From Aix-en-Provence : Wine, Olive Oil and Scenic Villages

Discover the charm of Provence on this 7.5-hour small-group tour departing from Aix-en-Provence, offered by South of France Wine Tours, rated 4.9 out of 5. Priced to include visits to Les Baux de Provence, an authentic olive oil mill, the bustling town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, and a prestigious vineyard for wine tastings, this tour provides a balanced mix of cultural sights, local gastronomy, and scenic landscapes.

Designed for those wanting an immersive experience in Provence, it combines guided visits with free time for exploration, making it ideal for curious travelers eager to see iconic villages and taste regional specialties. The tour’s small group size, limited to 8 participants, ensures personalized attention and an intimate atmosphere.

While the duration of 7.5 hours offers a relaxed pace, travelers should be prepared for some walking and bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a reusable water bottle. This tour suits adults and older children under 10 years, but is not suitable for children under 4 years or travelers with mobility issues.

Key Points

• Full-day Provence experience combining cultural visits, gastronomy, and wine tasting
• Visits to Les Baux de Provence, Saint-Rémy, and an olive oil mill
• Guided tour of a local vineyard with exclusive wine tasting
• Small group size of up to 8 travelers for a personalized experience
• Duration of 7.5 hours, including free time at key stops
• Rated 4.9 out of 5, highlighting high-quality guides and well-organized activities

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Exploring Les Baux de Provence: A Picturesque Village on a Rock

The tour starts with a scenic drive to Les Baux de Provence, a village perched 245 meters high on a limestone rock. Here, free time allows for wandering through its pedestrian old town, where narrow streets and historical buildings create a postcard-perfect setting. Key sites include the museum of santons, the 16th-century Hôtel des Porcelets, and the St Vincent Church, a romanesque structure worth admiring.

The guided portion lasts about an hour, during which the guide shares stories about the village’s history and architecture. The photo stop provides an opportunity to capture the stunning views over the surrounding landscape. Visitors should be prepared for a bit of walking on cobblestone streets and consider comfortable shoes for exploring this charming spot.

Olive Oil Mill Tour and Tasting

Next, the tour visits an authentic Provençal olive oil mill, where the production process is explained in detail. Visitors learn about the harvesting of olives and the pressing process that results in high-quality extra virgin olive oils.

The guided visit includes a tasting session, highlighting the diverse flavors of oils crafted from local olive varieties. This is an authentic experience showcasing Provence’s long-standing tradition of olive oil making. It offers a delicious opportunity to appreciate the region’s culinary heritage and possibly purchase some oils directly from the producer.

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: Market, Lunch, and Art

The afternoon is dedicated to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a lively town famous for its weekly market and artistic atmosphere. The free time here lasts about two hours, giving ample opportunity to stroll through the market stalls filled with local fruits, cheeses, and crafts. Visitors can sample regional specialties or simply soak in the colorful sights and aromas.

Lunch options are available at local bistros and open-air terraces, serving classic Provençal dishes. The historic streets of Saint-Rémy also inspired Van Gogh, who stayed here and created many of his most famous paintings, adding an artistic layer to the visit.

Wine Tasting at a Local Vineyard with a Guide

In the afternoon, the tour moves to a prestigious vineyard known for producing distinctive Alpilles wines. The guided estate tour covers topics like the terroir, climate, and grape varieties that influence the unique flavors of the wines.

The wine tasting session includes a selection of reds, rosés, and whites. Your guide explains tasting notes and complexities, helping deepen appreciation for Provençal viticulture. This experience offers a great balance of education and enjoyment, especially for wine enthusiasts.

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Practical Details: Meeting Point and Group Size

The tour departs from the Office de Tourisme d’Aix-en-Provence, with guides holding a “Provence Wine Tours” sign in front of the main entrance across from la Cure Gourmande. The coordinates are 43.5259361, 5.4442015 for easy location.

Groups are limited to 8 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience. The tour is available in French and English, with a flexible reserve now & pay later policy allowing booking flexibility.

Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a reusable water bottle. The tour is not suitable for children under 10 or those with mobility issues and not recommended for cruise ship guests.

The Itinerary Breakdown: A Well-Structured Day

The itinerary begins with a meet-up at the office of tourism, followed by a photo stop in Les Baux for breathtaking views. After an hour of exploration, a guided tour reveals the village’s history and key sights.

Next, the olive oil mill visit offers a hands-on insight into regional production, culminating in a tasting. The day continues in Saint-Rémy, where free time is combined with an optional lunch.

The afternoon’s highlight is a wine estate visit, with a guided tour and tasting lasting around an hour. The day wraps up with the group returning to the starting point in Aix-en-Provence.

Value and Suitability of the Tour

This 7.5-hour tour provides a comprehensive glimpse of Provence’s scenic villages, gastronomy, and wine culture. The small group size enhances interaction and allows guides to tailor their commentary.

The high rating of 4.9 reflects the quality of the guides and the well-organized stops. The combination of free time and guided activities makes for a flexible yet curated experience.

However, travelers should be aware of the duration and physical demands of walking through villages, so comfortable shoes are recommended. The tour is especially well-suited for adults and older children interested in culinary and cultural experiences, but not suitable for young children or those with mobility limitations.

Final Thoughts on the From Aix-en-Provence Tour

This tour offers a rich and balanced day exploring Provence’s most charming villages, traditional olive oil production, and renowned wines. The scenic stops and guided insights deliver an immersive experience of regional culture.

While the itinerary covers a lot of ground, the pace remains relaxed, allowing ample time to enjoy each location. The small-group setting, coupled with expert guides, ensures a friendly and informative day out.

For travelers seeking a well-rounded Provençal adventure with a focus on local food, wine, and scenic beauty, this tour from Aix-en-Provence is a valuable choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 7.5 hours, including various stops and free time.

What is the meeting point?
Meet in front of the Office de Tourisme d’Aix-en-Provence, opposite la Cure Gourmande, at coordinates 43.5259361, 5.4442015.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is not suitable for children under 10 years and excludes children under 4 years.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, and a reusable water bottle.

What languages are available?
The tour is offered in French and English.

Can I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there a maximum group size?
Yes, the group is limited to 8 participants.

How much does the wine tasting cost?
The wine tasting is included in the tour price, at a prestigious vineyard.

Are meals included?
Lunch is not included, but there are local bistros and open-air terraces in Saint-Rémy for diners.

What makes this tour special?
The combination of scenic villages, authentic olive oil mill, and vineyard visits makes this tour a well-rounded Provençal experience, praised for its personalized attention and high-quality guides.

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