Travel Through This Southern French Region With Provence Tours

By Andrea Davidson


Immortalized by the paintings of Van Gough and celebrated by Peter Mayle, this southern French region has delighted visitors for generations. A Provence tours experience offers the diversity of package or custom tours. The coasts, mountains, fields, rivers, towns and cities in between offer a plethora of opportunities to explore its special beauty.

Visitors may fly into the international airport in Nice or the one in Marseille. There are rail links connecting these cities to other towns within the region. London travelers may catch a ride on the Eurostar to Paris. It is less than 5 hours from there via TGV to Marseille. The Paris to Avignon ride takes 3 hours and 45 minutes. Bus travel is also available between the towns and villages.

This area is clearly influenced by its situation on the border with Italy and Spain. St. Remy, Monte Carlo, the Papal city of Avignon, Aix en Provence, Arles and St. Tropez offer diverse diversions. The contrast of high society and relaxed rustic beauty attract different types of vacationers. Some favor the sophisticated pleasures of Monte Carlo, while others prefer the beautiful landscape of the interior.

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.

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.

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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