Provence Tours : The best activities to do with a Professional Guide
Provence is a region located in the south-east of France, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the south, the Rhône river to the west, and the Alps to the east. It is known for its sunny climate, lavender fields, picturesque villages, and delicious cuisine.
Provence has a rich history, with evidence of human settlements dating back to prehistoric times. The region was also influenced by the Greeks, Romans, and various other cultures throughout the centuries. This has left a rich legacy of art, architecture, and traditions, including the famous Provencal markets, where locals and tourists alike can find fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and other goods.
The landscape of Provence is diverse, ranging from the rugged mountains of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence to the rolling hills and vineyards of the Luberon, and from the sandy beaches of the French Riviera to the rocky coves of the Calanques near Marseille. The region is also home to several natural parks, such as the Verdon Gorge and the Camargue, where visitors can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, bird watching, and other outdoor activities.
Provence is also famous for its cuisine, which includes dishes such as ratatouille, bouillabaisse, and pissaladière, as well as its wines, including rosé, red, and white varieties. The region is also known for its fragrant herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, and lavender, which are used in many traditional dishes and products, such as soaps, perfumes, and essential oils.
Overall, Provence is a charming and picturesque region that offers a wealth of cultural, natural, and culinary treasures for visitors to discover and enjoy.
Provence Tours : the best activities with a Private Guide !
Visit Marseille with a Tour Guide
Marseille, located on the Mediterranean coast of France, is a beautiful and vibrant city with a rich history and culture. Here are my top 3 must-visit sites in Marseille:
Old Port of Marseille: The Old Port, or Vieux-Port, is the heart of Marseille and a great place to start exploring the city. It has been a center of commerce and trade for over 2,600 years and is now a popular spot for tourists to take a stroll, grab a coffee or a drink, and watch the boats come in and out.
Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde: This stunning basilica sits atop a hill overlooking the city and the sea. It is a major landmark of Marseille and offers breathtaking views from its terrace. The interior is also worth visiting, with beautiful mosaics and stained-glass windows.
The Longchamp Palace is a beautiful historic monument located in Marseille, France. It was built in the late 19th century and was intended to be a monument to the glory of Marseille and its achievements.
The Palace is located at the end of the Longchamp Boulevard, which is lined with beautiful trees and gardens. The Palace itself is an impressive structure, with a large central pavilion and two wings on either side. The pavilion is adorned with beautiful sculptures and carvings, and there are several fountains and waterfalls in front of the Palace.
Inside the Palace, there are several museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts and the Natural History Museum. The Museum of Fine Arts features a collection of art from the 16th to the 19th centuries, with works by famous artists such as Rubens, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh. The Natural History Museum has a large collection of fossils, minerals, and animals, including a full-size whale skeleton.
The Longchamp Palace is a must-visit site in Marseille, both for its historical significance and its beautiful architecture and museums. It’s a great place to spend a day exploring the city’s cultural heritage.
Visit the Cassis Rocky Inlets – The Calanques de Cassis
The Cassis Rocky Inlets, also known as the Calanques de Cassis, are a series of beautiful rocky coves and cliffs located along the Mediterranean coast near the town of Cassis, France. The inlets stretch for about 20 kilometers and are known for their crystal-clear turquoise waters and stunning natural beauty.
The Cassis Rocky Inlets are a popular destination for hiking, rock climbing, swimming, and boating. There are several trails that lead down to the inlets, offering spectacular views of the coastline and the sea. The trails vary in difficulty, from easy walks to more challenging hikes that require some climbing and scrambling over rocks.
One of the most popular ways to explore the Cassis Rocky Inlets is by boat. There are several boat tours available that take visitors through the inlets, offering a unique perspective on the cliffs and coves. Many of the boat tours also stop at some of the inlets, allowing visitors to swim and explore the area on foot.
Overall, the Cassis Rocky Inlets are a must-visit site for anyone traveling to Marseille or the surrounding area. The natural beauty of the inlets is truly breathtaking, and there are plenty of activities to keep visitors of all ages and interests entertained.
The Lavander Fields
The Lavender Fields in Provence are one of the most famous and beautiful sights in France. Located in the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, the lavender fields are known for their stunning purple hues and fragrant aroma.
The lavender season in Provence typically runs from mid-June to mid-July, but the exact timing can vary depending on the weather and other factors. During this time, the fields come alive with vibrant colors, and the air is filled with the sweet scent of lavender.
There are several areas in Provence where you can see the lavender fields, including the Plateau de Valensole, the Luberon Regional Nature Park, and the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. The Plateau de Valensole is one of the most popular destinations for lavender viewing, with vast fields of lavender stretching as far as the eye can see.
Visitors to the lavender fields can take a leisurely stroll through the fields, take photos, and even pick their own lavender. There are also several lavender farms in the area that offer tours and workshops on lavender production and distillation.
Overall, the lavender fields in Provence are a must-see for anyone visiting the region in the summer. The stunning beauty and intoxicating fragrance of the lavender fields are truly unforgettable.
Visit Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence is a charming city in the south of France, known for its picturesque streets, beautiful architecture, and rich cultural heritage. One of the most famous and iconic landmarks in Aix-en-Provence is the Cours Mirabeau, a wide tree-lined avenue that runs through the heart of the city.
The Cours Mirabeau is named after the French revolutionary, Mirabeau, who was born in Aix-en-Provence. It is lined with elegant 17th and 18th-century mansions, charming cafes, and boutiques, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The avenue is also home to several notable landmarks, including the Fontaine de la Rotonde, a large fountain at one end of the Cours Mirabeau that is a popular meeting spot for locals.
The Cours Mirabeau is a great place to stroll, shop, and people-watch. The avenue is also home to several restaurants and cafes, offering a variety of traditional French cuisine and international dishes.
Beyond the Cours Mirabeau, there are many other attractions to explore in Aix-en-Provence, including the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, the Musée Granet, and the Atelier Cézanne, the former studio of the famous French painter Paul Cézanne.
Overall, Aix-en-Provence and the Cours Mirabeau are a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the south of France. The city’s beauty and cultural richness are truly unforgettable.
Food Tour in Marseille
Marseille is a city rich in culinary traditions and flavors, with a unique mix of French, Mediterranean, and North African influences. Here are some of Marseille’s most famous specialties:
Bouillabaisse: Bouillabaisse is a traditional fish soup made with a variety of local fish, shellfish, vegetables, and herbs. It is typically served with a side of rouille, a garlic and saffron-infused mayonnaise.
Navettes: Navettes are a type of small boat-shaped cookie that are flavored with orange blossom water. They are a traditional Marseille specialty, often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.
Pastis: Pastis is an anise-flavored liqueur that is a popular aperitif in Marseille and throughout the south of France. It is typically served with ice and water, which turns the clear liquid into a cloudy, milky-white color.
Corinne Signoret Cada
