In the bestselling book and its sequels, Mayle recounts moving into a year-old stone farmhouse in the Luberon to experience rural village life, a la Francais. Tours of the region, "in the footsteps of Mayle", are available. Pack your swimsuit and walking shoes to discover the wilderness on the doorstep of Cassis.
The sparkling blue Med beckons swimmers to make the trek down to the water's edge. Port-Miou, to the east, is the easiest to reach, just 20 minutes from the Cassis promenade. Shopping the Provencal markets for fresh produce and flowers is an essential experience, and also one of the best ways to mingle with the locals. Almost every village has a weekly market; some occur several times a week or daily.
In the big towns like Apt and Aix-en-Provence, the markets continue along many streets and squares, joining together sections dedicated to produce, flowers, antiques and clothes. In smaller towns, you might find a dozen or so stalls, set up to sell local fish, bread, pastries, fruit, olive oils and wine.
By submitting your email you are agreeing to Fairfax Media's terms and conditions and privacy policy. In France's oldest city, Marseille, restaurant menus list an abundance of fresh seafood prepared in simple and delicious ways.
Eat your way around the old port, where dozens of spruikers entice diners with the same promise: the very best bouillabaisse in town. The famous fish stew originated here in Marseille and today is found everywhere. Take a morning wander along the waterfront to see the fishing boats coming back in with the catch of the day.
Fresh seafood can be purchased on the spot. Described as a mini Paris, Aix-en-Provence is one of the most gorgeous cities in France. The Cours Mirabeau, a wide tree-lined promenade first opened almost years ago to give wealthy residents a pleasant place to stroll, is still the go to spot for people-watching. Flanked by cafes on one side, 17th and 18th century townhouses on the other, the boulevard is dotted with fountains and statues.
Market stalls selling local handicrafts, soaps, nougat and wine are set up in front of the townhouses. Many moons ago, the Romans declared the region the first Roman province beyond the Alps. Named at the time Provincia Romana, it was ruled from Aix-en-Provence until , when the Kings of France took control.
More than years later, Provence is a living museum of some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in Europe. History-hunters should head to Nimes to see its remarkable amphitheatre, a Corinthian temple that has stood for more than years, and many more monuments.
And in Orange, the Theatre Antique, vast enough for 10, spectators, is one of the most interesting Roman ruins in Provence. See pontdugard. The coast of the Var contains several protected natural areas with beautiful sandy and pebble beaches that you can access via hiking trails. These hiking trails run over red rocks, allowing you to discover amazing calanques bays. Tropez and the Gulf of St. Tropez are definitely at the to of the recommendation list. The best time to fully enjoy this region is in the early or late holiday season.
This are is especially gorgeous. The many palm trees are there for good reason as most of Europe's palm trees are grown here. In total there are more than beautiful sandy beaches, some hidden in quiet bays that are accessible via a narrow path.
Go to tourist office when there. They will be happy to inform you where you can find a nice and remarkable beach. White sandy beaches, blue waters, rock formations and pine trees characterise the landscape, which is also filled with numerous forts. The best seasons to visit the Parc National are during spring and autumn. Disclaimer: This article may contain compensated links, meaning we get a small commission if you make a purchase through our links.
C Copyright - France Bucket List. All Rights Reserved. Upcoming Transport Strikes. Upcoming Transport Strikes France Travel Inspiration Where is Provence? Provence Articles Do you want to visit the region of Provence?
Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. By James Martin. James Martin. James Martin is a travel writer and photographer who writes, photographs, and edits stories about western Europe.
TripSavvy's editorial guidelines. Share Pin Email. Here are places we find compelling: Arles - First inhabited by the Greeks, but made most of by the Romans who left a theater and amphitheater for tourists to gawk at, Arles used to be a thriving port city before it silted up to become the marshy Camargue.
Van Gogh chopped off his ear here -- and produced some of his best work as well. Avignon - Spend a perfect 24 hours in this spectacular city with the must-visit Palais des Papes Palace of Popes as well as other sites and a compelling old town. Camargue - See a different side of France, a France of cowboys and bulls and fantastic bird life in the salt marshes. Nostradamus was born in St.
Remy as well. Les Baux-de-Provence - Bauxite was discovered here in , and Les Baux seems to rise up out of the old quarries. It was once a thriving little village with a castle, now in ruins.
You'll learn of the artists that came from Paris in the second half of the 19th century to paint the light and colors of the Mediterranean south, creating artistic movements as they toyed with technique: Impressionism, Pointillism, and Fauvism up to Chagall. Orange - If you like well preserved Roman ruins, you'll love the theater and arch found in this Provence town, just 21 kilometers north of Avignon. Marseille - This city has gotten a bad rap, especially the port area.
But it's all been feverishly rebuilt and polished, and it's looking very, very pretty.
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