Top 10 Cultural Tours in Var, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur

Take the road straightforward from Nice to Aix en Provence. During your free time see the famous place de Rotonde, visit the old historic center, take time for lunch. On the way back stop and see the vinyards, get a taste of the wine of the Provence

Inclusions: Experienced guide

Exclusions: Lunch

Toulon is the capital of Var. Its importance as a central port city for the Mediterranean coast was known back in the Roman Empire. Toulon is a permanent base for the French Navy, and the largest military port in France today, including the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. Toulon also served Napoleon as the port from which he embarked on his journey to Egypt. Josephine climbed the Royal Tower and waved goodbye to her husband to make sure he did indeed leave. We will walk along the port dock, discuss the history of the city, look at the famous statues in front of the town hall. We will then cut into the old city and famous Provencal market and explore some of the local specialties. We will continue into the heart of the old city, looking at houses, fountains, telling stories, and presenting the previously vibrant figures of Toulon. We will finish up with Navy base and the National Museum of Marine.

Inclusions: Tour Guide

Exclusions:

Discovery of the Sainte Baume mountain, a famous Christian pilgrimage destination and one of the finest belvedere in Provence. Hike through the unique Forest of Sainte Baume, on the steps of famous and anonymous pilgrims. Cave/ grotto Saint Mary Magdalene, a famous place of pilgrimage Visit of the Basilica Saint Mary Magdalene in Saint Maximin, masterpiece of gothic art,

Inclusions: Private transportation, Private tour with lecturer guide specialized in pilgrimages and spiritual tours

Exclusions: Lunch, Soda/Pop

Let's discover the best of Provence with a qualified driver guide during a shared full day tour! le lac de sainte croix , Moustier sainte marie , LES PLATEAUX DE VALENSOLE Découvrez MOUSTIERS-SAINTE-MARIE, classé parmi les plus beaux villages de France avec ses remparts, ses fontaines, son aqueduc… célèbre pour sa faïence en camaïeu bleu et son étonnante étoile suspendue dans le vide. Situé dans un décor boisé, au pied des gorges du Verdon, entre les Alpes de Haute Provence et le Var. Then, through and photographing world famous lavender plateaus: les plateaux de Valensole. Complete your open-tour by discovering the lac de sainte croix you could take your lunch on the border of the lac or swim in the fresh water of the mountain non-contractual indicative timings may depend on traffic and delays

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Transport by air-conditioned minibus, full options, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points, Driver’s meal and toll fees

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch

Visit two Provençal wineries and enjoy a rustic picnic lunch (included) on this full-day private wine tour from Nice. Discover the authentic flavors from the heart of Provence. Taste various top grade wines, meet the winemakers, share their passion, discuss their secrets and receive practical advices for choosing and storing your bottles. Explore the Château Font du Broc’s winery and enjoy their exceptional Provencal DOC. Step down their cellar, a superb underground cathedral that will leave you speechless. Join the fun, share a rustic picnic lunch under the shade of centenary plane trees at the beautiful Chateau Saint Martin. This domain was, as a tradition, passed on from mother to daughter over many generations. You will have a special taste of their full bodied wines. Enjoy at the most this relaxing and exciting day.

Inclusions: Professional guide, Wine tastings, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels with postcodes 06000, 06100, 06200 or 06300 only), Transport by air conditioned minivan

Exclusions: Gratuities, Additional food and drinks, Supplément Pic-nic lunch at Chateau St Martin 50 Euros / pers. to pay on spot

Discover in this private full day tour the North of the French Riviera in the Alpes de Haute-Provence and enjoy the stunning scenery of the area. Go to the charming village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, learn about the famous cosmetics brand L'Occitane en Provence, in Manosque, with the visit of the historical factory. Back on the road to Valensole and enjoy the fabulous view of the lavender fields (from 10th June  to 20th July). Once in Valensole, get some free time to discover this Provencal village, before heading up to Lake of Sainte-Croix where you can enjoy the view over the Verdon canyon.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Fuel surcharge

Exclusions: Drinks, Food and drinks, Lunch

In this 9-hour private tour, discover the Verdon Canyon area highlights through the eyes of a local private guide. Have a short stop for a drink in Castellane after being driven via the scenic road, enjoy a walk through the lovely pedestrian street and then head further to Moustiers Sainte Marie where you will have the possibility for lunch. OR Drive on the motorway to Le Muy and cross the vineyards to join the Verdon Canyon. As this is a private tour, your guide will adapt the itinerary to your own preferences and interests. Pick-up will be in the morning at your hotel or private address in Nice. You will enjoy an unforgettable private tour of the Verdon Canyon with a passionate personal guide. Verdon Canyon is the deepest gorge in France and one of the must-see natural wonders of central Provence. Avoid the crowds with your private guide who knows this part of Provence as only locals do.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Live commentary on board, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Private tour, Professional guide

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities, Admission fees

Let's discover the best of Provence with a qualified guide/driver during a private full day tour! LES PLATEAUX DE VALENSOLE ,Moustier sainte marie , lac de sainte croix – MOUSTIERS-SAINTE-MARIE : Découvrez MOUSTIERS-SAINTE-MARIE, classé parmi les plus beaux villages de France avec ses remparts, ses fontaines, son aqueduc… célèbre pour sa faïence en camaïeu bleu et son étonnante étoile suspendue dans le vide. Situé dans un décor boisé, au pied des gorges du Verdon, entre les Alpes de Haute Provence et le Var. What better than a walking tour to discover Aix-en-Provence, the city of a thousand fountains, the excellence of the mansions, the gorgeousness of its architecture and monuments. Then, through and photographing world famous lavender plateaus: les plateaux de Valensole. Complete your open-tour by discovering “la Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine” in Saint-Maximin la Sainte-Baume, the most beautiful Gothic building of Provence.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Lunch

An incredible tour which starts at a near by, little known medieval village full of history, Napoleon and charm. We follow an ancient road through the mighty Gorges of Olllioules to our next destination, Le Castellet. Immediately we are surrounded by the famous vineyards of Bandol wine appellation, and, as if we are in a road trip movie, we zig zag through typical bright Provencal country side. We do an obligatory stop to sample some of these great wines, while learning and understanding what makes the grape varieties here so special. We carry on to Le Castellet and its famous castle where we will visit esoteric shops, winding streets, and have a 360 degree view of vineyards, mountains, and the sea. An incredible location at the heart of the Var district of Provence. This is off-beaten-path of most tours in Provence. After we had lunch we will carry on to probably the most beautiful and authentic ports in all of Provence, the celebrated Sanary-sur-mer, and I need not say more.

Inclusions: Wine tastings, Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Lunch, Bottled water

The world is re-opening and you can't wait to begin your travels again. But borders are still closed and flights complicated. In the meantime, you can have fun planning your travels. Tired of spending hours on websites to plan your trip? In the age of Corona travel differently: smaller groups and avoiding crowds. But how do you know where to go? Best is to book a travel consulting session with a local expert, take the guess work out of the game and save yourself time. It is important to have an accurate understanding of local conditions regarding any possible restrictions or sanitary measures. Be like a local French holiday maker ! During our one hour on zoom, I will get to know you, take in your holiday wishes, reveal special places to visit, best time to visit popular spots, make suggestions and recommendations for sites, lodgings, restaurants. Following our session, within 24 hours you will receive a summary document. Have more questions? Book another session !

Inclusions: Written post-session 1-2 pages summary report

Exclusions: I can't provide the Merlot, but it's not a bad idea :-)