"This program is intended for a group of 10 people, travelling with a
“leader” from the country of origin.
Participating guests arrive by plane at Paris International Airport : Roissy Charles de Gaulle (CDG),
and are transferred from the airport to the World Class High Speed Train, TGV. Three hours later they arrive at Avignon train station.
Just minutes away, up some winding country road, their unforgettable worry free week can begin.
Participating guests will discover the best of Provence relying on their bilingual provencal
hosts to make the good decisions and answer all questions.
Participating guests will discover the best of Provence relying on their bilingual provencal
hosts to make the good decisions and answer all questions.
Transportation, housing, meals and discoveries of the region will be handled by Elisabeth,
Noémie
& Philippe, who have experience running one of the most reviewed and rated B&Bs
in Provence. ! With their expert knowledge and genuine love of the region, they will share with you the exquisite pleasures of Provence, bring any Provence dream to
reality in a culturally rich and tasteful experience.
Where
Let yourself be overwhelmed with the provencal “joie de vivre”!
In the heart of Provence, perched on hills known as “Les Coteaux d’Avignon”, in Châteauneuf de Gadagne,
among pine trees and vineyards, stands Le Clos des Saumanes, an 18th century Bastide.
For more information, see our website:
http://www.closaumane.com
The Lamberts - Who are they?
A family who travelled extensively, and lived in Montreal and Pittsburgh,
PA. before settling in Provence 10 years ago. 
Three members of the family,
Elisabeth, Noémie and Philippe, share the pleasure of welcoming guests from
all over the world. Elisabeth is a former teacher of English and French
and a collector of antiques. In addition, she enjoys interior decorating
and sculpture. 
Noémie, the youngest daughter, studied art and continues
to paint during the off-season. Philippe, happy to have retired from publishing
and international marketing, very much likes life, people, animals, and
the world around him.
Regional Geography
One important thing : find on a globemap France, Provence and Avignon !!! (for webusers, download Google Earth and discover from the sky. Other discoveries will be taken in charge by the Lambert.
Communication.
While French is spoken in Provence, occasionally one encounters Provençal (a language similar to Latin, Spanish and Italian.) We will cater to your linguistic needs.
- you speak French, we will communicate in French.
- you speak English, we speak English.
- you’re eager to learn or practice some French, we provide immersion.
Activities
Drivers and guides, Elisabeth & Philippe, will assure transport and visits on board of two very comfortable vehicles (types Mercédès or Renault Espace) and accompany the stay.
The Package
Your provençal experience will last for one week. Arriving Day 1 and departing Day 8.
Trip begins when you decide.
Rates
on request
- Includes, accommodation at Le Clos des Saumanes in Châteauneuf de Gadagne, with a choice of rooms either with a king-size bed or two single beds and an ensuite bathroom.
- Meals, beverages, transportation, tours, cooking classes, golf, wine tastings and Confrérie des Taste-Grappes membership.
- Unfortunately, we will not be covering your personnal expenses, such as shopping sprees and phone calls !
Program
Hereafter, you can see an example of detailled program.To see a trip report (trip organized in September 2005), click here.
- Settle into a comfortable and spacious room of Le Clos des Saumanes,
- Presentation of the activities of the week.
- Relaxation.
- Buffet dinner at Le Clos.
- Breakfast.
- Discovery of the region : typical villages of the Luberon
- Lunch in one of the villages.
- Continued discovery of scenery and villages of the region.
- Dinner at a typical local restaurant in the village of Châteauneuf de Gadagne.
Pernes les Fontaines : You will find in this small town at least 40 beautiful old fountains. They were built in the 2nd half of the 18th Century and give its name to the city since 1936.
Venasque is considered as one of the oldest villages in the area. Built on top of a hill, it commands a beautiful view on the Mont Ventoux and rolling hills. You will enjoy its old stone houses and charming narrow streets where many painters and artists love to live.
Fontaines de Vaucluse : One of the best known natural site in Vaucluse, at the foot of a 230 m high cliff, flows the most powerful spring in France. Its pure emerald green water rushes down to form the river Sorgue.
Gordes is often considered the "star" of the Luberon area. Many famous people and artists chose to live in one of its beautiful houses that gather harmoniously around its church and castle.
Roussillon is famous for its red cliffs that contrast with the dark green of the pine forest. Its coloured houses stuccoed with local ocre ranging from yellow to dark pink, inspire many painters. It will be, for you, Provence at its best.
Abbaye de Sénanque Nestled at the bottom of a small valley, Notre-Dame de Senanque Abbey, founded in 1148, is one of the purest examples of cistercian architecture. A community of cistercian monks who returned in 1988, still live and pray in Senanque.Day 3 - Culinary Discovery
- Breakfast.
- Cooking class in Châteauneuf du Pape at the Restaurant of Pierre Paumel, local starred Provencal chef.
- Lunch “ degustatif” of the prepared delicacies.
- Short nap.
- Diploma delivery by the Chef.
- Visit of the town of Orange and its famous antique roman theatre. Return to Le Clos.
- Cheese discovery Dinner... accompanied by excellent local wines !
- Breakfast.
- Choice of activities:
- Golf outing with Philippe :
9 holes in the morning, lunch at the Golf Club followed by 9 holes in the afternoon. - Shopping spree with Elisabeth :
in the best shopping areas of Avignon, walking tour of the town to help you find real provencal treasures !... ( of course, no obligation to buy ! ) - Dinner at one of Avignon’s top restaurants.
- Breakfast.
- Côtes du Rhône wine tour.
- Various wine tours, including Châteauneuf du Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Beaumes de Venise, etc…, with visits to prestigious wineries.
- Visit of the famous Pont d’Avignon & Palais des Papes. Presentation by professional oenologist of the Côtes du Rhône wines at the official ”Bouteillerie du Palais”.
- Dinner in Avignon.
- Breakfast.
- Promenade in one of the region’s marché provençal
- Visit to Les Baux de Provence,
- Lunch at le bistro du Paradou, near the charming town of St Rémy de Provence.
- Visit to Arles, le Pont du Gard (roman aquaduc).
- Dinner at a nearby village.
- Breakfast.
- Relaxation..
- Tranquil hike in the vineyards around Le Clos des Saumanes, guided by a local vigneron (« wine grower »).
- Preparation of the typical dish “ l’Aïoli”. Lunch: degustation of “ l’Aïoli”.
- Rest.
- Visit to the winery of Les Coteaux d’Avignon in Morières les Avignon to meet with the members of the « Taste-Grappes des Terroirs d’Avignon » (wine association). In an official event, guests will be welcome as honorary members of this wine society.
- Breakfast.« Débriefing » !
- Departure for the TGV Station in Avignon