New Year's Traditions in France: There’s lots of mistletoe! And lots of kissing!
If you missed the opportunity to sneak a little smooch from your secret crush over Christmas, in France you’ll have a second chance as the French whip out the mistletoe not for Christmas, but for New Year's Eve!
The Druids started off the Year's tradition of kissing under the mistletoe, believing that mistletoe has mystical powers that ward off evil spirits. But unlike elsewhere in the United States and Northern Europe, ‘S’embrasser sous le gui’(to kiss under the mistletoe) happens on New Year Eve’s, rather than at Christmas. It brings good luck and, if you’re in love & only kissing one person it predicts a wedding before the end of the following year.
In Provence, New Year’s Eve ~ known as la Saint-Sylvestre ~ is a warm, lingering affair that prioritizes gastronomy and "bonhomie." The evening centers on the Réveillon, a marathon feast featuring delicacies like oysters, foie gras, and chapon rôti (roasted capon). While many French traditions are national, Provence adds its own flair; TheThirteen Desserts of Christmas often remain on the table through New Year's Day, symbolizing good fortune for the coming months.
As midnight approaches, the atmosphere shifts from the dining room to the village square. In many towns, locals gather to dance the Farandole, a traditional chain dance, to the whistling of galoubets (pipes) and the beat of tambourines. At the stroke of twelve, the "French" custom of kissing under the mistletoe occurs. ~ not at Christmas, but specifically to ring in the New Year. In Provence's coastal towns like Antibes, the celebrations often culminate the next morning with the Bain du Nouvel An, where adventurous souls take a ceremonial plunge into the chilly Mediterranean.
So the French, in their stereotypical sensuality go for a lot of kissing! It’s not just kissing under the mistletoe either. In France, you’re not just aiming to kiss one person at midnight, you’re supposed to kiss everyone in the room! 💋💋💋 Some historians trace the tradition of kissing on New Year’s Eve back to ancient Rome. The Romans would throw a huge celebration called the Festival of Saturnalia, where we gather lots of kissing occurred. This tradition filtered down to Europe. Some argue that in the Renaissance period, people would throw masquerade balls to ring in the New Year. At the stroke of midnight, they’d remove the mask and kiss to purify each other from evil. Bisous Bisous. And in France, the kissing doesn't stop at midnight.... They're just getting started... Let's just say the French are very big on kissing! 💋💋💋 They're a very sensual people! Who else could have invented The French Kiss! 😘
The sun sets a little differently over the Mediterranean this week as we bid a heartfelt au revoir to a true legend. Brigitte Bardot, the woman who transformed a quiet Provençal fishing village into the crown jewel of the French Riviera, has passed away at the age of 91. While the world remembers her as a cinematic icon, to those of us who wander the sun-drenched paths of The South of France, she will always be known as the "Princess of Provence."
Bardot’s love affair with Saint-Tropez began long before the cameras arrived. Though born in Paris, her heart was captured by the golden light of the Var coastline during childhood summers. In 1958, she purchased her legendary home, La Madrague, a secluded sanctuary nestled among the reeds and bougainvillea. It was here that "B.B." lived her most authentic life—often barefoot, hair windswept, and always surrounded by the animals she spent her later decades fiercely protecting.
Her Legacy in the Villages
For travelers on our Beautiful Villages of Provencetours, Bardot’s influence is woven into the very fabric of the region:
The Flavor of the South: Did you know she helped name the iconic Tarte Tropézienne? A slice of this creamy brioche is a "must-taste" tradition throughout the Provençal Villages. (We'll have this as a dessert one evening at The Villa)
Bohemian Glamour: She embodied the "Tropezian freedom" that still defines the narrow, pastel-hued streets and the pétanque games under the plane trees throughout Provence.
A Sanctuary for All: Her foundation remains a pillar of the community, ensuring that the natural beauty and wildlife of Provence are preserved for generations to come.
As we continue to explore the hidden gems of Provence, we carry her spirit with us ~ a spirit of independence, natural beauty, and a deep, abiding love for this corner of the world.
A look & a charisma that was unique in the 50's & 60's
Here at Adventures to Tuscany & Provence, we always say "What makes us different, makes all the difference in the World" and "The Way you see the world, Creates the world you see." With that in mind, along with the practical travel info we share with you here on The Blog, we also strive to give you a deeper understanding of the area's culture & morès...
As you dream of the beautiful lavender fields and sun-drenched markets you’ll experience next summer, we wanted to take a moment to transport you to a different, equally enchanting side of Provence: its vibrant and deeply cherished Christmas traditions. While you’ll be basking in the summer sun, understanding the region's cultural rhythms and festive customs offers a richer appreciation of its soul. Christmas in Provence isn't just a holiday; it's a centuries-old spectacle of community, culinary delight, and profound symbolism.
Forget the snow-covered clichés; a Provençal Christmas, known locally as La Calendale, is a warm and inviting affair, stretching from December 4th (Saint Barbara’s Day) all the way to February 2nd (Candlemas). This extended period is steeped in specific rituals that you won't find replicated anywhere else in France.
The Heart of Christmas: La Crèche and its Santons
The absolute cornerstone of a Provençal Christmas is the crèche(Nativity scene), but with a unique and charming twist. Here, the crèche isn't complete without a bustling village of Santons ~ "little saints" or "little figures" ~ hand-painted clay figurines that bring the entire Provençal world to life around the Holy Family. Imagine a tiny, bustling market square, where alongside Mary, Joseph, and the Baby Jesus, you’ll find the baker with his loaves, the shepherd with his flock, the fisherman with his catch, the old woman spinning wool, and even local dignitaries. Each Santon represents a character from Provençal village life, all converging to welcome the newborn baby Jesus.
The most iconic Santon is often the Ravi, "the delighted one," depicted with his arms raised in awe and wonder. These aren't just decorations; they are expressions of communal identity and storytelling, often passed down through generations. Visiting a local market during the Christmas season would reveal entire stalls dedicated to these exquisite miniature masterpieces, each with its own personality. While here in the US, children might leave "cookies & milk" for Santa, as Provençal children grow up, a significant event during the Holidays is to sit around the crèche and hear detailed stories told by their parents about all the individual Santons in the village scene... This is a tradition that goes back centuries... and while they do believe in Santa Claus (Papa Noël), Santa is a relative newcomer to their culture... only starting to have any significance at all after WWII.
A Feast for the Senses: Le Gros Souper and Les Treize Desserts
While the Santons capture the visual imagination, the culinary traditions are truly the soul of a Provençal Christmas. The centerpiece is Le Gros Souper (The Big Supper) on Christmas Eve. This is traditionally a lean meal, often meat-free, in anticipation of the richer foods to come. It typically features seven dishes, symbolizing the seven sorrows of Mary, and includes local produce like celery, cod, snails, and various vegetable gratin dishes.
But it's what follows Le Gros Souper that truly astonishes: Les Treize Desserts (The Thirteen Desserts). This isn't just a dessert course; it's a ceremonial spread, representing Jesus and his twelve apostles, and it remains on the table for three days! Each dessert has symbolic meaning and includes:
The Four Mendicants: Dried figs, almonds, raisins, and walnuts, representing the robes of the four monastic orders (Franciscans, Carmelites, Dominicans, and Augustinians).
Pompe à l'huile: A brioche-like flatbread made with olive oil, symbolizing the breaking of bread.
Various fresh fruits, nougats (white and black), candied fruits, and often a calisson d'Aix (a marzipan-like candy).
Each Provençal family has its own interpretation, but the ritual of sharing these thirteen delights is a profound moment of togetherness and abundance.
Beyond the Feast: Symbolic Gestures
Beyond the grand meals, other small but significant customs pepper La Calendale:
Wheat of Saint Barbara: On December 4th, small saucers are sown with wheat grains. If the wheat sprouts tall and green by Christmas, it's a sign of prosperity for the coming year.
The Donkey (L’Âne): Instead of reindeer, Provençal tradition often features a donkey. Children leave their shoes out filled with carrots and oats for the donkey, and in return, Père Noël (or sometimes a local "fairy" figure in very old folklore) leaves small treats like oranges, nuts, or papillotes (chocolates wrapped in sparkly paper with a riddle inside).
The Log (Cacho Fio): In some homes, before Le Gros Souper, the oldest and youngest members of the family perform the "Cacho Fio" ceremony, where a log from a fruit tree is blessed with mulled wine and carried around the table three times, then placed in the fireplace to burn until New Year's Day.
While your summer visit will offer a different kind of magic, we hope this glimpse into the heart of a Provençal Christmas provides a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of traditions that define this beautiful region. These customs speak to a timeless connection to family, community, and the land itself ~ values you'll undoubtedly encounter in many forms during our journey through Provence.
During your stay with us at Chateau du Soleil, you'll meet our Chefs, Fabian & Coralie and often they'll bring their son Nathan (an aspiring pastry chef who will undoubtedly prepare some of our desserts) and sometimes their incredibly cute little daughter Apoline ... They're super friendly, and we encourage you to talk to them, and get to know them... Fabian doesn't speak a lot of English, but Coralie & Nathan do... and they're easy to talk to... Engaging them in conversation over the course of the week will enhance your understanding of French Culture and bring a dynamic to your vacation that goes beyond what most people are able to bring back from their vacations!
As we enter this coming New Year, we hope these small tidbits of cultural info start to give you a feel for the authentic Provence we'll introduce you to on our Beautiful Villages of Provence Expedition.
We wish you every possible happiness for the Holiday Season!
Here are a few simple ideas to elevate your joy of the Season
Put some seeds in the bird feeder...
this simple act of kindness toward nature will create instant karma for you and your family
Take a hike in the woods...
take some time to "touch the earth" ~nature will ground you the way nothing else can
Put a couple of bucks in a Salvation Army Red Kettle...
there are people who truly need your help, and making this sacrifice will light up your soul and magnify your karmatenfold
Eat dinner by candlelight...
don't just light a candle, turn out all the lights and fire up a dozen
Throw an apple outside for a deer...
again, in the yin & yang of the universe, this simple act balances your last bad deed
Pay a kindness forward...
consciously remind yourself of an incredible kindness someone bestowed upon you, and then do something totally unexpected for someone else, be sincere, and bask in the goodwill it creates
Don't take life so seriously...
live simply, dream big, be grateful, love life, and laugh lots
Take a bubble bath...
grab your favorite book or magazine and fill the tub right up to the very top
Go skiing, ice skating or sled-riding...
it will bring out "the child inside your soul" !
Take the time to pray, be thankful,
and realize just how fortunate you really are...
you've probably never been truly hungry, seriously ill, or without shelter... you are truly blessed
As the year draws to a close, we at Adventures To Tuscany want to extend our warmest wishes for a truly Joyous & Grand Holiday season filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments with loved ones. We are incredibly grateful for your trust in us to plan your unforgettable Beautiful Villages of Provence adventure. Knowing that our passion for this beautiful region resonates with you, fills us with immense joy.
As we look back on 25 incredible years of wandering through the golden hills of Tuscany and the lavender fields of Provence, our hearts are full. We are so deeply grateful that so many of you chose us to host your European adventures.
To those of you who have joined us on one our special expeditions... to those who have returned to our table time & time again... and to those of you who just have recently signed up ~ Thank You from the bottom of our hearts! Because we’ve kept our groups small and intimate, so many of you have become cherished friends & part of our Adventures To Tuscany Family! Staying in touch with you throughout the years means more to us than we can say. Our teeney-tiny boutique expedition company is a huge part of our lives... And each of you are part of our life's story... And it's such an amazing story, filled with so many wonderful memories!
Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply the Joys of The Season, we wish you a truly Grand Holiday filled with light, laughter and love! May the spirit of the Holidays bring you peace and happiness. We look forward to welcoming you to Provence in a few short months for an unforgettable experience.
Thank you for being a part of our Adventures To Tuscany family!
With warmest regards,
Love & Kisses,
Tommy & Terese
Adventures to Tuscany
The WAY you choose to see the world, CREATES the world you see!
We wish you every possible happiness for this Holiday Season
Hello future "Beautiful Villages of Provence" guests!
The excitement is building as we get closer to welcoming you to the stunning Monts de Vaucluse! We know our blog has been buzzing since we launched just 30 days ago, covering a lot of ground to help you transition from the planning phase to the dreaming phase.
If you’re just joining us or simply want a refresher, here is a brief recap of all the vital information and exciting info we’ve shared so far:
🏡 Getting to Know Your Home & Hosts
Meet Tommy & Terèse: We introduced ourselves as your passionate hosts and tour leaders, giving you a background on what each of us brings to the tour ~ from local history and a very tiny bit of wine expertise to culinary insights and photo-spot finding.
Where is Provence? We set the stage, placing Provence in Southeastern France, and more importantly, confirming that our Villa is perfectly situated in the Monts de Vaucluse, in the very heart of the region's most iconic hilltop villages!
Chateau du Soleil & the Estate: We've given you an in-depth look at your magnificent home for the Tour, covering the grounds, amenities, and what makes this Estate the perfect, comfortable base for all our adventures...
Envisioning your stay: We've talked about realistic expectations of this 400 year old rustically elegant property and it's amenities like air-conditioning...
✈️ Flights, Passports, and Getting Ready to Go
This is the nuts-and-bolts section, and we've covered it all to ensure your journey is seamless!
Flights from North America: We’ve provided detailed guidance on researching flights online, covering more than just price. We discussed:
The Best Airports to fly into for pre- or post-tour trips (e.g., Marseille, Nice, or Paris connections).
What to Look For beyond price: layovers, total duration, and checking luggage inclusions.
Tips on Buying Tickets and getting the best value.
Passport Check: A friendly reminder that your passport needs to be valid for at least three months beyond your return date from the Schengen Area. Time to check those expiration dates!
New Europe Entry Requirements (2026): We've covered the upcoming changes, including the ESS (Europes new Entry/ Exit System) and the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) , ensuring you know what to expect and what to look for well in advance of the 2026 launch.
🚗 Travel Insurance, Cars, and On-the-Ground Logistics
Ensuring you're comfortable with The Tour is our main priority, so we’ve covered the necessities:
Travel Insurance: We’ve discussed why travel insurance is (in our opinion) essential for peace of mind, outlining the benefits and giving you an option to purchase coverage from our recommended vendor.
Rental Cars: Since you'll need a car for The Tour, we provided a comprehensive guide:
Suggested Car Size (hint: smaller is better on narrow Provençal roads!).
Things to Look Out For when booking your rental.
The details of our preferred rental car vendor for an easy booking process.
Navigation & Maps: We've provided information on GPS units, Maps and Map Apps to keep you confidently navigating France is you're going to do a pre or post extension.
🍽️ Money & Culture: Living Like a Local
To truly immerse you in the French experience, we shared articles on culture and currency:
Foreign Currency Exchange: We demystified the process, giving you the best advice on how much money you'll need, where to get it, and how to exchange it for the best rate.
French Eateries 101: We’ve broken down the fascinating French dining world, explaining the critical differences between a Café, Bistro, Brasserie, Restaurant, etc so you know exactly where to go for what kind of experience.
French Culture & Holidays: We’ve introduced you to the nuances of French culture and given you a peek into their beloved holiday traditions and celebrations.
💡 The Right Side-Bar: Your Continuous Resource
Don't forget to check the Right Side-Bar on the blog! It's constantly updated with all the essential travel resources ~ a living list of links and tools you can bookmark and use throughout your planning process. It will continue to grow...
Just 30 Days In... And Six Months to Go!
We’ve only just got started! With six months of posts left before our departure, there is so much more to come. We are thrilled that so many of you have told us you love the blog ~ it truly extends your adventure by almost an extra year!
🥳 A Taste of the Magic: What’s Coming Next!
We've covered the logistics, and now we move to the glorious itinerary! Over the coming weeks & months, we will be diving into the stunning destinations and experiences that await you. Prepare to be enchanted by:
Venasque (Our Home-Base Village): We'll introduce you to this perched village, which our beautiful Villa Estate overlooks—the view alone is worth the trip!
Iconic Villages & Landscapes: Get ready for stunning tours through the hilltop splendor of Gordes, the ochre-stained beauty of Roussillon, and a short stop & peaceful visit to the famous Abbey de Sénanque.
The Thrill of the Alps: Experience our unique Provençal Classique Road Rally up the legendary Mont Ventoux. Afterward, we’ll reward ourselves with a very special mountain luncheon at one of our very favorite spots, the superb Le Belvédère bistro.
Art, History, and Grand Scale: We'll explore the Roman history of Arles, the dramatic stone fortress of Les Baux-de-Provence, and the jaw-dropping immersive art show at Carrières de Lumières (Quarries of Light).
Grand Roman Engineering: A visit to the majestic ancient aqueduct, the Pont du Gard.
Food, Wine & Festivities: Prepare for our elegant Soirée Blanc gala with live entertainment and, of course, a day dedicated to our Château Pesquié Wine Estate Tour and French Country Chic Pique-Nique.
The Photo Op of the Year: A vital stop for photos among Provence's amazing Lavender Fields!
There is genuinely so much more to come! We hope you're enjoying The Blog and finding it valuable. Many guests have told us they love the blog as it truly extends their vacation by almost an extra year!
Thank you for planning with us! We can't wait to meet you all in The South of France!
Watch this to the end for this amazing performance!
A few folks have asked about the new entry requirements for Europe coming up in 2026... So here's the lowdown:
First: There's two new systems: ESS and ETIAS...
For ESS you don't need to do anything ~ it's just a biometric scanning you'll go through at the airport. For most travelers, all it will involve is scanning your passport and possibly your fingerprints/face at a kiosk or counter upon arrival (especially the first time).
For ETIAS - They're saying it really won't be up & fully operational until November of 2026, so you'll likely not have to do anything for your trip in June, but we'll keep you updated.
The good news? Once you know the drill, it’s a breeze. Let's look at what's coming, how it affects your French adventure, and the simple steps you can take now to make sure your trip is totally stress-free.
New Travel Rules for Americans Visiting France
The travel rules for Americans and other non-EU visitors are actually starting to shift in October 2025. The European Union is introducing two new systems, called ETIAS and ESS, to tighten border checks and make things more secure.
The Entry/Exit System (ESS) is expected to be fully up and running by April 2026.
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will become a travel requirement from November 2026.
These two systems are partners. ESS can operate solo, but ETIAS needs ESS to work, which is why their timelines are linked up.
What ESS Means for Your Trip
The ESS system is going to replace the old routine of stamping your passport. Instead, it’ll be a high-tech process that records biometric data, your arrival/departure details, and info from your travel documents.
The main goals are to catch people who overstay faster, reduce identity fraud, and ideally, speed up border checks so you don’t get stuck in those super slow immigration lines.
Over the next six months, ESS will start rolling out at the external borders of 29 European countries. For a while, they’ll run the old stamping method and ESS side-by-side until everything is in place.
ESS is designed to give border guards instant, reliable info. It'll help track overstayers and clearly tell visitors the maximum time they’re allowed to stay in the Schengen area. Essentially, it creates a more secure and clear border process.
What ETIAS Means for American Travelers
you can always click on any pic to enlarge
By late 2026 (they'll confirm the exact date well in advance), if you're a citizen of one of the 59 visa-exempt countries ~ like the US, UK, and Japan ~ you’ll need ETIAS authorization to enter France or any of the 29 participating European countries for a short visit.
Once you’re approved, ETIAS is linked electronically to your passport. It’s good for three years, or until your passport expires (whichever comes first). If you get a new passport, you’ll need a new ETIAS.
With a valid ETIAS, you can travel around the Schengen area multiple times, as long as you don't stay more than 90 days within any 180-day period. Important: ETIAS isn’t a visa. It’s just a pre-authorization that helps with entry, but the final say always belongs to the border officials when you arrive.
Quick Facts about ETIAS:
Current fee is €7 (but might go up to €20).
You need it for all 29 Schengen countries, plus Norway and Cyprus.
Most applications are approved almost instantly.
It lasts for three years or until your passport expires.
You can enter multiple times while it’s valid.
Even a short stopover in a Schengen country requires ETIAS approval.
Your Simple ETIAS Application Guide
If you’re traveling to France in 2026, you'll have to fill out the ETIAS application online. You'll use the official ETIAS website, answer some security questions, and pay the fee. Here’s what you need handy:
A valid passport that won’t expire for at least three months after your planned departure date from France.
An email address for updates.
A debit or credit card to pay the fee (currently €7).
Your trip details: arrival/departure dates and where you’re staying.
Your basic personal info (full name, birthday, nationality, address).
Once approved, your ETIAS will be digitally linked to your passport. Most people are approved in minutes, but if your application needs extra scrutiny, the decision could take up to four days, or in rare cases, as long as 14 days. Plan ahead!
After You're Approved
Your ETIAS is linked up, but here are a couple of extra steps to make sure your arrival is totally smooth:
Double-Check Everything: Make sure the info on your authorization exactly matches your passport and travel dates. A tiny error can cause headaches at the border, so fix it beforehand.
Keep a Backup: Even though it’s digital, it's smart to save a copy of the confirmation email on your phone or print it out and keep it with your other travel documents. This helps if there are any technical glitches when you arrive.
Remember the Update Rule:If you renew your passport or change personal info (like your address), your ETIAS won't automatically update. You’ll need to apply for a brand new one.
These new systems will not likely cause you to need to do anything, but people are starting to read about them online, so we thought we better address this to ease any concerns.
So again, just to be clear:
There's nothing you need to do for the ESS system (unless you're a jewel thief, then we suggest you file your fingerprints)
The new ETIAS system will not likely be operational until November of 2026, so you likely won't need to have this for your trip in June (but we'll keep you updated ~ if it turns out they open it early, you'll be able to get this clearance in 5 minutes online)
The best version of a Holiday Classic that we've ever heard!
I get teased a lot about the smile... you'll get used to it!
A few of you know us personally... and a bunch of you have been on our expeditions in the past... some of you have met us briefly... and then some of you are brand new to us and we've never met before... So we'd like to tell you just a little bit about ourselves so we're not complete strangers when we first meet in Provence!
We're Tommy Harpster & Terese Gatta... We've been married for 31 years and we live in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania with our little dog Baci Amore & our two cats Zizzie Gelato & Beatricce Berardo(aka BB)...
we got these two little Calico's; Zizzie & Beatricce from a shelter... they're 7 years old & sisters!
Both Terese & I spent the best part of our careers in the corporate world, Terese in the Travel Industry and myself in the Broadcasting Industry... After graduating from Penn State, I ended up spending the bulk of my career working for Media Groups, running groups of Radio Stations in various markets until the Radio industry deregulated and ultimately consolidated... Which is what led me to start our small Boutique Expedition Company ~ Adventures To Tuscany
Terese spent her entire corporate career, over 40 years in the Travel Industry heading up Product Development, as well as Sales & Marketing efforts as a VP for several large international Tour Operators including Travel Impressions and American Express... and for the last six years of her career as VP of North American Sales for the luxury French Cruise Line, Ponant... until just a little over two years ago when she retired from corporate life and the hectic travel schedule to take a well deserved rest and join me at Adventures To Tuscany as our VP of La Dolce Vita!
this is our little girl, Baci Amore... she's a Bearded Portuguese Fleabag and she loves to ride in our Jeep with the top off!
This year we celebrated our little Boutique Expedition Company's 25th Anniversary! It's been an exciting & outstanding couple of decades for us! And a lot of our guests ask us: How'd you get into this?
So Terese and I both have been avid travelers for our entire adult lives... I took a multi-year hiatus to travel around the US before I graduated from college, ultimately living out on the West Coast, before I came back East to finish school... But 40 years ago, I was one one of those kids that strapped on a backpack, bought a EuroRail pass and started traveling throughout Europe having just read Rick Steve's famous book that just came out; "Europe Through The Back Door" His philosophy back then of deep cultural immersion and experiential travel had tens of thousands of kids just like me riding rail cars all over Europe!
Terese started working in the wholesale travel industry right out of school, and as a Product Development executive, started traveling internationally to put together leisure travel product & itinerary for the companies she worked for... And over the decades, as she rose through the ranks of the Travel Industry, she ultimately served as VP of Travel Sales & Marketing for companies like American Express and most recently as VP of Sales North America for Ponant Cruise Line.
we hope you're up for a fun adventure!
So with our somewhat insatiable wanderlust backgrounds, it should come as no surprise that we've come together to found our teeny-tiny "off the beaten path boutique expedition company." Having traveled to so many countries, we knew immediately that the charms & quaintness of both Tuscany & Provence would make them the perfect destinations for our Expeditions...
If you've traveled with us before, we're truly flattered and honored that you're joining us again as our little Adventures to Tuscany family continues to grow... If you're brand new to us, we hope by reading these BLOG postings over the past few months, you're starting to get a feel for the personality of both us & our Expeditions... and with this posting, maybe have a bit of feel for us as your hosts as we work pretty hard to distinguish & differentiate ourselves from all the mass-market Tour companies out there... We like to say: "What makes us different, makes all the difference in the world". Once you travel with us, we can only hope you'll agree!
She's my whole world! I'm the luckiest guy in the world!
Someone has reached out and asked about the NTA logo on our website & here on The Blog, and wanted to know if that was some sort of company or organization that we use to arrange our Tours?
So, no... We personally research, design, curate and escort all of our Tours ourselves... NTA is The National Tour Association... It's an International Travel Trade Association of Tour Operators that we're honored to be a member of... To our surprise, beyond having to pay our annual memberships dues, we actually had to prove our worthiness to become a member... We had to document things like; Legal Incorporation, having a Federal Tax ID, filing Federal Corporate Tax Returns, having at least 5 years of Incorporation, having Pofessional Tour Operator's General, Professional and Corporate Liability Insurance Coverages and showing a verifiable pattern of expanding business development.
We had been invited several times over the years and finally joined about 10 years ago... We initially had some hesitancy, as for a very small operator like ourselves, it's a significant annual membership investment to belong to NTA and even much more of a financial commitment to meet all their requirements... but we do get a lot from them including ongoing webinars, legal advice, industry insights, professional Tour Development advice, International networking and even discounts on things like our various Professional Tour Operator's Insurances. They of course also, like all major Trade Associations, provide political advocacy & lobbying for our industry.
Over the years they've been very helpful with the many issues we have with licensees, contracts both here, and in Italy & France... Providing legal help with contracts for Villa leases, Tour guides, Wineries, Vendors, Suppliers, and legal documents like our Reservation Forms, Waivers, Contracts, etc...
When travel bans during the pandemic prevented us from running our Tours, we were unable to cancel and get refunds on expensive Villa leases, because European Law did not require them to give refunds... We had to pay Final Balances on leases, or face default even though we were legally unable to travel... So we were faced with some difficult decisions on how to handle our guests... NTA firmly reminded us of what we in the Tour Business always call "The Golden Rule"~ when in doubt, always treat your guests the way you would want to be treated... And that is why, as some of you may know, we gave all of our up-to-date, fully paid & scheduled guests 100% of their money back immediately.
That was a tough day for us, being a teeny-tiny business and having to write out over $250,000 in checks! We didn't have to do it, and 95% of operators didn't do it, they only offered rescheduling... but the choice of a cash refund is what we would have wanted if we were the guests... In the end, we believe that integrity won us respect & loyalty from both our Tuscany & Provence guests... and overall we lost a total of only 4 out of 65 guests through it all... and most of those guests have taken several of our trips since then!
many people are surprised to find out that Provence is one of the world's largest cherry & apricot growing regions... But you may also be interested to know that Cindy Crawford's "Magic Melons" (I'm talking about fruit!) are grown in Cavaillon, very near our Villa, and we'll have them on the breakfast buffet!
As a Tour Operator, you're faced with these types of decisions all the time... For us, estimating expenses two years in advance is one of the most difficult parts of what we do. Our research trips tend to always be more expensive than we estimate, Villa leases tend to compound way above inflation averages year to year... and inflation spirals the costs of all our provisions, while political environments make international currency exchange rates fluctuate dramatically... airfares to reach our destinations are wildly unpredictable, ongoing advertising costs to market our tours always exceed expectations, chefs change their availability based on pay, even the weather & insects effect the price of wine and olive oil... And when we market & sell Tours so far in advance, you can sometimes see profits slowly evaporate... Many operators overcome this, by the fine print in their contracts that say "your tour costs can change anytime up through the date of departure".
At Adventures to Tuscany, we don't do this... We live with and honor the prices we quote and your Tour price is locked in the moment you signup and pay your deposit! And all our Tours include our exclusive Money-Back Tour Cancellation Protection; If for any reason Adventures to Tuscany cancels a tour you have reserved, the entire amount you have paid to Adventures to Tuscany LLC for the applicable tour will be immediately refunded to you within 14 days after the tour's cancellation. Or, at your choice, you may choose a full dollar value credit to apply to another tour date. In our 25 years of running Tours, we've never cancelled a Tour. (with the exception of the pandemic which which legally prohibited international travel)
And while our Tour Cancellation Policy protects you if we are forced to cancel a Tour, we always take every opportunity to remind and recommend to guests that you should strongly consider purchasing simple inexpensive Travel Insurance in case you need to cancel your vacation. If you need Travel Insurance, we always recommend and are a referring affiliate toinsuremytrip.com and only if you click on this link here, we receive a small token referral fee from them at no additional cost to you. We've seen numerous guests benefit from having travel insurance over the years... It of course seems most obvious if you have to cancel... but a comprehensive policy can also cover flight delays, baggage delays, baggage loss, medical costs, dental costs, etc... We most recently benefited from our travel insurance when an Italian Air Traffic Controllers strike stranded us for two extra days in Florence on our return home. Our Travel insurance reimbursed us approximately $1000 in hotel, meals, taxi, and miscellaneous expenses caused by the delay.
Hope you're all getting excited about Provence! You're going to love it's incredible landscapes, with all it's magical fragrances, sounds & textures... When you hear the Provençal cicadas singing in the warm summer breezes... and while the fragrances of the lavender fields waft through the air, you'll feel as if you're in a fairytale! We'll have you in these exact same hills you see in the background of this video below...
And by the way, we'll also have a French troubadour serenading you in just an incredible setting while you sip wines & eat French cheeses in the shade of 300 year old plane trees! So get excited guys... This is going to be an amazing experience!
So often we use the words magnificent & amazing to describe the Estates and Villa properties that's we choose for our Provence & Tuscany Expeditions... And it would of course be human nature to think that we might be biased or exaggerating just a bit... But we try hard not to "oversell" the magnificence of the Estates, as that would only lead to disappointment and mistrust... In the early days, we often used the word "luxury" in our marketing because that is a word the brokers and leasing agents use to describe large gated Estate Villas with amenities like en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning & heated swimming pools... But we stopped using luxury decades ago, as some people associate the word with "over-the-top-impossible-to-deliver-plushness". We replaced luxury with a phrase you've probably seen us use: "Rustic Elegance". We think this term more effectively symbolizes a 400 year old Estate with the grandeur and unique character of a very large French Country Estate.
We've spent a lot of time (and money) over the years on research trips to find what we think are the best properties... Our friends would often laugh when we tell them we're going to Europe on research trips to find Villas or work on Tour Itineraries... But that's what you do in our business! Local travel agents don't do this type of research... They typically just refer to a Villa Broker's catalog to make recommendations... But we don't feel we can comfortably do that... Often properties are photographed and described in a way to make them appear & sound grander than they really are... And if there's a noisy four lane highway or sewage plant in the backyard, you'd never know it till you got there! Don't laugh, we hear these stories all the time! And that's why we feel we have to personally scout out and visit these properties before we decide to lease them.
You're gonna love this lounge area off of the Solarium
In standard European business etiquette, we work ahead of time to make the proper contacts in the Real Estate & Brokerage businesses, and then we send Letters of Introduction explaining who we are and what we do... We ask for a meeting... typically we take them out for a nice dinner; This way we can have their undivided attention for 2 to 3 hours to explain what we do. We make all the arrangements for what is usually for us a two to three week working research trip; flights, rental cars, hotels, Airbnb's, itineraries, restaurants, schedules, etc... And then we go and meet these people!
We ask for their assistance to help us find the right properties that will meet our needs. And then we set up daily appointments with them to Tour specific Estates. We worked with three different brokers to finally find Château du Soleil here in Provence... We give them a checklist of "must haves" and then we narrowed it down from a little over 150 Villas and toured a dozen different Villas that met all of our prerequisites... and on the days they couldn't get us appointments to get into the Villas, we work on the Tour Itinerary and scouting out cities, villages, wineries and attractions to include (or exclude) on the Tour. While there's lots of Villas throughout Provence, there's very few that meet our exacting standards and specific needs...
This is the dining loggia down at the Pool with the pool kitchen in the background
So first, they need to be in the right area; Provence is huge... a little over 12,000 square miles... A great Villa that's not central to our Tour Itinerary just won't work...
And then, and this is a "biggie," we need large Villas with lots of Bedrooms, each with its own private ensuite bathroom! So this narrows the field dramatically! Very few Villas have ensuite bathrooms for each bedroom or suite of bedrooms. A big beautiful 8 bedroom/4 bath Villa maybe works if you're going on vacation with all family, but not so much if you're sharing a bathroom with people you've never met. And then there's a whole list of other prerequisites! We want a Villa high up on a hilltop with magnificent views! Of course a pool! This, believe or not, again cuts what's left of the prospective choices in half... and this time we asked that it be a heated pool, so fewer still!
with the whole property being so grand it's sometimes easy to miss the various water fountains, and large statues places throughout the gardens... if you zoom in on this photo, you'll see a couple of large statues behind the pool...
Air conditioning; while we think of this as a basic standard here in the US, it's not typically so in these large Villas in Europe where electricity is so expensive (typically at least 5 times more expensive than in the US) and the size of the Villas so large (this one's a little over 20,000 sq feet); And while here in the US, we often tend to think every place has air conditioning, it's just not that common in Europe, and when they do have air conditioning, most times, it's just not as efficient as what we're used to here in the US.
In Europe most countries have energy policies that legally restrict the temperatures that hotels can heat or cool the air... In France for instance, hotels are restricted to heating no warmer than 19 C (66 F) and cooling to no lower than 26 C (79 F). In their minds, if it's 95 degrees outside and they have units that take it down to 80 degrees, that's air-conditioning! And that's common throughout Europe. Italy's policies are even slightly more restrictive.
the grand kitchen in the Villa, is a beautiful light filled space... we use these large counters and the kitchen table to lay out the wonderful breakfast buffet
And then of course, we need large common areas, dining areas, outdoor recreation areas, and kitchens that can comfortably function & handle groups as big as ours...
And lastly, it's gotta have what we call
"PUNCH" - that is, a really large, beautiful & magnificent private Estate on lots of acreage that has that undeniable, first look curb appeal... or what the French call Savoir Faire... And then of course, we have to be able to make it work within our budget!
We originally made three of these research trips to Provence to work on this project, finding the right Villa and putting together the Itinerary of the Tours. But we think you'll agree with us, that what we've finally found in Château du Soleil will have made it all worthwhile...
Château du Soleil... our Villa in The South of France! It is truly your time here at this incredible Villa that separates Adventures to Provence from most other Tour operators. Most Tour Operators would have you and your whole 50 person busload of tour-mates staying at a crowded tourist hotel in the center of a busy & noisy city like Avignon... That's why we use tag lines like; "the way you choose to see the world creates the world you see" and of course our favorite; "what makes us different, makes all the difference in the world."
we rarely use the formal dining room, in favor of eating outside
And we think you'll understand these differences as soon as you drive thru the gates of this incredible property! In fact, as you turn off the road onto the mile long paved, private driveway up to the Villa, you'll immediately start to recognize these differences! This long private driveway winds up the hill thru various cherry orchards, olive groves and grape vineyards... all lined by Provence's iconic cypress trees, interspersed with lavender bushes and rose bushes...
Château du Soleil is a beautiful and sprawling estate. A 400 year old Villa sitting on a hilltop on the border of the Luberon & Vaucluse regions overlooking the Provençal Hills & the medieval village of Venasque... Venasque has received the most prestigious award; Les Plus Beaux Villages de France by the French authorities as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France".
We will. in fact, not be taking you to just one of these "Les Plus Beaux Villages", but to four of them! Venasque, Gordes, Rousillon and Les Baux-de-Provence! And with over 35,000 villages throughout France, to be awarded this designation is indeed truly prestigious!
You're going to love this Estate... It is magnificent! The original Villa is 400 years old, and over four centuries, has been added onto several times. But in more contemporary times, the estate was purchased and completely renovated.
While this Villa has been in several families over 4 centuries, it was it's latest owner who most recently renovated the entire estate... He added the latest additions including over 8000 Sq feet of new living space; the amazing Solarium, 4 more bedrooms, a full apartment for the care takers, a 10 car garage (for his personal car collection), the game room, a new pantry, the ice machines, the new kitchen, the Bocce court, the new heated pool, the extensive landscaped gardens with statues and water fountains, the sound system and internet access that surrounds the pool area and gardens, the outdoor terraces and the Pool Kitchen.
The estate had sold a few years ago to a French celebrity who remains anonymous to us...(the management & brokers of the estate have signed NDA's (non-disclosure agreements) and can not tell us who owns the estate, but it'll be pretty obvious to you that whoever owns this estate, has some serious money.
The open-air Solarium, the Terraces that surround it, and the pool areas are where we typically enjoy our evening Happy Hour Parties!
We hope you're getting excited about your upcoming adventure! We've just started working with the chef's on the new menus... As you know, our evening meals are served family style, so please let us know now if you have medical allergies or serious dietary restrictions so that we can try to make arrangements for you.
We've attached a video below of the driveway and the approach to the Villa to give you just a bit of an idea as to how large this Estate really is... And lastly, notice that you're not just going up a long road, you're climbing over 1200 feet of vertical ascent! This hilltop setting gives The Villa just outstanding views out over the Provençal Countryside and of our nearby homebase village of Venasque! Enjoy!
you'll want to turn your volume on and consider going full screen for this
A couple of you have reached out and asked about the little ditty in the right side-bar :🎄 A Taste of Provence for the Holidays! 🇫🇷
The Réveillon (pronounced ray-vay-ohn) is a traditional, very long, and often luxurious dinner celebrated in French culture on the eves of Christmas Day and New Year's Day. The name comes from the French word réveil, which means "waking up" or "awakening." The meal is traditionally held late at night, often after Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, and guests stay awake until the early hours of the morning.
🍽️ Key Features of a Provençal Réveillon:
When: Traditionally starts very late on Christmas Eve (or New Year's Eve) and can last for many hours, often past midnight.
The Food: It's an extravagant feast! Dishes are usually luxurious, such as oysters, foie gras, escargots, or roasted fowl (like turkey with chestnuts). And of course, this is France, so there's lots of Champagne and Wine... And for this dinner, they break out the good wines!
In Provence: The Christmas Eve dinner concludes with the famous Thirteen Desserts (les treize desserts), a unique Provençal tradition that symbolizes Jesus and the twelve apostles.
It's truly a special, celebratory meal focused on good food, fine drinks, and spending time with loved ones during the holidays.
🍰 Les Treize Desserts:
The Thirteen Desserts (Les Treize Desserts) is the symbolic grand finale of the Provençal Christmas Eve dinner (le gros souper or réveillon).
🍇 The Symbolism
The number thirteen is highly symbolic, representing Jesus Christ and his twelve apostles at the Last Supper. The tradition dictates that every guest must sample at least a little bit of each of the thirteen desserts to guarantee good luckfor the coming year.
🥜 The Classic Components
While the exact list can vary slightly from family to family and village to village, the desserts are always an abundance of fruits, nuts, and local sweets, showcasing Provence's best agricultural products.
The desserts are grouped into categories, with some items considered indispensable:
1. The Olive Oil Fougasse (Pompe aˋ l’huile): This subtly sweet, brioche-like flatbread made with olive oil and orange blossom water is the centerpiece. Tradition says it must be broken by hand, never cut with a knife, to prevent ruin in the coming year, mirroring the breaking of bread at the Last Supper.
2. and 3. The Nougats:
White Nougat (Nougat blanc): Soft and light, made with honey, almonds, and pistachios. Often symbolizes goodness or the light of the winter solstice.
Black Nougat (Nougat noir): Hard and crunchy, made with honey and almonds. Often symbolizes evil or the darker days of winter.
4-7. The Four Beggars (Les Quatre Mendiants): These four dried fruits and nuts are perhaps the most famous and represent the robes of the four monastic mendicant orders (orders that rely on charity):
Dried Figs (Franciscans)
Almonds (Carmelites)
Raisins (Dominicans)
Walnuts or Hazelnuts (Augustinians)
The Remaining Six: These are usually a combination of local fresh and preserved fruits and sweets, such as:
Fresh Fruits: Apples, pears, oranges, mandarins, and the green Christmas melon (verdauˋ).
Dates: Symbolizing Christ's journey from the East.
Local Sweets:Calissons d'Aix (almond and candied melon paste), Quince Paste (paˆte de coing), or candied fruits.
The desserts are traditionally set out on Christmas Eve and remain on the table for three days (until December 27th), inviting guests to enjoy them throughout the holiday season.
