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Provence

Wander Lavender Fields & Take in the Wonders of Provence

Christophe

Last Update 2 months ago

  • Picturesque Rolling Countryside
  • Colourful Port Towns
  • Diverse Wine Region
  • Artistic Flair

Dreaming of discovering the real Provence? Join us on an Ophorus tour of Provence and discover what this spectacular region of France has to offer with its incredible scenery, diverse urban centres and artistic gallic flair. You could take a Marseille tour to see the sights of the famous port city or head inland for the countryside wonders.


Provence melds nature with amazing feats of engineering and architecture. Take one of our Avignon tours to discover this and more. Elsewhere in Provence, you’ll find towering hilltop villages, colorful port towns and rolling plains of olive groves. Perhaps it is most renowned for the impressively picturesque lavender fields in bloom that occur each spring, but there is something for everyone all year round. So what are you waiting for? Book a Provence wine tour or a day trip from Marseille and discover it for yourself. 


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YOUR TRAVEL GUIDE TO PROVENCE

Where is Provence?

Provence is a region located in the southeastern part of France and is known for its beautiful countryside, Mediterranean climate, and rich history. Here are some things you might want to know if you are planning a trip to Provence:


Things to see in Provence

The region is home to several notable attractions, including the Calanques of Cassis, the Palace of the Popes in Avignon, and the Roman ruins at Arles. The area is also famous for the number of artists that have lived here - the most famous being Van Gogh. For the history buffs our tours will take you to visit such wonders as Pont du Gard, antique Roman Theatre of Orange or Nîmes. Provence is also synonym to outstanding, perched, medieval villages such as  Les Baux de Provence, Gordes or Saint Rémy de Provence most of which are located in the Luberon area.


Food and drink: Provence is known for its delicious cuisine, which includes dishes like bouillabaisse (a seafood stew), ratatouille (a vegetable stew), and rosé wine.


Transportation: You can reach Provence by train, bus, or car. The region is well-connected to the rest of France and Europe by an extensive network of roads and rail lines.


Weather: The weather in Provence is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. It can be quite hot in the summer, so it's a good idea to bring sunscreen and stay hydrated.


Accommodation: There are many different types of accommodation available in Provence, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals.



The vineyards of Provence stretch from one end of the region to the other and you will have no difficulty in finding Provence winery tours that will welcome you to taste delicious Rosé, Reds and Whites produced locally. There are numerous wine tours in Provence that can be organised departing from Aix en Provence. 


One of the most emblematic wine regions here is Chateauneuf du Pape that produces some of the best Syrah wines in the world. Other famous wine producing areas of Provence include Tavel for the Rosé wines, Bandol and Cassis or the lesser known Coteaux d’Aix.


Wine tasting in Provence is a must and so is the food, which the region is also known for. A stroll through one of the numerous markets that take place everyday in a village or town of Provence provides a great opportunity to know why this is one of the great culinary capitals of France. All our tours are conducted by expert tour guides and take place on board our fully-equipped air-conditioned minivans that can take up to 8 persons.


Where to stay and go in Provence without a car?

If you do not have a car and are travelling to the Provence region of France, then your best option will be to stay in one of the larger towns from where you will be able to take some small group tours. Our Provence tour company offers day trips from Aix en Provence, Avignon and Marseille to the main landmarks of the region on shared or private tours.


Where to stay in Provence for wine tours?

The Provence region of France is lucky to possess a wine region that extends far and wide. To explore it, you can stay west and take an Avignon wine tour or head east for Saint Raphaël. The vineyards are separated into different appellations among which are the Coteaux d'Aix en Provence, the Coteaux Varois and the Côtes de Provence regions. You therefore have many options for your stay in Provence when it comes to wine. 


The ideal destination of the area, due to its location and quality of wines, would be Aix en Provence. The town is perfectly located by the vineyards of the Montagne Sainte-Victoire. There’s also the Côtes de Provence as well as the Côteaux d'Aix where you will be able to taste delicious rosé, reds and whites.


Where to stay in Provence?

Provence covers an extensive area of France and there are a number of options of places to stay. If you are looking for a stay in a city or town, then Marseille, the regional capital, is a great option for those seeking a lively destination. If you would prefer somewhere a bit quieter then Aix en Provence, Avignon or Arles are all great options. 


If it is accommodation in the smaller towns or villages that you are after then we recommend exploring the wine region where you can take in the beautiful landscapes and scenery of Provence. One such option is to stay in the Luberon region of Provence. Here you will find small towns and villages that will enable you to soak up the local atmosphere. 


If you would like to take a Provence family holiday then we suggest booking somewhere on the coast as there are a number of seaside resorts that are family-friendly. Hyères, La Seyne-sur-Mer, Bandol, Cassis are just a few of the towns and villages that are located along the coast and are popular destinations for those who would like a Mediterranean vacation.


Where to fly into Provence?

The main airport in Provence France is the one located in the regional Capital of Marseille. The IATA code for the airport of Marseille Provence is MRS.


Where to find Herbs de Provence?

During your stay in Provence, no matter which city, town or village, you will have no trouble purchasing Herbs of Provence mixtures. Although you could find most of the Herbs of Provence (parsley, rosemary, tarragon and thyme) in nature you should be aware that most of the land where these herbs are located are privately owned. The mix will be adapted to the food that you will be cooking and it is now very common to find mixtures for fish, meat, poultry and so on. To be certain that you are buying the local produce, look for 'Label Rouge' mark on the products, ensuring that all spices originate from the Provence region of France.


Where to eat in Provence?

The Provence region of France covers a very large area of southern France and therefore it is difficult to answer such a question. As of today, there are close to 400 restaurants that are listed as being good to exceptional in the Provence region, making it one of the best areas in the world for good food


If you are visiting Aix en Provence, then we can suggest Le Sainte-Estève, Restaurant Mickaël Féval or Restaurant Pierre Reboul. There are also some great restaurant options in the town of Aix en Provence, making it a great destination to visit in the region.


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