Itinerary 2 - three day road trip to discover the local markets of Aix-en-Provence, the wine makers of the St Victoire national park, tour of the most picturesque villages of the Luberon, Lourmarin, Cucuron, Bonnieux and Roussillon. Discover Cassis & the colourful bays of the Calanque & the old town & cathedral of Marseille. It's a spectacular journey to discover the best of the region
The day begins at your hotel or villa and each morning, time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast before we begin.
Day 1
Imagine starting you day with a visit to explore the extraordinary street food markets of Aix-en-Provence, discover the old town & one of the oldest Provençal food markets. Afterwards a leisurely drive through the St Victoire national park, famed not least as subject of numerous paintings by local artist Paul Cézanne. Visit to two exceptional wineries set against the backdrop of the mountain. Lunch at a vineyard with locally produced food & wine. Simple, but exceptional pleasure on this relaxed gastronomic day out in the Provence countryside.
Day 2
We start the day with a drive through the Petit Luberon mountain range to visit four of the most spectacular and beautiful village of this region. We begin with Lourmarin, famed for it's calm sophistication oozing with tiny shops, art galleries and cafés, everything in fact you image Provence to be. Next stop Curcuron, one of the lesser know villages but central to the olive oil produced in the area. Bonnieux, one of the perched hilltop Luberon villages and Roussillon, known for the abundance of yellow ochre that surrounds this beautiful village.
Day 3
The old port of Cassis, overlooked by the castle that sits atop the clifftop and the magnificent tall cliffs of Cap Canaille that drop straight into the sea. Charming little fishing port to visit, a boat trip along the coast to explore the Calanque nation park and it's spectacular blue ocean colours. Stop for lunch on the old Portside followed by a visit to a local Bandol wine producer to sample these exceptional & unique local wines. Drive through the park to Marseille, the second and the oldest city in France, visit the ancient Basilique & learn about soap making.
Road trip includes:
We pick you up from your hôtel, villa or guest house within a 15km radius of Aix-en-Provence, Avignon & Marseille and return at the end of the day. Driver/guide throughout in air-conditioned Berline or SUV vehicle - fully inclusive. Admission to all historic sites including skip the line & boat trip in Cassis.
Meals & refreshments:
Chilled bottled water, light refreshments, fruit and snacks throughout the day. A three course lunch with coffee, half bottle of wine per person at a recommended local bistro/restaurant each day of the three.
Highlights:
Visit to the street food markets of Aix-en-Provence, a scenic drive through the St Victoire national park to Puyloubier for lunch with stops at two exceptional wineries on the way, with wine tasting.
Tour of the Luberon villages to experience, Provençal life - Lourmarin, with it's beautiful shops and castle, Cucuron & Bonnieux and the village of Roussillio,, famed for the bright coloured ochre that surrounds this hilltop village, stop for lunch and a visit to the ochre trail, included.
Scenic drive to the fishing port of Cassis, boat trip to experience the Calanque national park, lunch followed by wine tasting of the Bandol region. Return drive through the national park to Marseille to visit Notre Dame de la Garde, the cities majestic Basilique, walking tour of the old town with a visit to a soap producer.