The land of clean light, inviting scents and regional delights
It is said that no other region in France fires the creative mind as strongly as Provence.
A Warrior Monk Yoga’ Provence Retreat offers guests a look into the heart of Provence.
Sights, smells, tastes and sounds collide in a rhythm that is truly unique. The landscape of Provence is dramatic varying from the Mediterranean ocean of Nice to the sculpted valley of Les Baux. Touring through Provence is like living in a painting, inspiration can be found everywhere.
If you are searching for a relaxing, yet active retreat, then you have found it here in charming Provence.
This is the sweet life, this is Provence.
Food
Enjoy some of the best food in France!
In Provence, the aroma of fresh baked baguettes, pastries, olive oil, honey, spices and delicate herbs welcome you. Enjoy open-air dining with traditional and inventive Provençale cuisine.
- Daily buffet breakfasts include a variety of freshly baked croissants and baguette, cereal, fruit, jams, yogurts, fromage blanc (white creamy cheese similar to yogurt), coffee, tea, hot chocolate, fresh juices, meats and cheeses.
- Provence, known for it’s wonderful ‘la provenciale’ dishes made with olive oil, tomatoes and garlic is blessed by a combination of warm Mediterranean climate and sunshine. On your Provence Discovery try a variety of local dishes and even explore an occasional farmer’s market. One of the best parts about our Provence tour is that it allows you plenty of time to explore on your own, the wonderful cafes and bistros of the area.
- Tour and partake in a tasting of delicious Provencal olive oils at a working olive oil mill.
Lodging
Known for its Gites and Mas’s, Provence is a lodging delight. There is something unique about Provencal lodging, warm and open yet reserved and subtle. Still, after many visits to Provence, I am enamored by the quaint charm and hospitality of the locals.
Walking History & Cultural Tours of These Hamlets and Villages
St. Remy-de-Provence
Become part of a Van Gogh painting in near by St. Remy; the artist’s most inspiring location during his stay at the retreat of Saint-Paul-de-Mausole.
Arles
Within Arles’ ancient walls explore major Roman sites including; the Arena, Theatre and Baths. Wander the narrow streets and take a break at Van Gogh’s famous Café de Nuit for a glass of wine.
Gordes
High on the Vancluse plateau sits the hillside village of Gordes, one of the most beautiful villages in all of France! Take a stroll on Gordes’ stonewall lined streets, and quaint village that has been inhabited since 6000bc. For fans of the movie, ‘A Good Year’, the fountain scene with Fanny Chenal’s café is filmed here in Gordes.
Les Baux
As you enter the medieval village of Les Baux, romantic visions of proud lords and troubadours of the Middle Ages will enter your mind. Capture the spectacular views of the Alpilles mountains in the distance. Visit Château des Baux , the 10th century fortified Castle, walk amoung the ruins and full scale replicas of huge war machines including the the biggest trebuchet in Europe.
Avignon
Tour the grand Palais des Papes, home to seven French Popes, from 1309 to 1377. This medival palace is one of the most important examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. Enjoy the view of Mt Ventoux and “Pont d’Avignon” along the Rhone River prior to leaving Avignon.
Castellane
Nestled in the steep rocky outcrops of the Grand Canyon du Verdon, is the 16th century village of Castellane. Sitting high above the town of Castellane, take a breathtaking hike to the Chapel Nôtre-Dame-du-Rock, built on the site of the ancient Roman town and fort.
Places of Interest Along the Way
Palais des Papes
In Avignon tour the stunning 2.6 acres Palais des Papes, Vatican of the 14th century and learn why seven successive Popes resided here. Art lovers will marvel at period frescos and the antiquity found in every room.
Borries Village
Discover Borries Village, a small grouping of limestone homes dating as far back as the Bronze ages. This is the only known Borries Village in the world and it is a must see.
Notre-Dame-de-Sénanque
Located near Gordes, the Cistercian abbey of Notre-Dame-de-Sénanque, was founded in the 12th century. Surviving devastating fires, raids and neglect, the abbey was lovingly restored and is now again open for visits.
Verdon Gorge
Discover this amazing canyon, the world’s second largest and see why it has been called, “The most dramatic and natural scenery in all of France”.
Roman Sites
History has been good to Provence and it has left its mark in ruins. Roman to be exact, and lots of them.
Arles
Within Arles’ ancient walls, take in major Roman sites including; the Arena, Theatre and Baths. Along the way, make a stop at the Antiquities Museum, the collection of floor mosaics and Roman day to day items is impressive.
Water Mill area outside of Les Baux
Rarely visited but well worth it! This unique mill is set into the side of a hill overlooking wheat fields that was once an inland marsh.
Pont Du Gard
Built by the Romans over 2,000 years ago, the Pont Du Gard, is one of the best preserved aqueducts in the world. Spend the day traversing the surrounding limestone hills and valleys looking for more ruins.
Itinerary
Day 1
Your Warrior Monk Yoga tour begins when you are met at the Avignon train station.
Travel from Avignon to the mouth of the Verdon Gorge and the picturesque town of Castellane. Arrive in time for dinner and our first pranayama meditation practice at our lodging.
Day 2
Awake to morning pranayama before breakfast. Travel to the Verdon Canyon, where we will have our asana practice overlooking “The most dramatic and natural scenery in all of France” before hiking down into the Verdon. Experience wild Provence as you hike along limestone cliffs and pinnacle outcroppings, overlooking the aqua clear Verdon River just feet below you.
Tonight dinner will be in Castellane, dine on local fare in the tiny village. Relax after Dinner with a stroll through this medieval village possible hiking up to the church overlooking town.
(Day 1: Dinner is included)
(Day 2: Breakfast and Lunch are included)
Day 3
Leaving our first home away form home Castellane after morning pranayama and asana we will drive onto the high Vancluse Plateau and into the village of Gordes, one of the most stunning villages in France and a Unesco World Heritage site!
Join the bustle of the town square market, admire local arts, taste delicious food, and delight in the gorgeous view of the Coulon Valley and Luberon Mountains.
Spend the night near Arles, home to Van Gogh and our lodging for the next few days.
(Breakfast and Lunch are included)
Day 4
After morning pranayama and asana travel back in time to Roman Arles.
Within the city’s ancient walls you will take in major Roman sites including; the Arena, Theatre and Roman Baths. Wander the narrow streets and stop by Van Gogh’s famous Café de Nuit for a glass of wine or apertife.
While in Arles you will have plenty of time to buy a painting, take in the fresh air market, window shop, relax, and watch city life in action! Arles is rich in history and is an incredible part of Provence.
(Breakfast and Dinner are included)
Days 5 and 6
Explore Avignon, the Vatican of the 14th century, Avignon is home to the stunning 2.6 acre Palais des Papes. Art lovers will marvel at period frescos and the antiquity found in every room.
From Avignon we are off to the village of Les Baux. The authentic feel of this medieval village will captivate you. Wind through narrow streets following in the steps of Balthazar, legendary founder of Les Baux and biblically known as one of the three wise men. Explore Val D’Enfer, also known as “Hell’s Valley”. Here you will delight in the landscape of abundant olive orchards. Become part of a Van Gogh painting in near by St. Remy; the artist’s most inspiring home.
On your second day in Arles, see the Pont Du Gard aqueduct. Enjoy the afternoon relaxing by the river while taking in the pleasure of a picnic lunch.
(Breakfast and Lunch are included on both days.)
Day 7
We will end our fantastic Provence adventure in Avignon. Fashionable shops and delectable restaurants await. The day is free to discover Avignon on your own prior to your flight home.
Bon Voyage!
(Breakfast is included)