![]() |
|
Seven-Day Golf Tour: St. Remy and
Nīmes
|
||||||||||||||
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 Provenēal 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. |
||
|
|
|
|
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.
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. |
||
|
|
|
|
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. 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. |
||
|
|
|
After breakfast we bid 'au revoir' to our delightful hosts in St. Remy and make our way across the rich countryside to the stately Imperator Hotel, an oasis of peace in the heart of the Old Town
in the ancient city of Nīmes. By mid-morning you are free to wander the tree-lined boulevards and winding narrow streets, alone or in the company of our guide, who will share with you
Nīmes' history and show you all the places of most interest.
Lunch is on the Place de Marche, alive with the Provenēal passion for good food and conversation. An afternoon tee time is available at the Campagne Country Club, selected as one of six 5 Star golf courses by Golf European Magazine.
In the evening you dine in the medieval, 13th-century walled town of Aigue Mortes (MGG) which is encircled by the salt marches of the Camargue, (MGG). Dinner will be served in a private tree-shaded garden within sight of the ancient towers, where you can enjoy an informal atmosphere of Provenēal charm, friendliness and warmth - as well as wonderful food and a great selection of wines. |
||
|
|
|
| For a complete change of scenery, we set off after breakfast to meander through the spectacular Gorge de L'Ardeche, (MGG) one of the most imposing natural sites in the south of France. Lunch is en route at one of a number of villages, as we wind our way through the magnificent Cevenne mountains, before returning to Nīmes to prepare for dinner in the friendly atmosphere of Chez Michel with its excellent reputation for authentic Provenēal cooking, a wide selection of wines and a cheerful ambience. | ||
|
|
|
Avignon. This former city-state on the banks of the Rhone can trace its history back to the 5th century BC when it was established as a river port. Its eventful history is reflected in the magnificence of its streets, squares and buildings. A morning tour of the Old Town, in the company of our guide, will be followed by lunch at the Place de L'Horloge. An afternoon tee time is available at the Grand Avignon Golf Club, whose 18 holes are set among delightful flora and picturesque lakes. Or you have the opportunity to explore the many palaces, churches, museums and shops of this delightful city.
As this will be our last evening in Provence, we have planned something special. We propose dinner at the renowned Chez Alexandre. This superb restaurant is also Michelin rated. Located in a country villa just outside Nīmes, it has been host to several European Heads of State due to its outstanding cuisine, wines and ambience. Bon appetit! |
||
|
|
|
The final day of a wonderful golfing and touring experience. For the early riser there is the opportunity to get in a final
round of golf in the idyllic surroundings of Nīmes Vacquerolles Golf Club.
Non-golfers can enjoy last minute shopping, go sightseeing in town, savour the peaceful tranquility of the hotel garden, or enjoy a coffee at a pavement café on the Place de L'Hotel de Ville. From Nīmes we transport you by road or by helicopter to your departure airport. After ensuring that you are safely checked in we wish you bon voyage! and a bientôt, because we hope we will share with you again the unique experience which is Golf Provence. |
||
|
|
|
|
© 2002 Golf Provence All rights reserved Site design by Bob Vogel |