Escorted Tours
Gardens of Provence
Cypress trees, sunlit vineyards, and silvery olive groves stretching across rolling hills; terraced slopes set against limestone cliffs and distant mountains. This is the essence of Provence, a landscape both rugged and refined, shaped by centuries of cultivation and a climate that demands resilience. Hot summers, drying winds, and scarce water have not diminished its beauty—instead, they have helped create some of the most distinctive and inspiring gardens in Europe.
This tour will explore a wide variety of these gardens and landscapes. From historic estates and formal terraces to innovative contemporary designs and private creations, each visit reveals a different response to the Provençal environment. Along the way, you will encounter exceptional planting, artistic influences, and a deep connection between garden design and place, all set within one of France’s most captivating regions.
what’s included
At A Glance
Meet Your Expert Guide
David Hurrion
David is an accomplished plantsman, gardener, writer and broadcaster who has been growing plants for more than forty years. His extensive practical experience is underpinned by botanical and scientific training, together with a deep understanding of garden design, wildlife, geology and climate.
David has worked in gardens and nurseries, taught horticulture and spent more than twenty years writing and editing gardening publications, including BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine. A genial and highly knowledgeable host, he has travelled widely in search of plants and gardens and brings both practical insight and infectious enthusiasm to every visit.
itinerary & excursions
Your Itinerary
Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.
Day 1: Journey by Rail to Aix-en-Provence
Travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras to Lille, continuing south through the French countryside to Aix-en-Provence. On arrival, transfer to your hotel. There will be time to settle in before a welcome drink and dinner.
Day 2: Pavilion de Galon and Château Val Joanis
This morning, visit the award-winning garden Pavilion de Galon, full of local flora, created by photographer Guy Hervais around an 18th-century mansion. After the visit, a light lunch (included) will be served on the terrace. In the afternoon, visit the gardens at Château Val Joanis, a highly-regarded winery that has a remarkable, formal kitchen garden. Late afternoon, return to the hotel with the evening free.
The afternoon is free for you to explore further at your own pace.
Day 3: Domaine d’Orves, Bandol and Jardin Albertas
Morning visit to the award-winning gardens of Domaine d’Orves. Here, a beautiful walled garden surrounds the house, filled with endemic plants and plants from around the world. One feature of the garden is the constant presence of water through fountains, false springs and marshy ponds. Heading towards the coast, there will be time for a leisurely lunch (own expense) in the pretty town of Bandol.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of Jardin Albertas. Originally created in the 17th-century, the gardens are a testament to the art of the 17th-century garden. Structured over four terraces, there is plenty to explore with its statues, ponds, trees and plants. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.
Day 4: Château de Brantes, St Rémy and Mas dou Gaou
Morning visit to Château de Brantes, which has a Tuscan-inspired garden created in the 1960s by Danish landscape architect Mogens Tvede. Afterwards, plenty of time will be allowed for a leisurely lunch (own expense) in St Rémy.
In the afternoon, visit a private garden designed by James and Helen Basson. Explore this garden that was designed with a tableau of planting to encourage users to explore the garden away from the house. Return to the hotel with your evening at leisure.
Day 5: Lavender Fields, Puimoisson and Atelier de Cézanne
This morning, visit the family-run Lavandes Angelvin to see that famous Provencal lavender. We continue through rolling countryside to Puimoisson for some free time before returning to Aix-en-Provence to visit Atelier de Cézanne. It was in this studio that between 1902 and 1906 Cezanne worked and created some of his greatest works.
Day 6: La Ciotat, Cassis and the Calanques
Visit Parc du Mugel in La Ciotat, where a sheltered microclimate beneath dramatic cliffs allows an impressive range of plant species to flourish. Exotic and Mediterranean plants grow side by side, creating a garden of unexpected richness.
Continue to Cassis for lunch (not included), followed by a boat trip through the Calanques, where sheer limestone cliffs and resilient coastal vegetation provide a striking contrast to the cultivated gardens seen earlier in the week.
Day 7: La Louve, Dye Plant Gardens and Hôtel Pigonnet
We begin at La Louve, a garden known for its contemporary planting and thoughtful use of space. This is followed by the Jardins des Plantes Tinctoriales, where an unusual collection of dye plants is grown and displayed with both botanical and historical interest.
Our final visit is to the garden of Hôtel Pigonnet, for a tour of their beautiful garden. Farewell dinner tonight.
Day 8: Return by Rail to London
Transfer to the station for your return journey via Lille to London.
Availability
Choose Your Departure
HOTELS
Tour Accommodation
Best Western le Galice, Aix-en-Provence
This modern four-star hotel is located around a 10–15 minute walk from the centre of Aix-en-Provence and offers bright, spacious and comfortable accommodation. Facilities include a restaurant and bar, terrace and seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and well-appointed, air-conditioned bedrooms with modern amenities including free Wi‑Fi, bath/shower, TV, telephone, minibar, hairdryer, tea/coffee-making facilities and safe.
Hotel Website
our regular tours
Mobility Information
This tour has a moderate fitness rating, reflecting a fuller itinerary with a good balance of visits, walking and time spent exploring on foot.
Some visits may involve cobbled streets, uneven paving, slopes, steps, stairs, limited seating, or walking from the coach drop-off point to the entrance of a site or attraction. The exact demands will vary from day to day, and we highlight specific practical details within the itinerary wherever possible.
You should feel comfortable walking at a steady group pace, standing during visits and enjoying a full day of sightseeing. If you are unsure whether this tour is right for you, please contact us before booking.
Your questions answered
Tour FAQ
If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.
Fresh Adventures for Inquisitive Travellers
Why Choose Travel Editions?
Travel with purpose, passion, and like-minded companions, here’s what sets Travel Editions apart.
Designed for Travellers,
Not Tourists
Founded in 1994 offering unique cultural tours beyond typical high street itineraries.
Personal Service, Real People
Small, friendly team with no automated phone lines. Enjoy personal attention from our team.
Expert Tour Guides, Unique Insights
Industry-leading guides, some since day one, who speak local languages and have detailed knowledge.
Win a 2027 Holiday for Two!
Sign Up To Our
Newsletter For A
Chance To Win
Our newsletter is where you will hear about new tours first, along with travel insights from our leaders and occasional notes from the destinations we visit. We send it thoughtfully: no noise, just the things we think you will genuinely want to read.
"*" indicates required fields
