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Sunday, August 25, 2013

A Variety Of Provence Tours Offer Different Types Of Experiences

By Andrea Davidson


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.

The summer season is the busiest. Even the small scenic towns are full of explorers. A quieter time is during the less popular spring or autumn seasons. For a scenic view of Alpine scenery, a train journey between Nice and Digne les Bains should be on the agenda. A relaxing cruise down the Rhone is another way to absorb the scenery. A river cruises will travel on the Rhone and continue on the Saone River, a tributary of the Rhone.

If you would like to include outdoor activities, kayaking, boating, white water rafting and bike riding are widely enjoyed. They are particularly popular in the spectacular Gorges du Verdon and the romantic Camargue. The famous white horses of Camargue can also be ridden and are a highly recommended experience. For invigorating hiking, the GR9 trail covers the hills that include Monts du Vaucluse, the Luberon Range and Mont Ventoux. In the northeast skiers may want to make the Pra Loup ski resort a stop on their trip.

The sunflower fields and vines lie south, the lavender Luberon hills lie west and the Southern Alps lie northeast. To many the lavender fields are the essence of this area. Lavender flowers bloom from the fourth week of June to early August. The sunflowers bloom from July to August.

A part of the sensory experience will be the fine Provencal cuisine. This cuisine is known for its fragrant and fresh native ingredients. The herbs make even the rustic potatoes in oil dish memorable for the likes of Cezanne. In Marseille, its bouillabaisse is a signature dish, but most places are identified with an ingredient or a culinary recipe. The Calisson is an almond sweet associated with Aix en Provence. It is a reminder of the almond trade hub the city used to be. For a refreshing drink, the Pastis will go well with local specialties.

As you will discover one visit will not be enough. Provence tours will make each journey a memorable one. Visitors can travel at any time. The optimal time is when there are fewer tourists in the way.




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