Provence how many days

While in Gordes, spend some time exploring the cobbled stone paths — meandering around this small town is a pure joy.

I was wrong. The mix of bright orange and red colours derived from the naturally occurring ochre which Rousillon sits on gives this town its splendour. It is one of the premier villages in the Luberon region , and understandably so given its unique colour and formation. Even though this was only the second village we visited in Provence, I finally understood why they say no two villages in the Provence area are the same.

I must confess my main obsession with Rousillon were the coloured doors! I strategically positioned my friends to stand next to doors and windows to practise my photography.

Another ancient village in the Vaucluse region, as evident by castle ruins that dominate the skyline, is located at the end of a narrow valley which sits at the foot of the Vaucluse Mountains. Here we found ourselves back on ground level, where the main attraction of the town is the vivid hue of the emerald coloured river at the bottom of the cliffs. We enjoyed a walk along the river up to the main mill to appreciate nature.

Its amazing to think that driving in different directions within this small area one can find such variety in scenery. Luckily we got there around late-afternoon, after the tourists had done their sightseeing, so we managed to enjoy the town at our own leisurely pace. This town is interesting as it is not a hilltop village, but one with many canals running through the town. It was nice to enjoy a relaxing meal by the canal after a long day of village touring.

I should mention this town is actually more well-known as an antique market town! If you plan on finding some treasures in France, this is the place to visit. This fact alone was reason enough for me to head here! Day All Day in and near Arles. Spend most of your day in Arles, then drive to Les Baux for late afternoon sightseeing and dinner sleep in Arles. Day Aix-en-Provence or Marseille. Drive to Cassis, stopping for lunch and a midday visit to Aix-en-Provence or Marseille, then set up in Cassis and watch the sun set from the old port while you savor a bouillabaisse dinner sleep in Cassis.

Day All Day in Cassis. Spend all day in Cassis enjoying la vie douce. Day Fly Away. Fly out of Marseille today or, if leaving from Nice, drive to Antibes and spend your final day and evening there sleep in Antibes.

Consider my guidebook's seaside walks in Cap Ferrat, or take the one-hour boat cruise from Nice's port, then spend the afternoon or evening in almost-neighboring Monaco sleep in or near Nice. Day 4: Inland Villages. Day 5: Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Take a train to Isle-sur-la-Sorgue via Marseille or Nice best to arrive on a Saturday or Wednesday, and awaken the next morning for market day ; wander and explore the town, and consider a canoe ride down the crystal-clear Sorgue River sleep in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.

Day 6: Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Avignon. Enjoy market day this morning, then take a train to Avignon. Follow my guidebook's Avignon walks this afternoon and enjoy dinner on one of Avignon's many atmospheric squares sleep in Avignon.

And, to be honest, that description is pretty accurate. Essential tour: Historical and gourmet walking tour of Aix-en-Provence. Day two: After spending your first day in Provence exploring the town of Aix-en-Provence, head out into the countryside and get a real taste for the region both figuratively and literally. Spend day two in Provence hiking nearby Montagne Sainte Victoire, which overlooks the city. There are plenty of buses heading out toward the mountain from Aix, making this an easy day trip, even without a car.

After hiking around the mountainside yesterday, today is dedicated to rest- French style. Spend day three in Provence wandering around the port of Cassis, and getting your first feel for the Southern French coast. Here, you can soak up some sun at the beach, enjoy an ice cream lavender is a local delicacy and grows abundantly in the fields throughout the region , or wander the streets of the old town. Walk through hidden streets, elegant churches and fountains, public squares, and famous thoroughfares like Cours Mirabeau.

In addition to its many homewares selling quintessential goodies, make sure to visit one or more of Aix's welcoming markets. Any day of the week you can visit the bountiful grocery market on Place Richelme , a delightful square selling fruits, vegetables, cheese, olive oils, honey jars, sun-dried tomatoes, and the small, almond-shaped pastries called calissons in a variety of flavors. These three markets can all be reached on foot in the city center. If you have an extra day and the weather is cooperating, take a drive to the port town of Cassis , in under an hour.

Explore the quaint harbor or board a private vessel for a cruise through the beautiful bays and undeveloped inlets of Calanques National Park —some that allow you to stop and swim in areas of the park only accessible by boat. If you'd prefer to stay on land, hikers can pick between a number of gorgeous trails in the park's 21, acres 8, hectares that meander through pine forests with frequent views of the translucent turquoise water. In addition, the park offers many beaches for swimming and kayaking where you can take in the unique Mediterranean scenery.

Here is more information on a guided kayaking excursion in Calanques National Park. With a few more days to explore, you can spend time in Provence's Luberon area, a spectacular setting of vineyards, orchards, and perched hill-top villages dating back years or more. A good place to base yourself is the medieval city of Avignon that once housed the Pope in the 14th century. Visit the UNESCO-listed Palais des Papes —the largest gothic palace in history, which offers tours of the popes' private apartments with their fabulous frescoes, along with the medieval bridge along the Rhone River.

You can easily enjoy an impromptu tasting or join a guided excursion at some of the numerous cellars of this wine village. From here, head east towards the villages of the Luberon as you meander through oak forests, olive trees, fruit orchards, and gentle hills.

Consider putting Gordes at the top of your list—a beautiful hilltop village dominated by a fortified castle and surrounded by lavender fields in bloom from June to August. You can get an easy workout and walk uphill along the narrow cobblestone streets to gain great views over the valley and surrounding hills.

Also nearby is the Fontaine de Vaucluse , the location of the largest natural spring in France.