Discover The Charms Of This Lovely 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.

For getting there the two main international airports are in Nice and Marseille. Both cities have rail links to the main towns in the region. British travelers can take a Eurostar to Paris and pick up a TGV train. The trip from Paris to Marseille takes less than five hours and from Paris to Avignon the ride is three hours 45 minutes long. Bus routes connect 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.

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 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.

Of course, tasting Provencal specialties will be a part of the experience. This cuisine is renowned for its ingredients which are an intriguing mix of natively grown produce. For the rustic tastes of Cezanne, the simple potatoes in oil dish was the most delicious. Marseille and its bouillabaisse are most known, but most major towns are associated with a particular ingredient or dish. The capital city of Aix en Provence is identified for its petal shaped Calisson sweet consisting of an almond and candied fruit paste topped with icing. Pastis is a refreshing local drink visitors should try with their meals.

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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