May 12 to 15, 2025

Welcome Syndi and John!

My name is Mathieu Brousses, I have been hosting tailored journeys & painting workshops in Provence and all over France for the past 10 years, I would like you to be my special guests for a unique experience in my beloved Provence. Provence is a wonder during spring, poppies, roses, irises!

Your itinerary – Monday 12 to Thursday 15

Monday, May 12 : Les Baux de Provence, just breathtaking

  • 8 am : Pick up at your Hotel Renaissance in Aix
  • 9:30 am (depending on traffic) : Arrival at Les Baux de Provence village
  • 9:45 – 11:30 : Visit of the village and the castle
  • 12 – 1 pm : Lunch at La Reine Jeanne (A restaurant with a lovely view)
  • 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm : Discover the « Carrières de Lumières » show (Claude Monet / Rousseau)
  • 2:45 pm : Departure from les Baux to Châteauneuf-du-pape
  • 3:45 pm : Tasting at « Vieux Télégraphe » ou « Clos des papes »
  • 4:45 pm : Departure to Avignon
  • 5:30 : arrival at Hotel de Cambis

I will pick you up at your Aix hotel at 8 am. Today we spend the day at les Baux! One of my favorite and one of the most beautiful villages in France set atop a rocky outcrop crowned with a medieval ruined castle overlooking magnificent olive tree groves and vineyards in the valley.

The exceptional decor brings memories of the past back to life, upholds traditions, is home to the art of the people who lived here and plays host to prestigious events. Les Baux-de-Provence is a listed heritage site that has won titles such as “One of the Most Beautiful Villages in France.”

La Reine Jeanne – Restaurant in Les Baux (price range 30 to 80€)

The view… The view!!

We will discover the amazing and unique «Carrières de lumières», an old limestone quarry transformed in an amazing immersive digital exhibition. The monumental « Carrières de Lumières » host extraordinary multimedia shows which are unique in the world. This year, they celebrate the famous impressionnist Clause Monet.

The projection typically lasts about 40-45 minutes, repeating a loop throughout the day. Once we have entered the quarry, we can stay and watch the loop as many times as we like.

Then we will head to Châteauneuf du pape for a little wine tasting !

Tuesday, May 13 : Orange & Châteauneuf-du-Pape – Roman history and legendary wines at Château la Nerthe

  • 9 am : Pick up at hôtel de Cambis in Avignon
  • 9:30 am (depending on traffic in Avignon) : Arrival at Orange
  • 10 – 11:30 : Visit of the Roman Theater of Orange
  • 12 – 1 pm : Lunch (In Orange or very close to La Nerthe)
  • 1:30 pm : Departure for the Château la Nerthe
  • 2 pm – 3:30 pm : Visit of the Domaine and commented tasting of 5 Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines
  • 4 pm : Departure to Avignon
  • 4:30 pm : Arrival at hôtel de Cambis in Avignon so you can settle and rest

The Roman Theater of Orange, also known as “La Cité des Princes” (City of Princes) is the best preserved in Europe, it is an incredible testimony of Roman splendor in Provence. This exceptional monument has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981 thanks to its dazzling stage wall, unique in the West. Every year, the Roman Theater comes back to life during the Chorégies d’Orange, during which the acoustics of the place are honored.

A restaurant in Provence in Orange or near La Nerthe

(waiting for confirmations of my booking from 2 restaurants I would like you to discover – price range : 30 to 80€ / persons)

A guided visit of the Chateau’s terrace, old vineyard and the historical cellars. Get details of our work in the vineyard, vinification skills and ageing. Then indulge yourself with a commented tasting of 5 Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines including the old vines red “Cuvée des Cadettes”, our iconic white “Clos de Beauvenir”. Enjoy a unique moment in the 16th century’s cellar, digged under the Castle, where the wines are aged for the last 500 years. The best way to get into the diversity of the iconic “Terroirs”. Tasting is done in the heart of the barrel hall from the 18th century.


For five centuries, the history of Château La Nerthe and Châteauneuf-du-Pape have melded into one. For five centuries, natural springs and a mosaic of soils and subsoils have given the estate’s wines freshness and elegance. For five centuries, generations of passionate women and men have followed one other at the service of this unique terroir.

Wednesday, May 14 : Pont du Gard & winery – Roman history and exceptional wines

  • 9 am : Pick up at hôtel de Cambis in Avignon
  • 9:45 am (depending on traffic in Avignon) : Arrival at Pont du Gard
  • 10 – 11:30 : Visit of the Pont du Gard and its museum
  • 12 – 1 pm : Lunch (near Pont du Gard or near the Domaine of the afternoon)
  • 1:30 pm : Departure to our wine tasting of the day
  • 2 pm – 3:30 pm : Visit of a Domaine at Gigondas (might be too long of a ride) or another Châteauneuf (see below)
  • 4 pm : Departure to Avignon
  • 4:30 pm : Arrival at hôtel de Cambis in Avignon so you can settle and rest

The Pont du Gard is an awe-inspiring, ancient Roman aqueduct bridge, standing tall for nearly 2,000 years. Built without mortar, its massive limestone arches rise gracefully over the glistening Gardon River, creating a picture-perfect backdrop. Once part of a 50-km-long aqueduct supplying water to Nîmes, it’s an engineering marvel of the Roman Empire. Visitors can walk across its lower level, kayak beneath it, or explore scenic trails with breathtaking views. The on-site museum brings Roman history to life, while the sunset reflections on the bridge make for an unforgettable romantic moment. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s a must-see for history lovers and adventure seekers alike!

Also waiting for confirmations of my booking from 2 restaurants I would like you to discover (price range : 30 to 80€ / persons)

Still working on another domaine to offer you :

🍷 Château de Beaucastel – Iconic, biodynamic, and home to some of the most sought-after wines.
🍷 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe – Traditional and structured wines from the famous “La Crau” plateau.
🍷 Clos des Papes – Producing consistently top-rated, powerful yet refined wines.
🍷 Domaine Pegau – A must for lovers of bold, rustic, old-school Châteauneuf wines.

(waiting on answers from them)

The chronological order of this itinerary is flexible. According to the weather, to your specific desire and energy and to the incredible diversity of beauties Provence has to offer.

Thursday, May 15 : Isle-sur-Sorgue – street market and drop off in Arles

  • 9am : Pick up at hôtel de Cambis and drive to Isle-sur-Sorgue (we will take your luggage)
  • 9:45 am : Arrival at Isle-sur-Sorgue
  • 10 – 11:30/12am : discover the beautiful Isle-sur-Sorgue, its meandering streets and its colorful, tasteful street market,
  • The famous bassin Bouïgas, the church Collégiale Notre-Dame des Anges, the delicious candied fruits of Lillamand confiseur, the waterwheels, etc.
  • 12 – 1:30pm : Lunch at « Café Fleurs » or « Terrasse du Bassin »
  • 2pm : Departure for Arles
  • 3pm : arrival in Arles to board for your lovely river cruise!

L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, a picturesque town in Provence, France, is known for its canals, antique markets, and art galleries. Originally a fishing village, it grew in the Middle Ages as a center for wool and silk production. The Sorgue River, with its scenic waterwheels, once powered numerous mills. The Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame-des-Anges showcases stunning Baroque architecture.

Wandering through a Provençal street market is a feast for the senses—vibrant stalls overflow with sun-kissed fruits, fragrant lavender, and golden olive oils. The scent of fresh-baked bread, aged cheeses, and sizzling herbs from local delicacies. Artisans proudly display handmade soaps, colorful ceramics, and delicate linens, perfect for a unique souvenir. Friendly vendors offer tastings of rosé, tapenade, and truffle-infused delights, making every bite a discovery.

A bit about me: Mathieu

your host, interpreter, guide, driver, jack-of-all-trades french friend!

I was born and raised in Arles, Provence. I studied biology and film making. After 10 years in Paris working for the movie industry and television networks I came back to Provence to enjoy life with my wife and son. I renovated and settled in a 200 years old house up in the hills of Aix en Provence. I know Provence and its people like the back of my hand. With Wendy Higbee Carando I co-founded the Provence Art Experience in 2015. Art is part of my everyday life. I will be doing everything so you have a memorable stay: a unique experience!

Ultimately the most appropriate persons to talk about the Provence Art Experience are the artists who experienced it:

You can read their enthusiasms and the extremely enthusiastic and sweet reviews they wrote on Facebook, they really are heartwarming for me:

Testimonials

The pricing of our journeys – as you can easily compare with other offers – is more than reasonable for a private tailored journey in Provence.

I aim to offer you a memorable journey you will remember dearly – a unique cultural, gastronomic and immersive experience.

Your Provence Experience includes:

  • Pick up / drop off / everyday local transportation (gas, tolls, parking fees, etc.)
  • drop off on the 15th in Arles at your boat
  • The 3 wine tastings
  • The tickets for the must-sees (Pont du Gard + museum / Orange Roman Theater / Castle & Carrières de Lumières at les Baux)
  • My attentive and considerate presence as your host, driver, interpret, guide and provider of all you might need
  • Possibility to call me at anytime with any question during the duration of you stay in Avignon and in Arles

It does not include:

  • The cost of your lunches (I select great place to eat that are not too crazy expensive)

My daily fee is 1100€ – Thursday being a shorter day is 700€ – so a total of 4000€ for this particular itinerary. If you agree with this itinerary, I will book these 3 &1/2 days for you in my calendar. I will then send you a PayPal invoice you can pay with a PayPal account or with a debit/credit car. Once payment is received I will proceed to book all our activities (restaurants, visits, wine tastings). As these costs are non refundable, I won’t be able to refund any unused day of our itinerary.

Due to the variability in the dollar/euro exchange rate in the past years and to secure the higher level of services we are proud to offer for your Provence Art Experience – we base the price on the Euro.