South of France Series: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Picturesque Provence
- MemoirsofaMountainGirl
- Jun 24, 2020
- 4 min read
Because there is so much more to the French Riviera than A-List beaches. As part of my South of France series, I wanted to dedicate a post to Pretty Provence, renowned for its idyllic lavender fields, sunflowers, olive groves and extensive vineyards. If you have a couple of weeks to explore the South of France, or even if you do multiple mini trips as I tend to do each year, make sure to set aside 4- 5 days to explore the region including Aix en Provence, medieval Avignon, Marseille and the hidden beaches of Cassis.
To get here, fly direct to Marseille, where we stayed one night exploring the city before hiring a car to go on our Provence Road Trip. I would highly recommend car hire for your trip as most of the places on my itinerary are off the beaten track and you can explore at your leisure. This post highlights my top recommendations for things to do and see in Provence. While it is not an exhaustive list, I hope you get a few takeaways for your trip.
1. Spend a day in Marseille
We spent one night and one day in Marseille initially. There is a lot to take in but I would highly recommend visiting Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde which is a Catholic basilica in Marseille, and the city's best-known symbol. It was built on the foundations of an ancient fort at the highest natural point in Marseille. Hike up to the Chapel for amazing views across the city.
The Old Port in Marseille is definitely worth a visit to sample fresh fish from the local restaurants and to watch the stunning sunsets across the Cote D’Azur. I would suggest late afternoon / early evening to go to the old port, you can just sit and people watch and have some drinks at the terrace bars.
2. Explore Aix en Provence
The provincial area is the perfect getaway from the bustling city – walk around peaceful gardens, appreciate work in art galleries, and shop at local markets. I would recommend spending some time at Le Grand Marché – the largest open-air market in Aix. Since this is partially a farmers’ market, you could pick up some fresh fruit and veg for your trip. There is also a market to purchase fresh flowers, clothing, and other artisan goods.
3. Dance in the Lavender fields of Provence
The Lavender flowers bloom in the Luberon and Verdon plateau regions to the north of Aix-en-Provence and Marseille, and to the east of Avignon, with the flowering season in the lowlands being generally from mid June to early July. The views here are postcard perfect.
4. Drive out to Château des Baux de Provence
The Château des Baux is a fortified castle built during the 10th century, located in Les Baux-de-Provence and is well worth a visit. You can explore the ruins of the castle and there is a little village built around where you can get refreshments and local artisan produce during summer season.
5. Go on a scenic walking tour of the Parc National des Calanques and plunge into the blue waters of Cassis
The Calanques de Cassis are a must visit if you find yourself in Provence. Stunning Azur waters, beautiful hikes and hidden coves its like a little mini paradise haven on the Cote d’Azur.
6. Explore the local markets of Cassis
When you are in the area, Cassis is a beautiful waterfront village to spend a couple of days. It has wonderful relaxed vibes to it, epic seaside dining and there is a weekly market (on Wednesday and Friday mornings) where you can pick up everything form artisan food produce to homemade leather goods. I got myself a new summer dress and a cute little leather bag.
7. You must visit the Delightful Vineyards of Provence
We decided to do this on our own little mini road trip rather than a designated tour as none of the tours departing from Aix en Provence suited our schedule as we were in the habit on this particular trip of just winging it. Thankfully it paid off albeit someone did have to be designated driver (I am just thankful that that was not me!) Our unplanned Vineyard tour took us to the glorious Chateau Fontainebleau Estate where we explored the estate on foot and sampled some of the regions stunning blush Rosé wine (among others). We stocked up the car with some takeaway wines to enjoy back home. Also on our vineyard tour we headed in the direction of the majestic Chateau Romanin in St Remy De Provence, hailed as The crown jewel of the Les Baux de Provence appellation, Château Romanin is the region's pioneer in the production of biodynamic wines. You could spend half a day just learning of the history of the 58 hectares estate. We ended up with more vino here and stunning olive oil too!
8. Stay in Saint Remy De Provence
As part of our vineyard tour, we spent a couple of nights in Hôtel Le Mas Saint-Joseph which was a perfect base location for exploring Saint Remy and surrounding areas. St. Remy is a quaint little town – and when in France – eat French! I had the most amazing Côte de bœuf at L’Aile ou la Cuisse restaurant and I didn’t share!
9. Stop off in Les Salles-Sur Verdon in Var and swim in the Grand Canyon du Verdon
Stunning turquoise waters await and a beautiful big lake where you can swim and kayak named Lac de Sainte-Croix. This is most definitely worth a visit if even for the views.
10. Take a trip to Le Castellet Village Medieval
This superb little feudal village perched on the tip of its peninsula will enchant you with its typical Provencal picturesque setting and architecture. It is one of the regions top tourist attractions and if you make it here on your trip, it isn’t hard to see why. From the esplanade of the 15th century château, there are exceptional panoramic views of the Sainte Baume massif as well as the vineyards that are below the village. Wine lovers take note – here you will find the excellent wines of AOC Bandol.
11. Say a little prayer at the Palais des Papes – Avignon
No trip to Provence is complete without a stop off in medieval Avignon. The Palais des Papes is one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe and the St. Benezet Bridge adjacent to it is fairly impressive too.
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