72 Hours in Provence
Day 1
9:00 am
Arrival to Eze
The first stop in our Provence weekend will be unmissable Eze village: just a few miles away from Monaco, this village stand on the top of the cliff, overlooking the sea and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat penisland. Coming here, let yourself following the narrow streets of the old city center and visit the Botanical Garden at the highest point of the village - marvelous view is guaranteed.
12:30 pm
Lunch at Chevre D’Or restaurant
This restaurant is treated to be the one with the most unforgettable view in whole the region of Provence-Alpes-Cote D’Azur. 2 Michelin stars are the guarantee of the finest cuisine based on seasonality of these places and the traditions blended with creativity of the chef. Get the table with the view, enjoy, preferably, the degustation menu and discover the true French gastronomic patrimony!
15:00 -16:30 pm
Heading to Saint Paul de Vence and check-in in Colombe d’Or hotel
Eze is an unbelievably tiny village, so, after discovering it and tasting its famous restaurant, let’s proceed towards Saint Paul de Vence - another gem of Provence.
Village of painters and artists, it was always loved by boheme and now - it is still the same: artistic, charming and very inspiring. Coming here, we suggest you to stay at the hotel La Colombe D’Or - a family runned historical hotel where Picasso, Matisse and Calder used to stay, drink and hang out and having had no money, left their paintings as a payment. Now, thanks to that, La Colombe d’Or has a collection of modern art to die for.
17:30 pm
Visit to Fondation Maeght
Right some steps before arriving to Saint Paul, here is the space dedicated to modern art - Fondation Maeght. Worldwide famous collection of works of Joan Miro is one of the countless reasons why so many people come here.
19:00 pm
Aperitif at La Colombe d’Or
Here is nothing to add: just imagine to drink your glass of champagne sitting under the sketches of Cocteau or Matisse? Surrounded by the art and, cicadas’ squeaking and sculptures of Calder…
20:30 pm
Dinner at Alain Llorca restaurant
Here comes another gourmet moment of the day: immersive experience into the regional cuisine by Michelin starred chef with irreprochable view on Saint Paul. What is also notable here apart from food and location, is the fact that being family runned, this restaurant will definitely make you feel at home, like being at your French relatives who have 1 Michelin star. Not bad, don’t you think?
Day 2
10:00 am
Breakfast time and shopping at Godet perfumery
Second day will be started with a proper breakfast, we are sure, but as soon as you will be ready to walk around Saint Paul, do not miss the Godet shop. Another family story is behind all: at 4th generation, Sonia - the owner of the shop and the main parfumer creates the fragrances for the Godet. One of the most famous and also a historical one is the perfume created for the muse of Henri Matisse! Pass by this shop and discover which one we are talking about, let it be a small secret for now!
12:00 am
Visit to Chateau d’Esclans
What are the symbols of Provence? Lavender fields, deep blue sea in Nice and … refreshing rose wine. On a way to your next destination - the town of Aix-en-Provence, make a stop in Chateau d’Esclans. One of the high-rated rose wine producers, their “Whispering Angel” bottle has already become a myth alive! Enchantingly beautiful place, fascinating tour on estate and tasting are mandatory to do at least once in life!
15:00 pm
Arrival to Aix-en-Provence and check-in in Villa Gallici hotel
Here we come to the next destination of our trip - a cute town of Aix-en-Provence where your stay will be unforgettably cosy and chic thanks to Villa Gallici. Very intimate, far from bustling old town center, this hotel offers an exclusive stay filled with art, beauty and perfection in everything. One of the most intimate, romantic and charming hotels of the world.
16:00 pm
Visit to Cezanne’s atelier
15 min. walk from the Villa Gallici hotel, here is the last studio where the greatest impressionist - Paul Cezanne used to work his last years of life. Originally from Aix, Cezanne has spent his life here and all his works are dedicated to this town. Atelier is very small but the fact all the subjects are authentic makes it obligatory to have a look at.
17:30 pm
Visit to Hotel de Caumont - Centre d’Art
Aix-en-Provence is not only a hometown to Cezanne, but also a city of countless galleries and museums. Hotel de Caumont is the place where French “Savoir Faire” is felt even in the smallest details: it’s not only a fine art gallery with an impressive collection of paintings, but also a nice place to have your afternoon coffee in classical “ambiance”. Tres chic, tres French.
20:00 pm
Dinner in Villa Gallici
It’s high time to have a rest and seduce yourself with some irresistible good plates in the restaurant of Villa Gallici. Gastronomic cuisine, respecting terroir’s traditions and products, it is a perfect balance between something very classical yet comfortable to eat and something a way creative. Advice: tables in the terrace outside are just made for romantic dates.
Day 3
10:00 am
On a way to Avignon
The last 24h of your trip are supposed to be passed in the city of popes - Avignon. One of the regional centres of Provence, this city has a lot to offer - from historical sites to gourmet restaurants.
11:30 am
Check-in in La Mirande hotel
This hotel is not only a luxurious 5 star venue: previously, while the Pope’s palace was under construction, the pontiff used to live here, in La Mirande. Today it saved the history and some original pieces in design and still is welcoming only the most demanding and special clients, who appreciate the irreproachable good hospitality experience.
13:00 pm
Lunch in La Mirande’s restaurant
Young chef Florent Pietravalle will have a pleasure to welcome you in the restaurant of La Mirande and to offer you his signature menu. Light, seasonal and very Provencal. chef tries to emphasise the beauty and richness of each product and avoid cooking it too much. As a result, his cuisine is well-balanced and tasty. We also highly recommend you to ask the sommelier to pair your gastronomic experience with the local wine - Chateauneuf du Pape, from the wine estates some times ago established for Papa and his court.
16:00 pm
Visit to Pope’s Palace
Add a pinch of history to your day - visit Pope’s palace of Avignon as this is the n.1 landmark of the city. The place where the history was made, Pope’s palace is a definition of power and the beauty in the same time.
20:00 pm
Dinner at Oustau de Baumaniere restaurant
Sacrifice you time a bit and having 45 min. drive to Oustau de Baumanire - one of the latest 3 Michelin starred restaurants of France. Elegant, pure and very essential, cuisine of Glenn is a declaration of love to the people and his work. Sophisticated presentation meets the burst of taste, while highly correct and non-invading service make you feel as good as Picasso always did as he used to come here often in the earliest 40s, when Baumaniere has just started its professional way.
Are you already packing your suitcases for the trip to Provence? We hope so and hope that you will enjoy our very artistic, gourmet and cosy plan for your weekend.
The author Aline Borghese is an international journalist and critic of haute cuisine.
She is a graduate of the culinary schools of the Ritz Escoffier, Ecole de cuisine Alain Ducasse, La Cucina Italiana. Champagne and wine sommelier, cocktail enthusiast, gastronomic consultant and simply Bohémienne Affamée.
