6-day Rhône and Provence Food Tour with Wine Tastings

At a glance

Trip Summary

Continuing south, you’ll arrive in Marseille, a city shaped by sea, spice, and culture. From here, enjoy a small-group coastal wine tour through Bandol and Cassis, where vineyards meet the Mediterranean. Guided wine tastings reveal the character of the region’s rosés and mineral-driven whites, followed by free time to wander the waterfront or relax by the harbour in Cassis.

Evenings bring the chance to dine at leisure, with handpicked restaurants in both Avignon and Marseille offering seasonal Provençal cuisine. With scenic rail connections, expertly guided small-group excursions, and 4* boutique hotels, this Provence wine and food tour blends comfort, discovery, and regional authenticity – a perfect short break for travellers seeking the flavours of southern France.

On day one of your Rhône and Provence food tour, arrive in Avignon and check in to Hôtel Cloitre Saint Louis, which is ideally located just inside the medieval ramparts that circle the historic centre and a short walk from the train station. Spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps exploring the medieval streets, pausing in lively squares lined with cafés, or visiting the imposing Palais des Papes, a UNESCO World Heritage site that symbolises the city’s rich history.

In the evening, your gourmet journey begins with a welcome dinner at a Provençal restaurant, where seasonal dishes are paired with local wines.

On day two of your Rhône and Provence food tour, you’ll enjoy a relaxed start before setting out to discover Avignon through its flavours on a small-group gourmet walking tour led by a friendly local food expert. This engaging experience combines gentle sightseeing with generous tastings, offering a delicious insight into Provençal life and tradition.

As you wander through the historic centre and the vibrant Les Halles market, you’ll pause at selected artisan stalls and specialty shops to sample local delicacies – from olives, cheeses, and tapenade to sweet pastries and seasonal treats – all accompanied by regional wines or other traditional pairings. Along the way, your guide will share stories about the city’s culinary heritage and the people who keep its food culture alive today.

The tour’s timing varies depending on the day, with some taking place around lunchtime, and others running in the early evening, allowing you to enjoy the experience either as a generous gourmet lunch or as an apéritif-style dinner. Whichever timing applies, it’s a relaxed and flavourful way to experience Avignon at its most authentic.

The remainder of the afternoon or evening is for you to spend at your leisure, giving you time to revisit favourite spots from the tour, unwind at a café, or simply enjoy the city’s charming streets at your own pace before returning to your hotel for the night.

On day three of your Rhône and Provence food tour you will set out on a small group wine tour into the renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, where sun-drenched vineyards and centuries of winemaking tradition have created some of the Rhône’s most iconic wines. Travelling through the rolling landscapes of the Rhône Valley in a comfortable minivan, your local expert guide will share stories of the region’s history, terroir, and connection to the papal legacy that gave the village its name.

You’ll visit two welcoming estates, where passionate winemakers introduce you to their craft and invite you to sample a selection of red and white wines that reflect the diversity and depth of this celebrated appellation. From the ruins of the Pope’s summer residence, take in a sweeping panoramic view over the Rhône Valley, a fitting moment to pause and appreciate the landscape that shapes each vintage.

After your tastings, your guide will return you to Avignon where you’ll have time for a leisurely lunch or a stroll through the historic centre before catching your afternoon train south to Marseille.

On arrival on France’s sunny southern coast, check in to Hôtel La Résidence du Vieux-Port, which boasts splendid views of the harbour and is on the doorstep of several café terraces which come to life each evening. The rest of the afternoon and evening is for you to spend as you wish, giving you time to explore the historic Le Panier district, enjoy a seaside stroll, or simply relax with a glass of local rosé as the sun sets over the harbour.

On day four of your Rhône and Provence food tour, you will enjoy a day at leisure to further explore Marseille at your own pace. You will enjoy breakfast at your hotel and then the day is yours to spend as you please.

In the evening, we have arranged for you to join a sunset walking food tour as part of a small, shared group led by a local guide. A fabulous way to discover the hidden gems you may otherwise miss! After the tour, you will have time to relax back at the hotel.

On day five of your Rhône and Provence food tour, enjoy breakfast at the hotel before joining a small group tour that captures the essence of southern France. You’ll follow a scenic route through the hills above the coast, discovering how the region’s distinctive landscapes shape the wines and way of life found here.

Your first stop takes you to the Bandol appellation, famed for its expressive rosés and powerful reds led by the Mourvèdre grape. At a welcoming estate, learn how the limestone soils and maritime influence come together to produce wines full of depth and structure. A guided tasting reveals their balance of fruit, freshness, and spice.

Continue on to Le Castellet, a beautifully preserved hilltop village with winding lanes and sweeping views over the surrounding vineyards. Take time to browse local craft shops or settle into a terrace café for a leisurely lunch, soaking up the Provençal atmosphere and gentle pace of village life.

In the afternoon, you will travel onwards to Cassis, a colourful fishing port nestled between dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters. Here, you will visit a nearby winery to sample the elegant whites and rosés for which Cassis is renowned. After the tasting, enjoy some free time to explore the harbour or relax in this picturesque village.

Your guide will return you to Marseille at the end of the day and you’ll have some time to freshen up before dinner. In the evening enjoy your farewell dinner at a lively Marseillaise bistro, the perfect way to conclude your Southern Vallée de la Gastronomie experience.

Day six of your Rhône and Provence food tour is your final day. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out. Depending on your travel plans, you may wish to take a last stroll through Marseille’s Vieux Port or browse for souvenirs before continuing your onward journey. If you would like to extend your stay in Provence, Marseille, or elsewhere in France, we would be delighted to create a bespoke itinerary tailored to your preferences.

Outline Itinerary

Day Four of your Rhône and Provence food tour

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Day at leisure.
• Sunset walking food tour.

Day Five of your Rhône and Provence food tour

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Full-day small group coastal wine tour, discovering the Bandol and Cassis appellations with two winery visits and guided wine tastings, as well as some free time in Le Castellet for lunch (payable locally) and some free time to explore the fishing village of Cassis before your guide drops you back off in Marseille.
• You will have dinner at a lively Marseillaise bistro.

Final Day of your Rhône and Provence food tour

• After a leisurely breakfast, check out of the hotel.

(ii) The outline itinerary is indicative and is subject to minor changes depending on supplier availability. Availability cannot be guaranteed until we have received a confirmed booking, together with the deposit payment (or payment in full where the dates of travel are in less than 60 days). If the named accommodation / visits are not available, we will endeavour to find suitable alternatives of a similar grade; this may be subject to a supplement or a rebate depending on the price available.

Package Prices

• These prices are per person and based on two people travelling together and sharing a twin or double room.
• These are realistic guide prices, based on travel in standard season. Considerable discounts often apply if there are more than two of you travelling together. Please let us know your preferred travel dates for a definitive price.
• Although we propose specific hotels as part of our standard packages, we enjoy excellent relationships and preferential rates at the majority of the hotels in each of our featured destinations. Therefore if you would prefer to stay in a different hotel, this can be arranged. Please contact us for the relevant supplements/discounts.
• Other room grades are available at most of the hotels that we work with. Just let us know which hotel you prefer and we will send you the relevant supplements for the various room grades.
• Single supplements and extra night prices are available upon request.

Enhance your Experience/Tour Upgrades

Further Information

Image credits: Cherrystone, Ilya Kagan @ilyafoodstories, Domaine Le Prieure des Papes, Les Vinogaphes, A la Francaise Provence, La Buvette Lyonnaise