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Trip Report
South of France Vacation Itinerary
A couple of days in the heart of La Provence, this beautiful area in the south of France
+ 10
EuropeFrance4 days / July 2021
Highs & Lows
The reputation of this area will not disappoint you
Summer time is not the best moment to visit this area, it can be expensive
Itinerary Overview
The south of France, La Provence, this region so famous for its landscapes, its elegance, its gastronomy and its wines.
A few days to slip into the shoes of a Frenchman !
The weather is perfect at this time of year (July) although can be a bit too hot sometimes.
The advantage of this region is that everything can be done by car very easily, the distances are not very far. Pay attention to beach outing times, traffic jams can become your worst enemy.
According to me, there are 5 reasons why you should visit :
- the variety of natural landscapes:
The region offers an incomparable variety of beaches, creeks, mountains and nature reserves.
- the French village :
Provence is famous for its idyllic villages, which are literally everywhere. Beyond their beauty and charm, these Provencal towns also have another special feature: the relationship with time, which seems to pass more slowly.
- the food:
Provence is a must for chefs and gourmets. The region offers high-quality products, fresh fish, very tasty olive oil, truffles, large, juicy cherries… There are also Provencal classics: panisses, bouillabaisse, calissons… .
- the markets :
There is no activity as Provençal as visiting the small fruit and flower markets. They are a real feast for the senses: the flavors, aromas, colors and textures are a rich experience for visitors and also a way to better understand the local way of life.
- culture and history:
Between the Greek influence and the Roman invasions, the medieval towns of Provence confirm the role of the region in world history. Provence was also the place of residence of many famous artists: the painter Paul Cézanne was born in Aix-en-Provence and used the Saint Victoire mountain as inspiration for his paintings; The Spaniard Pablo Picasso also lived in Provence and the Dutch Vincent Van Gogh was inspired by the natural landscapes of Provence to produce his famous paintings "The Sunflowers" and "The Starry Night".
Rue Fortia Marseille in one of the best cities in Provence France to visit. There are many places to include in your provence itinerary.
1+Marseille
Marseille, capital of Provence. Either you love it or you hate it. It's a cosmopolitan city, noisy, not very clean all the time but that's what gives it its charm. Marseille, its vieux port, the panier area, the singing accent of the people of Marseille, the creeks, Notre dame de la Gard and its incredible sunsets.
Don't be afraid to discover this city that is unlike any other!
Some history:
Founded by the Greeks in 600 BC, Marseille is one of the oldest cities in France. Located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, in the south of France, this port city is rich in culture and traditions. It has always been a land of welcome, but also of passage for many migrants and refugees. This cosmopolitan city is, in my opinion, the best city in France. Ilove it for its singing accent, for its always blue sky, for its cicadas, for its creeks and its beaches, for its relatively calm sea, for its gastronomy and also for this impression of permanent escape.
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
2+Saint Remy de Provence
Saint remy de provence, a small village of 10,000 inhabitants located in the heart of the Alpilles, which has become an essential stopover if you are staying in the south of France.
Birthplace of Nostradamus, astrologer of the 16th century, it is a place of history and culture chosen as a destination by many celebrities who come here to recharge their batteries
It is a typical French village as everyone can imagine. Provence has inspired many famous painters and the small town is no exception. The most famous of the artists that these large green spaces and landscapes have inspired is Vincent Van Gogh. If you have planned to spend a few days in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, follow our guide. You can also visit the psychiatric home where he stayed at the end of his life.
Essential, you must take a walk in the Massif des Alpilles You will be amazed by the richness of the fauna and flora of the Alpilles. This natural space is home to a hundred protected animal species and you will find the typical plants and trees of the region. The massif is also home to Lac de Peiroou, an artificial lake with an arch dam. Nestled in the heart of the cliffs, it is not possible to swim there but it is the ideal place to relax and admire the view of this haven of peace.
Les Baux-de-Provence
1+Les Baux de Provence
Neighbor of St Remy de Provence, it is also a must to visit during your holidays in the heart of La Provence.
Its particularity is that it is located on a rocky plateau which offers exceptional landscapes that will take your breath away. Everything can be visited on foot which is all the more pleasant
The village of Les Baux-de-Provence is ranked among the most beautiful in France. After all, it has an incredibly rich heritage, of which the citadel is the highlight.
If there is one unmissable place to visit in Les Baux-de-Provence, it is its Château. Located on a rocky bar on the southern flank of the Alpilles, it is one of the oldest feudal establishments in Europe!
Also, in the Vallon de la Fontaine, near the old washhouse, you will find this elegant corner pavilion in the Renaissance style. It once decorated a garden belonging to the Baux family.
My last must to is les carrières de lumière, you cannot fail to take a tour of these . Located in the Val d'Enfer, these monumental limestone quarries host immersive exhibitions. Representations of masterpieces are thus projected onto the huge walls, pillars and floors of the quarry.
Q & A
What would you have changed?
Try to visit La Provence in May or Septembre, it will be less touristicAnything go wrong during the trip?
Prices are very highRestaurant recommendations?
There are many touristic restaurant where the food is not worth it for the price. Avoid the restaurant with a long menu, it will be a trapTransportation Tips?
Rent a car, it's a must have in this areaBooking details?
If you go during the high season, try to book in advance if you don't want to pay double price
Lodging
Saint Remy de Provence, the City of Vincent Van-Gogh
Les baux de provence