Scenic roads

·         From Avignon to the hill top villages of the Luberon

Your tour in Provence begins in Avignon; a city that has a lot to offer in history and old stones. After a visit of the Pope’s city and its palace, head East toward the Mountains of the Luberon. On the way, the country of the Sorgue will charm you with its very traditional Provence villages like l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Saumane-de-Vaucluse and Fontaine-de-Vaucluse.  Arriving in the Regional Natural Parc of the Luberon, you’ll appreciate the first views of the perched villages, like Gordes, considered one of the most beautiful village of France. Among those stunning hill-top villages, the remarkable Sénanques Abbey and its celebrated lavender fields. Part of the treasures of the Luberon is also the village of Roussillon in the middle of the largest deposit of ocher in Europe; the old village has the colors of the valley. From Roussillon starts the renowned ocher trail, where you walk in what has been renamed the Provençal Colorado!

·         From Marseille to La Ciotat- a part of the French Riviera

From Marseille, a historical harbor and a modern and cosmopolitan city, discover the beautiful sea port villages of Cassis and Bandol. Don’t miss the town of Aubagne on the way, the native town of Marcel Pagnol. Near Cassis, the famous limestone cliff of the Calanques plunged into the Mediterranean sea. It is a protected area for hiking with magical and enchanting coves on the way. Bandol is a true seaside resort for leisure on wonderful beaches and for sailing. Cassis and Bandol are also the names of delicious wine, so don’t miss the vineyards! Further East towards Italy, La Ciotat has kept its provincial authenticity as a small charming port. The road between Cassis and la Ciotat is said to be one of the most scenic and magnificent scenic road of South France.

·         From Aix en Provence, the Mountain Sainte-Victoire and the Verdon river.

Starting West with Salon-de-Provence, native city of Nostradamus, and perfectly situated in between many important spots of Provence, the town is famous for its soap industry, dating from the early 17th century. From Salon de Provence and its historic soap museum take the direction of the splendid Aix-en-Provence. Aix is a must-see among the cities of the South; superb architecture and fountains, this buzzling student city is rich with culture and art. It’s in Aix that Paul Cézanne painted his masterpieces, often depicting the illustrious Montagne Sainte-Victoire, that you can see from all over in the area of Aix. This little mountain is an exceptional natural site for the locals and visitors of Provence. You can’t miss it. After appreciating the beauty of the Sainte-Victoire, go on North-East to the Verdon country. The Verdon area is full of colors and perfumes, lavender and vineyards, and the Verdon canyon is a stunning place thousands of years old, said to be one of the most beautiful gorge in Europe.

·         From the Pont du Gard to Camargue

The Pont du Gard, a most famous roman site of the South of France, classified by Unesco, is worth the detour. This 2000 years old great aqueduct is a good introduction to what Provence has to offer in terms of heritage. Take the direction of the South to enter the Alpilles, an expanse of rugged limestone; those rocky mountains overlook plains covered in olive groves and vineyards. In the Alpilles Baux-de-Provence is a historical village with incredible remains of medieval times. Not far is located Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, renown for being visited by Van gogh. The village today has beautiful mansions and gardens for the visitors to see. Going on South in your Provence tour, you arrive in Camargue, the town of Arles is notorious for its rich cultural life. From Arles to the Mediterranean sea is the largest river Delta of France, a marshy landscape with lakes and an exceptional biodiversity, with wild horses, bulls and pink flamingoes.