Explore Jewish Life, Literature and Learning in the stunning south of France (May 19-28, 2025)
Guides: Jeffrey Saks & Michael Tuchfeld

Travel with Agnon House to Provence and the French Riviera in spectacular, scenic southeastern France. Immerse yourself in the region’s history, culture, art, and beauty as we explore the Jewish life, literature, and learning that flourished in this corner of Europe stretching back to the medieval era. Study the texts, tales, and ideas with our outstanding scholars and guides. All tours and lectures in English.

Cost:
Including roundtrip flights from/to Tel Aviv: US $6,850.00 person/double room.
Without group flights: $6,275.00 person/double room.
(Additional $1,800.00 for individual in private room.)
Click here for bank transfer info or online payment link.

This tour is now fully booked. Contact [email protected] to be placed on the waiting list or join us in Prague, Vienna and Budapest (June 29-July 8) – details here.

For general inquiries or more information contact Jeffrey Saks at tel. or WhatsApp +972-52-321-4884 / [email protected].

Full-board kosher catering (Chabad certified) and Shabbat-appropriate itinerary / Luxury hotels in best locations / Expert scholars and guides / Space limited! See cancellation policies and important travel insurance info (and read the “fine print” below”).

Group Flights:
Monday, May 19: EL-AL #321 depart Ben-Gurion TLV at 2:45pm – arrive Marseille-Provence Airport (MRS) at 6:10pm.
Wednesday, May 28: EL-AL #224 depart Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) at 11:00am – arrive Ben-Gurion TLV 3:40pm.
(Those traveling independently should book flights that best coordinate with the Tel Aviv group flights and arriving/departing airports.)

Hotels:
Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Hotel (7 nights | ★★★★★)
Holiday Inn Nice—Saint Laurent du Var (2 nights | ★★★★)

View the itinerary on our interactive map

Day 1 | Monday, May 19 | 21 Iyar
Arrive at Marseille-Provence Airport, transfer to the Marriott’s 5-star Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Hotel where we will make our home for the first 7 nights of our stay. Welcome dinner.

Day 2 | Tuesday, May 20 | 22 Iyar
Visit the memorial at Camp des Milles, site of an internment and transit camp during the Holocaust (many of its victims met their end in Auschwitz). Drive to Arles on the Rhône River for a tour of the Old Roman Amphitheatre, Constantine Bath, L’espace Van Gogh (where the artist was treated), and Place du Forum public square for some free time.

Day 3 | Wednesday, May 21 | 23 Iyar
Morning departure to Nîmes and the Pont du Gard 1st-century Roman aqueduct stretching 50 km. Continue to Orange’s Roman Theatre and Arc de triomphe. Afternoon: The Gorges de l’Ardèche locally known as the “European Grand Canyon.”

Day 4 | Thursday, May 22 | 24 Iyar
Visit the Old Synagogue (dating from 15th century) and Jewish Museum in Cavaillon. Continue to Carpentras Synagogue (oldest in France, built in 1367), with its remnants of a mikveh and matzah bakery. Afternoon visit to village of Fountaine de Vaucluse, with its scenic river walk to the cave and natural spring, enjoy the stunning natural scenery. Stroll through the local shops with their handmade crafts, pottery, glassware, and blacksmith work.

Day 5 | Friday, May 23 | 25 Iyar
Morning tour of Aix-en-Provence including and visit to Cezanne’s studio. Drive to Saint-Rémy to follow the Van Gogh Trail, where the artist spent the last year of his life (and painted its olive trees and “Starry Night”). Return to Aix for Shabbat preparations.

Day 6 | Saturday, May 24 | Shabbat Behar-Behukotai
Celebrate Shabbat in Aix with our group and the local community in the Aix synagogue and enjoy a Kiddush before heading out on a walking tour of the Jewish Quarter, followed by luncheon, free time and a chance to rest (well deserved). Study sessions with our guides and scholars will explore the Rabbinic and Jewish intellectual history of Provençal Jewry.

Day 7 | Sunday, May 25 | 27 Iyar
Drive to Avignon, home of the great medieval rabbi and commentator Ralbag, and visit the historic site and monument housed in the 19th-century synagogue and tour the medieval Jewish Quarter, whose community has roots going back to the destruction of the Second Temple. Visit Palais des Papes, palace of the four 15th-century Avignon Popes, who offered refuge to the Jews expelled from the Kingdom of France (thus the name, the “Pope’s Jews”). Head to rural Les Baux for a stroll among local shops, art galleries, and cafés. The village has retained its historical atmosphere, making it feel like a journey back in time. Enjoy the breathtaking views from the Château des Baux, a fortified 10th-century castle.

Day 8 | Monday, May 26 | Yom Yerushalayim
Check-out of Aix as we depart Provence for the French Riviera (the Côte d’Azur). Visit Cannes and its Palais de Festivals (site of the famed film festival), Boulevard de la Croisette’s scenic promenade and upscale shops, and the Cannes Synagogue. Tour St. Paul de Vence, one of the oldest medieval villages on the Riviera, and visit Fondation Maeghet, among the most important modern art galleries in Europe (its impressive collection houses works by Chagall, Miró, Braque, and Giacometti).
Check in at Holiday Inn Nice—Saint Laurent du Var (for final 2 nights)

Day 9 | Tuesday, May 27 | 29 Iyar
Guided tour of the Marc Chagall Museum in Nice. Continue to Antibes and its old city in this quaint seaside town. Take in the sights (and smells) of the historical Galimard Perfume Workshop in Grasse dating back to 1747. Evening: Cross the Monaco border for a quick visit to Monte Carlo, famous for its casino. Farewell dinner!

Day 10 | Wednesday, May 28 | 1 Sivan
Check out and transfer to the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) for 11:00am departure flight.

Guides & Staff
Rabbi Jeffrey Saks is the Director of Research at the Agnon House and founding director of ATID and WebYeshiva.org; Series Editor, S.Y. Agnon Library at the Toby Press; and Editor of the journal Tradition. He has published widely on Jewish culture and learning (sample here), and has been leading traveling seminars for years in Israel and to locations such as Greece, Ukraine, Lithuania, Latvia, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Germany, Poland, and Portugal.
Michael Tuchfeld, a veteran educator, broadcaster and writer, is a founder of the Knesset Channel of Channel 2 News and a journalist for the Makor Rishon newspaper. A published novelist, Tuchfeld has over four decades of experience leading travel seminars around the world, with a focus on the history and the lives of Jewish communities across five continents.
Catering & Logistics: Elyakim & Tzippi Italie. Travel arrangements by Yehuda Chen and Shai Bar-Ilan Tours.

For inquiries or more info contact Jeffrey Saks: tel. or WhatsApp +972-52-321-4884 or [email protected]. Agnon House is also planning a tour of Prague, Vienna & Budapest (June 30-July 9) – contact us to be notified when registration opens.

Praise from participants on Agnon House tours (Ukraine 2018; Lithuania 2019; Central Europe 2022; Portugal 2023; Germany 2023, Poland 2024):
“We were thrilled with the tour leaders because of their knowledge and teaching skills, the way they cared for each person in the group, and their good humor and amiable personalities. Mixing with such an eclectic and friendly group of fellow travelers made for a wonderful journey.”
“Transformative! Above and beyond other trips we’ve taken — like two university semesters in 9 days!” “Eye-opening and educational.”
“A good balance between general history, Jewish history, and related literature. It was very evident that the trip was well thought out in advance and it was executed beautifully.”
“I loved the variety of historical, literary, secular and religious sites and sources. It reflected the diversity and vitality of Jewry at that time and place.”
“ ‘Very Good’ is not good enough to describe the guides. Each of them exhibited vast knowledge and exceptional speaking and teaching ability. [Their] enthusiasm, warmth, helpfulness, and expertise was delightful.”
“We were delighted by the exceptional camaraderie of all our fellow participants—such an interesting, intelligent, kind, and friendly group of people from diverse backgrounds coming together in such a special way really enhanced the trip. We’ve made great new friends and will remain in close touch.”
“The meals and accommodations were far above our expectations.”
“The resources and materials you shared offer a treasure trove for as much further study as one has the time and appetite for. It made for an exceptional integration of learning and experiencing.”

Fine Print:
Are you “up” to it? Traveling can be exhausting. While we design an itinerary mindful of the typical demographic attracted to join our tour, and try to pace the group accordingly, the days are full and you are the best judge of whether or not you are up to traveling with us. While we won’t be hiking the Alps or running marathons, there is a good deal of walking. Ask yourself if you can walk 1.5 km (about a mile) over mostly flat ground but with occasional patches of cobblestones in about 25-30 minutes? Are you able to go 2 hours or so on the bus without a bathroom break? COVID: Consult with your physician to determine if a vaccine booster is recommended for you before traveling.
Is this trip for you? Our group typically numbers around 30 travelers plus our staff, forming a collegial, open-minded, accepting and respectful assembly of people interested in touring and learning together. While we attract friendly folks from all walks of the Jewish world and everyone is welcome to join us irrespective of his or her level of Jewish observance, the group activities enable Orthodox halakhic standards, including accommodating complete Shabbat observance and Kashrut. Typically there are minyanim 3 times a day for those who wish to join.
Feel free to be in touch with us to discuss any of these issues if you have concerns.
Travel Visas: Please check that your passport is valid for 6 months from the date of departure! Israeli, USA, Canada, UK and EU passport holders do not require travel visas for France. Citizens of other countries should check visa requirements.
Insurance: It is strongly recommended to purchase comprehensive insurance to cover medical, personal, baggage, and cancellation and to do so at the time you make your first payment or deposit to tour provider or airline (you may not be fully covered if you delay).
Note that all hotels, flights, and itinerary arrangements are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. The itinerary may be impacted by unexpected flight-schedule changes by the airline. If necessary, all efforts will be made to substitute accommodations with equivalent quality.
See important cancellation, refund, and insurance information here.