When going to Provence you realize you’ll eat copious quantities of scrumptious bread, bouillabaisse, and cheese paired deliciously with native wine.
However did you additionally know scenic adventures have been additionally attainable?
Earlier than going, Andy and I actually weren’t positive what to anticipate past lavender fields, olive groves, and vines beckoning us with cabernet saugvignon and mourvedre.
In our minds it appeared like a slow-paced place, presumably with out a lot to do outdoor past picnicking and having fun with the surroundings; nevertheless, the thrill-seekers in us have been pleasantly stunned that guests can benefit from the lovely landscapes through energetic adventures.
Learn on to find our favourite issues to do in Provence of the thrilling type. Whether or not you’re in a gaggle or are having fun with solo journey in France, these experiences will definitely be a spotlight!
Andy on the paths in Calanques Nationwide Park
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1. Hike A Mountain In A Seaside Nationwide Park
The place: Marseille, France
The Expertise: On the lookout for distinctive issues to do as a vacationer in France?
One thing cool concerning the large metropolis of Marseille is it’s dwelling to the big 520 square-kilometer (201 sq. mile) Calanques Nationwide Park, composed of each land and water.
Earlier than going I anticipated one thing comparatively flat stuffed with leisurely trails; nevertheless, you possibly can really embark on some fairly powerful treks.
Our information took Andy and I up into the dolomite cliffs through “The Goat’s Collar Path” (Le Col des Chèvres), a path coated in shards of stone with some technical sections the place you’ll want two palms (and a few bravery) to get you to the highest.
Andy climbs at dwelling, so he helped information my ft and palms into the best locations to regular myself — although I refused to look down till steadily planted on the bottom!
When you’ll work fairly laborious, it’ll be value it for the 360-degree views from atop Marseilleveyre Peak at 433 meters (1,421 ft), showcasing the glowing Mediterranean with a view of Bay of Marseilles.
Furthermore, as you stroll down into the tranquil Port des Goudes you’ll have the ocean in view always.
Apparently, you possibly can scuba dive right here too!
Worth: You’ll be able to e-book a information by EVANA (ask for Stephane Couette!).
Charges are about 200€ (~$225 USD) for a non-public tour or 30€ and 45€ (~$34 to $51 USD) to affix a half-day public tour.
Lunch at L’Esplaϊ du Grand Bar des Goudes
Tip: Re-fuel after lunch at L’Esplaϊ du Grand Bar des Goudes, a waterfront seafood restaurant with uber recent fish, crisp wines and decadent desserts (like a gooey lava cake-like brownie).
Don’t Overlook: Your bathing go well with and a towel.
There are myriad seashores each large and small to go to alongside the shore.
The view (in HDR) from our balcony on the New Resort Vieux Port in Mareseille
Keep: New Resort Vieux Port. Charges begin at 140 Euros (~$156 USD) per evening, with an excellent location adjoining to the Outdated Port (Vieux Port).
Our room had an aerial view of the Outdated Port, permitting us to soak up boats, water views and entertaining buskers whereas sipping Provencal rosé from our balcony.
2. Kayak In The Verdon Gorge
The place: Essentially the most lovely part is between Castellane and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
I recommend you comply with what we did and keep in Moissac-Bellevue, then drive down D952 towards the gorge (you possibly can enter Moustiers-Sainte-Marie into the GPS).
Quickly you’ll arrive at a bridge with vacationers taking pictures of the gorge. Don’t miss the picture opp!
Then, drive down beneath the bridge to the place tour operators are promoting kayaks, paddleboards, and peddle boats.
It can all be very clear when you’re on that bridge.
Taking a look at Verdon Gorge from above
The Expertise: The intense inexperienced shade of the waters is completely breathtaking, and it was no shock to be taught the gorge is usually touted as one in all Europe’s most lovely rivers. You actually gained’t wish to miss visiting when touring round Europe!
The waters are calm sufficient that you would be able to simply paddle, leap out and swim, climb the encompassing cliffside for some low cliff leaping, and park on the many seashores.
Once I return to the South of France I’ll positively be visiting Verdon Gorge once more, this time through paddleboard.
Worth: We rented a kayak for 26 Euros (~$29 USD) for 2 hours.
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Tip: Deliver your GoPro in addition to some wine and meals to share. It’s a social environment, and we even had some Swiss vacationers paddle over to us and provide up pictures of whiskey.
Afterward, seize lunch and store within the beautiful Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, thought of one in all France’s most lovely villages.
It’s attainable to go to Verdon Gorge and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie through non-public excursions from:
- Good
- Aix-en-Provence
- Marseille
- Avignon
- Cannes
Simply click on the town hyperlinks above for entry to the tour info.
Don’t Overlook: Towels! The water is chilly and also you’ll wish to wrap up after diving in.
Taking a break from life at a quiet horse farm
Keep: A horse farm in Moissac-Bellevue ($58 per evening). It’s about 20 minutes away from the Verdon Gorge actions however affords a distant cabin expertise the place you possibly can sip wine whereas stargazing in a country cabin.
The host, Laure, even affords her personal lemon wine and Provencal cookies at check-in, in addition to bread with a slew of selfmade preserves at breakfast. Parking and breakfast are included in your keep.
3. E-Bike The Provence Countryside
The place: Aix-en-Provence
The Expertise: For my part, this is without doubt one of the greatest bike rides on this planet!
Andy and I did a personal e-bike tour with Arthur of Secrets and techniques d’ici.
That is the place we skilled the Provence we’d had in our heads: countless fields of lavender, herbs, olive groves and vineyards dotted with charmingly weathered farmhouses and little villages, all the scene hugged by mountains.
As we street up and down scenic steep hills, the e-bike making this sometimes powerful activity a lot simpler, I positively had an omg-pinch-me smile on my sun-kissed face.
E-Biking within the Provence countryside
Bonus:
We did an natural rose tasting at Domaine de Saint Ser and had a typical Provencal lunch at Le Relais de Saint Ser Puyloubier in a fantastic courtyard lined with fountains and bundles of wine grapes.
I couldn’t consider a greater option to acquire sustenance for the journey dwelling than diving into superbly plated roast rooster topped with mini crepes and prawn bisque in addition to a decadent apricot tart smothered in wild fruit coulis and selfmade whipped cream.
Exploring the grounds of Domaine de Saint Ser
Worth: The tour we did was a customized non-public tour put collectively by Bee’s Cycloplanet and Secrets and techniques d’ici.
For 2 folks our 5-hour tour value 350 Euros (~$391 USD) whole.
Tip: Don’t put on quick shorts on a motorbike tour.
Even when it’s scorching capris and board shorts are a greater possibility as your inside thighs gained’t rub collectively or towards the seat and create a rash. Unattractive however true!
Don’t Overlook: A backpack. The bikes have baskets however any valuables can bounce round.
I really bought locked out of my iPhone when a water bottle tried to log me in (aka bounced on my telephone) too many occasions.
A scrumptious selfmade breakfast taken al fresco at L’epicerie B&B
Keep: L’épicerie Mattress & Breakfast (140 Euros/$156 USD per evening for 1-2 folks for the Cannelle Suite, which we stayed in).
This place could be very unassuming.
Aix-en-Provence is a small, charming metropolis with nearly no vehicles within the metropolis middle in addition to cobbled streets showcasing fountains and al fresco seating eating places.
So, it made sense to remain at an equally charming b&b. Once we arrived we got here to a plain skinny door with only a postcard saying “L’épicerie” on it, so we weren’t positive what to anticipate; however wow!
Our suite featured probably the most epic temper lighting-equipped Jacuzzi tub and lovable vintage furniture-filled bed room plus front room.
One other spotlight:
Consuming a selfmade breakfast with dishes like Provencal quiche, tapioca pudding, and crusty bread topped with natural jams eaten in an out of doors backyard (the place we noticed a turtle!).
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