The wines of the Luberon, the Château de Lourmarin & Bastide du Laval olive oil

Explore Provençal Wines, Olive Oil, and Historic Château on a Full-Day Private Tour

This full-day private tour from Aix-en-Provence offers a delightful dive into the wine and olive oil culture of Provence. Priced at $573.01 per person, it includes visits to two historic vineyards, an olive oil mill, and a medieval castle, all with air-conditioned transfers and tastings. The tour is perfect for those eager to uncover the region’s culinary and historical gems in a relaxed, private setting.

The tour is designed for travelers with a moderate physical fitness level and is best suited for those who enjoy wine, history, and scenic Provence landscapes. It lasts approximately 8 hours, departing at 9:00 am with hotel pickup and drop-off included. The experience is private, ensuring an intimate and personalized exploration of Provence’s heritage.

Key Points

• Private full-day tour exploring the Luberon wine region and olive oil production
• Visits to four stops, including Château la Verrerie, Bastide du Laval, Château de Lourmarin, and Château la Canorgue
• Included tastings of wine and olive oil at renowned estates
• Air-conditioned transfers with hotel pickup and drop-off from Aix-en-Provence
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance

Visiting Château la Verrerie: A Wine Maker’s Insight

The tour begins with a 45-minute visit to Château la Verrerie, where you gain insight into local winemaking traditions. The guide leads you through the vineyard and cellar, culminating in a tasting of their wines. This stop offers a chance to see the craftsmanship behind Provençal wines and learn about the region’s unique terroir.

The admission is included, making it easy to focus on tasting and learning. The wine tastings feature selections from the estate, perfect for appreciating the nuances of Provence wines. The experience is both educational and enjoyable, especially for those curious about wine production.

Olive Oil Tasting at Bastide du Laval’s Mill

Next, the tour visits the Bastide du Laval, a prestigious olive oil producer, for a 30-minute tour of the olive oil mill. Visitors see the traditional process of extracting olive oil and sample some of the finest extra virgin olive oils in the region.

This stop highlights the region’s olive oil heritage and offers a chance to purchase bottles directly from the producer. The admission is included, and the tasting provides an authentic insight into Provençal olive oil craftsmanship, appreciated by food lovers and culinary enthusiasts alike.

Exploring Château de Lourmarin: A Medieval Fortress

The 45-minute visit to Château de Lourmarin introduces visitors to a medieval-era castle with architecture dating back centuries. The guide explains its historical significance and shares stories from its past, providing a glimpse into Provence’s medieval history.

The castle’s location in the picturesque village of Lourmarin makes it a charming stop, offering both cultural insight and scenic views. The visit concludes with an opportunity to explore the castle’s grounds and admire the Provençal landscape.

Tasting Provençal Wines at Château la Canorgue

The final stop is a 45-minute wine tasting at Château la Canorgue, a family-owned wine estate renowned for its Luberon wines. Here, the focus is on sampling wines crafted from local grapes, with the opportunity to learn about the winemaking process from the estate’s experts.

The tasting complements the day’s theme by showcasing the diversity and quality of Provençal wines, making it a highlight for connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. The experience is designed to be relaxed and informative, with plenty of time to savor each glass.

Logistics and Comfort: Transfers and Meeting Points

This tour starts promptly at 9:00 am with hotel pickup in Aix-en-Provence, ensuring a smooth beginning. The air-conditioned vehicle makes traveling between stops comfortable, especially on warm days. The drop-off is at the original pickup point, making it convenient for travelers staying in Aix-en-Provence.

The tour is private, meaning only your group participates, allowing for a personalized experience. Travelers should be prepared for walking at the stops but will find the pacing manageable for most.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The price covers all the admission tickets for the stops, wine and olive oil tastings, and private transportation. However, wines purchased at each cellar are not included in the price. Visitors can buy bottles or cases directly from the estates if desired.

Snacks and lunch are also not included, but local produce can be purchased at the stops or nearby shops. This flexibility allows guests to choose their own refreshments and enjoy authentic Provençal foods during the day.

Flexibility and Cancellation Policy

Guests can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, receiving a full refund. The tour relies on good weather, and if canceled due to rain or storms, an alternative date or a full refund is offered. This provides peace of mind for travelers concerned about weather conditions.

Why Choose This Tour: Strengths and Considerations

Known for its knowledgeable guides and engaging stops, this tour offers a comprehensive taste of Provençal wine and olive oil culture. The small group setting ensures a personalized experience, and the well-paced itinerary balances education with leisure.

A key strength is the inclusion of multiple stops, from working vineyards to a historic castle, all with tastings included. The air-conditioned transfer adds comfort, especially during warmer months. However, it’s designed for those with a moderate physical fitness level, as some walking is involved.

This tour is ideal for wine lovers, history buffs, and culinary enthusiasts who want a relaxed, in-depth day exploring Provence’s famed products and heritage. It’s less suitable for travelers seeking a more active, physically demanding adventure or those arriving and departing from the port on the same day.

Boutique Provençal Experience with a Personal Touch

The tour offers a personalized experience with only your group participating, led by knowledgeable guides like Christopher, who share stories and details that enrich the visit. The positive reviews highlight the educational yet fun atmosphere, making it suitable for a variety of travelers.

The visits to Château la Verrerie, Bastide du Laval, Château de Lourmarin, and Château la Canorgue** create a well-rounded day filled with tasting, sightseeing, and cultural insights. This experience showcases the best of Provençal wine, oil, and history without feeling rushed or commercialized.

Final Thoughts on the Provençal Wine and Olive Oil Tour

This private Provençal tour delivers a balanced and authentic look at local wine and olive oil traditions combined with visits to a medieval castle. Its eight-hour schedule and inclusive tastings make it a great value for anyone wanting to deepen their appreciation for Provence’s culinary culture.

The well-organized itinerary, comfortable transportation, and personalized service make it stand out among similar experiences. It’s perfect for those who enjoy learning about regional products in an intimate setting, especially if they appreciate history and scenic views.

While not suited for travelers looking for a physical challenge or those with tight schedules, this tour offers a relaxing, informative, and delicious day exploring Provence’s most iconic products and sights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of this tour?
The price covers admission tickets to all stops, wine and olive oil tastings, and private, air-conditioned transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off.

Are snacks or lunch included?
No, lunch and additional snacks are not included, but visitors can purchase local produce during the stops or plan their own meal afterward.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking and moderate physical activity is recommended. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for outdoor stops, especially in sunny weather.

Can I buy wine or olive oil during the tour?
Yes, wine and olive oil can be purchased directly at each estate. These are not included in the tour price but are available at the stops.

Is this tour suitable for shore excursions?
No, this private tour is not recommended for guests arriving and departing from Marseille port on the same day.

What is the cancellation policy?
Guests can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations due to poor weather are also handled with full refunds or rescheduling.

This tour offers a relaxed, engaging day exploring Provençal wine, oil, and history, ideal for travelers seeking a personalized, cultural experience in the heart of southern France.