Small-Group Trips, Workshops and Retreats in 2026
Planning a trip to Provence? Sometimes you want to go it alone...other times the fun and ease of a group trip seems like a better choice. I'm often asked if I can recommend any great getaways to Provence and it's a pleasure to suggest the ones below for 2026. I've chosen these in particular because I know the tour operator, host or guides well...or I think the itinerary is superb...or my clients have done it and raved about it! Or, the program just looks so delicious to me that I'm tempted to sign up myself. Whether you call them group trips, tours, vacations, escapes, packages or retreats...these trip leaders and tour operators have done all the heavy lifting so all you have to do is show up. If you're interested in any of the following, let's discuss!
If you don't see the perfect thing, do stop back because 2026 trips are still being posted as the details come in. --Julie (WhatToDoinProvence@gmail.com)
PROVENCE TRIPS AND RETREATS IN 2026
Provence Fiber Tour
March 19-30, 2026
Now splitting her time between Provence and the US, your host on this adventure has 30 years experience exploring and sharing French food and artistic traditions through her classes, workshops and retreats. After running a cooking school in Arles and working as a goat farmer and cheese-maker, she now makes her living as a writer, chocolate-maker and small-group tour leader in Provence. Passionate about knitting and small ruminants (!) as well as mastery of crafts, this new tour blends just the right amount of history with visits to learn about the quilts of Provence and its folkloric traditional costumes, and contemporary artists in felting, natural dyes, and weaving. We’ll visit a mohair goat farm (and stock up on mohair yarns!), learn about the history and current importance of the Merino d’Arles sheep herds, settle by the wood stove to share projects and stories, have hands-on classes in nuno felting and natural dyeing on silk, and of course enjoy feasts and cooking classes, local wines, markets and more. This tour is based in the outskirts of Avignon in a private home transformed into a 4-bedroom B&B, complete with teaching kitchen. Walking paths and a local farm market are just minutes from the front door. Pricing: $4800 (double occupancy), single supplement $1000.
Living the Dream in Provence
June 12 - 21, 2026
Imagine if your dreams of Provence could come true—wandering through lavender fields, exploring medieval cobblestone towns, and savoring warm summer evenings with a glass of rosé. This perfectly crafted itinerary, created by the company named Best Niche Tour Operator of 2024 by Atout France, brings those dreams to life with VIP tastings at historic wineries, alfresco meals with vineyard and lavender views, a truffle hunt, a private cooking class with a local chef, an immersive art experience, and a one-of-a-kind Michelin-starred pairing dinner curated just for our guests. Unwind each evening at your privatized château set in the middle of its own vineyard near Châteauneuf-du-Pape, your home for seven nights before heading to Avignon for two nights in a four-star hotel to experience the city like a local. Perfect for couples, friends, or solo travelers, this intimate 9-night escape is limited to just 14 guests. Early booking: $5,994 per person (double occupancy) or $7,200 single.
A Taste of Provence
June 4 - June 11, 2026 (only 1- 2 spots left)
September 24 - October 1, 2026
Hosted by a French-born, US-based tour operator with 25+ years experience escorting groups throughout Europe, North Africa and Latin America, these luxury 8 day/7night small-group trips (6 guests max) focus on the food, wine and culture of Provence. Cooking classes at the homes of local chefs, shopping at outdoor markets, gourmet walking tours, winery tours and exclusive visits to artisanal purveyors and producers are combined with visits to the charming hill towns of the Luberon and to historic sites in Avignon, Les Baux de Provence and more. Brush up and practice your French at the optional breakfast "table ronde" conversation sessions. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the perfect balance between planned activities and leisure time. Stay at an elegant boutique hotel and dine from the menu with wine at authentic restaurants inaccessible to larger groups. Leisure time for shopping and experiencing the rhythm of Provençal life. Clients have said "If you've ever considered culinary tourism, this will be the trip of your dreams. Excellence at every turn!" and "There's attention to every single detail. Once you begin your tour, you will not need to be concerned about anything. Yours will be a trip of a lifetime, for sure." These trips are perfect for friends, couples and singles...and fill up quickly. 2026 Price (includes everything except travel to the Avignon starting point) is $7400 pp, with no single supplements. Early-booking discount on the fall trip is as follows: book by Dec. 31, 2025 to get a special $6900 price (7% discount).
France for Foodies
September 19 - 25 2026
Join an American teaching chef, food blogger and TV personality who brings her love of food and France to life each year by creating and hosting meticulously planned foodie adventures for groups of 7 travelers max. Guests on her 2026 trip to Provence will cook alongside and learn from renowned French chefs in a cooking class and wine tasting in legendary Chateauneuf-du-Pape...and in a French Market cooking class with plenty of wine, bien sur! As an added treat, guests will become chocolatiers for a few hours as they craft sumptuous morsels to take away from this one-of-a-kind experience. This culinary excursion is packed full of tastings, including an olive oil mill and a goat cheese farm. Along the way, you'll meet Provencal food artisans oozing with passion for their products. You'll explore the most beautiful hilltop villages, the city of Avignon, and lovely, seaside Cassis, and so much more. Travelers will enjoy shopping in some of the best French markets in the world. This 6-day, 6-night tour is based in a charming Saint Remy hotel appointed with French antiques and boasting a fascinating history. Price: $6295 (double occupancy); single upgrade is $700. This company also offers Burgundy and Champagne in September 2027, Paris (April 2026), the Loire Valley (April 2026), and something new, a ''Creative Renaissance in Paris,'' September 10 - 16th, 2026. Details and pricing for those upon request.
Adventures in Provence
Departure Dates from April thru October, 2026
This American-owned company, specializing in active tour travel exclusively in France, offers fully escorted six-day, five-night group tours in Provence. The tours, created by the owner (a tour operator, travel author, and photographer who holds dual French/US nationality who has been living in France for 30+ years) and her team of charming local, English-speaking American and French guides, offer a diverse range of culturally immersive experiences. The itinerary caters to both walkers and non-walkers alike, offering guided cultural excursions for those guests not participating in scheduled walks. You’ll discover some of France’s most beautiful villages and historical sites, walk Provence country trails, dine at the homes of local friends in a private Provence farmhouse and a vintner's estate, visit artisan food producers, learn about Van Gogh in Provence, see gorgeous Cassis and the Calanques, make your own wine during a blending workshop, enjoy a pastry class at a chef’s home, and enjoy a mix of our favorite bistros and restaurants. You’ll experience four of the most beautiful areas of Provence — the Alpilles, the Luberon, the Mediterranean Coast, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape — and return each evening to your charming boutique hotel with pool in the heart of St. Remy. For those who wish to arrive early or stay on, we’re happy to help you with planning. Max # of guests per trip is 16. 2026 Prices: $5,499 p/p based on double/twin occupancy; single supplement $800. 2026 Dates: April 14-19, April 21-26, April 28-May 3, May 5-10, May 12-17, May 19-24, May 26-31, June 2-7, June 9-14, June 16-21, June 23-28, June 30-July 5, July 7-12, July 14-19, July 21-26, July 28-Aug 2, Aug 4-9, Aug 25-30, Sept 1-6, Sept 8-13, Sept 15-20, Sept 22-27, Sept 29-Oct 4, Oct 6-11, Oct 13-18.
Everyday Extraordinary Provence
May 16-23, 2026
September 5-12, 2026
Live the French way…everyday! If you're a decor aficionado, creative traveler, or devotee of French style, this tour is for you—a week of design discovery, treasure-hunting, traditional Provençal crafts, history, and of course, exceptional food & wine! Immerse yourself in exclusive excursions, private workshops, and market visits--and then return to a fabulous mas in the heart of Provence at the end of day. Think drinks & nibbles on the terrace, followed by leisurely dinners catered by a private chef, with conversation as inviting and inspiring as the food. Your hosts are American design experts/tour guides with 10+ years of experience leading design-focused tours in Provence. 8 day / 7 night tours are kept deliberately small; capping at 8 people. Feed your wanderlust and stretch your creative wings! $6500 single occupancy with ensuite baths.
The Magic of Provence
May 10 – 20, 2026
June 14 – 24, 2026
September 6 – 16, 2026
October 11 – 21, 2026
With years of experience guiding small groups, this Connecticut-based tour operator prides herself on bringing you the most meaningful and authentic experiences Provence has to offer. For 11 days and 10 nights, these small-group journeys invite you to explore Provence’s most captivating cities, villages, landscapes, markets, and food. You’ll enjoy walking tours, a visit to a goat cheese farm, extensive market outings…and museum tours including the Vincent van Gogh Museum, Musée Granet, Atelier de Cézanne, Bastide du Jas de Bouffan and the Escoffier Museum of Culinary Art. Other highlights include Maison Godet (the famed perfumery in St.-Paul-de-Vence), a medieval fortress and the unforgettable Carrières de Lumières (for an immersive sound-and-light show in a former quarry). Scenic drives through the countryside, a private cooking class and boating on the Med and in and out of the Calanques to round out your experience. You’ll visit beloved cities and villages including Nice, Èze, St.-Paul-de-Vence, Cassis, Sanary-sur-Mer, Aix, the Roman city of Glanum, Monaco, St. Rémy, Villefranche-sur-Mer, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Les Baux. Every day blends planned activities with ample time to explore at your own pace; evenings bring you back to your hotel with time to unwind, relax and enjoy dinner at your leisure. Pricing includes pre-trip private group French lessons (tailored to your tour), 10 nights in 4-star hotels, 10 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, private transport with English-speaking driver and all entry fees. Price: $8,799, single occupancy.
How to Retrieve Your Joie de Vivre
June 13-18, 2026 (in Cotignac in the Var)
Sept 13-18, 2026 (in Menerbes in the Luberon)
Two Canadian sisters (raised by passionate globe-trotters) are bringing their beloved women’s retreat back to Provence this year in two beloved locations. After careers spanning hospitality, holistic wellness, finance and writing, they joined forces in 2025 to create these restorative, joy-filled travel retreats...designed to help women finally put themselves first. Enjoy activities such as visits to local markets and villages, vineyard tours and tastings, workshops, yoga, meditation and even wild swims - balanced with plenty of quiet time to rest, read or lounge by the pool. All activities are optional. Meals are crafted by local chefs using fresh, farm-to-table ingredients, with dinners around the beautiful outdoor table becoming a joyful daily highlight. You'll stay in a beautifully restored 17th- or 18th-century farmhouse and be treated to a luxurious blend of cultural exploration, restorative experiences, deep connection and pure fun. Pricing includes transfers (from Avignon or Aix-en-Provence), lodging, in-region transport, all meals, wine, cultural activities, Inner Joy workshops, and delightful surprises along the way. Cotignac price per person ranges from $3740 to $5940 per person, depending on whether you choose shared twin, shared king or private. Menerbes price per person ranges from $4180 to $6490 per person.
A Cooking Vacation in Uzes
May 2-9, 2026 (1 spot left)
September 19-26, 2026
This culinary adventure is for anyone who feels that an inviting plate of food is much more than a meal…it’s an experience to be shared, a rich narrative woven with history and a bridge to understanding diverse cultures. The focus of this 8-day, 7-night vacation is Mediterranean and Provençal cuisines but it also delves into classic and modern regional French recipes. You’ll stay in a French country villa and enjoy roughly four hands-on cooking and baking classes…but the journey extends beyond the kitchen of course, weaving in cultural excursions, historical landmark tours, wine tours and tasting with a WSET-certified wine specialist (with decades of experience in high-end restaurants and hotels), market shopping, producer visits and much more. Your hosts for the week are two hospitality industry pros—one of them a French chef--whose many years of experience include running popular cooking schools in Provence and Paris. Now they’ve successfully expanded into food tourism, blending cooking stays with cultural exploration in a number of delicious global locations. Cooks of all levels welcome; group size is 8 max. Pricing until mid-Jan 2026: €5035 pp double occupancy. After mid-Jan: €5135 pp. The single supplement is €578. Non-participating guests are sometimes welcome…please inquire.
The Vibrant City of Marseille
September 17-27, 2026
Now splitting her time between Provence and the US, your host on this adventure has 30 years experience exploring and sharing French food and artistic traditions through her classes, workshops and retreats. After running a cooking school in Arles and working as a goat farmer and cheese-maker, she now makes her living as a writer, chocolate-maker and small-group tour leader in Provence. Join her for 10 days in the vibrant city of Marseille, rambling about the neighborhoods, discovering its glorious fusion cuisine and exciting young chefs. Travel in time from the pre-historic cave paintings through the arrival of the Greeks and the many waves of immigrants and communities who’ve arrived by sea and flowed through these streets. Enjoy a boat trip, jump into the bouyant Mediterranean Sea; weave your way through narrow cobbled streets, and stairwells to the peak of Notre Dame de la Mer; explore the tiny fishing villages inside the rocky fingers of the lime stone Callanques; and come evening, your apéro with a sunset view over the Vieux Port. This tour is limited to 6 people and involves lots of walking, busses and trams. Accommodations are in a shared town house in Marseille. Pricing: $5150 double occupancy
Provence Artisan Tour
October 5-14, 2026 (full with wait list)
The leader of this tour is the same as the one mentioned in the Marseille tour, just above. On this tour you'll cook with some of her closest friends: the cheese maker who taught her to make goat cheese and care for goats, the chocolatier who inspired her chocolate making, the chef who sings as she cooks and shares her childhood stories of farming with her grandparents, the sixth generation baker, the passionate culinary historian. Plus, you'll visit wineries and a local potter, explore the historical sites of Avignon and Les Baux and so much more. This tour is about experience Provence with the local Provençaux, savoring their joie de vivre and taking some of that back home with you, in your suitcase and your heart. This tour is based in the outskirts of Avignon in a private home transformed into a 4-bedroomB&B, complete with teaching kitchen. Walking paths and a local farm market are just minutes from the front door. Pricing: $5550 (double occupancy), single supplement $1000. *This trip is full with a wait list but you can also book it as a private tour for your group of six, with spring and fall dates available.
An Invitation to Indulge
August 30 - September 5, 2026
Note: This retreat is in the Languedoc region, not in Provence
If you'd like to learn more about French wine--or wine in general--in a relaxed, easy-going setting...this could be the perfect retreat for you. For starters, it's set in one of France's premier wine-growing regions: in the heart of the Languedoc, just outside the historic town of Pézenas (famously associated with Molière). You'll stay in a beautifully restored 19th-century villa surrounded by extensive grounds, with a pool, sauna and plenty of quiet spaces to rest and unwind. Organized by a mother-and-daughter team, the retreat combines thoughtful hospitality with a deep appreciation for wine, food and place. One host is a WSET-certified wine pro with five-plus years of experience in wine-event planning. She'll curate the wines throughout the week, from relaxed apéritifs to evening meals and local winery visits, carefully selecting bottles that complement the rhythm of the stay, making each moment feel extra special. The second host is a writer and experienced B&B owner, with years of hospitality experience and a talent for creating warm, welcoming stays. Whether you're traveling solo or with an important woman in your life, the retreat will center on self-indulgence, connection and slow living. Days unfold around French breakfasts, Mediterranean cuisine prepared on site by a private chef, winery visits, antique shops...and time to simply to enjoy the beautiful southern French setting. Pricing: 2500€ to 4700€ pp, depending on which room you choose and single vs. shared occupancy. Price includes ground transport, lodging, all meals, wine and activities.
PROVENCE ART, PHOTO AND WRITING WORKSHOPS
Provence and the French Riviera:
A Luxury Photo Workshop
May 26 – June 4, 2026 (One room left)
A Provence photo workshop in 1997 totally changed my life: I fell crazy in love with the region, took a leave of absence from my job in NYC, and ran away to the South of France. I planned to stay three months… and it’s been 25 years and counting. My point? A great vacation can have a huge impact...and a photo workshop is a great vacation! This one (for 8 guests max) is led by an award-winning photographer with 40 years of experience (National Geographic, etc.), known for evocative portraits, compelling storytelling, and for being a superb instructor. Her workshops (in Provence and elsewhere) get rave reviews. But what makes this experience truly special is where she takes you: the quieter, more authentic Provence of the Var, where she and her husband live. Picture ancient stone walls, olive trees, rose fields grown for Dior and Chanel, and deeply welcoming hill villages. It's like a private peek into true French life! You’ll stay in an extremely luxurious stone villa with heated saltwater pool and magnificent views, enjoy exquisite meals by their home chef and access experiences you simply couldn’t arrange on your own, from photographing inside Matisse’s Chapel with an art expert to dawn sailing along the red-rock Estérel coast to the beloved “Vintage Car Day,” a zany car parade and French lunch with the local 2CV club. It’s pure camaraderie, pure joy, pure timeless France. All levels, including smartphone shooters, are welcome…as are spouses/partners with no particular interest in photography. “Each student is cared for individually and pampered both with their photography and with everything else,” the photographer tells me. At the end, you’ll go home with a beautifully curated show of the extraordinary experiences you’ve had and images you've taken, the result of thoughtful editing throughout the workshop and dedicated one-on-one time. *One king room with en-suite bathroom left!. Doubles discount is $9920 per person or single $9980.
Provence in Fall: A Photo and Creativity Workshop
September 15 - 22, 2026
This well-known English photographer travels worldwide, shooting for magazines, publishers and private clients--but her heart is in Provence, which she has called home for almost 20 years. And it’s here that she’ll hold another edition of her popular 7-night, 6-day workshop to help you build your vision and skills through shooting portraits, markets, antiques, flowers, food, stilllifes and more. Group size is 8 max. You’ll stay in a gorgeous private home, a 17th-century olive mill close to the beautiful, historic village of Eygalières, and spend time in the photographer’s own antique-filled home and studio nearby. You’ll visit flea markets, food markets, local artisans and private homes…shooting with your phone or camera while soaking up the gorgeous ambiance of Provence away from high-season crowds. Everyone is welcome, from beginners to pros. The photographer's husband—a chef, artist and antiques dealer--will be on hand dishing up delicious meals along with his best secrets and sources for anyone who loves brocante and antiques. All rooms are single occupancy with two master suites available at €5250 and five rooms at €4950. Price includes group and one-on-one sessions, airport/train transfers, local transport, lodging, excursions, food and wine.
A Photography and Creative Workshop in Provence
September 15 - 22, 2026
This well-known English photographer travels worldwide, shooting for magazines, publishers and private clients--but her heart is in Provence, which she has called home for almost 20 years. And it’s here that she’ll hold another edition of her popular 7 night, 6 day workshop in which you'll build your skills through shooting portraits, markets, antiques, flowers, food, stilllifes and more. Group size is 8 max. You’ll stay in a gorgeous private home, a 17th-century olive mill close to the beautiful, historic village of Eygalières, and spend time in the photographer’s own antique-filled home and studio nearby. You’ll visit flea markets, food markets, local artisans and private homes…honing your skills with your mobile phone or camera while soaking up the gorgeous ambiance of Provence away from the high-season crowds. Everyone is welcome, from beginners to pros. The photographer's husband—a chef, artist and antiques dealer--will be on hand dishing up delicious meals along with his best secrets and sources for brocante and antiques. All rooms are single occupancy with two master suites available at €5250 and five rooms at €4950. Price includes group and one-on-one sessions, airport/train transfers, local transport, lodging, excursions and food and wine.
PAINTING WORKSHOPS AND RETREATS
For more than 15 years, this trusted company has brought artists to breathtaking locations in the South of France, igniting their creativity in inspiring surroundings. Whether you're ready to dive into the world of art for the first time or continue to sharpen your skills, we highly recommend these well-planned getaways that combine art-making with immersion in French landscapes, history and culture for inspiring, joy-filled escapes!
ART WORKSHOPS WITH INSTRUCTION
Learn to Paint in Paint Provence
May 29–June 6, 2026
Stay in a château near Avignon and discover the artistic magic of Provence in this immersive workshop designed for painters of all levels and all media! Set against lavender-scented landscapes and charming villages near Avignon, you’ll build confidence, explore traditional painting methods, and paint en plein air with new friends in an inspiring French setting. $5250 per person.
Marc Folly Watercolor Workshop
September 1–9, 2026
Accommodations in a Château near Avignon. Join acclaimed watercolorist Marc Folly for a nine-day journey into color, light, and expressive technique in the South of France. Marc’s distinctive approach encourages artists to push creative boundaries while discovering the beauty of Provence’s countryside through daily demos, guided practice and personal feedback. $5600 per person.
Joseph Zbukvic and Lisa Wang Watercolor Workshops
September 21–29, 2026
Cote d'Azur
Nestled in the hills of the Côte d'Azur, experience an unforgettable watercolor workshop with two internationally respected artists, Joseph Zbukvic and Lisa Wang. Over nine days in the luminous landscapes near the Côte d’Azur, participants explore varied approaches to watercolor through demonstrations, plein-air painting and thoughtful instruction, all set within a rich cultural environment. $6150 per person.
Bryan Mark Taylor and Josh Clare
Painting in the Côte d’Azur
October 11–19, 2026
Paint the spectacular landscape of the Côte d’Azur under the guidance of Bryan Mark Taylor and Josh Clare. This nine-day workshop blends technical development with immersive experiences, focusing on capturing light, atmosphere, and mood while experiencing joy painting in historic villages and scenic landscapes. $6150 per person.
ART RETREATS
Impressionist Provence
June 9–17, 2026
Join fellow artists for a nine-day uninstructed retreat in a château in Provence during lavender season, hosted in partnership with the American Impressionist Society. Paint alongside peers and make lifelong friends in a relaxed setting while enjoying the landscapes, light, and atmosphere that inspired generations of Impressionist painters. AIS Members: $5250. Non Members: $5800.
Glorious Provence
September 12–17, 2026
Stay near Avignon and experience the beauty of early autumn in Provence during this uninstructed art retreat based at a historic château. September offers warm light, rich color, and a slower pace, creating an ideal environment for painting, reflection, and enjoying Provençal culture and cuisine. $4240 per person.
Côte d’Azur Countryside Art Retreat
October 2–8, 2026
Spend a peaceful week painting the Mediterranean countryside near the Côte d’Azur in this uninstructed art retreat. Surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and hilltop villages, artists will work in daily painting locations while enjoying the region’s exceptional light, scenery, and creative atmosphere. $4700 per person.
WRITING RETREATS
Inspire Your Writing in the South of France
Sept 27 - Oct 2, 2026 (One room left)
Join an author of a celebrated memoir of living in the South of France for a unique, sensory-filled week of writing.This five-day workshop will draw upon this gorgeous part of the world to inspire your creativity. You’ll stay in an 18th-century renovated luxury villa in the heart of the Alpilles region. It offers a 19-meter pool, landscaped gardens and high-end amenities. Experience the magic for five luminous days and write your heart out. During writing days, you'll be treated to lunch by a chef and cookbook author. Whether it’s memoir, food writing, travel writing or the personal essay--and whether you’re deep into a project or just beginning—this will be a unique inspiration for you. Now it’s time to let the South of France inspire you—as it has so many artists in the past. Come and immerse yourself in its magic! One double room left priced at $12,798 total for two people.
Completely Custom
Don't see what you like? We're adding more trips as we get the details so please check back. Or, let us plan the perfect trip package for you!