of the towering Palais des Papes. Afterward, skip the crowded squares and explore the hidden artisan workshops in the Rue des Teinturiers
- Lunch: Al fresco dining in a shaded, hidden courtyard cafe in Avignon
- Dinner: A refined dinner onboard, following by evening cocktails on the deck
Day 6: Art & Antiquity in Aries
- Breakfast: Sunrise breakfast on the deck
- Activity: A bespoke walking tour tracking the hidden locations where Vincent va n Gogh painted, bypassing the crowded amphitheater to explore the quiet, tree-lined Roman necropolis of Alyscamps
- Lunch: A slow, two-hour lunch in a sun-dappled square in Aries
- Dinner: The Captain’s Gala Farewell dinner, an extravagant celebration of French haute cuisine
day 7: the seamless transition
- Breakfast: Final breakfast on the ship
- Activity: Disembarkation. Your private luxury transfer will drive you into the Alpilles Mountains to your pre-stocked, exclusive private villa
- Lunch: A light, introductory lunch at a small bisto in Saint-Remy-de-Provence
- Dinner: The first dinner prepared by your private villa chef, served on your terrace overlooking the olive groves
Part II: The private villa immersion (days 8-28)
Accommodation: a luxury private, fully-staffed private bastide (stone farmhouse) near Saint-remy-de-provence
Day 8: Embracing the slow pace
- Breakfast: Fresh baguettes and local apricot jam enjoye on your patio
- Activity: A completely unscripted day. Read by the pool, unpack fully, and simply acclimate to the rhythm of the Medierranean
- Lunch: A spectacular sharcuterie spread utilizing the artisanal ingredients pre-stocked in your villa
- Dinner: An intimate, candlelit dinner at the villas with abottle of Chateauneuf-du Pape
Day 9: The wednesday Market
- Breakfast: Espresso and fruit at the villa
- Activity: Early arrival at the famous Saint-Remy market. Build rapport with the vendors as they set up, selecting fresh produce for the week before the mid-day heat
- Lunch: Grazing on your market finds – heirloom tomatoes, tapenades, and local goat cheese
- Dinner: A casual dinner at a hidden gem, family -run bistro tucked away on a side street in town
Day 10: golden hour at les baux
- Breakfast: A hearty country breakfast prepared by your chef
- Activity: A quiet morning at the villa. In the late afternoon, your dedicated driver takes you to the dramatic ruins of Les Baux-de-Provence. By going at the golden hour, you miss the tour buses completely
- Lunch: A light salad nicoise by the pool
- Dinner: A bespoke dining experience at the legendary three-Michelin-star L’Oustau de Baumaniere
Day 11: Liquid Gold
- Breakfast: A light, fresh breakfast at the villa
- Activity: An exclusive, closed-door tour and tasting at a centuries-old, private olive in the Vallee des Baux, learning the art of cold extraction from the owners
- Lunch: A farm-to-table lunch served directly on the olive estate
- Dinner: A casual evening at the villa, making homemade pizzas in the outdoor wood-fired oven
day 12: the charm of eygaliers
- Breakfast: Croissants and cafe au lait on the terrace
- Activity: A morning visit to Eygalieres, a stunning, understated village favored by locals in the know. Hike up to the old ruins of the castle for breathtaking, solitary views of the Alpilles
- Lunch: Lunch at a chic, tiny local cafe in the village square
- Dinner: Your private chef prepare a classic Bouillabaisse back at the villa
day 13: The truffle Hunt
- Breakfast: Espresso and fresh pastries
- Activities: A rugged excursion into the oak forests with a local trufficulteur and his trained dogs to hunt for summer truffles
- Lunch: A rustic, truffle-heavy lunch hosted by the farmer in his own kitchen
- Dinner: A light, tapas-style evening meal at the villa
Day 14: Rest & Rejuvenation
- Breakfast: A relaxed breakfast on your terrace
- Activity: A dedicated wellness day. Enjoy private,in-house massages and spa treatments arranged by your concierge, followed by an afternoon of reading
- Lunch: A vibrant, healthy Mediterranean salad prepared by the chef
- Dinner: A relaxed dinner in town at a locals-only wine bar
Day 15: The antiquarians of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
- Breakfast: Freshly baked pain au chocolat
- Activity: An early morning VIP visit to the antique markets of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. We arrange a private guide to help you navigate the labyrinth of hidden dealers to find authentic French linens and ceramics
- Lunch: Lunch at a quiet riverside cafe overlooking the water wheels
- Dinner: A simple, elegant dinner prepared at the villa
Day 16: The Hidden Luberon
- Breakfast: A light, chef-prepared breakfast.
- Activity: Skip the crowded village of Gordes. Instead, spend the day exploring Goult and Oppède le Vieux—two beautifully preserved, hauntingly quiet villages that remain completely off the mass-tourism radar.
- Lunch: A long, slow lunch at Café de la Poste in Goult.
- Dinner: A private chef’s dinner highlighting the seasonal vegetables of the region.
Day 17: Mastering the terroir
- Breakfast: A hearty breakfast at the villa
- Activity: A masterclass in wine blending at a prestigious, organic estate in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. You will work alongside the vintner in their private laboratory
- Lunch: A private catering experience in the estate’s wine cave
- Dinner: A relaxed evening enjoying local wine, fresh bread, and soft cheeses under the stars
Day 18: the wild camargue
- Breakfast: Early breakfast at the villa
- Activity: A private, off-grid open-air jeep safari through the Camargue delta. Witness wild white horses, pink flamingos, and vast salt flats away from any civilization
- Lunch: A traditional gardian (French cowboy) lunch of rich bull stew at a private ranch
- Dinner: A light seafood supper back at the villa
Day 19: The Art of the Picnic
- Breakfast: Fresh fruit and yogurt on the terrace.
- Activity: Your chef prepares a lavish picnic hamper. Your driver takes you to a secluded, panoramic spot in the Luberon National Park for a completely private afternoon in nature.
- Lunch: The bespoke luxury picnic
- Dinner: Dinner at a cozy, off-the-beaten-path auberge in the countryside
Day 20: Provençal Cooking Masterclass
- Breakfast: A simple, classic French breakfast.
- Activity: A private cooking masterclass in your villa’s kitchen. A renowned local chef teaches you how to prepare classic Provençal dishes using the exact techniques passed down through generations.
- Lunch: Eating the magnificent multi-course meal you have just prepared
- Dinner: A very light evening graze of cheeses and fruit.
Day 21: Lavender Secrets
- Breakfast: Espresso and fresh pastries.
- Activity: Instead of fighting crowds at the famous abbeys, enjoy a private visit to a remote, family-owned lavender distillery operating far off the beaten path in the Drôme Provençale.
- Lunch: Lunch at a quiet, countryside relais.
- Dinner: Your private chef prepares an herb-crusted rack of lamb at the villa.
Day 22: The Calanques Coastline
- Breakfast: An early breakfast at the villa.
- Activity: A day trip to the coast. Board a private, chartered classic wooden boat in Cassis to explore the towering limestone cliffs and hidden turquoise coves of the Calanques, dropping anchor to swim in total privacy.
- Lunch: Freshly caught seafood and chilled rosé served on the deck of the boat.
- Dinner: A late, relaxed dinner back at the villa
Day 23: The Local Bakery Routine
- Breakfast: Walk or cycle into the village to buy your morning bread directly from the baker—the ultimate local routine.
- Activity: A slow, intentional day of rest. Write in a journal, swim, and enjoy the absolute quiet of the estate.
- Lunch: A simple, perfect lunch of crusty bread, salted butter, and radishes.
- Dinner: A casual dinner out at a vibrant local pizzeria in Saint-Rémy.
Day 24: Botanical Foraging
- Breakfast: A fresh, simple breakfast on the terrace.
- Activity: A private botanical walk through the garrigue with a local herbalist. Learn to identify wild thyme, rosemary, and savory, understanding how the wild landscape shapes the local cuisine.
- Lunch: A fragrant, herb-forward lunch utilizing the morning’s foraged goods.
- Dinner: A sophisticated, multi-course meal by your private chef.
Day 25: The Uzès Market & Ceramics
- Breakfast: Espresso and croissants.
- Activity: A morning trip to the stunning, arcaded town of Uzès for its famous market. Afterward, visit the private studio of a master ceramicist hidden in a nearby village.
- Lunch: Lunch in the picturesque Place aux Herbes in Uzès.
- Dinner: A comforting, slow-cooked Daube Provençale at the villa.
Day 26: Tracing the Romans
- Breakfast: A hearty breakfast at the villa.
- Activity: A private, expert-led exploration of the Roman ruins at Glanum, located just outside Saint-Rémy. This site is infinitely quieter than Arles or Nîmes, offering a profound, intimate look at antiquity.
- Lunch: A long, leisurely lunch at a shaded café near the ruins.
- Dinner: A relaxed, casual evening meal at the villa
Day 27: The Grand Farewell
- Breakfast: Fresh pastries and local honey on the terrace.
- Activity: A final, unhurried stroll through your local village to collect artisanal soaps, linens, and culinary gifts. Spend the afternoon packing and savoring the final moments by the pool.
- Lunch: A light lunch at a favorite local spot you’ve discovered over the past three weeks.
- Dinner: A grand farewell dinner prepared by your private chef, serving a masterclass of Provençal flavors as you toast to a deeply transformative month.
Day 28: Departure
- Breakfast: One final espresso and pain au chocolat overlooking the morning mist.
- Activity: Your private luxury transfer seamlessly navigates you from the villa directly to the airport or train station for your onward journey.
- Lunch: En route to your departure gate.
- Dinner: (Departure)