m.touch travel
See Provence
Regional Highlights
The Ochre of Roussillon... The Provencal Colorado. The nature sculptured a strange landscape.
Fontaine de Vaucluse. It gave the name to the Department. The most powerful and mysterious resurgence of the world ! Impressing Le Mont-Ventoux ... The Giant of Provence ! It culminates to 1912 m. By clear time one can see the Mediterranean Sea and the Mont-Blanc.
Les Dentelles de Montmirail.. A renowned place for the amateurs of escalation, walks and beautiful landscapes. Festivals - Film, Music, Dance & More
Lavender: The Purple Waves of Provence Lavender... the word alone brings to mind a heady perfume, fields of blue, purple rows rolling with the landscape. A perfume, a delicate flower, sachets, bath bubbles... Pictures of lavender adorn many a guide to Provence. From late June through mid- August, these fields draw us from afar.
Truffles: the Black Diamond. When living in Provence, how can one not be tempted by the winter diversion of truffle hunting, nor be left unaffected by the dramatic shift at the top restaurants to menus featuring these treasures?
Olive Oil les Baux de Provence. Though some attribute the use of olive oil to an Italian influence, in fact, olive oil has been a main source of cooking oil in Provence -- as well as oil for light and lubricating wheels -- for over two millennia now.
Cave Verger des Papes. At the top of the village of Chateauneuf-du-Pape you'll find the ruins of the Chateau, and just below, the restaurant and wine cellar of the Verger des Papes.
Avignon
Massive ramparts enclose one of the most fascinating towns in southern France. Avignon is located at the confluence of the Rhone and Durance rivers. It has been occupied since prehistory and was always a home of culture and a crossroad of civilizations. Its most dominant feature, the huge Palais des Papes was built when Pope Clement V in 1309 decided to move the papacy from Rome, because of insecurity there, to Avignon. It became the cultural, spiritual, economic and political capital of Christianity. Home to seven popes, it was one of the most populated and wealthy cities in medieval Europe. It is now one of UNESCO'S World Heritage Sites.
Avignon today is the setting for an international festival founded in 1947 by Jean Vilar and the great french actor Gerard Philipe (who died so tragically young), and is an important annual event in European Theater. It takes place from mid-July until mid-August and the magnificent courtyards and stages of the Palais des Papes serve as stages for the performances. Avignon is walled with the modern city surrounding the medieval.
Avignon has a particularly attractive and lively outdoor ambience with its cafes, boutiques and lovely vistas The tourist information office offers an English language walking tour.
Aix en Provence
Ancient capital of Provence, Aix-en-Provence is one of the most beautiful town in France for art : discover the Cours Mirabeau and the old town with its mansions from the 17th and the 18th centuries and its fountains. Its craftsmen keep on cooking traditionally one of the sweetest specialities in Provence : Calissons d'Aix.
In Cezanne's workshop you can still feel the presence of the great painter, who painted there from 1901 to 1906. Highlights: St Sauveur Cathedral, Hotel de Ville Square, Cours Mirabeau and the cafe 'Les 2 Garcons'.
Marseilles
Originally a Greek settlement founded in the 7th century BC it was captured by the Romans in 49 BC. It is France's largest port and second largest city with close links with the Middle East and North Africa, making for an exotic, cosmopolitan and lively atmosphere.
The Vieux Port was the setting for Marcel Pagnol's comic trilogy: "Marius", "Fanny" and "Cesar", satirizing the Marseillais character. Away from the main thoroughfare, boulevard Canebiere, and the Cite Radieuse, Corbusier's innovative post-war radical housing complex, there are narrow stepped street, quiet squares and fine 18th century facades. Towering on a steep cliff above the city, the landmark basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la Garde, overlooks miles of waterfront and beaches.
Typical Provencal towns
Arles, one of the former Roman capitals and an important religious centre during the Middle Ages. Roman heritage with its famous amphitheatre, theater, Saint-Trophime cathedral and other ancient monuments.
Les Baux de Provence, village located upon a rock at 245 meters high, with its historical center : the museum of santons, the Hotel des Porcelets, beautiful house of the 16th century, the St Vincent Church, pretty romanesque building...
Nimes, former Roman city, has conserved the countless remains of ancient times: an amphitheatre, a temple - La Maison Carre, the Magne Tower...
Uzes, a former duchy, visit of the Eure spring , where the Gardon river takes its source since antiquity.
Roussillon, one of "the most beautiful villages in France". famous for its red and yellow ochre cliffs, unusual natural landscape.
Cassis : famous port on the Mediterranean: free time for a boat ride at the CALANQUES.
On the Way Down
If you are training or driving down from paris stop in Lyon the culinary capital of France. It is France's second largest city spectacularly situated on the Rhone and Saone rivers, a gateway between the north and south since ancient times. The heart of Lyon is the Presqu'ile, the narrow peninsula of land between the Saone and Rhone rivers just north of their confluence. It is a city that offers a journey through time and across cultures. Lyon, called Lugdunum in ancient times, was the western capital of the Roman Empire built on the two hills of Fourviere and Croix-Rousse. A walk through Vieux Lyon will take you back to the 16th century with ornately decorated mansions, narrow pedestrian streets and quaint passages. Its centuries-old silk industry made the name Lyon synonymous with luxurious fabrics sought after by nobles and the rich bourgeoisie. Today the city of Lyon is centered around the Place Bellecour.
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Groups
We can tailor make any itinerary in Provence or the Cote d'Azur. We offer a full range of cars, van, limousines, boats and licensed guides.
What's On
May 1 -4 : Alterosa
alterarosa (which refers to Altera Roma, as Avignon is also known) has become the highlight of the year for lovers of roses, Provence and cultural heritage. Last year, over 23 000 enthusiasts attended this special rose weekend in the prestigious Benedict XII Cloister at the Palace of the Popes, where new breeds of roses were unveiled for the very first time.
The greatest European rose growers collaborate with alterarosa, bringing their new creations to the Palace of the Popes to present them for the very first time to the public, and tell their story.
Let Us Plan Your Trip
Provence, in southeastern France, is bounded by the Alps and Italy to the east and the Rhone River to the west, with the Mediterranean Sea providing its southern border. It has very varied topographical features, ranging from fertile plains in the Rhone valley to mountains in the east, to marshlands in the south (the Camargue). It is so named because it was the first Roman province outside of the Italian region.
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Sightseeing in Provence
We offer a selection of highlight tours from anywhere in Provence or we can customize you day depending on what you are interested in.
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VIP Tours
Manstouch Travel has selected 7 top-quality private tours that will let you discover the most beautiful towns and areas of Provence. We have taken care of everything to make your tour an unforgettable experience. Visit Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, Arles, Chateauneuf du Pape etc. and let us guide you through the most significant highlights and the most charming restaurants, carefully selected for you. Fares include lunch, snacks, wine tasting, coffee-breaks and a bottle of champagne in the car.
Private Tours
If you are looking for an alternative to taxis or the hassle of taking the metro, you are at the right address. One of our English speaking drivers will greet you and, help you with your luggage , and drive you safely to your hotel in a comfortable, air-conditioned mini-van.
Scheduled Tours
Ancient capital of Provence, one of the most beautiful town in France for art : sightseeing to discover the Cours Mirabeau and the old town with its mansions from the 17th and the 18th centuries and its fountains.
Lavender Tours
Ancient capital of Provence, one of the most beautiful town in France for art : sightseeing to discover the Cours Mirabeau and the old town with its mansions from the 17th and the 18th centuries and its fountains.
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Cooking Classes
The sun-splashed Provencal landscape inspires a cuisine bursting with a bounty of fresh food and wine. Autumn in Provence is a particularly special time of the year.
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Cooking with Philippe
More than just recipes and techniques, this adventure introduces you to the Provencal way of life--a life based around friends, the kitchen, wonderful food prepared from the freshest local ingredients, good wine, warm nights and good fun.
Cooking at Chateau Berne
Château de Berne in Provence is a wine-producing estate covering 500 hectares and producing half a million bottles of wine. The estate is also home to our four-star hotel, L’Auberge,which lies at the heart of the vineyards and the forest.
Cooking with Rene Berard
The Hostellerie Berard is not a house but a cluster of houses tucked away in the village. The ancient monks' cells in the monastery have been lovingly transformed into bright, comfortable and delightfully-decorated rooms..
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Wine Tastings
Join us in Provence for a wine tasting adventure. Relax at Rene Berard's or take one of our 3 day adventures.
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Wine Tasting at Rene Berard's
In 2002 the Wine Spectator awarded the Hostellerie Berard the award of excellence 2002, for its restaurant and wines list. The Wine Spectator famous magazine from New York, awarded the Hostellerie Berard with the award of excellence 2002 in the South of France, for its restaurant and wines list.
Wine Tours
Discover our new escorted mini-van tours in the South of France to discover the lesser known wine regions and experience a wine harvest first hand. In addition, each tour includes visits to famous cities or ruins in the area to enrich your experience. If you are interested in any of these tours on a private basis please email us.
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Barge Holidays
There is nothing like see Provence in the comfort of a luxury barge with incredible food.
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Napoleon
The Napoléon is Europe’s finest river cruiser, combining all the amenities of a luxury hotel with the friendly ambience of a country inn. She is beautifully appointed with large picture windows that provide unsurpassed views of the countryside, accommodates up to 12 passengers.
The Napoléon cruises the Rhône between Arles and Tain l’Hermitage/Tournon; sun-drenched landscapes that inspired the great canvases of Cézanne and Van Gogh.
Impressioniste
The 12 passenger L'Impressionniste, sister ship to La Belle Epoque began life as a cargo barge in Holland before undergoing a complete transformation into the powerful canal and river cruiser she is today. Her light and airy interior features picture windows and selections of prints, fabrics and wall colorings reminiscent of the turn of the century era after which she has been named. She is crewed by a knowledgeable Captain, Mater Chef and crew of three.
Le Phenicien
Le Phenicien is the first boat of its class to sail in this area. It offers you the privilege of a friendly and unforgettable cruise in luxurious and refined comfort and for a while a taste of the French Art de Vivre
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Luxurious Stays
Rent a villa or stay in a Chateaux in Provence on the Riviera.
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Villas to Rent in Provence and French Riviera Cote d'Azur
Hundreds of villas are available and bookable online
Chateaux Hotels
See our selection of Chateaux hotels.
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Private Tours on the Riviera
We have a great team of guides, drivers and limousines so just email us and we will put together an itinerary for you.
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Cannes, Saint-Paul et Antibes
Drive through the seaside and the flower hills to discover : Cannes : Where you can admire the gorgeous hotels, the luxury shops on the Croisette and the sandy beach. Antibes : Around its Old town, see the Picasso Museum, the fisherman village, the Billionaire's port and the Provence market. Saint-Paul : The charm of this famous village attracted some of the most famous artists of the XXth century.
Everyday. Departures at 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM - Duration: 4 hours
Monaco, Monte-Carlo et Eze
Discover the Parc of the Mont-Boron, the famous Corniches of the Riviera. Eze : Wander through its timeless streets and add the finishing touches to your collection of staggeringly beautiful views. Fragonard : Visit of the Perfume Factory. Monaco : The Rock on which the Prince's palace, the cathedral and the old streets captivate visitors from all over the world. Monte-Carlo : The legend of Monte-Carlo lives through the Hotel de Paris, the casinos, the gardens and the luxury openly on display.
Everyday. Departures at 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM - Duration: 4 hours
A taste of Provence
Drive through the countryside and the Loup valley. Grasse : In the heart of the historic part of Grasse you will visit the Fragonard Perfume Factory and the Perfume Museum. Gourdon : The village wraps around its castle and you will be greeted by a view of the coast which is the finest panorama on the whole of the entire French Riviera. Tourrettes-sur-Loup : Tourrettes has preserved the traces of two thousand years of history. In this quite exceptional village, everything is typically southern.
Everyday. Departures at 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM - Duration: 4 hours
Nice visit
Drive through the Promenade des Anglais, the Port, the Garibaldi place, Cimiez, with several stops : Castel park : It's here that everything started, more than 2000 years ago. The most famous panorama of Nice. Cimiez : Winter home of the European Aristocracy of the XIX century. A fantastic architecture, the roman ruins of Cemenelum and the Matisse Museum. Russian cathedral : A must. The most famous Russian monument outside Russia. Flower market : In the heart of the Old Nice, charming and colorful.
Everyday - Departures at 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM - Duration: 4 hours
Riviera panorama
Drive through the seaside and the flower hills to discover : Cannes : Where you can admire the gorgeous hotels, the luxury shops on the Croisette and the sandy beach. Antibes : Around its Old town, see the Picasso Museum, the fisherman village, the Billionaire's port and the Provence Market. Saint-Paul : The charm of this famous village attracted some of the most famous artists of the XXth century. Discover the Parc of the Mont-Boron, the famous Corniches of the Riviera. Eze : Wander through its timeless streets and add the finishing touches to your collection of staggeringly beautiful views. Fragonard : Visit of the Perfume Factory. Monaco : The Rock on which the Prince's palace, the cathedral and the old streets captivate visitors from all over the world. Monte-Carlo : The legend of Monte-Carlo lives through the Hotel de Paris, the casinos, the gardens and the luxury openly on display.
Everyday - Departure at 9:00 AM - Duration: 9 hours
Saint-Tropez
Drive through the Maures Forest and drive or sail (june 15th to September 15th) to Saint-Tropez to discover : Port Grimaud : The Venise of Provence, to discover by boat. Saint-Tropez : Its port, its citadel, the luxury shops and the old streets, all those images are famous all around the world. Drive back by the Gold Corniche.
Everyday - Departure at 8:30 AM - Duration: 8 hours
The Markets of the Italian Riviera
Discover the famous roads of the Italian and French Riviera, with several stops : San Remo : (Tuesday and saturday) Vintimille :(Friday). The famous open air markets, famous for leather, fashion and luggage. You can have lunch on the beach. La Turbie : The most famous panorama over Monaco.
Every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday Departure at 8:45 AM - Duration: 8 hours
Monaco
Drive by the medium corniche of the Riviera. Eze :.Wander through its timeless streets and add the finishing touches to your collection of staggeringly beautiful views. Fragonard : Visit of the perfume factory. Monaco : A long time to discover the famous "Rock", to visit the Prince's palace (June to October, 4€), or the Cousteau Oceanographic Museum (11 €), to see the changing of the Guards, the cathedral and the wonderful gardens. Monte-Carlo : After a drive on the Grand Prix circuit, take the time to taste the legend of Monte-Carlo, through the Hotel de Paris, the casinos, the gardens and the luxury openly on display.
Everyday - Departure at 9:00 AM - Duration: 8 hours
Aix en Provence
See the historic capital of Provence and the landscape painted by Cezanne in the Sainte-Victoire Mountain. Aix-en-Provence : The authentic soul of Provence, its culture, its life, its tradition, with the charm of a young city, a student town, where you can enjoy the French way of life. One of the most beautiful city in France.
Monday, Wednesday and Friday - Departure at 9:00 AM - Duration: 8 hours
Lights of Monte-Carlo
The show of the lights at night in Monte-Carlo worth by itself the trip. You will take the corniches from Nice, before enjoying the best panoramas to admire the city. A drive through the town, before spending the rest of your evening among the temptations of Monte-Carlo.
Every evening - Departure at 7:00 PM - Duration: 5 hours
Dine out in Monte-Carlo
The show of the lights at night in Monte-Carlo worth by itself the trip. You will take the corniches from Nice, before enjoying the best panoramas to admire the city. A drive through the town, before spending the rest of your evening among the temptations of Monte-Carlo.
Dinner included : Choice of 3 dishes from the gourmet menu + 1/2 bottle of wine or beer or soft drink + coffee
Every evening - Departures at 7:00 PM - Duration: 5 hours
Pleasures'city
Cannes, the city of pleasures, of gastronomy, of casinos, of night life, of palaces on the shore, all yours to discover at your rhythm. Enjoy the evening as you wish before coming back by the coastline.
Every evening - Departures at 7:00 PM - Duration: 5 hours