Gay Tours: Escorted vacation to Provence, France for gay and lesbian travelers

PROVENÇAL PLEASURES: The Beauty of Southern France September 6 to 13, 2008 Towering cliffs, rich history, quaint mountainside villages, Roman ruins, medieval castles, lavender fields and lush vineyards — all spread out under a startling blue sky immortalized by Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Cézanne. A bit of mystery, a touch of magic, lots of legends, and friendly people . . . Voilà! You’re in Provence! Some of the highlights of this gorgeous trip include: the Palace of the Popes in Avignon; the World Heritage Site of the Pont du Gard; Gordes and Roussillon -- hilltop towns listed as among the most beautiful villages in France; St. Remy de Provence, inspiration for many of Vincent Van Gogh's paintings; Chateau Neuf du Pape wines; and culinary visits including olive oil, chocolate, and nougat-making demonstrations and tastings. Romantic landscapes that have inspired generations of artists are only some of what sun-drenched Provence has to offer. Architecture that spans millennia, a fascinating cultural legacy, world-class wines, and superb cuisine make this cultural tour a perfect introduction to the wonders of the south of France. Join us as we explore the tradition, elegance, and warmth of Provence while soaking in the stunning scenery and charming villages. Brought more into the limelight with the help of Peter Mayle’s book, A Year in Provence, this is the region where men still play boules in tiny village squares and the locals linger in cafés sipping pastis (the legendary Provençal drink that originated here), and where the weekly markets are a vibrant and colorful community event. In its rugged landscape of oak forests and lavender-covered hillsides we will discover the history, culture, and cuisine of one of France’s most bewitching regions, venturing out among charming towns and villages, some dating back to Roman times. Join us on this cultural journey in an intriguing land, while enjoying very smart accommodations and a delicious cuisine! À bientôt . . .
		Day 1 - September 6, 2008 Bonjour! We will meet you at the Avignon train station and transfer you to our beautiful, well-appointed accommodations, a charming Provençcal mas -- a typical type of rural lodge-guesthouse in this part of France. Take time to settle in, relax by the pool (weather permitting), or explore the private 5-acre park that surrounds the house. This will be our home base for the entire week. In the evening, you will enjoy a welcome reception followed by a gourmet dinner. (Please note: There are good high-speed train connections to Avignon from Paris.)

		Day 2 This morning we set out for Isle sur Sorgue, a lovely village built on an island with the Sorgue river flowing around it. Here we have a chance to stroll and shop the wonderful Sunday markets: the food market and the biggest antique market in Provence. Next up is one of the "most beautiful villages" of France, that of Roussillon, perched on a ridge above dazzling ocher quarries and steep cliffs. We’ll explore its narrow, twisting streets before taking a walk through the haunting ancient ocher quarries that give the village its name. We’ll wander through the spectacular eroded cliffs and hope to catch the right angle of the afternoon sun to dramatize the color in our photos. The reddish pigment has been used by artists for centuries and is used throughout the village in buildings, pottery, and even in gravestones. On our way back home, we will stop in Gordes, also on that same list of towns recognized for their exceptional beauty. Gordes has had a turbulent history, especially during the 16th-century Wars of Religion and again in World War II, when it was a stronghold of the Resistance. The town is terraced up a steep hillside crowned by a Renaissance château. Some would argue that Gordes is the most spectacular village in Provence, teetering on the southern edge of the high Plateau de Vaucluse. The view from the village is a panorama out across fields, vineyards and forests, and small-perched villages to the Montagne du Luberon.

		Day 3 The village of Chateau Neuf du Pape is dedicated to its world famous eponymous wine which is also part of the famous Côtes du Rhône. Chateauneuf du Pape was the first wine to receive an Appellation in France in 1923. At the wine musem we will have a guided visit to learn about this famous wine and how it's made. The visit will end with the tasting of three exquisite Chateau Neuf du Pape wines. Next on our culinary agenda are chocolate and nougat. Not only will you learn about the history of cocoa but you will also attend a chocolate making demonstration by the master maker himself. At the end, you will savor this wonderful treat, of course. We will then have a demonstration of turning almonds and honey into nougat, a specialty of Provence. This, too, we will be able to sample.


		Day 4 Lavender is inseparable from the image of Provence. A heady lavender scent is in the air and the distinctive taste of lavender-infused dishes forms part of the Provençal cuisine. At the lavendar museum we'll learn about its history, distillation, and use in medicinal therapy and cooking. This is also the perfect time to shop for all things lavendar! Afternoon: Wildlife in the Camargue on a Jeep Safari The Camargue, a wild and mythical land, is the home of wild black bulls, wild white horses, and thousands of pink flamingos. A local farmer will take us with a 4x4 on an authentic safari into the very heart of this beautiful region where we will explore lakes, salt marshes, rice fields, and the wild fauna and flora. We will finish this incredible experience by tasting some of the Camargue culinary specialties.

		Day 5 This morning a local producer of olive oil will take us on a walk through his olive orchard and share with us his knowledge and passion for olives. After the walk, he will show us his mill and the visit will finish with a tasting of his olive oil and tapenade. After this enjoyable visit you'll have a much better understanding and appreciation of the cultivation of olives and for olive oil. You will have an opportunity to purchase tapenade, oil, and olives as well as items made of olive wood. We will then move on to explore the majestic Pont du Gard. This Roman-built wonder is an aqueduct supported by three tiers of arches straddling a gorge, 150 feet above the river. It’s in astonishingly good condition and is now a UNESCO World Heritage monument. Constructed in 19 BC, it’s part of a system that carried spring water from the town of Uzès to Nimes, a distance of about 31 miles. The seven-story-high structure was constructed using no mortar and spans 300 yards. The Roman architects who designed this bridge created a technical as well as an artistic masterpiece. To understand better the construction of the bridge as well as learn about the rich Gallo-Roman civilization, we will spend some time in the interactive museum of the Pont du Gard with its replicas, maps, multi-screen images, video and sound archives.


		Day 6 Still encircled by its powerful 14th-century walls, Avignon has a dynamic, city flavor. Seven French popes reigned here for a century, and even today the imposing Palais des Papes remains the center of town. First built in the 1300s, it is the size of four typical French cathedrals. This amazing and expansive structure is the highlight of Avignon. We will have an audio-guided visit of the Palace, one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. After the visit, you will have leisure time in this interesting city. There is much to do: stroll in the old streets in search of antique dealers and art galleries. In addition to the large variety of well-stocked luxury shops, you will find Provençal ceramics and pottery, terra cotta figurines (santons), handicrafts, and other specialties of the region. You can also savor local cuisine in the tea-rooms and restaurants and taste the flavours of Provence such as the "Papalines", Avignon's specialty -- a delicacy made of fine chocolate, sugar and oregano liqueur. You also have a choice of several museums: from Provencal history to paintings, sculptures, contemporary art, and more. We recommend a private mansion converted to a museum featuring paintings from Cezanne, Van Gogh, Picasso, Degas, and Modigliani among others.

		Day 7 We arrive at haunting Les Baux-de-Provence, situated on a spectacular plateau between two plunging ravines. Crowned by the ruins of a medieval fortress that has inspired fantastic tales, this is a wonderful place to let your imagination roam as we walk around the town and its magnificent ruins. The site of the fortress had been important strategically since the Bronze Age and the builders proudly traced their lineage back to Balthazar, one of the biblical Three Kings. Impressive limestone quarries still remain in Les Baux de Provence. Today, "Cathédrale d'Images" uses one of the quarries as natural screens for a Van Gogh sound and light show, with projections of huge images on the walls and ceilings. The bases of these natural pillars measure from 15 to 30 feet and rise as high as 27 feet.

		Day 8 - September 13, 2008 After breakfast we'll transfer you back to the Avignon train station where high-speed trains can take you to Paris or wherever you might wish to continue your journey.

		ACCOMMODATION We have chosen an elegantly restored Provençal mas (country inn) originally dating from the 17th century and located in the heart of Provence, in the Luberon zone (25 minutes east of Avignon). The luxury guesthouse offers 12 bedrooms with private full bathrooms all with a high level of comfort. This is a tranquil and relaxing property. There is a heated swimming pool set in over 5 acres of private grounds, landscaped with pine and hundred-year-old oak trees. The inn has 2 living rooms for you to enjoy, with antique furniture, game tables, a fireplace and a piano. We will take all of our breakfasts and some of our dinners here. The refined cuisine of the chef, based on fresh seasonal local products, is an innovative blend of Provençal and contemporary gastronomy. From your bedroom window, you will have a lovely view of the Mont Alpille and internationally renowned vineyards. Each room has a flat screen TV, telephone, heating and AC, a minibar, safe, DSL and WiFi, and a spacious bathroom.


		TOUR COST $3,195 (minimum 4, maximum 8 participants) Single Supplement: $350 Tour Cost Includes: * Avignon train station pick up on Day 1 and drop off on Day 8 * Welcome reception * Accommodation in a beautifully restored Provençal "mas" * Breakfast each morning * Four gourmet dinners * Transportation in a comfortable van * Bilingual guide/driver throughout the week * Entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary Tour Cost Does Not Include: * Airfare to/from France * Lunches * Three dinners * Drinks/Beverages * Optional activities (those not described in the itinerary) * Tipping to Tour Escort/Driver * Optional travel insurance * Personal expenses {Please note: Over the past few years the value of the U.S. dollar has fluctuated significantly against the Euro — and in an unfavorable direction for the dollar. At the time of publishing this itinerary, we have based the U.S. dollar price on an exchange rate of 1 Euro = $1.50. We reserve the right to alter the trip pricing indicated here should there be a significant fluctuation of the dollar in either direction — up or down.}

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