Provence - Discover this land of wine and olive oil - Institut Du Sein - Nice Santa Maria

Live like a true Provençal for the day. Visit an AOC olive oil producing Chateau, a Cru Classé vineyard and a new multi-award winning bio-organic vineyard for a private tour and tastings.. Enjoy a fabulous outdoor Provençal buffet lunch in the shade of ancient limes. Finish the day with a fun game of boules and a good glass of something special. Heaven on earth!

Highlights

Witness the highest quality olive oil production; discover the secrets of an award winning bio-dynamic vineyard; enjoy an authentic Provençal picnic in a vineyard in the shade of the ancient lime trees; take tastings at a Cru Classé Chateau; have some great fun over a game of boules inside the domaine. Savour the best atmosphere, local food, olive oil and wine that Provence has to offer during this feature-packed day of discovery.

Itinerary

Start with a convenient pick-up along the route starting in Nice. First to the famous Chateau de Taurenne to see the production of multi-award winning olive oil. Onward to a multi-award winning bio-organic winery for tastings then enjoy a fabulous outdoor Provençal buffet lunch in the shade of ancient oaks. An afternoon visit to a Cru Classé French Chateau with even more tastings, fabulous art and a game of boules to finish off. Return to Nice (or points on route).

Chateau de Taurenne, TEMPUS FUGIT OPERA MANENT "time flies, works remains"

The Domaine de Taurenne is located close to Tourtour "the village in the sky" in the Haut Var at a maximum altitude of 580m. just on the southern limit of the Grand Canyon du Verdon. The castle dominates the property which stretches over 253 hectares. The Order of the Knights Templar built the castle of Taurenne and created a flourishing agricultural enterprise. The property was terraced and food crops were grown under the olive trees. Tragically, disaster struck when the very severe frosts of 1956 proved fatal to its development. The history of the estate has also been marred by major fires, notably in 1949 and in 1982. Even today, the passage of the last fire scars the landscape.

A major restoration of the property has taken place and more than 11,000 olive trees have been replanted since 1999. Local varieties such as Bouteillan, Aglandau, Ribier, Grossane or Cayon have been favoured for their adaptation to the terroir and their aromatic richness.

Further major investment took place in 2012 in a state-of-the-art olive oil mill that allows complete control the entire production process. You will witness the oil creation from the olive in the orchard to the final bottling and blending of the oil. After very close analysis of each production batch comes the assembly phase combining the different varieties for the creation of L'Or de Taurenne in AOC Provence. A triumph.

The Domain Valcolombe

Was abandoned in 1936, re-born in 1993 and since 2010 has won many major oenological awards in Paris and London. The lush Provencal vineyard is spread out across a generous terrain surrounded by cypress and olive trees, guarded by an old Provençal country house. Here we will find, nestling under the vaults of a modern cellar, wines that are among France's top award-winners maturing in their precious oak barrels while the youngest wines wait to be tasted.

Château de Saint Martin

The Château de Saint Martin has the privilege to be a Cru Classé from the Provence appellation. It has belonged to the same noble family of since 1740. The winery has a strong historical past and rich architectural heritage. The Romans grew vines in the second century BC. Then came the Lérins monks from the tenth to the eighteenth century. Wine has been produced here since antiquity. Over the centuries, the estate has nearly always been passed on from mother to daughter, each giving its own feminine touch to the making of their Grand Crus. Today, the owner collaborates with her team of wine experts to offer a wide range of refined wines which will satisfy the most demanding tastes: light, elegant, complex yet refined, fruity and very palatable.

During our trip, we will enjoy some amazing views so don't forget your camera. Strong footwear is recommended for the tours of the vineyards. A healthy appetite and a love of fine wines is essential.

What we will provide
Visits to two contrasting vineyards
A visit to an AOC olive oil producing Chateau
Buffet style Provencal lunch in the vineyard - delicious fresh local food
A Jeu de Boules accompanied by refreshments
Wine and Soft Drinks

What to bring
Strong shoes for walking in the vineyards
Sun Hat
Camera
A healthy appetite and a good aim!

We will pickup from and return to:
Nice - see pickup location map here
Cagnes-sur-Mer - see pickup location map here
Villeneuve Loubet Plage - see pickup location map here
Antibes - see pickup location here

CHOOSE YOUR PICKUP POINT AT THE CHECKOUT