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Seven-Day Golf Tour: St. Remy and Avignon
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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. |
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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.After lunch in the town a tee time is available, or you have the option of a leisurely afternoon visiting the Pont du Gard (MGG), a Roman aqueduct regarded as one of the wonders of the ancient world. Built around 19 B.C. and in excellent state of preservation, the golden tones of its stonework blend beautifully with the surrounding countryside. 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. |
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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. However, 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. |
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After breakfast you are driven through the peaceful
Provenēal countryside with its characteristic vineyard and olive groves - to the majestic city of Avignon. Here we offer the choice of a town or country hotel setting. The romantic Auberge de Cassagne, a 4 Star country villa, which combines luxurious accommodation with the finest of cuisine and a breathtaking setting.
Or you can choose La Mirande in downtown Avignon. Situated in a quiet cobbled street, La Mirande was formerly a cardinal's palace. It has been restored with meticulous care and is furnished with a wealth of wall hangings, objects d'art and furniture from various eras. As one would expect, the cuisine is also of the very highest standards. Avignon, a former city-state on the banks of the Rhone, can trace its beginnings 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 (MGG). After lunch, golfers can avail themselves of an afternoon tee time at Grand Avignon Golf Club. Non-Golfers can join our guide, or go alone if they prefer, to explore the many palaces, churches and museums. To shop or to sip coffee in one of the many attractive pavement cafes. In the evening you can savour the delights of true Provenēal cuisine as you dine on the terrace or in the dining room of your hotel. |
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This morning we set off for what has been called "the most original and romantic region of Provence and possibly of France", La Camargue
(MGG). This area of the Rhone delta, designated as a botanical and zoological reserve, is home to herds of magnificent white horses and its own famous black bulls. It also has one of Europe's greatest concentrations of flamingos and other exotic bird life. During our journey we will visit the old fishing-port towns of Le Grau du Roi and Ste. Maries de la Mer.
In keeping with a day of new sights and sounds, we suggest lunch in the 13th century walled town of Aigue Mortes (MGG), an imposing town amidst the salt marshes of La Camargue. You will be served in a private tree-shaded garden within sight of the town's ancient towers. An informal atmosphere of Provenēal charm, friendliness and warmth. To conclude a day of peaceful traveling we will return to Avignon in the evening. In a suitably relaxed mood you can now enjoy dinner at Chez Christian Etienne. Also Michelin rated it is conveniently located in downtown Avignon. |
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The Campagne Country Club, awarded a coveted Five-Star rating by Golf European Magazine, awaits you with a morning tee time. For non-golfers there is an opportunity to explore the tree-lined boulevards and winding narrow streets of ancient Nīmes. If you like you can go in the company of our guide, who will share with you the history of Nīmes and show you the places of interest. Golfers will lunch at the Club House, while non-golfers can enjoy their lunch on the Place de Marche in Nīmes, always a scene of
Provenēal cheer, good food and conversation. Later you can meet with the rest of the group to enjoy an afternoon tasting the fine wines at the Domain of the Chateau de la Tuilerie close by, before returning to Avignon.
For your last night - something special! In the ancient little village of Collias, a short drive from your hotel, is La Castellas. A jewel, a place of wonderful touches. Of cuisine which uses the fresh produce of the surrounding countryside. A perfect setting in which to end a most satisfying day. |
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The final day of a memorable golfing and touring vacation. For the early riser there is the chance to get in
a final round of golf at Grand Avignon. For non-golfers there is a chance to do that last-minute shopping, to go sight-seeing in town or to just sit and enjoy a coffee at a pavement café on the Place de L'Horlage.
From Avignon we transport you by road or by helicopter to your departure airport, where we ensure that you are safely checked in. We hope we can share again with you the unique experience which is Golf Provence. Bon voyage! |
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