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 are lucky enough to carry out travel to Provence - these are endless vineyards, silvery olive groves, lavender valleys, mountain breaks of the Alps, an area where people live, savoring every minute of their existence. This article and video will tell about all this.
Provence travel
For those who are just going to travel to Provence are hotels full of romance and imbued with stunning Provencal serenity, places where you can enjoy walking and dining on sunny terraces throughout the year, discoveries that await in local cafes and markets.
Provence owes its species luxury and unprecedented popularity to its favorable geographical position, thanks to which the regularity of the plains is intertwined with the southern maritime flavor and complemented. Sea lagoons, reed bogs, pastel salt marshes, floods of the raging Rhone, tectonic "steps" of Le Bo - all this awaits traveling in Provence.
Travel Provence: Popular Places
The most beautiful city in 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 beautiful battlements;
Bustling Marseille and many other sights that simply cannot be counted.
Aix-en-Provence
For travelersacross France - Provence Is an opportunity for collectors to delve into the local flea markets in search of interesting curiosities. And a better place than Aix-en-Provence is simply hard to find for this. A city with a splendid historical heritage, but full of youthful energy, thanks to the renowned European Academy of Music, the university and numerous art festivals that permeate the capital of Provence with creativity and living creativity. unique charm, thanks to the 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
Arles' vibrant, picturesque countryside has long been a paradise for travelers to travel across Provence, photographers from all over the world. Summer festivals and master classes are held for them at the National School of Photography every year. The pristine beauty of Arles captivated Gauguin and Van Gogh, who left an indelible mark on history and.
Cannes
Cannes is called the city of rising stars and luxury yachts, luxurious beaches and constant holidays. The most famous place in the city is the Palace of Festivals and the Avenue of Stars with the fingerprints of many celebrities. There are dozens of wonderful restaurants in the Old Port, where high-speed Wi-Fi is combined with.
Monaco
For owners of good taste and refined love of life and planning travel to Provencey is an opportunity to visit the principality of Monaco, the main attractions of which are the royal family, Formula 1, casinos and yachts.
The best restaurants and hotels of the Cote d'Azur, the Formula 1 Grand Prix, the famous casinos are just a few reasons to visit the smallest European country. Of course, pleasure from the category of not cheap, but here is the famous casino of Monte Carlo, where you can actually
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 Saint-Benese bridge.
Marseilles
Traveling Provencemust 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 for visiting. From the Old Port you can take a tourist boat to the Château d'If, a former prison in which the Count of Monte Cristo himself was a prisoner. On the city squares there are many cafes and clubs, interesting second-hand bookstores.
Fontaine de Vaucluse
Natural spring, which is a picturesque lake. The discharge rate of water is 22 tons per second. A powerful and mesmerizing sight. It is also one of the deepest karst caves (308 m).
Grasse
The French capital of perfumery, surrounded by fragrant lavender plantations, is the city of Grasse, founded in the 11th century. Once the city became famous for its glove makers who scented ladies' gloves with jasmine and exotic spices. After that, glovers became perfumers.
Here you can visit the International Perfume 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. Pink flamingos nest here. The park's living attractions are white mustangs and black bulls. In the Camargue, they are engaged in ecological tourism, the cultivation of pure vegetables and fruits. Camargue wines are gastronomic souvenirs.
In order, as befits a true Provencal man, to leisurely explore all the sights of this, probably not enough for a lifetime. But for those who are preparing to poison themselves in travel to Provencey is the most beautiful thing that can be created by nature and people.
Almost a year has passed since I promised to tell you about one of my most beautiful travels. This was the south of France, Provence. And now the day has come! :)
Thanks to my memory - I seem to still remember how it was :)
Go!
Since we went to this region for the first time, we wanted to see everything at once, so that we could understand for sure where we wanted to return. It turned out a bit at a gallop, but we still managed to form a relatively clear impression. In some cities I wanted to spend more time, in some I have already traveled for the second time and, if everything goes well, in October I will go for the third.
Traveling requires: a good mood, a passion for French cuisine, the ability to entertain yourself on quiet evenings, a car, a desire to look and see, a little endurance (I will tell you about this separately) and love for rural landscapes.
And yes forgive me my passion for hipstamatic and amateur photography :)
At first I struggled for a long time over the route, but then he somehow drew himself:
So, we see: Marseille - Salon de Provence - Avignon - Lyon - Ebens (podgrenoble :)) - Manosque - Grasse - Cannes - Frejus - Marseille.
But first, a flight from Moscow to Marseille Marignane airport.
The airport is located about 25 km northwest of Marseille. We had no goal of going to Marseille, and so we immediately went north and further north-west - to the small town of Salon de Provence, where we had to spend the night before the start of a wonderful trip.
The distance is just under 40 km.
Salon de Provence is a small town with a population of just over 40,000. He gained fame thanks to soap factories and the fact that in the 16th century Michel Nostradamus lived there for the final 25 years of his life. There is a museum in the city, but we have not reached it.
Evening of the first day. Nice little interior of the hotel room.
And morning!
After lunch we went to Avignon. The distance is about 60 km. An ordinary road, not a track, and therefore very picturesque.
On the way to Avignon:
Avignon is located on the left bank of the Rhone. The city is famous and beautiful. I will not give a historical background (I will not copy Wikipedia, in fact), but I will share a couple of amusing photos. And yes: you need to go to this city.
Small restaurant with Michelin stars. Great meat and chilled wine, friendly staff and a lovely patio.
A bit of a city.
The street of burnt cars.
We didn’t spend the night in Avignon and went to Lyon. The distance is about 240 km.
For the sake of fairness, I will say: this map is not entirely correct - in fact, we first drove along a country road, and then pulled out onto the autobahn - approximately in the Valence area.
But the most beautiful, of course, was along the country road - VINEYARDS!
Lyon in person.
This, of course, is no longer quite Provence - Lyon is the administrative center of the Rhône-Alpes region.
What to tell about this city? He's amazing! An unambiguous must-go. Was there the second time last November and will come again and again!
Nice details.
Theater.
Carnot Square.
Restaurants await guests for dinner.
We stayed in Lyon for a day, and it turned out to be painfully short. I repeat: must go!
After Lyon we went to the town of Ebens - it's not even a town, but a commune! The distance is about 120 km. On the way, we stopped in Grenoble, but the city did not make any impression.
But the road was amazing!
A little bit of Grenoble.
And here we are at Ebens' cute little spa hotel.
Funny prose.
Hotel territory: cozy gazebos, silence, wonderful air. Height - 408 meters above sea level.
The most wonderful tea party!
And a little girlish joy - greetings from Lyon :)
Hills and mountains.
We are driving along the so-called Napoleon road (N85), laid from Cannes to Grenoble - it was along this road that the emperor returned from the Elbe in February 1815.
A little Chablis at the foot of the Alps never hurts!
Gap turned out to be a small town of funny statues.
Late in the evening we drove into Manosque.
But what is he like in the morning!
Nice little town.
We stayed in Manosque until lunchtime, after which we stopped at the small airfield of Vinon-sur-Verdon.
Small picnic :)
Then we were going to go to the legendary city of perfumers - Grasse. The navigator offered me 2 routes. They differed in length - 10 kilometers, and I, of course, chose a short one, but ... I, a person terribly afraid of heights and mountain roads, should pay attention to the fact that part of the route runs through the mountains, and some have characteristic mountain slopes sharp turns. Distance is about 160 km.
And then the horror story begins! :)
At first, everything is pretty cute: such a coniferous forest.
Rough slides ...
The most beautiful lake of Saint Croix!
Soon after which the Verdon Gorge begins.
This, I tell you honestly, is very beautiful, but terribly scary! Literally behind this turn, the road goes into the shadows and for the next 40 kilometers it goes along the cliff of the mountain: in some places there are no bumpers and you can see a cliff with a mountain river rumbling below, there are no road markings anywhere, and oncoming traffic is very unnerving.
In fact, this is such a huge fault: on the left, a sheer rock goes up, on the right, it goes down.
Then I do not take pictures, because I am trying to do two things: not to die of horror and not to strangle myself for such a route.
Probably there is no such person who would not dream of visiting Provence. In the imagination, idyllic pictures with blooming lavender fields and azure sea are drawn, and the air, even in fantasies, seems to be light, warm and amazingly smelling. The most amazing thing about all this is that it really is. Arriving in Provence, tourists meet exactly what creates their imagination at home. And we had exactly the same! Provence is definitely a place to come back to.
First of all, it should be noted that today's Provence differs from the historical region of the same name. In addition to him, this includes part of the Languedoc and the Alps. It is a picturesque, diverse and charming region that conquers the hearts of all kinds of travelers because it offers them everything: from the beach to the abundance of attractions, from lively cosmopolitan towns to quiet, almost deserted villages, from luxurious vineyards to high mountains. Within Provence, there are several official departments and even more unofficial areas. About the same Cote d'Azur there are disputes: what should be considered it - the territory defined by documents from San Rafael to the border with Italy, or the entire French Riviera.
It is a complex, multi-layered, unusual and undoubtedly the most attractive region in France. That is probably why the journey through it became so interesting for us.
How to get there
You can get to Provence in all possible ways, it all depends on exactly where you want to go and how much time you are ready to spend on the road.
You can fly here by plane or by train (for example, from, or other cities in France), you can come by bus, taxi, rented car, go on a sea trip from any other point in Europe and come to one of the many ports - the possibilities are endless!
Before our visit to Provence, we traveled for a couple of weeks to other regions and cities of France, so we considered the most convenient flight from Lyon to.
By plane
You can fly to Provence at several airports:
- Cote d'Azur (Nice Cote d "Azur);
- Marseille Provence;
- Nimes-Arles-Camargue (Nîmes-Ales-Camargue-Cevennes).
Some tourists get to Provence by land from Lyon-Saint-Exupéry airport (the name alone seems to make this air gate worth a visit, although the airport itself is very good).
Flights with connections in Paris or other European cities are often more convenient and cheaper. Fly from Russia to Provence Aeroflot, AirFrance, KLM, Lufthansa and other airlines.
From Moscow and St. Petersburg to Nice
The cheapest way to get from Moscow to Nice, such a flight can be bought for 95 EUR one way. From St. Petersburg, tickets are traditionally more expensive: from 150 EUR, but sometimes you can find profitable options with a flight from Riga or Tallinn.
Travel time on a direct flight is about 4 hours.
Flights to other cities in Provence are usually less convenient and more expensive, but I would advise you to look at all the options before buying, as sometimes there are unexpectedly pleasant discounts. You can get acquainted with all possible and convenient flight options, for example,.
How to get from Nice airport
Since most of the guests arrive at Nice airport and from this point start their journey around Provence, I will tell you how to get from there to the city:
- Airport Buses... Officially, there are two buses from the airport: number 98 and number 99. The first one goes to the station Gare de Nice-Riquier, and the second to Gare Nice Ville (this is the central station). The ticket costs 6 EUR and the ticket can be bought at the box office. The ride is short - about 15 minutes. In buses, as a rule, special shelves for luggage are equipped right in the cabin.
- But there is one trick. The fact is that passing by the airport two city buses: No. 23 or No. 500. The fare in them costs 1.5 EUR, but to get to their stop, you need to leave the airport not according to the signs to the bus, but to the place where the taxis stop. This option is convenient for those who travel without luggage. Buses go directly to the center of Nice, but do not enter the train station!
- You can go to taxias the distance is only 7 kilometers, the trip will cost about 30 EUR.
- Car rental... For those planning to explore Provence by car, it makes sense to rent one right at the airport. The cost of renting at the airport does not differ in price from renting in the city (from 60 EUR / day), but if you want to take a car immediately upon arrival, it is better to book in advance, since the transport is usually quickly dismantled at the airport. This is best done by reading all the offers from the distributors.
By train
From Moscow and St. Petersburg
There is a direct train to Nice from the capital twice a week. Train # 17B leaves on Thursdays and train # 18B on Saturdays. In Moscow, the train leaves from the Belarusky railway station, and arrives in Nice at the Central Station (Gare de Nice-Ville). Travel time will be about 47 hours, the train travels through the territory of Russia, Belarus, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Italy and France. An adult ticket costs between EUR 295 and EUR 1,039. For those who travel in Lux cars, it is more profitable to travel together and redeem the whole compartment. Children receive a 50% discount, and those who are 12 to 25 years old or over 60 travel with a 30% discount.
Along the way, passengers can get off at two other stations in Provence:
- in Monaco,
- in Menton.
Direct trains to Provence from St. Petersburg no, but residents of the northern capital can travel with a transfer in Moscow.
From French cities
If you are traveling in France, then from many cities you can get to Provence by high-speed TGV trains. There are stations in all major cities of the region:
- in Marseille,
- Nice,
- Avignon,
- Saint-Raphael, etc.
In addition, Provence has a well-developed regional rail network that connects even the tiniest stations.
By bus
From Moscow
If you want to travel from Moscow to Nice by bus, you have to make at least two changes. The fastest option with transfers in Minsk and Milan will take you about 50 hours and 200 EUR. In the capital, buses start from the Belorussky railway station, and in Nice they arrive at the Avenue Felix Faure.
From St. Petersburg
But from the Vitebsk railway station in St. Petersburg you can get to Nice with just one change in the Polish Augustow, however, you will have to go as much as 58 hours! At a cost, such a trip will cost you the same 200 EUR.
From French cities
I would not have dared to travel by bus from Russia to the south of France - it would take too long, but getting here, for example, from Paris, is more than realistic, although not fast either. Buses, like trains, are intercity and regional. Two main companies: Eurolines and OUIBUS.
The road from Paris (Gallieni) to Marseille (usually arriving at the main train station Gare de Marseille Saint Charles, but it is better to clarify this when buying a ticket) will take almost 12 hours and will cost 25 EUR, and from Paris to Nice it will take more than a day (for 35 EUR ). Not the most convenient option, but bus carriers have good discounts.
But in Provence itself, it is not very convenient to travel by buses, they rarely go, although they are quite cheap. Most tourists (and so do we) prefer trains or cars.
By car
From Moscow and St. Petersburg
Provence can be reached from the two capital cities by private car. The journey will be long but exciting. The route can be built the way you like, especially if you want to see other cities and countries along the way.
It is most convenient for Muscovites to travel through Belarus, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria and Italy, while Petersburgers usually prefer to travel through the Baltic States and further to Poland along the same route.
You will have to cover a distance of about 3,000 km. If you go non-stop, changing each other at the wheel, you can get there in about 35 hours. Most tourists, of course, make stops along the way, and sometimes even make a special turn to interesting cities. If you do not deviate too much from the route, Muscovites can call in, Warsaw, Wroclaw, Prague (or take a little further north and visit, or vice versa, southward and call in Vienna),. It will be convenient for Petersburgers to travel through Daugavpils, Warsaw, and then by the same route: through the Czech Republic, Germany or Austria. This road will be longer, but more interesting.
The roads on the route are good everywhere. But it is better, of course, to stop for the night and rest.
Travel expenses
Along the way, you may come across toll roads, some sections in Belarus, Poland, Italy and France itself are paid at the entrance, in other countries, for example, in the Czech Republic or Austria, the purchase of a so-called vignette is required (when it is not a section of the road that is paid, but time). In Germany, highways are still free, but this situation will change by 2019.
The rates are different in every country. In addition, they are influenced by the class of the car, the type of road section, the management company. The cost starts from 2 EUR and reaches several tens of EUR. There are very few lines to enter.
Read more about Provence toll roads in the Tips for Drivers section below.
As for fuel, it will cost you about 300 EUR, although for reliability it is better to do the calculation yourself, based on the consumption of your car.
By ferry
In theory, it may be realistic to get by ferry from St. Petersburg to Provence bypassing the whole of Europe and with a lot of transfers, but in practice, I think, very few people decide on such a cruise.
And, of course, you can go to, which also borders the region. In the immediate vicinity are, and.
How to get there: It is most convenient to get to both neighboring regions and Italy by trains, but you can also use buses. Those tourists who rent a car can easily reach it on their own.
Nearby islands
Since Provence is located on the sea coast, there are interesting islands near almost every city. It is unrealistic to visit them all, but there are those that cannot be missed:
Food. What to try
Those who want to eat deliciously will not have to look for a long time in Provence - the cuisine here is excellent! And if you want to have a very tasty meal, then it is best to ask the locals for advice, sometimes they reveal to tourists such amazing places that you just won't accidentally get to.
There are many cafes and restaurants in the region. As a rule, the closer they are to the coast, the more expensive. A full meal can cost from 25 to 80 EUR, and you can have a light snack for 10-15 EUR. Tips are usually already included in the bill, but if you like the service, you can leave 10-15%.
Bread is often served with main dishes, and you will certainly be offered water. This is usually all free.
Gastronomic traditions
Provence cuisine is slightly different from classic French cuisine. It is simpler and more popular. Fresh, natural products, abundant garlic, olive oil, basil, thyme, rosemary, tomatoes are the basis of local dishes.
And, of course, you can't miss fish and seafood. The famous bouillabaisse (bouillabaisse)... This is a signature Marseille dish, which is served in several passes: first, they bring you rich fish broth with bread, then fish, which became the basis for this broth. This dish is expensive, but very tasty!
Another pride of Provence - cheeses... For example, the local specialty is cheese banon(banon), it is wrapped in grape or chestnut leaves.
And, of course, it is impossible to visit Provence and not try local wines! Among the red wines of the Rhone Valley, the brands Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Rasteau are especially highly valued.
Useful nuances
The meal time is also worth noting. Breakfast in Provence is usually early - at 07: 00-08: 00, lunch at noon, and dinner after 19:00. It is imperative to remember and take into account that after lunch, the kitchen in almost all restaurants is closed. It will be impossible to eat around 13: 00-14: 00!
If you want to eat at home, it is best to buy food from local markets. I assure you, they will amaze even the most experienced chef with their variety and quality of products!
Features of the mentality
- There is a lot of nature in Provence, and life is closely connected with it. This has been the case for centuries, so the Provençals are very calm and unhurried people. They cannot be called lazy, but even in big cities they will not be too rushed here, and a measured lifestyle is reflected in the kind, calm disposition of people.
- Etiquette and order here are quite strict, which does not at all exclude freedom of morals and openness to the new. But within reasonable limits! For example, on the beaches you can sunbathe topless without any problems, but walking around the city in a bathing suit (even to the nearest cafe on the waterfront) is quite rightly considered extremely indecent.
- If you want to look polite, use appeals moncieur, madame and mademoiselle... By the way, the stories that the French are reluctant to speak English are not fictions. Many locals really prefer to communicate in their own language. Therefore, if you learn at least a few phrases (even if very clumsily), you will immediately win people over to you. We learned a little French before the trip, and you should have seen how the Provençals rejoiced in our very modest attempts to express themselves. Interestingly, they then switched to English more willingly.
- It is curious that the region once had its own language - Provencal. And it continues to exist to this day, it is even taught optionally in schools, and at the University of Aix-en-Provence there is a Faculty of Provencal language and literature.
Holidays
The whole world knows for sure about one holiday in Provence. It is, of course, about Cannes Film Festival... But the joyful life of the region is not limited to this event. In addition to more or less traditional events such as New Years, Christmas or Wine, Music and Theater Festivals, there are also very unusual festivals.
For example, in Menton in February they celebrate International Lemon Festival, in May in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer takes place World gypsy pilgrimage, in August in Châteauneuf-du-Pape they walk on Grape ripening festival, and in December in Marseille, small statuettes of saints are honored - Santons.
And, of course, Provence cannot be imagined without summer Festival of Dramatic Arts in Avignon, Aix-en-Provence Art and Music Festival and Lavender festival - probably the main symbol of this southern region.
It is the Lavender Festival that arouses the greatest interest among travelers. During the celebration, thousands of guests gather in a tiny village of 120 inhabitants. It organizes walking tours around the lavender fields, exhibitions of Provencal artists, demonstrations of lavender processing, local horse shows, food tasting, sale of products made from this wonderful flower and much more.
Safety. What to watch out for
- In terms of tourist safety, Provence is also very good. Serious crimes against travelers are extremely rare, but there are thefts, especially from cars. Standard precautions should be followed.
- Girls can safely travel alone.
- No additional vaccinations are required for the trip.
- When going to the mountains or hiking trails, of which there are many in the Region, you need to take care of comfortable shoes.
- Drinking water flows in the taps, but if you see the Eau non potale sign, it means that the water is not drinking and really should not be drunk.
Things to do
In addition to classic cultural recreation, lazy beach and extreme sports, Provence offers its guests many other entertainments:
Shopping and shops
Provence is not the most suitable shopping destination in France. For those who are interested in fashionable shops, it is better to go to the boutiques of Paris. And in the south, they usually buy products from local craftsmen, souvenirs and products, which I will discuss in the section below.
Almost the only exception is the rich Nice: there are expensive shopping streets with boutiques of world famous brands ( Avenue Jean-Medecin, Rue Saint Francois de Paule, Rue de I Hotel des Postes), where even the most fastidious fashionistas will find something suitable for themselves.
More modest shopping can be organized in other large cities, for example, in Marseille, Cannes or Nimes.
Bars
There are a lot of bars and cafes in Provence. There is even a kind of Cafe society here. Prices in local establishments are usually high, and the purpose of the visit is not limited to the desire to "have a glass". This is primarily communication, new acquaintances and curious observations of people.
Many bars are open until the last customer or close around 02.00. Cafes are usually open until 23.00. For more elite and expensive bars, you need to go to Nice, and those who like budget fun should go to Marseille.
Clubs and nightlife
Those who are attracted by the nightlife should definitely go to the South of Provence. In the northern regions, there is a measured, sleepy atmosphere, so there are no good clubs there. But there are a lot of them in the French Riviera!
Here everyone will find entertainment to their liking: from trendy modern discos to jazz clubs, from legendary venues where only very solid (in the material sense) tourists can afford to go, to free beach parties for everyone. Of course, the bigger the city, the more fun there will be.
The evening program usually starts at 20-21.00, and the dances can last until the morning. On the coast and in big cities, there are more establishments that work all night than in the outback and in small settlements.
In France, there is a difficult moment related to traffic, in which even the locals are confused. This is the rule of "priority right". Usually, in cities, the priority is given to transport moving on the right, even if we are talking about very small streets, outside the city this rule is not always observed, there priority is given to cars that travel along the main road. In general, you should be careful at intersections, and if you are not sure, it is better to give way. At the same time, the priority on the "flower beds", naturally, belongs to those who ride around the ring.
And a few more important rules:
- Most parking lots in Provence are paid. They are marked with a P and cost around 3 EUR per hour. In most cities, parking is free during the evenings, weekends and holidays. But on the other hand, you cannot leave the car in one place for more than a day.
- As for toll roads, there are not so many of them, but they are, especially those that lead to other countries. They are designated with the letter A on a blue background, the cost is different and is indicated on the information boards at the entrance. All passengers must be wearing seat belts, and children under 10 can only sit in the rear seats.
- The driver is obliged to have a breathalyzer in the cabin, for his absence he will have to pay a fine of 11 EUR.
- It is better not to violate traffic rules, because the fines in France are very high. For example, you can pay up to 1,500 EUR for speeding! I don't even need to say that offering a bribe to a policeman is not worth it.
Provence-Alpes - holidays with children
The south of France is well suited for families with children, there is a pleasant climate and warm sea. In addition, the region offers many activities for the little ones, for example:
- amusement park Marineland in Antibes. Aquarium, exhibitions about the sea, performances with dolphins and other inhabitants of the big water.
- "Aquarium of tropical fish" in Bedarrid. The aquarium features 300 species of fish.
- Zoological Safari Park in Frejus. Suitable for both walking and car trips.
- Park of the Sun and Space in Avignon. Educational excursions about our Universe.
- "Town of Automata" in Saint Cannes. Amusement park with mechanical dolls.
- "Aquapark" in Septen-le-Vallon.
- Magicland at Châteauneuf-le-Martigues. A town in the style of the Wild West: cowboys, a railway, a puppet theater.
Ski vacation
It would seem that the South of France, well, what kind of mountain skiing? But this amazing region offers its guests this kind of rest! If you want to ride down the mountains on the Cote d'Azur, you need to go to the Southern Alps region. Here you will find almost two dozen ski stations and more than 700 kilometers of slopes at altitudes ranging from 1,150 to 2,800 meters.
The main advantage of the mountain resorts of Provence is the weather. It gets really cold here in winter (the trails are often covered with natural snow, although, of course, there are cannons), and the sun shines 320 days a year.
Ski passes
Prices
The cost of ski passes varies from station to station, but in general it is 20-30% lower than in the more popular alpine ski resorts. As a rule, a daily ski pass for an adult costs 12-15 EUR, for a child 8-10 EUR.
How can you save
By paying for your purchase in advance via the Internet and purchasing a ski pass for several days, you can save a lot. On many circuits, you can also opt for a family pass, which is cheaper than individual tickets.
Trails
Walberg
The mountain village of Valberg offers 52 trails with a total length of 90 km. There are all categories of tracks: from very gentle for beginners to very steep and difficult for professionals. The resort has coaches who teach even kids from 3 years old to ride!
Oron
Auron is another village popular with skiers. 42 slopes of all difficulty levels, the largest ski area in the entire region and a rich history (the first descents here were made in the 1930s).
Isola
Isola ski station unites three ski regions with a total length of 120 km of pistes. Three schools are open here for beginners; it is a dynamic, youth resort.
Also worth mentioning are popular resorts such as Pra-Lou, Montgenèvre, Val d'Allos, Risoul-la-Foret-Blanche.
5 things to do in this region
It is impossible to tell in one text (even such a large one!) Everything that Provence offers to guests. Every traveler chooses something interesting for himself. But there is something that must be done here without fail:
- Enjoy a great beach holiday on the Cote d'Azur.
- Visit the monuments of the Roman era here and there preserved in Provence.
- Having touched the work of the greats, try to understand why artists and writers of all eras found inspiration in this region.
- Go on a short hike along the calanques or a long one in the mountains.
- Spend an unforgettable evening in the best restaurants in Nice, Cannes or Monaco.
Anything to add?
Experienced travelers are planning their summer vacation now. Especially when it comes to independent trips to Europe: it takes time to deal with transport, book accommodation, and explore the sights. For those who have long dreamed of a vacation in France, we have prepared a detailed story about Provence from eyewitnesses - independent travelers.
When you imagine Provence, many associations immediately arise: fields with lavender, fragrant spices, mountains, impressionists. People from all over the world continue to come here, just like 100 years ago. Artists are looking for inspiration, tired of the bustle of the townspeople - harmony, gourmets - delicious cuisine. The secret of Provence is that everyone finds here something of their own, what they need.
When is the best time to go
My favorite time in Provence is September. Firstly, the heat is gone, but the sea, on the contrary, is warmed up. Secondly, there are fewer tourists, and it is easy to find a place on the beach or park your car. Third, prices in September are lower than in the summer months. And of course September is the fig season. In October it is also warm here and you can swim. However, year after year is not necessary and you can get caught in the rain.
Summer in Provence is high season. It can get very hot on the coast at this time. But higher in the mountains, the climate is mild and comfortable. During the day, the temperature rises to 30 degrees, and in the evening it drops to 20.
How to fly
There are direct flights from Moscow to Marseille and Nice all year round. A ticket to Marseille will be cheaper. Direct flights to Marseille from Moscow are operated by Air France. To make your flight more affordable, choose a connecting flight. Such a ticket with a stop, for example, in Frankfurt will cost about $ 300. From Paris to Marseille can be reached by high-speed train in three hours (about 40 euros per person).
Where to live
If you are planning a trip of 1-2 weeks and frequent trips throughout Provence, it will be convenient to book rooms in different hotels or apartments. For long-term travel, especially with small children, it is better to rent a house. For example, we have been renting a house with friends for the second year through the website www.homeaway.com. To obtain a visa, ask the hosts to send you an invitation. Such invitation must include your names and the names of the host, as well as the period during which you intend to rent the house.
How to navigate
Upon arrival at the airport, we rented a car. It is best to choose a car in advance over the Internet. France has a well-developed rail network. It is called TGV here. You can view fares and train schedules on this website. However, if you want to see small picturesque villages, you still need a car.
Almost all highways in France are toll roads. So when planning your car trip, budget for travel expenses. Check out the rates.
What to see
Provence is the most diverse region France... I will write about the places we visited and which we liked the most. I'll start with Aix-en-Provence, the historic capital of Provence.
Everything here testifies to well-being and prosperity. And at the same time, Aix is \u200b\u200bunusually lively - after all, there is a university here and a music festival is held. If you come to Aix by car, the easiest way to find a place is in one of the multi-level underground car parks. When traveling by train, keep in mind that Aix has two train stations. You need to get off at Aix-en-Provence center station.
Start your exploration of the city from Boulevard Mirabeau. Admire the exquisite building facades Stop by for lunch at Les Deux Garcons, which has been in operation since 1792. Paul Cezanne and Jean-Paul Sartre often came here. On the opposite side of the boulevard from Les Deux Garcons stands the beautiful mansion of Morel de Ponteve. Its facade is decorated with sculptures of Atlanteans. The boulevard has morning and evening markets where you can buy local soap, honey or a hat. Go to Saint-Saver Cathedral It was built at different times and it combines three styles - Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque.
Marseilles
You can read a lot of unflattering reviews about Marseille. I can't say that this is all fiction, so it is partly true. But nevertheless, Marseille is the capital of Provence with wonderful architecture and rich history. Therefore, I believe that you need to visit here at least once.
One of the most famous landmarks in Marseille is the Basilica of Notre Dame de La Garde, built in the neo-Byzantine style in the 19th century. It rises above the city at a height of 154 meters. You can get to the basilica by sightseeing train (8 euros), which departs from the Old Port. After examining the basilica, return to the Old Port. In my opinion, this is the most charming place in Marseille. The Old Town is located near the Old Port. From here the famous rue La Canebière departs. On it you will see the buildings of the opera house and stock exchange, the maritime museum and the museum of the history of Marseille.
Marseille is the birthplace of the protagonist of the novel Monte Cristo. Travel to the island with the castle of If, where Dantes was imprisoned. You can get to the castle by boat departing from the Old Port. The cost of visiting the castle is 5.50 euros.
Cassis
Drive to Cassis to simply enjoy the atmosphere of a small seaside town surrounded by cliffs and swim in the sea. The drive down to Cassis is a pleasure. Stunning sea views open in front of you, and vineyards border the road.
The main attraction of Cassis is the calanques, local fjords. At the port of Cassis, you can buy tickets for a boat trip to see the calanques. The cost of a ticket for such an excursion depends on the number of places visited. A tour of 5 calanques costs 19 euros and lasts 65 minutes. Calanques can also be reached on foot along the road leading from the beach. Just keep in mind that there are difficult sections along the way, so don't forget to wear comfortable shoes.
Lourmarin village
This is a very picturesque village. While driving to Lourmarin, you never get tired of admiring the most beautiful fields and vineyards.
Small streets of the village are dotted with shops and cafes. There is a 15th century castle in Lourmarin (visit € 6.50). Note the wonderful spiral staircase. The castle hosts wonderful classical music concerts. Moreover, guests can arrive an hour before the concert, bring provisions and dine on the castle's terrace.
Arles
In Arles, the sun shines almost all year round, which makes this city even more attractive. If you come here by train, get off at the central station. From the station to the city center can be reached in a few minutes by one of the buses. If you are traveling by car, leave it in the parking lot on the waterfront and start exploring the city from here.
Arles is located on the banks of the Rhone River. Walk along the promenade to the Reattu Museum, which houses the work of Pablo Picasso. Continue towards the small place du Forum. And now the famous yellow cafe of Van Gogh appears in front of you.
Van Gogh became an iconic figure for Arles. The artist painted almost 200 canvases here. In the center of Arles there is an ancient theater and an arena - monuments from the times of the Roman Empire. The arena makes a tremendous impression with its grandeur. There are many shops and shops with souvenirs and spices around it. Lunch or dinner is best not in the center of Arles, but closer to the embankment on the streets of Docteur Fanton or Reattu.
Saint-Paul
Saint-Paul is a former convent mental hospital where Van Gogh was treated after cutting off his earlobe. The Saint-Paul Hospital is a short drive from Arles, next to the ancient Greek ruins of Glanum.
Van Gogh was in hospital for voluntary treatment. Its decoration has been restored in the form in which it was at the time of the artist. Here Van Gogh created many famous paintings. Copies of the artist's paintings are on display in the garden, and you have the opportunity to admire the views that Van Gogh painted.
Avignon
Avignon is surrounded by a ring of fortress walls. Behind them you will find a beautiful city. Avignon has two stations - Avignon Center and Avignon TGV. You need to get to the Avignon Center station. Be aware that trains only run to Avignon TGV from many cities. Therefore, change here to another train to the central station or use the bus.
Of course, the papal palace attracts the most tourists in Avignon. Popes fled here from the Vatican and lived here from 1309 to 1377.
A tour of the papal palace is an exciting journey. If you are exploring the palace on your own, as I did, I advise you to definitely take an audio guide (when purchasing an entrance ticket, an audio guide is issued free of charge), otherwise it is very easy to get confused in numerous halls and passages. The entrance to the palace costs 11 euros. You can immediately buy a ticket to visit the palace and the Saint-Benese bridge (pont d'Avignon) for 13.50 euros.
It is worth renting a car. Relying on public transport means deliberately refusing to visit many interesting places, since the bus network in the region is not very well developed.
Lavender fields of Provence
Where to find them and when is the best time to come? Let's figure it out!
Usually lavender blooms from mid-June to mid-August, but the period from the last week of June to the end of July is considered optimal for a visit. 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 trips to lavender fields from Avignon and other cities in 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 the D953 heading 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 the settlements of Saw, Apt and Gordes. In the area of \u200b\u200bthe village of Gordes there is also an interesting village of borie stone buildings, and to the north is the Senanque Abbey, next to which there is one, but a large and famous lavender field.
Pays de valensole ... You have to come to Castellane, then travel 45 kilometers westward, along the way having examined the famous Verdon Gorge, and reach the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, which is one of the most beautiful in France. A road goes up from it, which will lead you to the fields. This area will be of interest to those who rest 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. Affordable prices - 1-3 EUR per piece.
Culinary Provence
The ideal starting point for a gourmet tour of the region - ... Try the fishermen's favorite dish called pan-bagnat, which is a bread stuffed with a mixture of tuna, eggs and salad. Also popular is the niçoise salad, which includes tuna, anchovies, eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers and olives. For breakfast, order omelette de poutine, an olive oil omelet with parsley and lemon juice. Fans of non-standard flavors will appreciate the fried zucchini flowers in tomato sauce, called beignets de fleurs de courgette. For a more hearty meal, try soupe au pistou, a bean soup with tomatoes, zucchini, garlic, pesto and olive oil. There are many decent establishments, but the best is 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 to be included in the itinerary is the resort
on the Cote d'Azur. Those with a sweet tooth will not resist lemon cream pie (tarte au citron) or oranges (fougasse mentonnaise). The first place in the rating 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 an average of 70 to 135 EUR per person.
Then head to - home of the famous bouillabaisse soup. Its preparation is an almost waste-free process; the poupeton soufflé is obtained from the remaining parts of the fish. Do you want something non-standard? Order oursinade, a sea urchin dish. Worthy of attention is the AM par Alexandre Mazzia restaurant (9 rue Rocca), where you can dine for 35-55 EUR, and dinner for 90-110 EUR per guest.
Are you ready to continue? Cavayon is waiting for you, where the famous Cavaillon melons are grown. One of their admirers was Alexandre Dumas, who traded 194 of his books for the 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 a four-day event, a pyramid of melons grows on Place de Clos, processions with the participation of members of the Order of the Melon follow through the streets, music sounds, master classes are held on cooking (of course, melon!), Everyone can visit the farms with a guided tour ...
You can end the journey in the town of Carpentras. Provence is the main supplier of truffles to restaurants and shops ... On the local market, according to statistics, up to 50% of the total volume of "black gold" mined in the country is sold. In 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 truffle omelet for 25 EUR or order a set dinner for 29-119 EUR per person.
Excursion Provence
If you are fond of history and love colorful ruins, come to Avignon! The most visited attraction of the city is the Palais des Papes (papal palace), included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The 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 of interest are the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Palais du Ruhr (15th century), where exhibitions are constantly held, and the Saint-Benese bridge. Be sure to stroll through the Banasteri 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 for dinner will be problematic.
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Avignon is also a convenient starting point for exploring the surrounding area. Remember at the beginning of the article we talked about the need for a car in Provence? Well, in Avignon there are difficulties with parking during the season. You can limit yourself to those cities and villages where regional buses go. For example, in Orange (Orange) there are two attractions that are protected by UNESCO: the ancient Roman amphitheater (one of the best preserved in the world) and the triumphal arch, erected in honor of the victories of Julius Caesar. The entrance ticket to the amphitheater with the right to visit the historical museum costs 7.5-9.5 EUR (the price includes the rental of an audio guide).
Take a look also at L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue located 20 kilometers from Avignon, which is called the “Venice of Provence.” The city will be interesting not only for lovers of beautiful views, but also for connoisseurs of old L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is the third largest antiques trading center in the world, second only to London and Paris, with international fairs held twice a year: 15 August and Easter.
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It is definitely worth taking the time to visit Nîmes. The ancient Roman amphitheater, which was built in 60 BC, has been preserved here. It is under the protection of UNESCO and occasionally serves as a stage for performances of world-famous stars such as 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 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 has played an important role in the lives of many eminent artists. For example, the surroundings of Aix-en-Provenc, in particular the Montagne St-Victoire ridge, inspired Paul Cézanne. While walking around the city, look for nails with the letter "C" on the head on the asphalt - they mark the points associated with his life and work. You can visit the family estate Jas de Bouffan, look into the workshop on the Lovs hill or the Bibemus quarry, where Cézanne came to work on open-air paintings. 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 for 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).