Discover the enchanting town of Uzès, just a 10-minute drive from the château, on a guided orientation walk. Uzès is rich in history with well-preserved medieval architecture. It is one of only 3 towns in France that has been awarded 3 stars in the Michelin Green Guide.

Entering the town is like stepping back in time which you'll quickly discover as you visit the historic center and its cobbled streets. Along the way, your trip leader will point out local landmarks, restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, the bank, the pharmacy, and anything else that you might need during your stay.

Afterward, have lunch at a local restaurant followed by free time to explore Uzès and take in its charming atmosphere. La Place aux Herbes, the town's main square, is one of the best places to observe daily French life. Every Saturday, there is a local market here which is recognized as the most beautiful market in southern France. (A smaller market also takes place on Wednesdays.)

Included:

• Activities: Uzès orientation walk; Free time
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Château

Start your day with a visit to the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole Monastery which dates back to the 11th century. This monastery later became an insane asylum and psychiatric hospital. It is now famous as where Van Gogh lived after mutilating his left ear with his own razor. Van Gogh created some of his most famous masterpieces here including Starry Night, Irises, and Wheat Field with Reaper among many others. The monastery's lush gardens and wheat fields served as a backdrop and inspiration for his paintings.

Next up, have a traditional lunch in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence before heading to the citadel of Les Baux-de-Provence, officially classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Discover this tiny medieval village nestled on a cliff and its incomparable vistas over the Alpilles mountain range. Enjoy some free time here to explore the wonders hidden in the village's rocky alleys. We recommend a visit to the town's castle and ruins dating back to the 10th century which offers breathtaking views. Alternatively, you can just take it easy and indulge in some of the local delicacies, explore art galleries and craft workshops, or go for a little retail therapy at the boutiques around town.

Lastly, head to Carrières des Lumières for a unique sensorial experience. Used as a limestone quarry from the Roman era until the 1930s, this historic site in Les Baux-de-Provence is now a site for audiovisual shows with bright colors and music. Hidden away on a hillside, the Carrières des Lumières show will completely immerse you with images projected onto the huge quarry walls.

Included:

• Activities: Saint-Paul-de-Mausole Monastery; Saint-Rémy-de-Provence; Les Baux-de-Provence; Carrières des Lumières; Castle of Baux (optional)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Château

Spend today à la française beginning with a hands-on perfume workshop at the château to create your own unique fragrance that you can take home. There'll be 50 raw materials to choose from and a perfume expert will explain the art of creating a good perfume. She will evaluate your unique sensitivities, explain the families of scents, and describe the basic principles of creating a well-balanced scent. The perfumer will be there to offer advice and guide you if needed, but you will have free rein to concoct your own personalized perfume or cologne.

After the workshop, you will have some free time. You can get some R&R at the château, whip up a quiche with your fellow travelers and French trip leader, or just relax in the château gardens with a glass of rosé.

Later in the afternoon, discover two of Marseille's most famous traditions: pétanque and pastis (an anise spirit). Break out your fancy outfits and channel your inner French bourgeoisie (think Downton Abbey!) for a pétanque tournament on the château's property. Sip on pastis and nibble on hors d'oeuvres... It doesn't get any more French than this!

Included:

• Activities: Perfume workshop; Pétanque lesson & tournament with apéritif
• Meals: Breakfast; Apéritif
• Accommodation: Château

Today you will journey through Southern France's countryside and traditions. First, visit a local farm and vineyard and meet the owner, Emmanuel, who will tell you about his passion for horses and organic winemaking. He will take you for a ride through the Provencal countryside in a horse-drawn carriage while you take in the scents of rosemary, thyme, and wild mint all around you.

Stop for a picnic right in the heart of the countryside where you will taste some of the best local flavors accompanied by some of Emmanuel's organic wines. You'll also get to try Cartagena (a sweet liqueur wine), a specialty of the Languedoc region, also produced by Emmanuel.

The rest of the afternoon will be free for you to rest at the château or go to Uzès if you wish to have dinner in town.

Included:

• Activities: Vineyard and horse farm visit; Countryside horse carriage ride; Picnic and wine tasting
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Château

All remaining days are completely free to do as you wish. You can choose to relax by the pool with a glass of rosé, chill at the château, take a French cooking class, or explore some more. It's your choice!

If you’re feeling creative, we recommend a pottery class in France's first pottery village, just a few minutes from the château. You could also spend a day in the beautiful town of Avignon and taste the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine produced nearby. Avignon is also the home of the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), the largest gothic palace in Europe and an important center for the Catholic Church for about seven centuries. 

If you want to discover more of France's history, we highly recommend a day trip to Arles, a town filled with Roman treasures, art, and colorful pastel houses. Alternatively, you could visit the medieval town of Aigues Mortes, marked by the crusades and the Templar Knights. Don't miss out on its impressive castle overlooking the pink salt harvests while you're there. For nature lovers, spend a day with locals on a Jeep safari through Camargue National Park's unique flora and fauna for one of the most authentic adventures to be had in the area.

Your trip leader will be there to assist you with any arrangements and will have optional excursions to sign up for.

Included:

• Activities: Free days (trip leader can recommend activities for you)
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Château

Say farewell to France and your new friends. Today is the last day of your slowcation. We hope to see you on one of our next adventures!

Included:

• Activities: Departure (at your own expense); Free time
• Meals: Breakfast

*Itinerary is subject to change.