Culinary & Cultural South of France

South of France: 11 Nights – 12 Days

Hotel Options:
3 Nights – South of France, Hotel Crillon le Brave
1 Night – South of France, Hotel Hostellerie de l’Abbaye de la Cell
3 Nights – South of France, Hotel La Reserve Ramatuelle
4 Nights – South of France, Hotel Chateau Saint-Martin and Spa

This itinerary takes you on a journey from the lavender fields of Provence, through the glamour of St Tropez and into the heart of the Cote d’Azur. A culinary and cultural experience, visiting historical villages and indulging in Michelin starred food.

Description

The South of France offers such a diversity of landscape, culture and some of the finest food and wine in Europe. This itinerary will allow you to explore this stunning part of France and experience some of the best hotels in the region.

You will begin your journey in Montpellier, from here you will drive north through the historical village of Nimes before you reach your first destination, the Hotel Crillon le Brave. Crillon le Brave is a charming hotel perched on top of a small hill village encompassed by stretching vineyards and olive groves. Many of the hotel’s buildings date back to the 17th and 18th centuries and were once family dwellings but some had other uses such as a school, a lawyer’s office, a priest’s house or an artist’s studio. The hotel therefore has much history tied to it making it a fascinating place to stay. The vineyards of Chateauneuf-du-Pape are a close to the hotel, and certainly worth a stop for true wine connoisseurs.

From Crillon le Brave you will drive south east through Provence and beautiful town of Isle Sur la Sorgue, famous for its many antique shops and stunning waterside eateries before finishing at your next destination the Hostellerie de l’Abbaye de la Celle. Located in the picturesque village of La Celle this beautiful boutique hotel sits in a little shaded corner of the village square. Dating back to the XII century this stunning property has a wealth of history. Alain Ducasse is the owner and chef of this hotel and so it boasts an exceptional dining experience.

Following a night in La Celle you will head further south to the glamour and glitz of St Tropez and the sublime La Reserve Ramatuelle. Close to St Tropez and the beautiful beaches of the Côte d’Azur, La Réserve Ramatuelle is a strikingly stylish hotel offering one of the best spa’s in the region. Dedicated to guests’ quality of life, its range of treatments and therapies, using Creme de la Mer products, will leave you feeling more relaxed than you thought possible. The restaurants focus is on healthy eating and menus can even be tailored to your spa regime.
Following your re-charge at La Reserve you will drive east towards Nice and into the heart of the Cote D’Azur and your final stop at the Chateau Saint Martin. Chateau Saint-Martin is a building immersed in history as it was once a 12th century Templar Knight Commandery, however, today it emits style, sophistication and total luxury. The hotel is within easy reach of the popular destinations on the French Riviera such as Nice, Cannes, Monaco, Antibes and close by St Paul De Vence. The boasts a two Michelin-Starred restaurant and an award winning cellar of wines. The views from this hotel are magnificent, admiring the views with a glass of champagne in hand is a prefect end to this journey through the South of France.

When to travel
The Mediterranean climate is generally warm and dry from May to September. The South of France has a mild climate throughout the year, the hottest months being July and August, and the coolest being January and February. Rain mostly falls during the cooler winter months and there is an average of only 60 days’ rain per year.