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
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!
