Golf Provence

Seven-Day Golf Tour: St. Remy and Aix-en-Provence

St. Remy Aix-en-Provence

Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Friday

Leaving the USA on a Thursday, or Northern Europe on a Friday, you have the choice of flying direct to Nice, Lyon, or via Paris to Montpellier arriving Friday morning. In either location we collect you, transporting you in chauffeur driven comfort, or by helicopter, to your hotel. In this instance, the superb Valrugues, a Florentine-style villa, set in landscaped gardens amidst the quiet beauty of St. Remy de Provence and overlooked by the rocky hills of Les Aipilles (MGG).
A light lunch is served in the flowery settings of the hotel terrace. If you wish to get down to the business of golfing without delay, an afternoon tee time enables you to play 18 holes at the exclusive Provence Country Club, overlooked by the mountains of the Luberon (MGG)

For those requiring a less energetic afternoon there is the opportunity to explore the town of St. Remy (MGG) which has been called "the essence of Provence" because of its tree-lined boulevards, charming squares, old-town alleyways and peaceful ambience. St. Remy provided inspiration for Van Gogh as well as Provençal poets, from Roumanille to Marie Mauron.

Provence is, of course, known world-wide for the character, flavour and creativity of its cuisine. At the Valrugues they excel in that tradition. You can judge for yourself as you dine in the romantic dining room or in a shady spot on the terrace.

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Saturday

A trip to Provence would not be complete without a visit to the medieval town of Uzes, (MGG) home in 1661 to the poet Jean Racine; so today, after a leisurely breakfast, we motor across the countryside to the Saturday street market, which is regarded as one of the finest in France. Here you will be immediately taken by the charm, the atmosphere, and the outstanding range of produce, jewelry, crafts and traditional clothing on offer in a truly historical setting.

After lunch in the town a tee time is available, or you have the option of a leisurely afternoon visiting the Pont du Gard (MGG), a Roman aqueduct regarded as one of the wonders of the ancient world. Built around 19 BC and in excellent state of preservation, the golden tones of its stonework blend beautifully with the surrounding countryside.

For dinner that evening we travel a short distance to the small, picturesque hillside town of d'Eygalieres. Here we dine at the Michelin rated Bistro - where the cuisine is light and refined, with a wonderful feeling for the right amount of herbs and spices, a cuisine that is something between classic and spontaneous, showing great respect for the local produce.

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Sunday

To golfers and non-golfers alike we offer the chance to explore the village of Les Baux (MGG) on its spectacular site atop a bare rock spur, with vertical ravines on each side. In the 11th century the lords of Les Baux were among the most powerful in the South of France. In the 13th century the town was famous as a court of love, where issues of gallantry and chivalry were raised and discussed, with prizes awarded to those troubadours who composed the finest verses in praise of the beautiful ladies of the Court.
Lunch follows at the outstanding Cabro D'Or, set in a landscape abounding in olive trees, almond trees and vines; where every meal is a feast. The view down into the Devil's Valley is that of an extraordinary garden where Dante is said to have found inspiration for his Divine Comedy.

Within a short drive from your hotel the Chateau L'Arc Golf Club is in an exquisite setting at the foot of the Ste. Victoire, surrounded by the landscapes made famous by Cezanne. For golfers an afternoon tee time is available. For non-golfers the afternoon is free for relaxation, whether by the pool of the hotel or at a pavement café in St. Remy, just watching the world go by.

We leave this beautiful town on Monday morning. However, for dinner on Sunday evening we have chosen yet another jewel, the Oustan de Baumaniere. This property has graced the landscape since 1634. Here the impressive cuisine is a fitting compliment to the romantic setting in which it is served.

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Monday

After breakfast it's eastwards, through the rocky hills of Les Aplilles, into the heart of the olive-growing region. Through Salon, a large agricultural market centre in which Nostradamus lived - and on to Aix, the ancient capital of Provence (MGG). The birthplace of the painter Cézanne, it is a vibrant, cultural city with elegant squares, impressive mansions, majestic avenues and cascading fountains.
While in Aix you have a choice of hotels. You can stay at the Villa Gallici in the city centre. This 18th-century manor has been transformed into a luxurious and intimate hotel of character and beauty. Decorated in the warm and mellow colours of Provence your bedroom opens out onto either a private terrace or a garden. The tree-shaded main terrace of the hotel is a perfect setting in which to enjoy Provençal cooking at its finest.

Alternatively you can opt for the exquisite Chateau de la Pioline, situated on the banks of the River Arc, about a miles from downtown Aix. This imposing castle, dating back to the 12th century is superbly furnished and set in mature gardens that convey a mood of sublime peacefulness. This hotel also is renowned for the quality of its Provençal cuisine.

Upon arrival, the choice is yours. You can decide on a quiet morning among the flowers and plants of the gardens and terrace or you can journey to Old Aix, whose many pedestrian streets make it ideal for a leisurely walk and a morning of exploration. After lunch in the Old Town an afternoon tee time is available at the Chateau L'Arc Golf Club, impressive in its setting below the mountains of the Luberon. Non-golfers have the opportunity to spend a relaxing afternoon savouring the culture, the cafes and the shops of Aix.

And for dinner? Given the fine reputation which each of these hotels enjoys for the quality of its food and wines, you couldn't end the day in a better place.

(Back to top)

Tuesday

From Aix we drive you through the countryside to the Domain de Chateau Neuf, where a morning tee time allows you to experience the superb 18-hole course which has been laid out in parkland surrounding this beautiful mansion. The former home of Louis-Maurice Chateauneuf, an intimate of Napoleon Boneparte, this grand property sits below the Massif de la Ste. Baume, (MGG) with breathtaking views of the craggy peaks.
For non-golfers there is the opportunity to explore the intimate hillside towns and villages of the region, steeped in tradition and surrounded by ancient forests. After a truly memorable day we return you to the Domain, a beautiful mansion, where lunch will be served

Dinner this evening will be at L'Abbey de St. Croix. Close to the town of Salon this 4th-century abbey was, according to legend founded by Saint Hilaire, the Archbishop of Arles who brought back from the Holy Land a piece of the Cross of Christ. The Abbey was carefully renovated in the early seventies. It stands high above the surrounding countryside amidst the scent of thyme and wild flowers and from its terrace it offers panoramic views. The Michelin rated cuisine is said to be the finest in the area.

(Back to top)

Wednesday

Arles, (MGG) on the Rhone delta, is the gateway to the Camargue (MGG). A Roman capital and a major religious centre in the Middle Ages, the city was home to Van Gogh during which time he is reputed to have produced upwards of 300 works including views of Arles, its surrounding countryside and its people. The women of Arles, noted for their beauty are said to have inspired the poetry and music of Mistral and Daudet, among others. The city's amphitheatre and theatre are two fine examples of the architecture from its Gallo-Roman past. Today it is a bustling market town for the surrounding agricultural region. A short tour of the town will be followed by lunch at the famed Jules Cesar Hotel which is justly proud of its cuisine.
In the afternoon we set off for what has been called "the most original and romantic region of Provence and possibly of France" La Camargue. This area of the Rhone delta designated as a botanical and zoological reserve, is home to herds of magnificent white horses and its own famous black bulls. It also has one of Europe's greatest concentrations of flamingos and other exotic bird life.

During our journey we will visit the old fishing port towns of Le Grau du Roi, Ste. Maries de la Mer and the 13th-century walled town of Aigue Mortes (MGG). Behind its impressive walls you can enjoy an informal atmosphere, of Provençal charm and friendliness. You can do some shopping, or relax with a glass of fine wine served in a private tree-shaded garden.

This is the last evening of your visit to Provence. So we have arranged that you end on a high note! For dinner we have selected Le Mas d'Entremonte, a stately Four-Star Provençal country house whose gardens are an oasis of peace, although close to the centre of Aix. Here the cuisine is regional, aromatic, and authentically Provençal.

(Back to top)

Thursday

It's the final day of a memorable holiday. For the early riser there is the chance to get in a last round of golf. Non-golfers can avail themselves of the opportunity to do last minute shopping, to take coffee at Cours Mirabeau and watch the local colour, or to simply enjoy the tranquility of the hotel gardens.
From Aix we transport you by car or helicopter to your departure airport where we will ensure that you are safely checked in. We hope you will have another opportunity to share with us the unique experience which is Golf Provence. Until then we wish you bon voyage and a bientôt.

(Back to top)

	Friday

	Leaving the USA on a Thursday, or Northern Europe on a Friday, you have the choice of flying direct to Nice, Lyon, or via Paris to Montpellier arriving Friday morning. In either location we collect you, transporting you in chauffeur driven comfort, or by helicopter, to your hotel. In this instance, the superb Valrugues, a Florentine-style villa, set in landscaped gardens amidst the quiet beauty of St. Remy de Provence and overlooked by the rocky hills of Les Aipilles (MGG). A light lunch is served in the flowery settings of the hotel terrace. If you wish to get down to the business of golfing without delay, an afternoon tee time enables you to play 18 holes at the exclusive Provence Country Club, overlooked by the mountains of the Luberon (MGG) For those requiring a less energetic afternoon there is the opportunity to explore the town of St. Remy (MGG) which has been called "the essence of Provence" because of its tree-lined boulevards, charming squares, old-town alleyways and peaceful ambience. St. Remy provided inspiration for Van Gogh as well as Provençal poets, from Roumanille to Marie Mauron. Provence is, of course, known world-wide for the character, flavour and creativity of its cuisine. At the Valrugues they excel in that tradition. You can judge for yourself as you dine in the romantic dining room or in a shady spot on the terrace. (Back to top)

	Saturday

	A trip to Provence would not be complete without a visit to the medieval town of Uzes, (MGG) home in 1661 to the poet Jean Racine; so today, after a leisurely breakfast, we motor across the countryside to the Saturday street market, which is regarded as one of the finest in France. Here you will be immediately taken by the charm, the atmosphere, and the outstanding range of produce, jewelry, crafts and traditional clothing on offer in a truly historical setting. After lunch in the town a tee time is available, or you have the option of a leisurely afternoon visiting the Pont du Gard (MGG), a Roman aqueduct regarded as one of the wonders of the ancient world. Built around 19 BC and in excellent state of preservation, the golden tones of its stonework blend beautifully with the surrounding countryside. For dinner that evening we travel a short distance to the small, picturesque hillside town of d'Eygalieres. Here we dine at the Michelin rated Bistro - where the cuisine is light and refined, with a wonderful feeling for the right amount of herbs and spices, a cuisine that is something between classic and spontaneous, showing great respect for the local produce. (Back to top)

	Sunday

	To golfers and non-golfers alike we offer the chance to explore the village of Les Baux (MGG) on its spectacular site atop a bare rock spur, with vertical ravines on each side. In the 11th century the lords of Les Baux were among the most powerful in the South of France. In the 13th century the town was famous as a court of love, where issues of gallantry and chivalry were raised and discussed, with prizes awarded to those troubadours who composed the finest verses in praise of the beautiful ladies of the Court. Lunch follows at the outstanding Cabro D'Or, set in a landscape abounding in olive trees, almond trees and vines; where every meal is a feast. The view down into the Devil's Valley is that of an extraordinary garden where Dante is said to have found inspiration for his Divine Comedy. Within a short drive from your hotel the Chateau L'Arc Golf Club is in an exquisite setting at the foot of the Ste. Victoire, surrounded by the landscapes made famous by Cezanne. For golfers an afternoon tee time is available. For non-golfers the afternoon is free for relaxation, whether by the pool of the hotel or at a pavement café in St. Remy, just watching the world go by. We leave this beautiful town on Monday morning. However, for dinner on Sunday evening we have chosen yet another jewel, the Oustan de Baumaniere. This property has graced the landscape since 1634. Here the impressive cuisine is a fitting compliment to the romantic setting in which it is served. (Back to top)

	Monday

	After breakfast it's eastwards, through the rocky hills of Les Aplilles, into the heart of the olive-growing region. Through Salon, a large agricultural market centre in which Nostradamus lived - and on to Aix, the ancient capital of Provence (MGG). The birthplace of the painter Cézanne, it is a vibrant, cultural city with elegant squares, impressive mansions, majestic avenues and cascading fountains. While in Aix you have a choice of hotels. You can stay at the Villa Gallici in the city centre. This 18th-century manor has been transformed into a luxurious and intimate hotel of character and beauty. Decorated in the warm and mellow colours of Provence your bedroom opens out onto either a private terrace or a garden. The tree-shaded main terrace of the hotel is a perfect setting in which to enjoy Provençal cooking at its finest. Alternatively you can opt for the exquisite Chateau de la Pioline, situated on the banks of the River Arc, about a miles from downtown Aix. This imposing castle, dating back to the 12th century is superbly furnished and set in mature gardens that convey a mood of sublime peacefulness. This hotel also is renowned for the quality of its Provençal cuisine. Upon arrival, the choice is yours. You can decide on a quiet morning among the flowers and plants of the gardens and terrace or you can journey to Old Aix, whose many pedestrian streets make it ideal for a leisurely walk and a morning of exploration. After lunch in the Old Town an afternoon tee time is available at the Chateau L'Arc Golf Club, impressive in its setting below the mountains of the Luberon. Non-golfers have the opportunity to spend a relaxing afternoon savouring the culture, the cafes and the shops of Aix. And for dinner? Given the fine reputation which each of these hotels enjoys for the quality of its food and wines, you couldn't end the day in a better place. (Back to top)

	Tuesday

	From Aix we drive you through the countryside to the Domain de Chateau Neuf, where a morning tee time allows you to experience the superb 18-hole course which has been laid out in parkland surrounding this beautiful mansion. The former home of Louis-Maurice Chateauneuf, an intimate of Napoleon Boneparte, this grand property sits below the Massif de la Ste. Baume, (MGG) with breathtaking views of the craggy peaks. For non-golfers there is the opportunity to explore the intimate hillside towns and villages of the region, steeped in tradition and surrounded by ancient forests. After a truly memorable day we return you to the Domain, a beautiful mansion, where lunch will be served Dinner this evening will be at L'Abbey de St. Croix. Close to the town of Salon this 4th-century abbey was, according to legend founded by Saint Hilaire, the Archbishop of Arles who brought back from the Holy Land a piece of the Cross of Christ. The Abbey was carefully renovated in the early seventies. It stands high above the surrounding countryside amidst the scent of thyme and wild flowers and from its terrace it offers panoramic views. The Michelin rated cuisine is said to be the finest in the area. (Back to top)

	Wednesday

	Arles, (MGG) on the Rhone delta, is the gateway to the Camargue (MGG). A Roman capital and a major religious centre in the Middle Ages, the city was home to Van Gogh during which time he is reputed to have produced upwards of 300 works including views of Arles, its surrounding countryside and its people. The women of Arles, noted for their beauty are said to have inspired the poetry and music of Mistral and Daudet, among others. The city's amphitheatre and theatre are two fine examples of the architecture from its Gallo-Roman past. Today it is a bustling market town for the surrounding agricultural region. A short tour of the town will be followed by lunch at the famed Jules Cesar Hotel which is justly proud of its cuisine. In the afternoon we set off for what has been called "the most original and romantic region of Provence and possibly of France" La Camargue. This area of the Rhone delta designated as a botanical and zoological reserve, is home to herds of magnificent white horses and its own famous black bulls. It also has one of Europe's greatest concentrations of flamingos and other exotic bird life. During our journey we will visit the old fishing port towns of Le Grau du Roi, Ste. Maries de la Mer and the 13th-century walled town of Aigue Mortes (MGG). Behind its impressive walls you can enjoy an informal atmosphere, of Provençal charm and friendliness. You can do some shopping, or relax with a glass of fine wine served in a private tree-shaded garden. This is the last evening of your visit to Provence. So we have arranged that you end on a high note! For dinner we have selected Le Mas d'Entremonte, a stately Four-Star Provençal country house whose gardens are an oasis of peace, although close to the centre of Aix. Here the cuisine is regional, aromatic, and authentically Provençal. (Back to top)

	Thursday

	It's the final day of a memorable holiday. For the early riser there is the chance to get in a last round of golf. Non-golfers can avail themselves of the opportunity to do last minute shopping, to take coffee at Cours Mirabeau and watch the local colour, or to simply enjoy the tranquility of the hotel gardens. From Aix we transport you by car or helicopter to your departure airport where we will ensure that you are safely checked in. We hope you will have another opportunity to share with us the unique experience which is Golf Provence. Until then we wish you bon voyage and a bientôt. (Back to top)