BIKING, FITNESS, SPORTS, OUTDOORS, NATURE, MASSAGE  & MORE

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Easy Rider: An Ebike Tour for Foodies

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Discover the striking, natural beauty of the Alpilles Mountain region from the comfy seat of an electric bike. Your guide will choose a nice, easy route along a shady, peaceful canal and a bike path without traffic as much as possible. Along the way you'll visit a few of our favorite local artisan food producers on picturesque, family owned properties, such as:  * An olive oil mill where they make 6 award-winning oils and a wide range of other delicious local products such as tapenade and confiture and honey. * A small charming winery in a 17th century mas, where we’ll be offered wine (bien sur!) and other local products. * An authentic and off-the-beaten path goat farm where plenty of animals run free. We’ll milk the goats, taste the milk, learn a bit about cheesemaking and of course sample the delicious chevre. * A beautiful manade (ranch) where they raise bulls for the famous and traditional "Course Camarguaise"…where we'll nibble their special bull saucisson. All told, you’ll be doing a roughly a 20 km loop in the gorgeous countryside surrounding St. Remy...with no climbing of hills unless you want to! We'll have with 3 to 4 visits with tastings depending on timing and schedule. Half day tours are 9 am to 1 pm or 2 pm to 6 pm. The half-day tour price includes electric bikes, helmets, bottled water, all tastings and your foodie bike guide. 2024 Prices: A half-day tour (for 2 people minimum) is 175€pp; additional bikers are 50€ pp. Kids prices depend on age and size. We can take kids of all ages, using a bike seat, a bike trailer or a "follow me."  Ages 9 and up usually ride their own bikes. Available: year round, morning or afternoon, but in July and August we suggest biking in the am to avoid the heat.

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The Luberon for Foodies...by Bike or by Car

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Choose your bike--road bike, hybrid or electric bike--and then off you go on a glorious full-day adventure in the Luberon, with a professional bike guide leading the way. Depending on the day of the week and the time of the year, your day might include a local market, an olive mill, a goat farm for a tasting of fresh goat cheeses, an ancient bread bakery still in use, a studio making superb confitures, the winery made famous in Peter Mayle's movie A Good Year and a tasting of truffle products. (We work only with English-speaking professional bike guides, one of whom is also a chef with 20 years experience working in Provence.) Plus you'll experience some of the top sites in the Luberon such as the Abbaye de Senanque, The Chateau of the Marquis de Sade and the historic hilltowns of Gordes, LaCoste, Bonnieux, Menerbes and Oppede le Vieux. No matter what's in season (poppies, lavender, sunflowers, olives, grapes, fruit, etc.), you'll experience stunning scenery, taste wonderful artisan foods and best of all, go at whatever pace feels perfect to you. Total cycling is about 60 km or 38 miles but that's flexible. The day starts in Bonnieux around 8:30 am and ends about 5 pm. Available: Every day except Sunday. 2024 Prices: 350€ pp for two people. 300€ pp for three to six people. For larger groups, please inquire. Price includes bike rental, helmets, market tastings, artisanal visits and tastings, restaurant lunch and any museum entry fees. Kids prices depend on age and size. We can take kids of all ages, using a bike seat, a bike trailer or a "follow me."  Ages 9 and up usually ride their own bikes. Note: This same tour can be done by car, including lunch and tastings. 

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Saddle Up in St. Remy

 

Our favorite bike guide in the Alpilles loves to share this gorgeous area with travelers. Tell us your biking hopes, dreams and fears...and he'll create the perfect route, accompany you and provide the bikes if needed. Rides can be a full day, half day or even just a couple hours. Stops along the way can include artisan food producers, historic sites, pretty villages...anything that interests you. Give us your preferences (road bike or e-bike, distance, elevation gains, etc.) and Jeff will take care of everything including water and snacks. 2024 prices: 225€ half day, 400€ full day...flat fee for up to six people. Bike rental is extra as is lunch, whether it's a casual picnic, a plat du jour in one of our favorite cafes or a more leisurely multi-course meal. Available: year round. 

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A Cycling “Fix” for Confirmed Roadies

All Over Provence

 

If you’re an avid road cyclist visiting Provence, one of the first things you’re likely to think is “Wow, this would be an amazing place to ride!” And of course, you’d be right. The Luberon, the Alpilles region and Mont Ventoux area can be paradise for bikers, with a great variety of terrain, some of the most beautiful villages in the world and stunning scenery at every turn. There are also challenging climbs and thrilling descents for the grimpeur in the family.  The country side is crisscrossed by a endless supply of small, quiet roads, which makes it even more of a cyclist’s dream. This half-day cycling adventure is guided by one or two North Americans who run a local cycling tour company… and is for confident cyclists who ride regularly. Bike with us and your time in the saddle will be spent enjoying the roads and scenery, rather than looking at a map!  Each route is custom-made, based on your fitness and desires, and can start right from the front door of your hotel, B&B or rental villa,  depending on where you’re staying. Each ride is 3 to 4 hours long and includes bars and gels to keep you going. 2024 pricing per person: 1 biker (400€), 2 bikers (250€ pp), 3 bikers (200 pp€), 4 bikers (175€ pp), 5 or 6 bikers (100€ pp). Bike rentals can be arranged at an extra cost, starting at 45€/day. Available: March through November.

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Guided Cycling Tour with Wine Tasting and Picnic (or Restaurant Lunch)

All Over Provence

 

Provence looks even prettier by bike! Head out with a highly experienced guide (20 years experience leading bike tours in the region) to discover beautiful scenery, historic sites and fabulous biking no matter your level. Pop into a winery for a tasting…and enjoy a fabulous picnic amidst the gorgeous scenery. Three routes are available: Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the Luberon Valley and St. Remy de Provence. The price includes bike rental (electric bikes available for an extra charge), helmet, guide, wine tasting and picnic lunch. Your guide is a native Californian, the co-owner of a bike touring company…and a chef who has worked in top restaurants throughout America, Spain and France. 300€ per person for the first couple, 250€ per person for three people or more. Available: Spring, Summer, Fall.

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Days of Wine and Truffles

Southern Luberon

 

This adorable Franco American couple moved to the South of France from Chicago in 2003 to take over the his family's vineyard and find a better quality of life. So just like on Green Acres (remember?), they traded in their high-flying jobs in finance and PR for fresh air, starry skies and organic farming in the bucolic Luberon region of Provence. That was nineteen years ago. Today their 11-hectare farm (in Cadenet, near Lourmarin) produces grapes, olives (1000 trees!), lavender, apricots, cherries, plums, apples, pears, pomegranates, figs, almonds, hazelnuts and—wait for it--black winter truffles. Yes, la famille owns 50 mature olive trees and another 950 trees (that they they planted themselves—yikes!) and a stand of oak that regularly produce the prized tuber melanasporum, AKA truffes noirs, AKA Black Gold. They also produce tuber aestivum--black summer truffles--as well. Sign on for one of their truffle tours and you'll learn about how truffle trees are cultivated, the special conditions necessary to grow truffles, the signs nature gives to indicate your trees might have truffles beneath them, dramatic stories about the extreme lengths people will go to in order to steal or even sabotage, all while watching their expert hunter's duo of dogs dig for the hidden treasure and come up with "black gold" before your eyes. You'll learn how to clean and prepare fresh truffles, what dishes taste best with truffles, how to tell the difference between a real truffle and the fakes from China...and then tuck into a sampling of fresh truffle hors d'oeuvres, truffle ice cream with truffle honey, with Champagne, and a tasting of their truffle salt, organic olive and truffle oils. Available: Winter season is roughly Nov 15 to March 15; summer season May 1 to September 30. Summer tours are at 10 am and 6 pm Monday through Friday. Winter tours are at 10 am and 2:30 pm Monday through Friday. Tours take roughly 3 hours, for 2-15 people. 2024 Prices: 108€ for adults, 72€ for ages 10 to 17, 48€  ages 2 to 9.

 

Sunset Petanque Apero

St. Remy or other villages

 

Before heading off to dinner, learn how to play this traditional Provencale ball game. You’ll be taught by an English-speaking local on one of the many boules courts in St. Remy. Your two hour game will be accompanied by chilled rosé wine--or Pastis if you prefer--plus something to nibble. 2024 Price: 300€ no matter the group size. Offered from roughly 5 to 7 pm in St. Remy, year round. Minimum: 2 people but 6 or more is best.

 

Petanque Lessons in the Luberon

Lourmarin

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Join us for pétanque lessons in lovely Lourmarin, overlooking one of Provence's most magnificent landscapes. Petanque lessons are available at 10 am and 6 pm and last at least two hours. First we'll teach you the rules of the game along with a brief history of the sport. Then you'll learn how to handle the boules, throw, shoot, score...and master the fine art of disputing a point! You'll play competitive games (with a glass of rosé in hand, of course!) and there will also be homemade Pastis for sampling. We'll present the winning team with a prize during an aperitif with rosé and red wine and traditional homemade Provencal snacks (pâtés, tapenade, pickled mushrooms). Prices: 44 € adults, 32 € kids under 17. Minimum: 2 people. Available: every day, year round.

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Olive Picking Party in Provence

Cadenet

 

This 11-hectare farm (in Cadenet, near Lourmarin), run by a Franco American couple, produces a wide range of fruit, nuts, black winter truffles, wine grapes and olives...lots and lots of olives...from 1,000 olive trees. A couple years back the owners began inviting travellers to join in the harvest and it became a huge hit, a wonderful rite of fall in Provence. First, learn how olive trees are raised, farmed and found in the wild...and how the precious oil is made. Then head out into the orchard to pick three different ways, learn about pruning and more. There will also be time to discover the rest of the property with its wild herbs, grapevines, truffle trees and beehives. Finally, everyone heads for the outdoor kitchen to enjoy a post-picking party with charcuterie (pâté, ham, sausage, etc.), cheese, truffle products (truffle oil, truffle salt, truffle honey) and more. And of course you’ll taste the estate’s organic extra-virgin olive oil and other olive-based products. It’s all accompanied by red and rosé wines...all you care to drink. Plan to stay at least three hours. Prices: 32€ adults; free for kids under 17. Available: Depends on the season but roughly late October to late November, weekdays only.

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Barrels of Fun: Grape Stomping in Provence

Cadenet

 

This 11-hectare farm (in Cadenet, near Lourmarin), run by a Franco American couple, produces olives from 1000 trees, as well as fruits, nuts, black winter truffles...and wine grapes. They make their own wines with syrah and grenache...and have just planted 10 additional varietals which will yield unique wines in a few years. A couple years ago, they started hosting grape stomps for friends and then opened them up to the public; they’re now wildly popular. First you’ll learn how grape vines arrived in Provence and how to harvest them. Then it's off to handpick the grapes. Afterwards, you'll crush organic muscat (table grapes) and organic syrah-grenache by foot, in a big barrel, with a view of Cezanne’s famous Mount Ste. Victoire in the background. You’ll finish the day in the farm's summer kitchen, nibbling cheeses and charcuterie--with the farm's own truffle honey, truffle oil and truffle salt—and all you care to drink of red wine and rosé. Great fun for all ages...and you’ll learn French drinking songs too! Plan to spend at least 2.5 hours. Prices: 75€ per adult, 50€ for kids (10 to 17) and 25€ ages 2 to 9. Minimum: 2 people. Available: Weekdays only, from early August until end of October, depending on weather and grapes!

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Photographing the Famous White Horses of the Camargue

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One of our most fantastic experiences is a day designed for people who want to photograph the famous white horses of the Camargue and the cowboys (gardians) who look after them. To do this, we’ve teamed up with a terrific photographer who knows the best ranches, best places to shoot and best time of day to capture the most-magical images. Not only will you improve your skills considerably but you'll get a glimpse of a Provence that many travelers miss. Shooting lasts roughly 90 minutes but there’s a 45-minute tutorial beforehand and travel time to the shooting site so plan to spend about three hours. Workshops are suited to all levels, from beginner to professional, using smart phones to DSLRs. The best time to shoot is around sunrise and sunset so the timing changes with the seasons. In 2024, four types of private workshops will be available on your choice of dates. * A group of 7 to 10 horses running in the watery marshes is 1000€ (for up to 8 people). *A group of 5 to 7 horses on the beach (and running in the sea) is 2000€ (for up to 10 people). The price is a flat fee for your group; each workshop includes gardians in traditional gardian garb! * At dawn...bulls! Shooting on a ranch, your subject will be be 10 to 15 bulls and their gardians. They might in the fields, in the water, kicking up clouds of dust and doing whatever else it is that bulls do all day. Price is 1320€. A  private workshop in the salt flats, after sunset, is available for up to 10 people max.  Public workshops are also available on certain dates, starting three hours before sunset, alternating between the marsh and the beach...or the ranch if you want bulls. Also, a new public workshop gives you private access to the famous salt flats, after sunset. Public workshops range in price from 80€ to 240€ per person. Some public workshops include foals and mares, usually five of each, on a private ranch, in a typical Camargue landscape with marsh, birds, reeds, etc. Whether you sign up for a public or private shoot, you’ll meet the photographer in or near Aigues-Mortes. For the marsh shoots, be sure to wear water-proof boots to the knee. For beach shoots between May and October, bare feet or walking sandals and shorts are fine. The same photographer also offers workshops focused on the birds of the Camargue (flamingos and others), with exclusive private visits to the bird park, either at dawn or after sunset...inquire for details. Available: year-round.

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Take a Hike!

St Remy/Les Baux/Eygalieres/Les Alpilles Region

 

Love hiking but don't know quite where to go? Our favorite (fully bi-lingual) St. Remy-based hiking guide offers glorious half and full-day hikes, mostly in and around the Alpilles Mountains but also slightly farther afield.  Depending on the time of year and the stamina of your group, she'll pick the perfect paths and design a great day out. Prices: Half-day (3-hour) hikes are €75 for the first person; €25 for each additional person. Full-day (6-hour hikes) are €150 for the first person; €35 for each additional person. Group rates available. Available: year round.

 

Private Garden Tour

 

Tell us where you're staying and what sort of gardens you most love...and we'll plan a beautiful day out for you including at least two private garden visits. We know many extraordinary gardens, most of them not generally open to the public; the selection will depend on location and season. Your host will be a professional tour guide and/or garden expert. When possible, the homeowner or gardener will also be on hand to welcome you. We'll take a break mid day for lunch and round out the afternoon with a visit to a professional flower farm or a shop selling beautiful things (such as pottery) for your own home and garden. This is a custom tour for any number of people, available in spring, summer or fall. The cost of lunch is extra. Prices: Two people: 500€. Three to six people: 650€. More than six: 800€.

 

Whirly Bird Special

 

Why sit in traffic when you can lift off from Nice Airport, enjoy a breathtaking helicopter ride along the stunning coastline and land at Monaco Heliport just 7 minutes later? This terrific company, in business since 1976, has 12 single- and twin-engine helicopters and an impeccable safety record providing transfers and site-seeing throughout the Riviera region and beyond. A one-way flight between Nice and Monaco (or vice versa) is just €135 per person. Private transfers range from €775 to  €1180 depending on the size of your group. If you’re landing at Nice and heading elsewhere in France or to Italy, you can helicopter to many cities and villages, landing at heliports, on golf courses and in the gardens of some restaurants and hotels. The company also offers panoramic site-seeing flights, departing from Monaco or elsewhere. The most popular flights are 10 minutes  (€60 per person), 20 minutes (€115 per person) or 30 minutes (€150 per person)…but  of course the sky’s the limit:  this summer, a client of mine booked a one-hour site-seeing flight for her family of four, with pick up and drop off on the lawn of her hotel in Vence (total cost: €2500). Depending on the length of the flight,  you may see Monaco, Eze Village, Juan les Pins, Cannes, St. Jean Cap Ferrat, Beaulieu, Villefranche, Menton, Roquebrune and the Lerins Islands. Seriously, you deserve this! Packages are also available, such as a one-night gambling jaunt to Monaco, including heli transfers from Nice, shuttle to your 5-star hotel,  room and a casino gift card (€ 475 per person).

 

My Beautiful Balloon

 

One of France’s top hot-air balloon companies (they operate in 9 regions nationwide and one in Spain) offers glorious flights over the Luberon region of Provence just about every morning. With two balloons at their base in Forcalquier and two fully bi-lingual pilots, their colorful montgolfières glide gracefully over the Luberon hills, lavender fields and hilltop villages of this vast “natural park,” halfway between the Alps and the Mediterranean. You’ll rendezvous at the Tourist Office in Forcalquier around 6 am (depending on the month), and enjoy coffee and croissants with your fellow flyers. Then off you go! Your flight ends with a celebratory glass of wine…and a diploma to take home. The flight itself lasts roughly one hour but the entire excursion takes 3.5 hours start to finish. Then you can spend your afternoon poking around pretty Forcalquier. The company recommends three- and four-star hotels nearby, which you can book yourself or package into the price. The fully refundable ‘’Maxi Choice’’ ticket option (274 €) insures that should you need to cancel for any reason, your money will be completely refunded (except 25€). The company has earned the Qualité Tourisme mark, indicating the highest standards for safety, professionalism and expertise.  And yes, you can get married in a balloon! Weekday flights: 191 € per person. Weekends: 217 € pp. Kids between 6 and 12 years old : 158 €. A private ride, for two is 900 € or four people is 1400 €.  

 

Up, Up and Away!

Avignon

 

Glorious site-seeing flights are offered by a highly experienced pilot, fully tri-lingual in French, English and German, working out of the airport in Avignon.  What a great way to celebrate a special day or just enjoy the beautiful landscape.  Choose the circuit you prefer or let the pilot decide; he knows all the most-breathtaking views. A running commentary is provided by headset, in the language you prefer. Champagne at the end of your flight? No problem...he can provide that too. Prices: A 1/2 hour flight in a four-seater plane is 175€ for up to three people; one hour is 350€. Champagne is extra. In summer the best time to fly is late in the day, around 5 or 6 pm.  If the weather isn't cooperating, the pilot will call you to reschedule. Available: Every day year round, weather permitting.

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An Elegant Speedboat Cruise

French Riviera/Cote d'Azur

 

Private charter this luxurious 10.5 meter Sunseeker Portofino 32 (motor: 460 HP, capacity: 8 people) with captain for a glorious cruise along the Cote d'Azur. Skipper, fuel, snorkeling and soft drinks included. Cruise between Monaco and Villefranche (includes Cap Martin, Eze Beach, Cap Ferrat, Cap d'Ail and Beaulieu): Two hours 660€. Three hours 960€. Four hours 1160€. Extra hours: 260€. Half-day cruise to Cannes and the Lerins Islands (includes Juan les Pin, Cap dÁntibes, Billionaires Bay, Eden Roc and the red rocks of the Esterel) : Four hours 1390€. Two-hour Sunset Cruise, with Champagne and appetizers, along the coast between Monaco Bay and St. Jean Cap Ferrat: 690€. All prices are for up to 8 passengers. The boat can depart from Beaulieu Harbor, St Jean Cap Ferrat Harbor or Monaco Harbor (for an 80 € supplement ).

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Cassis and the Calanques by Private Boat

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For those who want to experience the gorgeous Calanques by private boat (as opposed to the public tour boats), I work with two wonderful captains who offer morning, afternoon and late-afternoon cruises out of Cassis, on boats holding 8 to 11 passengers. All cruises include safety equipment (life jackets, etc.), narration in English or French, swimming and snorkeling (equipment provided), visits to hidden coves and more. You're welcome to bring a picnic to eat on board or on the beach. This is a terrific way to experience all the natural beauty of the stunning coastal cliffs of the Calanques and the splendid turquoise sea. Many clients tell me their Cassis boating day was the best day of the trip. Morning cruises start at 9:30 or 10 am and are 3 to 3.5 hours. Prices range from 600€ to 850€ depending on timing and size of boat. Afternoon cruises start at 2 pm and are 3.5 or 4 hours. Prices range from 600€ to 850€ depending on timing and size of boat. Late-afternoon cruises start at 5:30 and are 2 to 2.5 hours. Late-afternoon cruises are 480€ (2 hours) or 540€ (2.5 hours) per boat.

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Cassis...and the Calanques by Private Boat:

A Full Day with Driver/Guide

 

Cassis is a charming seaside town but quite crowded in summer...and it's hard to find parking nearby. Don't worry, we've got that sorted out! Our guide will pick you up at your hotel or rental anywhere within one hour of Aix, around 9 or 10 am. If you want a 60- to 90-minute walking tour of Aix, he'll be happy to do that with you with stops to buy local treats such as fruit, pastries, wine, etc. Then, in his luxury touring vehicle you'll head for Cassis, where he enjoys special parking privileges at the port. You'll have an hour or so to explore the village, with or without your guide. Then you'll all lunch together at what many consider the best seafood place in Cassis. Or, buy a basket of local delicacies to have a picnic at sea. Next it's onto your private boat you go, for a 3.5 to 4-hour cruise to explore the world-famous Calanques. You can swim and snorkel, you can sun, you can drink wine...and at the end of the day, you'll drive the famous Route des Crêtes--with some of the most spectacular scenery in France--and stop on the peak to enjoy a glass of Champagne. Return to your hotel or rental somewhere around 7 pm or so. One client who did this said: "We had an exceptional, perfect day. Your guide was such a pleasure to be with--so pleasant and positive, easy going and knowledgeable. Loved being with him! This day was a highlight of the trip for us. I think finding our way and renting a private boat on our own would have been WAY too confusing and not relaxing. And seeing the Calanques on one of those big tour boats looked like no fun at all to us. We had SO much fun doing it our way."  Price: Depends on size of boat and length of cruise but expect to pay 600€ to 850€ for the boat and captain. Add to that 700€ for the driver/guide and the cost of lunch. If you want the full-day tour and transport but not the private boat rental, you can substitute a trip on the public sightseeing boats (roughly 20€ pp), a hike, time at the beach or some snorkeling. Pricing is for up to 7 people. Larger groups can be accommodated in a second vehicle or by using a bus. For those who want the private boat ride only, the options are listed just above, under the headline “Cassis and the Calanques by Private Boat.”

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Cruising the Calanques with Your New Best Friends

Boats depart from La Ciotat

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This is a great way to get out on the water to see the Calanques on a small boat--with swimming and snorkeling--but without the cost of a private charter (see above). In July and August, this company puts strangers together on 3- and 4-hour cruises from La Ciotat, for a total of 10 or 11 passengers max. 2021 Pricing: Morning cruise: 9:30 to 12:30, adults 70€; kids under ten 35€. Afternoon cruise: 2 pm to 6 pm, adults 90€; kids under ten 55€. 

 

Recharge, Revitalize, Regroup with Yoga 

St. Rémy, Eygalières and the Alpilles (Luberon + additional fee)

 

Travel taking a toll on your body? Missing your yoga fix alongside all the fun and food? This American expat and former professional athlete will help get you back in balance with a gentle or vigorous yoga practice. Private classes for individuals, couples, families and groups in the studio (also a working artists’ atelier in the village of Eygalières, 15 minutes east of St. Remy) or at your hotel or rental property. Classes custom-tailored to all ages and all levels. All equipment (mats, blocks, straps) provided. 75€ for 1-2 people, 25 € per person groups of 3 or more. Thai yoga massage also available, price on request. 

 

Hassle-Free Golf in Provence

 

Did you know that France has more golf courses than Ireland, Spain and even Scotland? Here in Provence we have fantastic courses—including the only course in France designed by the legend Steve Ballesteros--and of course glorious weather pretty much year round. This well-known golf tour company makes it all extremely easy. Their one-day package (offered year round) includes: pick up and drop off at the location of your choice (hotel, villa, train station, airport); private transfer to golf course; tee times reserved; 18 holes of golf; golf clubs, balls, tees, buggy and water; and a golfing partner for those who want it.  Arrangements can also be made for lunch in the club after. Prices depend on your pick up and drop off location but start as low as 200€ per person. Tell me what you’d like and we’ll be happy to provide a quote.

 

A Perfect Day in the Camargue

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This is a wonderful, full day experiencing the best of the Camargue, the unspoiled très-nature region known as the Wild West of Provence. Your guide was born and raised in nearby Arles…and knows every inch of the Camargue as only a local can. The day starts around 9 am as we head off to toward the Vaccares Lake, where, hopefully, you’ll get to see plenty of pretty pink flamingoes. (Depending on the time of year, we might end the day at the lake instead, to catch the stunning sunset.)  For lunch, either we’ll settle into a shady spot for a gourmet picnic or enjoy one of our favorite Camargue restaurants (guide will offer you choices). After lunch, we’ll see the famous salt dunes of Salin-de Giraud. The standard day is an 8 hour tour which costs 630€ for up to six guests, plus lunch. Then, add to it whichever options suit your fancy. Add ons include: *A two-hour jeep tour of a well known manade (ranch) to see the famous white horses and black bulls. Price: 50€ pp. *A more extensive visit to another well-known ranch, where you'll see the animals and learn about the work of the cowboys known as gardians. At the end of the visit, there's local wine and a tasting of local products. Price: 200€ for a couple; 350€ for 3 to 10 people. *A 2-hour boat cruise (roughly 30 € pp). *A visit to the ornothological park, where you'll definitely see pink flamingoes...along with scores of other species of birds (8€ per person). *A seafood dinner at a lakeside restaurant at sunset (roughly 40€ pp). *Private tour of the salt marshes of Aigues Mortes (as opposed to the group tour on the tram.) Our guide is the only one allowed access to the salt marshes in his vehicle. "We can even drive down to the coast and enjoy miles and miles of private beach," he says. "It’s a pretty amazing experience. Price: 80€ per person. Available: year round.

 

Boat Ride and Gourmet Picnic from Cannes

 

This easy-going, professionally trained Dutch chef--with a French mother--worked in Paris, Burgundy, the UK, Switzerland and the Caribbean before opening her own place in Cannes seven years ago. Today her French/Mediterranean kitchen offers one-stop shopping for foodie fun on the Cote d’Azur. She offers a wide range of classes, a Chef’s Table dinner, picnics with a boat ride, Culinary Walking Tours, catering services and more.​ For those who want a day out on the Med, the chef has teamed up with a local charter company to offer a boat ride and gourmet picnic. Priced at €85 pp, it includes a cruise to Isle Saint Marguerite with time to explore the island, a picnic packed in a cooling bag and a bottle of wine. 10:30 am to 4:15 pm. Must be booked 3 days ahead; available May 1 to Sept 30 for 25 guests max.

 

Drone Lessons!

 

There’s a small association of drone pilots in St. Remy who are happy to give two-hour lessons for beginners. The lovely field adjacent to the hotel Chateau des Alpilles has been set aside as the training ground. According to Nathalie Freysz, a licensed drone pilot and instructor, drones are being used by farmers to check their fields, crops and animals; by property owners who wants video for insurance or tax purposes; by homeowners to promote rentals or sales...and most of all, just for fun. The hexacopter DJI 550 drones are equipped with GoPro video cameras and your two-hour lesson includes a souvenir photo or video. Prices: 200 € for a two-hour lesson for two people; group prices and multi-day packages are available.  Available: on demand, year round.

 

Boat Cruises from Marseille, Cassis and various ports on the Cote d'Azur

 

We now work with a wide range of boats and captains and can arrange private boat trips of varying lengths, for groups of all sizes. Add ons can include swim and snorkle...picnics at sea or in quiet coves...sunset cruises...Champagne cruises and more. Let us take the hassle out of booking the perfect cruise, for your family, friends, corporate group or special occasion.

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Do-It-Yourself Natural and Organic Cosmetics

Avignon

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Julie is a charming, English-speaking chemist with years of experience in natural cosmetics and aromatherapy...and she’ll help you make your own unique creation. She's happy to lead workshops at your hotel, rental villa or other venues in Vaucluse. Learn how make your own cosmetics and body-care products such as lip balm, essential oils roll-on, olive oil soap, bar-shampoo, massage oil, lotion, eye care, etc. from natural and organic local ingredients. First, you’ll learn the basics of natural cosmetic ingredients and how to combine them, thenyou'll create your own products to take home...the perfect travel souvenirs! All ingredients and supplies are included. Workshops (for four to ten people) last 60 to 90 minutes depending on which goodies you choose to make. 2024 pricing is 20€ to 50€ per person, depending on the products. Please book at least two weeks in advance. Available: year-round on Saturdays and Sundays, but week-days are also possible. 

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