Provence in Detail
- 8 Days
- From £1,059
- France
- Lavender fields, rocky outcrops, olive groves
- Charming, historical towns of Aix-en-Provence and Avignon
- Roman, medieval and renaissance architecture
- Free days of rail travel in both destinations so you can explore other Provençal destinations
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Upgrade hotels and rail journeys
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations
- 7 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Free day of rail travel from Avignon and Aix
- Comprehensive directions to your hotels
- Clearly-presented wallets for your rail tickets, hotel vouchers and other documentation
- All credit card surcharges and complimentary delivery of your travel documents
Suggested Itinerary
Depart London St Pancras on board Eurostar and change in Lille or Paris for the rapid TGV service into the heart of Provence, arriving at Avignon TGV.
Upon arrival, check in at the Hotel de l’Horloge (or similar), just off the Place de l’Horloge and in prime position for visiting the Palais des Papes and Pont d’Avignon.
Spend three full days in Avignon where you will have one day free to see the city at your own pace. Wander around the mighty Palais des Papes or take a walk ‘sur le pont d’Avignon’.
On one of your days here, you can take to the rails for unlimited travel in the local area. Perhaps take a day trip to Orange, with its impressive Roman arena or Arles – where Van Gogh spent more than a year creating paintings inspired by the local area. You can also reach Montelimar (pictured), which boasts a fabulous castle and world-famous nougat.
Take the TGV service once again and head even further south to the small town of Aix-en-Provence. Here, you will check in at the Grand Hotel Roi René (or similar) for a 3-night stay.
Aix-en-Provence has a history dating back to 123 BC, when the city was founded. There is plenty to see and do here, from architecture and museums to shopping and art galleries. Don’t miss the former studio of Paul Cézanne, which has been left as it was at the time of his death.
During your stay you will have one full day to explore Aix at your leisure. You will also be able to spend a day exploring on the train. Aix is on a direct rail line to buzzing regional capital Marseille, stunning Cassis or Toulon on the coast. You could also head further afield to the beaches of Cannes and St Tropez!
Head back to the high-speed station in Aix for your journey home. Change in Paris or Lille and connect with your Eurostar back to the UK.
TMR RECOMMENDS: Cap off your holiday with a night or two in the world-class city of Paris. Take in the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and Louvre Museum before heading back to the UK by Eurostar.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Avignon
Overlooking the pretty Place de l’Horloge in the centre of Avignon, the Hotel de l’Horloge occupies a traditional 19th century building with antique furnishings and elegantly decorated bedrooms. All of these feature air-conditioning, sound-proofing and complimentary Wi-Fi access.
Aix-en-Provence
Around 350 metres from the Cours Mirabeau, Aix’s main shopping street, the Grand Hotel Roi Rene is a modern hotel occupying a tradtional 19th century building. All air-conditioned bedrooms come with satellite TV, minibar and tea and coffee making facilities. The hotel is also within easy walking distance of the station.
