Route
You stay in Cotignac and take trips to the Verdon Gorge, Aix-en-Provence and the Mediterranean coast.
Pace
One single base for five days. Each day brings something new without changing hotels.
Highlights
The Verdon Gorge, Aix-en-Provence and its fountains, the Thoronet Abbey and the coast with Saint-Tropez and Bormes-les-Mimosas.
Accommodation
You stay at Hotel Lou Calen in Cotignac, surrounded by hills and vineyards.
Profile
For those who enjoy calm and variety. One moment in a village, the next in nature or by the sea.
Day 1: Arrival in Cotignac
After a relaxing journey, you will arrive in Cotignac, a village with a lively village center and a special location against a high cliff. In Lou Calen you will immediately feel the Provençal atmosphere. In the evening, dinner awaits you in the hotel's gourmet restaurant, where fresh local produce is the focus.
Day 2: Discovery of Provence
In the morning discover Cotignac, with its atmospheric squares, cave dwellings and panoramic views from Le Rocher de Cotignac. Just outside the village is Notre-Dame de Grâces, a pilgrimage site that has attracted pilgrims for centuries. In the afternoon, you head out into nature. You start at Sillans-la-Cascade, a turquoise waterfall hidden in a green landscape. Then you visit the Abbaye du Thoronet, one of the most beautiful Cistercian abbeys in France. If you want to end the day adventurously, head to the Gorges du Verdon, the largest gorge in Europe. Here you can hike along the steep cliffs or rent a kayak to explore the gorge from the water.
Day 3: Aix-en-Provence
Today you will visit Aix-en-Provence, a city full of fountains and charming squares. The Cours Mirabeau, with its shady terraces, is the heart of the city. At the Atelier Cézanne you will get an insight into the painter's life. In the Musée Granet you will admire works by Cézanne and Picasso, among others. If you want to get out into nature, head to the Montagne Sainte-Victoire, the imposing mountain that Cézanne painted so often. Wine lovers make a stop at Domaine de Saint-Ser, where you can taste the local wines.
Day 4: Get a breath of fresh air by the Mediterranean Sea
The coast beckons with Saint-Tropez, where narrow streets, a lively port and atmospheric terraces form the backdrop. Then it's on to Fréjus, where Roman remains and a charming promenade converge. The day ends in Bormes-les-Mimosas, a picturesque village with colorful flowers and sea views. With the salty sea air still in your hair, you return to Lou Calen, where a final evening in Provence awaits.
Day 5: Return home
Enjoy some more peace and quiet on Lou Calen's terrace or take a short morning stroll through Cotignac. Feel like staying longer? Extend your trip with a stay at the coast or discover another Caractère destination in southern France. Would you like to enjoy the charm of Provence even longer? Ask us about the possibilities of extending your vacation.
Frequently asked questions about this trip
Do you need a rental car for this trip?
Yes. The region is spread out and hard to reach without a car. With a car, you can easily travel between village, nature and coast.
What is the best time to travel?
May to September works best. June and September are quieter, while summer is ideal for the coast.
Who is this trip best suited for?
For those who like variety. One moment in a village, the next in nature or by the sea.
What makes this route special?
You stay in one place but still see a lot. From villages to nature and the coast, everything is close by.
Why book with Caractère?
- Best price guarantee
- Caractère extras
- Just one phone call or email away from our enthusiastic travel experts
- Pay safely
- No extra or hidden fees
