Touch Provence. Car trip. Traveling to Provence on your own

It's worth renting a car. Count on public transport- means deliberately refusing to visit many interesting places, since the bus network in the region is not very well developed.

Provence is huge and diverse, see everything interesting places It won’t be possible within one trip. Decide what interests you and choose a route to your liking. And we will help you with this!

Lavender fields of Provence

Where can I find them and when is the best time to come? Let's find out!

Lavender usually blooms from mid-June to mid-August, but the optimal period for a visit is considered to be from the last week of June to the end of July. At this time, numerous festivals (Lavender fête) and parades dedicated to lavender take place: in Valensole, Riez, Digne-les-Bains, Sault and other cities.

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To see as much as possible, it is worth renting a car. If this is not possible, contact one of the travel agencies that organize day tours to lavender fields from Avignon and other cities of Provence.

Where to go? There are several options:

Plateau de Valensole . Quite a lot of lavender fields are concentrated in a relatively small area. To see them all, from Valensole take the D56 to Puimoisson, then take the D953 north to the Poteau de Telle junction and from there take the D8 back to Valensole.

Mont Ventoux . The lavender fields of this region are concentrated around settlements So, Apt and Gord. In the area of the village of Gord there is also interesting village of stone buildings borie, and to the north is the abbey of Senanque, next to which there is one, but large and famous lavender field.

Pays de Valensole . You have to come to Castellane, then cover 45 kilometers in westward, along the way, visiting the famous Verdon Gorge, and getting to the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, which is included in the list of the most beautiful in France. There is a road going up from it that will lead you to the fields. This area will be of interest to those who vacation on the Cote d'Azur (it is located closest to the coast).

A useful gift for loved ones is lavender soap, which can be purchased at any souvenir shop in the region. Prices are affordable - 1-3 EUR per piece.

Culinary Provence

An ideal starting point for a gourmet tour of the region - . Try the fishermen's favorite dish called pan-bagnat, which is bread stuffed with a mixture of tuna, eggs and lettuce. Also popular is the niçoise salad, which contains tuna, anchovies, eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers and olives. For breakfast, order omelette de poutine - an omelette made with olive oil, to which parsley and lemon juice are added. Fans of unusual tastes will appreciate fried zucchini flowers in tomato sauce, called beignets de fleurs de courgette. If you prefer something heartier, try soupe au pistou - bean soup with tomatoes, zucchini, garlic, pesto and olive oil. There are many worthy establishments, but the best is considered to be the French restaurant Jean (12 Rue Lascaris), where lunch will cost from 45 to 165 EUR, and dinner (set menu) - from 100 to 165 EUR per person.

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The next city that should be included in the route is a resort on the Cote d'Azur. Those with a sweet tooth will not be able to resist lemon cream pie (tarte au citron) or orange pie (fougasse mentonnaise). The first place in the ranking of city establishments rightfully belongs to the Michelin-starred restaurant Mirazur (30 Avenue Aristide Briand). The cost of lunch on weekdays is 50 EUR, dinner will cost on average from 70 to 135 EUR per person.

Then head to - the homeland of the famous bouillabaisse soup. Its preparation is a virtually waste-free process; poupeton soufflé is obtained from the remaining parts of the fish. Do you want something non-standard? Order oursinade - a dish made from sea urchins. The restaurant AM par Alexandre Mazzia (9 rue Rocca) is worthy of attention, where you can have lunch for 35-55 EUR and dinner for 90-110 EUR per guest.

Are you ready to continue? Cavaillon awaits you, where the famous Cavaillon melons are grown. One of their fans was Alexandre Dumas, who traded 194 of his books for a delivery of 12 melons annually for the rest of his life. Arriving here in July, you will witness a unique event - the melon festival. As part of the four-day event, a pyramid of melons rises on the Place de Clos, processions with the participation of members of the Order of the Melon follow the streets, music is played, cooking master classes are held (from melons, of course!), and everyone can visit the farms with a tour .

You can complete the journey in the town of Carpentras. Provence is the main supplier of truffles to restaurants and shops . On local market, according to statistical data, up to 50% of the total volume of “black gold” mined in the country is sold. On the menu of any restaurant you will find dishes that include truffle. Take a look, for example, at Chez Serge (90 rue Cottier), where you can taste pasta or an omelette with truffle for 25 EUR or order a set dinner for 29-119 EUR per guest.

Excursion Provence

If you are into history and love colorful ruins, come to Avignon! The city's most visited attraction is the listed Palais des Papes (papal palace). World Heritage UNESCO. Entrance ticket costs 5.5-11 EUR, excursion support - 120 EUR per group. Audio guide rental (available in 11 languages, including Russian and English) - 2 EUR. Also interesting Cathedral Notre Dame, the Palais du Rour (XV century), where exhibitions are constantly held, and the Saint-Benez bridge. Be sure to take a stroll through the Banasterie quarter, lined with buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. When planning your trip, keep in mind that the Avignon Festival begins in mid-July and lasts three weeks. At this time, up to 200,000 tourists come here, so sightseeing and finding a place to dine will be problematic.

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Avignon is also a convenient starting point for trips around the area. Remember at the beginning of the article we said that you need a car in Provence? So, in Avignon during the season there are difficulties with parking. You can limit yourself to those cities and villages where regional buses go. For example, in Orange there are two attractions that are protected by UNESCO: the ancient Roman amphitheater (one of the best preserved in the world) and Triumphal Arch, erected in honor of the victories of Julius Caesar. Entrance ticket to the amphitheater with admission historical museum costs 7.5-9.5 EUR (price includes audio guide rental).

Also take a look at L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, located 20 kilometers from Avignon, which is called the “Venice of Provence.” The city will be of interest not only to lovers beautiful views, but also for connoisseurs of ancient works of art. L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is the third most important antiques trading center in the world, second only to London and Paris. International fairs are held here twice a year: on August 15 and Easter.

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It is definitely worth setting aside time for a visit to Nîmes. An ancient Roman amphitheater, which was built in 60 BC, has been preserved here. It is protected by UNESCO and periodically serves as a stage for performances by world-famous stars such as the bands Depeche Mode, Metallica and Rammstein. The entrance ticket to the territory costs 8-10 EUR, the price includes the rental of an audio guide. Not far from the city there is another grandiose structure of the same era - the Pont du Gard aqueduct, which is also included in the World Heritage List.

Provence for art lovers

This region played an important role in the destinies of many famous artists. For example, the surroundings of the city of Aix-en-Provence, in particular the Montagne St-Victoire ridge, inspired Paul Cézanne. While walking around the city, look for nails on the asphalt with the letter “C” on the head - they mark points associated with his life and work. You can visit the family estate of Jas de Bouffan, look into the workshop on the hill of Lov or the Bibemus quarries, where Cézanne came to work on paintings under open air. There are only 32 points - from the house where the artist was born to the cemetery where he found his last refuge. From April 1 to October 31, you can go on a walk with a guide; the cost of a two-hour tour is 5-9 EUR per person (for children under 7 years old - free).

Provence is the most picturesque region of France with the richest historical and cultural heritage. Many tourists dream of visiting Provence. And for those who were lucky enough to realize travel to Provence- these are endless vineyards, silvery olive groves, lavender valleys, mountain ruins of the Alps, an area where people live who savor every minute of their existence. This article and video will tell you all about it.

Traveling through Provence

For those who are just going to travel to Provence- these are hotels full of romance and imbued with stunning Provençal serenity, places where you can enjoy hiking and dining on sun terraces throughout the year, discoveries that await you in local cafes and markets.

Provence owes its spectacular views and unprecedented popularity to the successful geographical location, thanks to which the regularity of the plains is intertwined with the southern maritime flavor and complemented. Sea lagoons, reed swamps, pastel salt marshes, the floods of the raging Rhone, the tectonic “steps” of Les Baux - all this awaits traveling around Provence.

Traveling around Provence: popular places

The most beautiful city France, which is the Provencal center of antiques - Aix-en-Provence;

Arles is a city illuminated by the genius of Van Gogh:

Nice is a city with many museums and aristocracy of all stripes;

City of festivals and palaces - Cannes;

Gambling State of Monaco;

Avignon with its beautiful crenellated fortifications;

Bustling Marseille and many other attractions that you simply cannot count.

Aix-en-Provence

For travelers in France - Provence– this is an opportunity for collectors to delve into the local flea markets in search of interesting curiosities. AND best place than Aix-en-Provence, it is simply difficult to find. City with luxury historical heritage, but full of young energy, thanks to the famous European Academy of Music, the university and the numerous art festivals that permeate the capital of Provence with creativity and lively creativity. unique charm, thanks to ancient streets paved with stone, elegant facades of aristocratic mansions, decorated with balconies with openwork forging, the city hall and many fountains that once saved the townspeople from the plague.

Arles

The vibrant, colorful area of Arles has long been a paradise for those traveling to travel to Provence, photographers from all over the world. For them, the National School of Photography annually organizes summer festivals and master classes. The pristine beauty of Arles captivated Gauguin and Van Gogh, who left an indelible mark on history.

Cannes

Cannes is called the city of rising stars and luxury yachts, luxurious beaches and constant holidays. Most famous place The city's Palais des Festivals and the Avenue of Stars bear the fingerprints of many celebrities. The Old Port has dozens of wonderful restaurants that combine high-speed Wi-Fi with.

Monaco

For those with good taste and refined love of life and those planning travel to Provence y is an opportunity to visit the Principality of Monaco, the main attractions of which are the royal family, Formula 1, casinos and yachts.

Best restaurants and hotels Cote d'Azur, Formula 1 Grand Prix, famous casinos are just a few reasons to visit the smallest European state. Of course, the pleasure is not cheap, but the famous Monte Carlo casino is located here, where you can

Avignon

The city is famous for its theater festival. Avignon has the largest Gothic palace, which was once the residence of the Pope. The city is also famous for its legendary Pont Saint-Benez.

Marseilles

Traveling through Provence, be sure to visit Marseille. The symbol of the city is Notre-Dame de la Garde. Climbing to the roof of the cathedral you can enjoy an amazing view of the city. And nearby, in the Abbey of St. Victor, the most terrible catacombs are open to the public. From the Old Port you can sail on a tourist boat to the Chateau d'If, a former prison in which the Count of Monte Cristo himself was a prisoner. In city squares there are many cafes and clubs, interesting second-hand bookstores.

Fontaine de Vaucluse

A natural source, which is a picturesque lake. The rate of water release is 22 tons per second. A powerful and mesmerizing spectacle. It is also one of the deepest karst caves(308 m).

Grass

The French capital of perfumery, surrounded by fragrant lavender plantations, is the city of Grasse, founded in the 11th century. The city was once famous for its glovers, who scented ladies' gloves with jasmine and exotic spices. Afterwards, glovers became perfumers.

Here you can visit the International Perfumery Museum and choose a scented soap or essence from a street vendor.

Camargue

For lovers travel, Provence– this is also a corner where tourists will find a unique park located in the Rhone delta. The pink flamingo nests here. The park's live attractions are white mustangs and black bulls. They practice in the Camargue ecotourism, growing pure vegetables and fruits. Camargue wines are gastronomic souvenirs.

To leisurely see all the sights, as befits a true Provençal, a lifetime probably won’t be enough. But for those who are preparing to poison themselves in travel to Provence y is the most beautiful thing that can be created by nature and people.

Unfortunately, there are almost no circular routes to wander around the Provençal villages on foot or by bicycle, which makes the experience of traveling, for example, by car less complete.

Tours are:

In the Russian-speaking group

Classic tours– sights, wines, gastronomy. Transfers by minibus;
"Big Walks"– sights and walks from village to village (2-3 hours before lunch and the same amount after);

In the English speaking group

"Big Walks"– sights and walks from village to village (2-3 hours before lunch and lunch after);
"Big Walks" premium
Bike tours around Provence with a guide;

Individual tours

"Big Walks"– individual tours without a guide– a trip to Provence with detailed guide. Most popular today. It is possible to purchase a voucher from 2 people. The price does not depend on the number of tourists in the group;
"Big Walks" without a premium guide– accommodation and dinners in the “Charm” category;
Bike tours around Provence without a guide with a detailed guide;
Family tours, thematically focused on children;

What are “Great Walks”?

Villages of Provence... The only question is how pleasant it is to move between them!

Every day, or almost every day in a new village Provence - in a cozy small hotel - most often maintained by the owners, like a family business in an old building.
Baggage is carried in the morning to expect you in the evening.
Walking lightly according to thoughtful sights and physical activity route. Two or three hours of leisurely walking or pedaling between picturesque ancient villages before lunch and the same amount after, visiting attractions along the way.

In such a magnificent setting as Provence, it is more pleasant to feel its aromas, the breeze, its earth under your feet in the fresh air - on walks between villages than from the window of a minibus. Fortunately, there are many excellent paths between villages here, and they are maintained in perfect condition especially for tourists, and the stable weather rarely disappoints with rain.

Now you can go to the catalog! Go on a trip with us or create your trips to Provence based on the routes of the tours we offer!

So, we invite you to explore Provence - historical region, located in southeastern France. You can choose from those offered individual tours from regional French tour operators, the one that best suits your idea of travel.

If you are a conservative, then traveling with a guide who will tell you about each interesting village Provence.

Travel for families– especially for little tourists, where interesting events will be held that tell about rich history and crafts of the region.

If your English or French the language can help you out, you are a lover of freedom, and the villages of Provence are not the place where you are afraid of getting lost, you can choose independent “Great Walks”. A detailed guide will show you the way, and sometimes, if desired, a GPS navigator with a track!

Walking can be not only on foot, but also on a bicycle.

Also, some routes are designed as walking with a pack donkey. Yes Yes! It is very popular in France today. Especially on tours with children. In this case, your luggage will move with you, but... on a donkey! In villages, hotel staff take care of their "maintenance" upon arrival. In all other options, the tour operator undertakes the delivery of your luggage.

Thus, your trip to Provence passes lightly, and at the place of your new overnight stay your things are already waiting for you.

You do you prefer exclusive? Then premium tours are especially for you. This is an overnight stay in ancient castles, former residences of noble people and original guest houses, delicious dishes for breakfast and dinner. Such trips can be either with or without a guide.

An important feature of independent individual tours from ProjectFrance is that only those people you want to take with you go on a trip with you - your friends, loved ones, children.

What to see in Provence

Southern Provence – cycling tour to the Mediterranean Sea

Skirting the hills of Montanette and the Alpilles, you will come across small village squares filled with hundred-year-old plane trees, rural markets, as well as amazing historical and cultural monuments located in the fortified historical villages and towns of Tarascon, Beau, Saint-Rémy and Avignon.

Approaching the sea, travelers will visit Big city Provence's Arles and the Camargue region, famous for its steppes, salt lakes, free-grazing horses and bulls, and pink flamingos.

You are driving along the Arles Road, part of the great pilgrimage route of Santiago de Compostela (the Way of St. James), and on the way are the ruins of the Barbegal aqueducts, built during Roman rule, the Nimes Costieres vineyards and, of course, the lovely villages of Provence.

Haute Provence

Lavender fields and clear distances. And above all this stretched a piercing blue sky. At night, it will allow you to penetrate, under the cover of darkness, with the watchful eye of a telescope from the Albion Plateau Observatory into the secret life of celestial bodies.

For those who love history and just want to enjoy natural beauties We recommend a trip to the villages of beautiful Provence. Discover the secrets of the Luberon plateau, overlooking the Durance Valley, between Manosque and Cavaillon.

Here you can take leisurely strolls through endless fragrant gardens and villages with what they call a “melodic” atmosphere that has inspired generations of artists. The Regalon gorges, the Provençal Colorado and the fragrant Claparède plateau will delight you with their beautiful views.

Each village here has its own history and its own secrets. A journey through Provence will lead you to the village of Lacoste - the estate of the Marquis de Sade.

In the village of Bonnieux, there is a 12th-century church, the architecture of which contains elements of Romanesque and Gothic styles, as well as the remains of towers and fortifications from the same period.

In the village of Buu, you can see not only the remains of a fortress built in the 11th century and destroyed by the Sun King, but also a castle, the chapel of Sainte-Marie, built in the 13th century and representing an example of the Romanesque style in architecture, like its eldest on for a century the Priory of Saint-Symphorian de Buu.

The Provence village of Saignon is notable not only for its interesting location, but also historical monuments, such as the chapel of Saint-Michel-de-Transy, dating back to 1032, the church of Notre-Dame des Pitiés (XI-XII centuries), as well as the Abbey of Saint-Ezebe, built in the 7th century.

Provence Mediterranean

You can choose a 7-day trip along the coast around Marseille to see such wonderful seaside towns of Provence as Estac, Calanque, Blue Coast, Ciotat, Cassis... which inspired European artists.

Premium tours
(or as they are called here, the “Charm” category)

Historic villages of Provence... Here you will find an overnight stay in the most amazing places. So, you will spend the first night of your trip in La Prévote, a 17th-century monastery located in the very center of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Here you will be allocated 4 cozy and elegant guest rooms, and the restaurant located here will serve Provençal cuisine.

You will spend the second and third nights in Balsam's house - a cozy mansion located at the entrance to Gordes. You will spend the fourth night of the trip in a bastide - a traditional fortified house-farm in Provence, located a few steps from the village of Goult. Here you will fully feel the spirit of Provence and appreciate the rural peace.

And around - natural Park The Luberon, with its low mountains, fragrant fields and hidden gorges, the scent of garrigues, olive groves and historic villages perched on the hills.

Traveling through Provence in style Long walks“- this is unexpected, extraordinary and not boring. And most importantly, it’s dynamic and cool. Fragrant clean air and walks will put you in good shape. And they will whet your appetite! And if you travel without a guide, then one way or another - this is a real adventure! Recommended for traveling alone or with friends!

France in an unusual light

ProjectFrance will help you get to know France better and see it in an unusual light.

You will love not only this charming country, but also the very idea of “Great Walks”, filled with the spirit of adventure and freedom!

There are enough places in Europe that you need to visit at least once in your life. In addition to the standard European “must visit” - London, Paris and Rome, dictating policy traveling around Europe, – there are also less traveled routes. How do you like the idea of going to an authentic French village?

“If you don’t speak French, don’t come to France”

The widespread myth about the disgusting attitude of the French towards those who do not speak their native language collapses in gallant Paris. However away from the capital, indeed, they will speak to you exclusively in the language of Voltaire. This should not be taken as an insult - the French are extremely friendly people. You can tell by their smiles and polite nods. Moreover, after spending a week or two in Provence, you yourself begin to chirp in a language vaguely reminiscent of French.

What to do in Provence?

You can’t think of a better activity in Provence than traveling from one village to another. Every road here passes through sleek vineyards, blooming lavender fields and cherry orchards, olive groves and romantic castle ruins, and roadside wineries add a pleasant sour taste to wandering through the expanses of France.

Tiny towns are found every few meters in Provence. The stone villages, even from a distance, do not resemble the usual Russian villages. Here you will not see any rickety wooden huts or sad cabbage beds. A sea of various colors catches your eye: balconies and terraces are buried in bright pelargoniums and verbenas, not to mention endless lavender fields. And in Luberon, for example, not only grow lavender, but also produce essential oils. Best time plunge into the blue French lavender fields– mid-June, and from the beginning of July you can watch the flowers being collected.

Calm, just calm

The idyll of Provence is most clearly illustrated by a local saying that states that after lunch it is so quiet here that you can even hear the olives falling from the trees. Still, during the season roads of Provence filled with miniature Peugeots and Renaults, you can end up in a traffic jam.

Driving route through Provence

There are two ways to organize a Provençal auto trip. In the first scenario, you can settle in a specific city and explore the surrounding area every day. Another way is to travel along a pre-planned route. Here is an example of one of the possible routes in Provence:

Avignon

Medieval Avignon, surrounded by strong walls, is often called the city of the popes. This city is perfect for the role starting point for a trip to Provence. The main city attraction is the Papal Palace, where in the 14th century the papal residence was located, moved from the Vatican. For 70 years the entire Catholic Church was ruled from Avignon. Another Avignon hit is the medieval bridge of Saint-Bonese, which has only partially survived.

L'Ile-sur-la-Sorgue

A small medieval town located along the five branches of the Sorgue River. Numerous canals, coupled with indecently narrow cobblestone streets, make up an amazing urban ensemble. The banks of the canals, connected by nice bridges, are decorated with huge millstones of water mills. Every Thursday and Sunday there is a market in L'Ile-sur-la-Sorgue.

Luberon Valley

Roussillon, Gordes and Apt are just three of the many charming villages Luberon Valley. The brightest (in the literal sense of the word) – Roussillon, based on the site of ocher deposits. In addition to the traditional beauty of Provence, Roussillon boasts colorful ocher mines. To fully enjoy the views of the colorful rock outcroppings, walk along hiking trail Center des Ocrés. The houses of Roussillon, by the way, also do not lack color - they are all painted in shades of red.

Greu-les-Bains

The town of Gréoux-les-Bains is located on the banks of the Verdon River. During the Roman Empire, Gréoux-les-Bains was famous for its thermal baths. And today he is famous thanks to healing springs, the temperature of which reaches 42 degrees. The city also houses a 12th-century fortress.

Aix-en-Provence

Central Boulevard Cours Mirabeau, planted with neat trees, is the main attraction of the village of Aix-en-Provence. In addition, in Aix-en-Provence you can see many large and small fountains.

Salon de Provence

The town of Salon-de-Provence stands on a hill, surrounding Amperi castle, which was built in the XII-XV centuries. and is considered one of the most beautiful castles in Provence. Another attraction of the Salon de Provence that should not be missed is the wonderful mossy fountain in the form of a mushroom. Salon de Provence is also famous for the fact that the famous medieval prophet spent 19 years of his life and died here Nostradamus.

Les Baux de Provence

The village of Les Baux-de-Provence is surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, and one of the main natural attractions here is Hell Valley with fantastic rocks. Les Baux de Provence can serve as a textbook example of a fortified Provençal village. The city has many craft workshops and souvenir shops, which are located on the ground floors of medieval houses.