We’ll begin our morning immersed in one of Marseille’s most authentic traditions — the daily outdoor fish market at the Vieux Port. Here, fishermen proudly display the morning’s catch on weathered tables as gulls circle overhead and the scent of the sea lingers in the air. The characters here are as photogenic as the scene itself, with their sun-worn faces, animated gestures, and warm banter offering wonderful opportunities for candid portraits. Many are happy to share tales of their fishing adventures, and their personality shines through each frame you capture.

After savoring these moments and the soft Mediterranean light, we’ll bid farewell to Marseille and journey inland toward the heart of Provence. The road to Avignon will take us through a landscape painted in earthy ochres, with cypress-lined lanes and vineyards stretching toward distant hills, scenes that have inspired artists from Van Gogh to Cézanne, and now, you.

By early afternoon, we will arrive in Avignon, our home base for the next three days. Steeped in history and crowned by the majestic Palais des Papes, the largest Gothic palace in the world, Avignon’s medieval walls, cobblestone streets, and stately squares create a timeless setting for photography. Once the seat of the Papacy in the 14th century, the city carries an old-world grandeur while still humming with Provençal charm.

After checking into our hotel, we’ll set out to explore with cameras in hand. The warm glow of late afternoon light casts golden tones across ancient stone facades, while narrow lanes reveal intimate details: ivy-covered doorways, timeworn shutters, and locals enjoying a glass of wine at sidewalk cafés. From the banks of the Rhône, the view toward the Pont Saint-Bénézet, the famous medieval bridge that stops mid-river, offers a perfect composition, especially as the sun dips low and the sky turns shades of pink and lavender.

As evening settles over Avignon, we’ll pause to absorb the rhythm of life here — slower, gentler, and deeply connected to the land. Tomorrow, the surrounding countryside of Provence awaits, but for tonight, we’ll savor the magic of this historic city. (B)

In the morning, we’ll set off to discover some of Provence’s most photogenic towns, each offering its own unique character and charm. Our first stop will be L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, often called the Venice of Provence. The town is a graceful weave of narrow streets, gently flowing canals, and moss-covered waterwheels turning slowly in the Sorgue River. Known for its vibrant antiques market and elegant boutiques, it’s a place where rustic Provençal charm meets refined artistry. The morning light filtering through plane trees will cast soft reflections on the water, creating perfect compositions for both color and black-and-white photography. Here, textures will abound, from worn wooden shutters and ornate iron balconies to colorful displays of fresh flowers and vintage treasures in shop windows.

From there, we’ll travel into the heart of the Vaucluse to one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France: Venasque. Perched dramatically atop a rocky promontory, this medieval jewel will feel far removed from the modern world. The sweeping views over vineyards, cherry orchards, and the distant Dentelles de Montmirail will be breathtaking, especially under the expansive Provençal sky. The ancient stone ramparts and narrow lanes will reveal centuries-old doorways, weathered walls, and intimate corners that invite quiet, contemplative photography. Venasque’s layered history, from prehistoric cave dwellers to medieval defenders, will lend the town an almost timeless atmosphere.

In the afternoon, we’ll make our way to Carpentras, a city rich in art, history, and vibrant Provençal life. Once part of the Papal States, Carpentras was favored by the Avignon popes and is infused with Italian influence seen in its architecture and urban design. Elegant facades, ornate fountains, and charming squares will provide an endless variety of photo subjects. The city is also notable for its Jewish heritage; the 14th-century synagogue, the oldest in France, stands as a testament to a community protected by papal decree. As we’ll wander the bustling streets, we will capture the interplay between grand historical elements and the everyday rhythms of local life.

By late afternoon, we will return back to Avignon with our memory cards filled with images that tell the layered story of Provence, from river towns and medieval fortresses to papal cities steeped in art and tradition. (B)

We’ll begin our day by leaving the lavender heartland of Valensole, our senses still filled with the scent of purple blooms. Our journey will take us to Arles, a city where history, art, and photography converge in extraordinary harmony. Known internationally for its thriving photography culture, Arles is home to the world-famous Rencontres d’Arles festival, a celebration of visual storytelling that transforms the city each summer into an open-air museum of inspiration. Here, galleries, historic buildings, and even ancient ruins become backdrops for world-class exhibitions, workshops, and night projections, making the entire city a living canvas.

But Arles is more than just a hub for contemporary art. It is a place where centuries of history meet the golden light of Provence. Roman treasures like the grand amphitheater and haunting ruins speak of an ancient world, their weathered stone offering textures and shadows that beg to be photographed. Its winding cobblestone lanes, splashed with pastel façades and adorned with colorful shutters, invite candid street photography at every turn. Local markets burst with Provençal life, featuring sun-kissed produce, handmade crafts, and the warmth of friendly vendors.

Arles is also forever entwined with the legacy of Vincent van Gogh, who found inspiration in its luminous skies and painted more than 300 works here. Standing in places he immortalized such as the vibrant Café Van Gogh or the tranquil Rhône riverbank, you can almost feel his presence and see the world through his eyes.

After a full day immersing ourselves in this unique blend of photography, history, and art, we will return to Marseille for our final evening together. Later that night, we will gather for a fabulous “Farewell Dinner”, raising our glasses to new friendships, unforgettable images, and the countless stories we’ll carry home. With great laughter and heartfelt reflection, we’ll relive the highlights of our journey through Provence and the Côte d’Azur; already dreaming of where our cameras will take us next. (B) (D)

Over breakfast, we will gather for our final group discussion and photo review. We’ll share our favorite images, memorable moments, and the stories behind them. This will be a time to reflect on the journey we’ve shared during seven days of discovery, artistry, and connection in the South of France. After warm goodbyes, guests will depart from Marseille, taking home both their photographs and the friendships made along the way. (B)

For those joining us for the 4-day Camargue extension, the adventure will continue. After breakfast, we will set off for this remarkable region, where wild horses, pink flamingos, and vast salt flats await. This new chapter will offer fresh inspiration and unforgettable sights.

We will rise early to greet the dawn light as it paints the Camargue’s marshes and beaches with soft, golden hues. Our first photographic mission will be to capture the wild white Camargue horses in motion, running through shallow waters as the sun rises. This dynamic scene invites creative experimentation, from freezing the powerful, fluid movements with fast shutter speeds to crafting artistic blur and panning shots that convey the horses’ energy and grace. Tracking autofocus techniques will be your best friend for the day as you capture these untamed spirits against a breathtaking natural backdrop.

Later, we’ll explore the famed pink waters of the Aigues-Mortes saltworks, where centuries-old salt production continues amid stunning reflections of the medieval city walls. The interplay of vivid colors, geometric salt ponds, and historic architecture offers endless composition possibilities, especially during the glowing afternoon golden hour. The Camargue wetlands are alive with birdlife, and we’ll seek out elegant flamingos and other avian residents, adding vibrant pops of color and life to our portfolio. In the evening, we’ll celebrate with a wonderful “Farewell Dinner”. (B) (D)

On our final morning, we’ll greet the soft light as it gently illuminates the medieval walls, gates, and towers of Aigues-Mortes. The early hours offer a serene and magical atmosphere, perfect for capturing the historic town bathed in warm, golden hues and quiet reflections. We will stroll through the narrow streets and photograph the interplay of light and shadow against the centuries-old stonework, rich textures, and timeless beauty.

After breakfast and check out, we will journey back to Marseilles, reflecting on the unforgettable moments and images gathered over the past days. This will mark the end of our Camargue Photo Tour, but the memories and photographs you carry will continue to inspire. (B)