Medicinal Herbs & Aromatic Plants of France
A Plant Lover's Journey to Provençe
May 20 – 31, 2006
Sorry, we wont be offering this wonderful trip in 2007, but stay tuned... We'll be offering it again for sure in the near future...
Provence: picture hillsides cut by the gnarled trunks of olive trees, fields blanketed in wildflowers, and air perfumed by rosemary and lavender. This is the region the Impressionists loved, where poplar trees line country roads, and vines heavy with grapes roast in the Mediterranean sun. Here, the Mistral wind flows down from the Alps, cooling the land on its way to the sea. A timeless agricultural tradition has flourished in Provence, passed from generation to generation by farmers who take pride in the terroir that lends its distinct character to their products. We will venture into the countryside to learn from these small farmers, as they lead us through their gardens, workshops, and homes, inviting us to touch, smell, and taste some of their products while they share their knowledge and demonstrate centuries-old techniques, or more recent innovations. Accompanied by Rosemary Gladstar and Robert Chartier from Sage Mountain Herbal Retreat Center and Botanical Sanctuary, and supported by a staff of local guides, we will experience Provence in a way rarely available to independent travelers.
Nyons, France
We begin our exploration in Nyons, a small town nestled in the Drôme-Provencal region, and known for it year-round sunshine. Nyons benefits from its location, sheltered by the Alps from the famous Mistral. Using Nyons as our base, we make excursions into the hills, to meet with nearby producers. Discover cooking secrets at a French bistro, make your own facial cream with extracts from native aromatic plants, or learn the traditional process of distilling essential oils. Stroll through lush botanical gardens, guided by local cultivators who explain their work, teach the unique qualities of the plants, and answer all of your questions. During leisure time, we explore a Provencal market or enjoy a picnic, sampling typical Provencal foods while relaxing out-of-doors.
Sault, France
Sault-en-Provençe is located at the heart of a high, mountain region and is our departure point for excursions. Near the picturesque village of Banon, we meet a cheese maker who helped secure the prized AOC label for this regional delicacy, and we learn how to turn ordinary goat cheese into a fine Banon Affinée, wrapped in chestnut leaves. With local farmers we explore organic farms, walking through lavender fields while benefiting from their knowledge. Later in the week, we explore the Ethnological museum of Haute-Provence and learn about the long tradition of growing aromatic plants in this region. From there we visit a pastis distillery to learn about and sample this regional specialty made from local herbs. We spend a day in a therapeutic retreat, experiencing a lavender hot tub and an essential oil massage at a SPA in one of the many perched villages we visit during our time in Provence.
Your Facilitators~
- Rosemary Gladstar
- ~Author of nine herb books including the best seller Herbal Healing for Woman and The Family Herbal, co-founder of Sage Mountain Herbal Retreat Center and President of United Plant Savers. Rosemary has been a practicing herbalist for over two decades and brings a deep passion and joy to her work.
Robert Chartier- ~Robert is the earth steward and land manager at Sage Mountain Herbal Retreat Center and Botanical Sanctuary, a dedicated traveler and professional photographer. Bring your camera along for tips on great photography.
- We also have many wonderful local guides and friends who are extremely knowledgeable about the local customs, history, plants and culture of Provence.
What Your Program Includes:
The program package includes all of the following:
- All land travel and transfers during your program
- Room and board during your program. Most meals are included, but two dinners and one lunch are designated as ‘meals on your own’ so that you have an opportunity to explore your dining options
- All program field trips and excursions, including applicable entrance fees
- Tips to hotel, driver, and guides
- A coach transfer from Marseille Airport to Nyons on arrival day is included for participants who have purchased the roundtrip flight from Lyon Travel
- Directions and assistance (in English) from French guides
Not Included in Program Fee:
Your program cost does not include international airfare (U.S. to Marseille and the return from Marseille to the U.S.); items of a personal nature, such as laundry, alcohol, phone calls, etc.; passport fees, or travel insurance.
Registration Information:
Registration Fee:
The land cost for A Plant Lover’s Journey to Provence is $ 2298 for a double occupancy (or an additional $275 for a single room occupancy, limited availability).Deposit:
A $400, nonrefundable* deposit is required to hold your place. The remaining payment is due by March 21, 2006 (two months prior to the trip).*Nonrefundable unless the program is canceled.
International Air:
Roundtrip international air on Air France has been arranged from New York-JFK, Boston- BOS, Chicago-ORD, Los Angeles-LAX and San Francisco-SFO to Marseille Provence airport.The roundtrip international air travel from New York-JFK to MRS is $835.00
The roundtrip international air travel from Boston- BOS to MRS is $835.00
The roundtrip international air travel from Chicago-ORD to MRS is $910.00
The roundtrip international air travel from Los Angeles-LAX to MRS is $1010.00
The roundtrip international air travel from San Francisco-SFO to MRS is $1035.00* The price of roundtrip air ticket includes taxes, but is subject to change based on availability and increase due to fuel surcharges and insurance.
Group size is limited to 25, so sign up early! As these programs fill up fast, register early to avoid disappointment. To register, fill out the enclosed Program Booking Formwith your information and deposit, and mail it to:
Lyon Travel
P.O. Box 6179
Brattleboro, VT 05302-6179
Telephone: 1-800-480-0519
email: traveinfo@lyontravel.com
Contact Lyon Travel for further information or to receive an additional Program Booking Form.
