Van Gough and Peter Mayle have both been among the legions charmed by this Mediterranean region of France in their time. A successful Provence tours experience will leave visitors yearning to return. From the coast to the mountains, across the fields, rivers and historic sites further exploration will delight travelers of all ages.
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.
This area is clearly influenced by its situation on the border with Italy and Spain. St. Remy, Monte Carlo, the Papal city of Avignon, Aix en Provence, Arles and St. Tropez offer diverse diversions. The contrast of high society and relaxed rustic beauty attract different types of vacationers. Some favor the sophisticated pleasures of Monte Carlo, while others prefer the beautiful landscape of the interior.
During the tourist season sightseers clog even the small picturesque towns. It is wiser to go there in the less visited spring or autumn periods. If you would enjoy a scenic journey viewing Alpine scenery, the Train des Pignes between Digne les Bains and Nice should be on the itinerary. A serene way to enjoy the scenic countryside is to go on a river cruise on the Rhone. River cruises will take travelers along the western border down the Rhone River and continue along the Saone River, a tributary of the larger river.
For outdoor enthusiasts there are plenty of activities. Kayaking, canoeing, white water rafting, boating and biking are popular. Such activities are particularly enjoyed in the splendorous Gorges du Verdon and the Camargue. In Camargue you can ride the indigenous small white horses known to be one of the oldest breeds in the world. For stimulating walks, the GR9 trail spans the vertical ranges, including Mont Ventoux, Monts du Vaucluse and the Luberon Range. The northeast ski resort of Pra Loup provides downhills for those who prefer to ski down mountains rather than climb them.
Sunflower fields and vines are in the south, the picturesque Luberon hills lie in the west and the southern Alps are in the northeast. The lavender fields define the essence of this scented land for many. Lavender blooms from about the final week of June to the beginning of August. The sunflowers which inspired Van Gogh are in full bloom between 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.
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.
This area is clearly influenced by its situation on the border with Italy and Spain. St. Remy, Monte Carlo, the Papal city of Avignon, Aix en Provence, Arles and St. Tropez offer diverse diversions. The contrast of high society and relaxed rustic beauty attract different types of vacationers. Some favor the sophisticated pleasures of Monte Carlo, while others prefer the beautiful landscape of the interior.
During the tourist season sightseers clog even the small picturesque towns. It is wiser to go there in the less visited spring or autumn periods. If you would enjoy a scenic journey viewing Alpine scenery, the Train des Pignes between Digne les Bains and Nice should be on the itinerary. A serene way to enjoy the scenic countryside is to go on a river cruise on the Rhone. River cruises will take travelers along the western border down the Rhone River and continue along the Saone River, a tributary of the larger river.
For outdoor enthusiasts there are plenty of activities. Kayaking, canoeing, white water rafting, boating and biking are popular. Such activities are particularly enjoyed in the splendorous Gorges du Verdon and the Camargue. In Camargue you can ride the indigenous small white horses known to be one of the oldest breeds in the world. For stimulating walks, the GR9 trail spans the vertical ranges, including Mont Ventoux, Monts du Vaucluse and the Luberon Range. The northeast ski resort of Pra Loup provides downhills for those who prefer to ski down mountains rather than climb them.
Sunflower fields and vines are in the south, the picturesque Luberon hills lie in the west and the southern Alps are in the northeast. The lavender fields define the essence of this scented land for many. Lavender blooms from about the final week of June to the beginning of August. The sunflowers which inspired Van Gogh are in full bloom between 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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If you want information about exciting Provence tours, visit the web pages at www.frenchtwisttours.com today. You can see details on routes and schedules at http://www.frenchtwisttours.com now.
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