Wife and I will have 2.5 days in the area in three weeks. We are planning to spend the half day doing the walking tour of the city as directed in the Michelin Travel Guide. I have a one day car rental for one of the other days. We were hoping to go down and hike the Calanques, but they are closed for the summer. I looked into driving over to Saint Tropez for the day, but I am skeptical as to if that is worth it. Are there any hidden gem villages or beaches that you would recommend as a day trip?
Additionally, we have another day in Aix-en-Provence. We were thinking about exploring the countryside, tasting wine, olive oil, etc. maybe on cruisers or something. Any recommendations on that front?
It’s been about 12 years since I’ve been in the region, but had a great time doing a ride from Avignon thru Chateauneuf du Pape to Orange and back. Can’t beat Chateauneuf wines.
Other notable cities/towns/regions: Arles, Nimes, Gigondas(wine region) and Cavaillon(Via Ferrata climbing trail).
Wife and I will have 2.5 days in the area in three weeks. We are planning to spend the half day doing the walking tour of the city as directed in the Michelin Travel Guide. I have a one day car rental for one of the other days. We were hoping to go down and hike the Calanques, but they are closed for the summer. I looked into driving over to Saint Tropez for the day, but I am skeptical as to if that is worth it. Are there any hidden gem villages or beaches that you would recommend as a day trip?
Additionally, we have another day in Aix-en-Provence. We were thinking about exploring the countryside, tasting wine, olive oil, etc. maybe on cruisers or something. Any recommendations on that front?
Merci!
Just got back from a stay at Saint Remy de Provence about an hour to the northwest of Aix. Between the two are a fun range of mini mountains called the Alpilles which are great for hiking and running. There’s a magical medieval village at the top of one called Beaux de Provence which I HIGHLY recommend for a stroll. It’s busy with tourists during the day but if you head up in the evening for sunset and dinner it’s perfect. If you do make the trip there are some immense semi-man made caves a couple of hundred yards down the road which have immersive projected art shows. When we went they were showing one on Van Gogh alternated with one of Japanese art work. I can’t recommend this highly enough - it was a unique experience and one of the highlights of our trip:
For a traditional provence market experience Eygalieres is a good bet.
We went to Pont du Gard and it was exactly as I remember it as a kid with an added entrance fee and visitor center. It looks like it does in the photos - if you’ll enjoy swimming in the river go for it, otherwise there’s not much to do.
Fontaine de Vacluse (sp?) is stunning.
I’d think twice about the Camargue if you’re tempted. We took a whole day out to Aigues Mortes which is a beautiful town but the wildlife boat-tours were a waste of time and money.
My vote is for Cassis, about a 45 min drive south. Nice beach, harbor, restaurants, shopping. Tour boats can take you out or you can rent kayaks, paddleboards etc. If you can spend a night, stay in the Chateau on the hill with breakfast overlooking the Mediterranean.
Btw the calanques are accessible by boat from Cassis. I don’t know what part you are saying is closed but if you want to get there this is the way to go.
Wife and I will have 2.5 days in the area in three weeks. We are planning to spend the half day doing the walking tour of the city as directed in the Michelin Travel Guide. I have a one day car rental for one of the other days. We were hoping to go down and hike the Calanques, but they are closed for the summer. I looked into driving over to Saint Tropez for the day, but I am skeptical as to if that is worth it. Are there any hidden gem villages or beaches that you would recommend as a day trip?
Additionally, we have another day in Aix-en-Provence. We were thinking about exploring the countryside, tasting wine, olive oil, etc. maybe on cruisers or something. Any recommendations on that front?
Merci!
I second those who have recommended Avignon and Les Beaux. Go to dinner at La Cabro D’or or Ousteau de Baumaniere in Les Beaux, then walk up to the ancient Village at night - magical.
Btw the calanques are accessible by boat from Cassis. I don’t know what part you are saying is closed but if you want to get there this is the way to go.
yes you can tour it by boat from what i have read. But you cannot get out of the boat and you cannot hike or walk around in the area, at least not this time of year. it is closed to visitors june-sept.
Thank you everyone for the great options. The Alpilles looks pretty cool! Regarding more coastal destinations. Can anyone vouch for Sanary-Sur-Mer or any of the other costal villages near Toulon?