Van Gough and Peter Mayle have both been among the legions charmed by this Mediterranean region of France in their time. A successful Provence tours experience will leave visitors yearning to return. From the coast to the mountains, across the fields, rivers and historic sites further exploration will delight travelers of all ages.
For getting there the two main international airports are in Nice and Marseille. Both cities have rail links to the main towns in the region. British travelers can take a Eurostar to Paris and pick up a TGV train. The trip from Paris to Marseille takes less than five hours and from Paris to Avignon the ride is three hours 45 minutes long. Bus routes connect towns and villages.
Located at the borders of Spain, Italy and France, the influence of all three national cultures can be seen in this border region. St. Tropez, Monte Carlo, Arles, St. Remy, the Papal city of Avignon and provincial capital city Aix en Provence are all situated here. Glitz and a laid back atmosphere are contrasting temperaments that appeal to different kinds of travelers. Some prefer the high life, others prefer the natural beauty and special ambiance of its beautiful landscape and urban areas rich in history.
The summer season is the busiest. Even the small scenic towns are full of explorers. A quieter time is during the less popular spring or autumn seasons. For a scenic view of Alpine scenery, a train journey between Nice and Digne les Bains should be on the agenda. A relaxing cruise down the Rhone is another way to absorb the scenery. A river cruises will travel on the Rhone and continue on the Saone River, a tributary of the Rhone.
For outdoor enthusiasts there are plenty of activities. Kayaking, canoeing, white water rafting, boating and biking are popular. Such activities are particularly enjoyed in the splendorous Gorges du Verdon and the Camargue. In Camargue you can ride the indigenous small white horses known to be one of the oldest breeds in the world. For stimulating walks, the GR9 trail spans the vertical ranges, including Mont Ventoux, Monts du Vaucluse and the Luberon Range. The northeast ski resort of Pra Loup provides downhills for those who prefer to ski down mountains rather than climb them.
The sunflower fields and vines lie south, the lavender Luberon hills lie west and the Southern Alps lie northeast. To many the lavender fields are the essence of this area. Lavender flowers bloom from the fourth week of June to early August. The sunflowers bloom from July to August.
A part of the sensory experience will be the fine Provencal cuisine. This cuisine is known for its fragrant and fresh native ingredients. The herbs make even the rustic potatoes in oil dish memorable for the likes of Cezanne. In Marseille, its bouillabaisse is a signature dish, but most places are identified with an ingredient or a culinary recipe. The Calisson is an almond sweet associated with Aix en Provence. It is a reminder of the almond trade hub the city used to be. For a refreshing drink, the Pastis will go well with local specialties.
You will surely find one trip is not enough. But with a Provence tours journey each trip will leave you with memorable moments to remember. Visits can be arranged at any time during the year. But you may prefer to travel when there will be fewer tourists sharing the space with you.
For getting there the two main international airports are in Nice and Marseille. Both cities have rail links to the main towns in the region. British travelers can take a Eurostar to Paris and pick up a TGV train. The trip from Paris to Marseille takes less than five hours and from Paris to Avignon the ride is three hours 45 minutes long. Bus routes connect towns and villages.
Located at the borders of Spain, Italy and France, the influence of all three national cultures can be seen in this border region. St. Tropez, Monte Carlo, Arles, St. Remy, the Papal city of Avignon and provincial capital city Aix en Provence are all situated here. Glitz and a laid back atmosphere are contrasting temperaments that appeal to different kinds of travelers. Some prefer the high life, others prefer the natural beauty and special ambiance of its beautiful landscape and urban areas rich in history.
The summer season is the busiest. Even the small scenic towns are full of explorers. A quieter time is during the less popular spring or autumn seasons. For a scenic view of Alpine scenery, a train journey between Nice and Digne les Bains should be on the agenda. A relaxing cruise down the Rhone is another way to absorb the scenery. A river cruises will travel on the Rhone and continue on the Saone River, a tributary of the Rhone.
For outdoor enthusiasts there are plenty of activities. Kayaking, canoeing, white water rafting, boating and biking are popular. Such activities are particularly enjoyed in the splendorous Gorges du Verdon and the Camargue. In Camargue you can ride the indigenous small white horses known to be one of the oldest breeds in the world. For stimulating walks, the GR9 trail spans the vertical ranges, including Mont Ventoux, Monts du Vaucluse and the Luberon Range. The northeast ski resort of Pra Loup provides downhills for those who prefer to ski down mountains rather than climb them.
The sunflower fields and vines lie south, the lavender Luberon hills lie west and the Southern Alps lie northeast. To many the lavender fields are the essence of this area. Lavender flowers bloom from the fourth week of June to early August. The sunflowers bloom from July to August.
A part of the sensory experience will be the fine Provencal cuisine. This cuisine is known for its fragrant and fresh native ingredients. The herbs make even the rustic potatoes in oil dish memorable for the likes of Cezanne. In Marseille, its bouillabaisse is a signature dish, but most places are identified with an ingredient or a culinary recipe. The Calisson is an almond sweet associated with Aix en Provence. It is a reminder of the almond trade hub the city used to be. For a refreshing drink, the Pastis will go well with local specialties.
You will surely find one trip is not enough. But with a Provence tours journey each trip will leave you with memorable moments to remember. Visits can be arranged at any time during the year. But you may prefer to travel when there will be fewer tourists sharing the space with you.
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