Wine and Markets of the MIdi
Sold OutAPRIL 24 – MAY 2, 2026
A hands-on, market-to-table and vineyard to glass tour for travelers who want to experience the South of France the way locals do—through its wine, food, and wonderful everyday culinary traditions.
The South of France is as layered as it is beautiful: Roman roots, Provençal rhythm, and a landscape stitched with vines, olive trees, and the wildly aromatic garrigue. From seafood freshly pulled from the Mediterranean to produce piled high in village markets, this corner of France is a paradise for curious cooks and devoted wine lovers.
Itinerary
Day 1 Friday, April 24
Arrival Welcome Dinner
Welcome to Provence—and to Nîmes, the grand old Roman city that will be our gateway. We'll meet you at the Gare upon arrival and head straight to our private mas, a classic stone farmhouse. We'll settle in, meet our Chef over a tasty collection of local cheeses, wines, and Provençal bites, and then gather for a relaxed welcome dinner. We'll circle back to Nîmes later in the week to explore its markets and monuments.
Day 2 Saturday, April 25
Sommières Market / Pic Saint-Loup / Château de Valflaunès
Saturday means market day, and Sommières is the one we love—a short, scenic drive to a town with deep Roman and medieval roots and a comfortably local feel. We'll shop shoulder-to-shoulder with village residents for our evening's menu, guided by our Chef.
Lunch is market-style: an exploration of street food favorites, washed down with carafes of delicious vin de pays at a sidewalk table. We'll pause for a pastis and a pétanque primer before taking our new "skills" back to the mas's own pitch later on.
In the afternoon, we head into Pic Saint-Loup—one of the Languedoc's standout appellations—where garrigue, scrub pines, and limestone shape the character of the wines. We'll visit Fabien Reboul at Château de Valflaunès for a tasting with sweeping views of the Pic. Then it's home to relax with aperitifs, a menu chat with the Chef, and a laid-back dinner.
Day 3 / Sunday, April 26 – L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue / Les Jardins de la Quai / Les Fontaines de Vaucluse
After breakfast, we point east to the Luberon and the market town of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue—an island village laced with canals and dotted with historic waterwheels. The famed Sunday brocante (antique/flea market) unfurls across town, and there's a first-rate market where we'll shop with the Chef for tonight's meal.
Lunch is at Les Jardins de la Quai, a longtime favorite we first stumbled upon nearly twenty years ago. This charming garden restaurant in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, France, is located within a lush, walled courtyard of ancient chestnut trees and wisteria.
Chef Daniel Hébet's kitchen serves a fresh, market-based menu that changes daily, offering a surprise three-course meal instead of an à la carte menu. The tranquil and rustic setting makes it a favorite among both locals
Fed and happy, we'll ride into classic Luberon scenery—olive groves, pale stone, and garrigue on the breeze—en route to Les Fontaines de Vaucluse, the dramatic source of the Sorgue. Back at the mas, we'll put the feet up with an aperitif, or take a dip in the heated pool, before dinner.
Day 4 / Monday, April 27 – Camargue / Aigues-Mortes & Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer / Château Cornut
Today, we set out across the Camargue, the Rhône's vast delta—wide horizons, white horses, black bulls, and flamingos in the reeds. A short nature walk puts us up close with this singular landscape.
Then it's on to Château Cornut in St-Gilles, a family estate led by twin brothers Numa and Alexis. Expect generous, well-balanced Grenache-Syrah blends and a Chardonnay with a fresh, Burgundian vibe. There's often a curveball or two in the lineup—always fun to taste with Numa and Alexis.
Lunch is a seafood tour de force at a local spot tied to one of our growers: towering seafood platters, and Bouzigues oysters help us celebrate the simple joy of perfectly fresh shellfish. We'll finish the day in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, a gorgeous seaside village replete with working boats, whitewashed chapels, and a beach that's happily unvarnished by resort gloss.
Day 5 / Tuesday, April 28 – Vaison-la-Romaine / Séguret / Château Juvenal / French Pizza
Vaison-la-Romaine blends Roman ruins, a medieval quarter, and a lively modern town—and Tuesday's market is the largest around. We'll wander, taste, and provision for dinner with the Chef.
Lunch is at Le Mesclun in Séguret, one of France's officially "most beautiful villages," then a tasting at Château Juvenal in the Ventoux for southern Rhône classics.
With appetites awakened, tonight we indulge in one of France's most beloved—and surprisingly distinctive—dinners: pizza. It's found in every corner of the country, and French pizza has a character all its own. It's absolutely worth seeking out, so we'll wrap up our evening at a favorite pizza joint tucked away in a nearby village, not far from the Mas.
Day 6 / Wednesday, April 29 – Uzès Market / Picnic / Pont du Gard / Guillaume and Kelly Gonnet - Châteauneuf-du-Pape
This morning, we'll take a short stroll to the charming town of Uzès, home to one of the region's most beloved organic farmers' markets. Located near the source that feeds the Pont du Gard, Uzès offers a vibrant market scene on both Saturdays and Wednesdays. While the Saturday market buzzes with energy, it's the Wednesday market that genuinely captures the local spirit—smaller, less touristy, and filled with seasonal, organic provisions that locals rely on each week.
From there, we head to the legendary village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where we'll enjoy a special visit with Guillaume and Kelly Gonnet at Domaine Font de Michelle. Known affectionately as the makers of the "Bird wines," the Gonnets bring warmth, precision,
and a deep respect for tradition to their winemaking. Their estate wines reflect the soul of Châteauneuf, and this tasting promises to be one of the trip's most memorable wine tastings.
After our tasting and lunch visit, we'll enjoy a relaxed wander through Châteauneuf-du-Pape's winding streets. We'll make our way up to the castle ruins perched at the top of the hill, where sweeping views of the Rhône Valley offer a breathtaking reminder of the region's beauty and history.
Later in the afternoon, we'll travel just 20 minutes back toward Uzès to visit one of Europe's most iconic landmarks: the Pont du Gard. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a marvel of Roman engineering—a massive stone bridge that once carried water across the Gardon River from Uzès to Nîmes. Whether you're drawn to its architectural grandeur or simply in the mood for a scenic walk, the trails surrounding the Pont offer stunning vantage points and a chance to experience this ancient wonder up close.
Day 7 / Thursday, April 30 – Domaine Charité (Christophe Coste) / Provençal Lunch at Bistrot du Paradou / Les Baux-de-Provence / Arles
Thursday, we venture into the heart of Provence to explore one of the most iconic destinations in all of France: Les Baux-de-Provence. Perched dramatically atop a rocky outcrop, the medieval fortress—now a hauntingly beautiful ruin—offers sweeping views and a palpable sense of history. Just below, the hillside village charms with cobbled lanes, artisan shops, and inviting cafés. We've set aside ample time to wander both the fortress and the village, soaking in the atmosphere and discovering its many treasures.
Before our afternoon exploration, we'll enjoy a traditional Provençal lunch at one of our favorite local spots: Bistrot du Paradou. Known for its rustic charm and generous hospitality, it's a perfect place to settle in and savor the flavors of the region.
As an extra-added-bonus, winemaker Christophe Coste of Domaine Charité will join us during the day. Christophe crafts excellent wines from the Cotes du Rhône and Cotes du Rhône Villages appellations, and his wines were a recent hit at our September AWM Wine Dinner.
After lunch, we'll make our way to Les Baux for a leisurely afternoon of discovery. Whether you're drawn to the fortress ruins, the village boutiques, or simply the stunning views, this stop is a must.
On our return journey, we'll pause in the historic city of Arles, nestled along the banks of the Rhône. Here, we'll visit the famed Arènes—Arles' Roman amphitheater, still standing proud after nearly two millennia.
Before returning to the Mas, we'll close the day with a Pastis on the square that inspired Van Gogh's Night Café, letting the Provençal light and rhythm ease us into the evening.
Day 8 / Friday, May 1 – Nîmes / Les Halles / Winery Visit / Farewell Dinner
Our last full day returns us to Nîmes, where Roman and medieval architecture share the streets. We'll visit the Maison Carrée and the Arènes de Nîmes—remarkably well preserved—and then eat like locals at Les Halles. Pull up a stool at L'Auberge des Halles and let the counter crew look after you.
Perhaps one more winery visit in the afternoon, then back to the mas for a little quiet time before our farewell dinner. A good night to raise a glass to toast new friends and favorite bottles.
Day 9 / Saturday, May 2 – Depart
After breakfast, we'll shuttle you to the Nîmes Gare. If schedules allow, we can squeeze in a final stroll—Les Halles, the Maison Carrée, or the arènes—before trains call. Bags sorted, tickets in hand, and you're off. Bon voyage.
Moments may shift and our journey may evolve...
Please note that while we’ve carefully crafted this itinerary to ensure a smooth and memorable experience, occasional adjustments may be necessary due to unforeseen circumstances. Rest assured, we’ll keep you promptly informed of any changes and do our best to maintain the spirit and flow of the journey throughout
Only 4 spots open for our April 2026 tour — we hope you’ll be one of them
Our tours fill up very quickly, so contact us today to reserve your spot
Questions -- Want more info? Get in touch