Travel Through This Southern French Region With Provence Tours

By Andrea Davidson


Celebrated by the works of Van Gough and by the author Peter Mayle, this sunny area of France has pleased generations of visitors. You will discover its distinctive sites through a Provence tours journey. The coastal areas, beautiful fields, mountains, rivers and historic towns offer numerous ways to explore its distinctive locales.

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.

Its location on the borders of Spain and Italy has influenced the distinctiveness of this region. Monte Carlo, St. Tropez, St. Remy, the Papal city of Avignon, the provincial capital city Aix en Provence and Arles are all here. Both the contrasting temperaments of glitz and a relaxed atmosphere attract different travelers with a focus on different pursuits. Some prefer sophisticated pleasures, others seek out the beauty of nature and historic urban sites.

The busy season is full off sightseers. It is better to go in the spring or fall when the crowds are less plentiful. For a scenic view of the Alpine mountain scenery, the Train des Pignes from Nice to Digne les Bains should be included in the itinerary. River cruises will appeal to any traveler seeking a tranquil way to absorb the picturesque landscape. River cruises travel down the Rhone River along the western border of this area and continue along its tributary, the Saone River.

If you would like to include outdoor activities, kayaking, boating, white water rafting and bike riding are widely enjoyed. They are particularly popular in the spectacular Gorges du Verdon and the romantic Camargue. The famous white horses of Camargue can also be ridden and are a highly recommended experience. For invigorating hiking, the GR9 trail covers the hills that include Monts du Vaucluse, the Luberon Range and Mont Ventoux. In the northeast skiers may want to make the Pra Loup ski resort a stop on their trip.

Sunflower fields and vines are in the south, the picturesque Luberon hills lie in the west and the southern Alps are in the northeast. The lavender fields define the essence of this scented land for many. Lavender blooms from about the final week of June to the beginning of August. The sunflowers which inspired Van Gogh are in full bloom between July and August.

The distinctive Provencal gastronomy is famous for its fresh and fragrant ingredients using native produce. For Cezanne, potatoes in oil were so delicious, this simple dish was his favorite. Although Marseille and bouillabaisse are most identifiable, almost every town is associated with an individual dish or ingredient. Aix en Provence is famous for its marzipan like petal shaped Calisson sweet that consisting of a firm almond and candied fruit paste with a white topping. The refreshing Pastis is a native drink.

As you will discover one visit will not be enough. Provence tours will make each journey a memorable one. Visitors can travel at any time. The optimal time is when there are fewer tourists in the way.




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