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An artists’ sanctuary, Provence lures in guests with its sun-kissed landscapes and enviable local weather. The final romantic vacation spot, it’s the right place to get misplaced in nature, in a slower tempo of life, and expertise the joie de vivre the South of France is famend for.
Read on to seek out essentially the most romantic issues to do in Provence, to your subsequent fling in France!
Visit the Calanques National Park
The Calanques National Park close to Marseille is an space of immense pure magnificence. Spanning the coast between Les Goudes (in any other case referred to as the top of the world) and Cassis, the park is the primary in Europe to envelop land, sea, and concrete areas. Within the park, you’ll discover unbelievable hikes, beautiful seashores, aromatic pure flora, and underwater treasures too.
Set out for the day, pack your mountaineering footwear and a picnic, and begin your trek from both Port Miou (on the jap finish), Calanque de Callelongue (on the western finish), or the Luminy University (center). These three trails will take you thru a number of the most breathtaking surroundings in France.
Stroll among the many aromatic lavender fields
Without a doubt, the lavender fields of Provence are among the many most stunning sights within the space, and can’t be missed for those who’re visiting in summer time. From late June the panorama is laced with purple rows of those positive flowers, and their unmistakable aroma fills the air.
The Valensole plateau is the place you’ll discover essentially the most concentrated variety of lavender fields, interspersed by sunflowers and sage. But you’ll additionally discover pretty fields within the Luberon, and the Sault plateau is the place to go in August, because the lavender blooms later within the increased altitude. Of course, the lavender fields additionally make the perfect backdrop for a romantic picnic for 2, or for a memento portrait session.
PS: Check out this overview on Provence from Explore the Riviera.
Stroll by the markets of Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence is called market metropolis, and when you go to, you’ll know why it earned this popularity. In the hotter months, market stalls unfold up Cours Mirabeau and fan out into the town, day-after-day of the week.
Each space has its personal distinctive theme, beginning with antiques round La Rotonde, easing into vogue and crafts as you stroll down the tree-lined boulevard, and spreading into contemporary meals as you proceed alongside to Place des Prêcheurs. You’ll additionally discover a flower market in entrance of the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville and a each day meals market at Place Richelme – good for grabbing goodies for a picnic to get pleasure from in certainly one of Aix-en-Provence’s leafy parks.
Watch the sundown from a rooftop bar in Marseille
If you’re on the lookout for essentially the most romantic issues to do in Marseille, head to the Vieux Port. It’s right here you’ll really feel a distinct form of vibe than you’ll expertise within the extra refined cities of Aix-en-Provence or Avignon, however it’s one price exploring if you wish to expertise the vigorous spirit of France’s second metropolis.
After spending the day discovering the neighborhoods, museums, and markets that encompass the internal metropolis, head to a rooftop terrace to observe the solar sink over the Mediterranean. The Rowing Club is positioned on the finish of the previous harbour, reverse the MuCEM and provides an off-the-cuff setting, typically with reside music and tapas to accompany your apéro.
Hire a ship and cruise up the Verdon Gorge
The Verdon Gorge is likely one of the most spectacular pure sights in Provence. The 50km lengthy canyon could be explored from above – by automobile, bike or foot – or beneath, by boat. Take the latter possibility for those who’re on the lookout for essentially the most relaxed journey. You can rent kayaks, pedal boats, or motorized boats from the jetty on the northern tip of the Lac de Sainte-Croix. Take one out for the afternoon, cruise up the canal, then come again to the lake and discover a quiet nook to ‘drop anchor’ and go for a dip.
Swim & sunbathe on a hidden seashore
Provence is house to an unbelievable shoreline, with a few of France’s most interesting seashores. And regardless of its recognition, it’s nonetheless potential to seek out romantic coves and secluded spots to chill out and whereas away the hours swimming and sunbathing. Some of those hidden seashores could be discovered on the Cote Bleue – the Cote d’Azur’s lesser-known sibling. Hike alongside the coast, in both route, from Niolon to seek out the seashores solely the locals frequent. Plage de la Pointe de Figuerolles is a favorite, as is the beautiful Calanque de l’Everine.
Drive by the villages of the Luberon
There are few extra iconic, and romantic, issues to do in Provence than driving by the hilltop villages of the Luberon. From the well-known cobbled alleyways of Gordes, to the sunshine hues of Roussillon, to the understated class of Menerbes – all of them have their very own distinctive enchantment.
Allocate no less than a day, to permit your self time to indulge within the French artwork of flaneur, and get misplaced in these historic worlds which have been preserved and restored remarkably nicely. Pack a picnic to get pleasure from overlooking the valley, or pop into lunch at Bistrot le 5 (Menerbes), or L’Orangerie (at La Bastide in Gordes) to get pleasure from a romantic setting with unbeatable views.
Sip positive wines at a French Chateau
Besides meals, the South of France is known for its wine. And one wine specifically. Provence rose has a well-earned popularity around the globe, and there are fewer higher locations to pattern it than straight from the producers. The countryside in Provence is peppered with chateaux, so that you gained’t be hard-pressed to seek out one to pop into. But if you wish to plan forward, goal for Château La Coste north of Aix-en-Provence which delivers a complete artwork and wine expertise, or head alongside to Chateau Gassier close to Mont Sainte Victoire the place you should buy a pre-made picnic and sip their signature rose among the many vines.
Shop for antiques in L’isle-sur-la-Sorgue
The antiques capital of France, L’isle-sur-la-Sorgue is the perfect place to go to select up a novel memento or memento to recollect your journey to the south of France. Browse the stalls for little treasures, earlier than continuing alongside the canals to the center of the previous city. It’s right here you’ll discover loads extra methods to half together with your cash in boutiques promoting every little thing from handmade ceramics to genuine Marseille soaps.
The primary market day (Sunday) transforms the city right into a hive of exercise, and after you’ve shopped up a storm, you’ll be able to dine waterside on one of many bistro terraces. If you’re visiting in early August, don’t miss the annual floating market when locals costume up in conventional outfits and promote their wares instantly from their boats.
Get carried away by artwork at Carrières de Lumières
Situated in an deserted stone quarry, the Carrières de Lumières at this time hosts probably the most exceptional immersive artwork experiences in Europe. Each 12 months, a single theme is delivered to life by pictures and sound to create an encompassing expertise for the senses. Former exhibitions have included Picasso, Van Gogh, and Dali amongst others.
Located within the medieval village of Les Baux de Provence, the expertise can go hand in hand with a stroll by certainly one of France’s (official) most stunning villages. Don’t overlook to additionally go to the Chateau des Baux de Provence to immerse your self in one other facet of the area’s historical past.
Cycle across the island of Porquerolles
The island of Porquerolles is located simply off the coast of the coast of Provence, close to Hyeres. A doable day journey, however a extra satisfying brief break vacation spot, the car-free island is an unspoiled gem within the Mediterranean. Take your bike (or rent one there) and spend your days seashore hopping, visiting the island’s vineyards, or mountaineering by eucalyptus forests and olive groves.
Pink lakes and pink birds within the Camargue
There’s no mistaking pink as a color of romance, so for those who’re trying to up the ante, why not plan a visit to the Camargue! Home to pink lakes and hundreds of pink birds, it’s certain to depart an impression. Start with a visit to the Salin d’Aigues-Mortes, the salt lakes that flip pink from the algae current within the water, Dunaliella Salina. Nearby, swarms of larger flamingos collect on the marshlands of the Camargue. To see their pure magnificence up shut, head to Parc Ornithologique the place you’ll be able to stroll across the lakes on a picket pathway. The birds are wild, however you’ll discover a whole bunch of them grazing within the muddy marshes for those who go to within the hotter months.
Stay someplace pretty: Romantic Places to Stay in Provence
The Luberon is the perfect place to remain for those who’re trying to expertise the romantic nature of Provence. And fortunately it’s brimming with decadent inns and B&B’s the place you’ll be able to indulge and chill out.
La Bastide de Gordes is famously lavish, and provides guests the last word in luxurious. If that’s not fairly becoming your finances, Le Clos du Buis in Bonnieux provides a extra intimate keep in genuine environment.
Alternatively, simply south of the Luberon, with quick access to Aix-en-Provence you’ll be able to reside out your French fantasy by staying within the beautiful Chateau de Fonscolombe. With grand gardens, and its personal onsite winery, you’ll by no means wish to return to ‘real life’
About the writer: Nadine Maffre is the creator of Le Long Weekend. A New Zealand-native, she now calls Provence house and he or she loves to assist others uncover the perfect of the area by her Provence journey guides, and her free Provence Travel Planning group.
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