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.

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.

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.

During the tourist season sightseers clog even the small picturesque towns. It is wiser to go there in the less visited spring or autumn periods. If you would enjoy a scenic journey viewing Alpine scenery, the Train des Pignes between Digne les Bains and Nice should be on the itinerary. A serene way to enjoy the scenic countryside is to go on a river cruise on the Rhone. River cruises will take travelers along the western border down the Rhone River and continue along the Saone River, a tributary of the larger river.

For some rigorous activity white water rafting, canoeing, boating, and bike riding are on offer. They especially enjoyed in the romantic Camargue and dramatic Gorges du Verdon. The renowned white Camargue horses should be tried on a ride for an unforgettable memory. Invigorating hiking is offered by the GR9 trail that crosses the Monts du Vaucluse, Luberon and Mont Ventoux ranges. Skiers may want to stop by the Pra Loup ski resort in the northeast.

Sunflowers and vines bedeck the southern portion, the lavender laden Luberon hills bedeck the western part and the Alps are in the north. For many, lavender is the defining fragrance of this region. Lavender flowers can be seen between the end of June and early August. Sunflowers can be seen during 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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