Churches of Provence and French Countryside Private Tour
Discover sacred stone abbeys, a papal city, and the soul of Provence on a private guided journey through southern France.
This Churches of Provence private tour takes you through some of the most historically significant religious and cultural landmarks in southern France, from a twelfth-century Cistercian abbey to the monumental Papal Palace in Avignon. Your private driver-guide provides context and flexibility throughout the day, making this a personal rather than a package experience.
The route winds through the rolling landscapes of the Var and Vaucluse departments, connecting sites that span nearly a thousand years of Provencal history. Each stop offers a distinct architectural and spiritual atmosphere, from the austere simplicity of Cistercian design to the grandeur of Gothic papal architecture.
A relaxed lunch break at a local restaurant gives you the chance to sample regional cuisine before continuing to the next destination. The itinerary is adaptable and can be adjusted in consultation with your guide based on your interests and pace.
Tour Highlights
Explore Thoronet Abbey, one of the three Cistercian sisters of Provence, celebrated for its pure Romanesque architecture and exceptional acoustics.
Visit the Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, a site of deep pilgrimage significance and one of the finest Gothic churches in Provence.
Discover the Papal Palace in Avignon, the largest Gothic building in the world and the seat of the Catholic Church during the fourteenth century.
Enjoy a sit-down lunch at a local Provencal restaurant, sampling dishes rooted in the culinary traditions of southern France.
Travel in comfort aboard a recent, well-maintained private vehicle with door-to-door pickup and drop-off at your accommodation.
Benefit from the expertise of a professional driver-guide who can tailor the program and offer local recommendations throughout the day.
Journey through the Provencal countryside, taking in landscapes of limestone hills, vineyards, and lavender-scented plains between major stops.
Itinerary
Your private driver-guide collects you directly from your accommodation. The route and pace for the day can be discussed and adjusted at this point according to your preferences.
Arrive at the Abbey of Le Thoronet, founded by Cistercian monks in the twelfth century. The abbey is considered one of the purest examples of Romanesque religious architecture in France, notable for its unadorned stonework and resonant interior spaces.
Continue to Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume to visit the Gothic basilica said to house the relics of Mary Magdalene. The basilica is a major pilgrimage site and features an impressive organ dating from the eighteenth century.
Take a break for a relaxed meal at a restaurant selected for its regional character. Your guide can assist with menu recommendations based on local specialties.
Arrive in Avignon to visit the Palais des Papes, the imposing fortified palace that served as the residence of seven successive popes during the fourteenth century. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage landmark and one of the most visited monuments in France.
Your driver-guide returns you to your hotel or designated drop-off point, concluding the full-day private tour.
What Is Included
Included
- Private driver-guide for 10 hours
- Door-to-door pickup and drop-off at your accommodation
- Comfortable, recent private vehicle
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Flexible itinerary adaptable to your interests
Not Included
- Entrance fees to abbeys, basilica, and Papal Palace
- Drinks during meals
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Travel insurance
Important Information
Reserve Your Private Tour
Secure your spot on this private full-day journey through Provence's most compelling sacred and historical landmarks. Places are limited by the private nature of this experience.
Book Now
