Monday, 19 August 2013

Travel Through This Southern French Region With Provence Tours

By Andrea Davidson


Immortalized by the paintings of Van Gough and celebrated by Peter Mayle, this southern French region has delighted visitors for generations. A Provence tours experience offers the diversity of package or custom tours. The coasts, mountains, fields, rivers, towns and cities in between offer a plethora of opportunities to explore its special beauty.

Visitors may fly into the international airport in Nice or the one in Marseille. There are rail links connecting these cities to other towns within the region. London travelers may catch a ride on the Eurostar to Paris. It is less than 5 hours from there via TGV to Marseille. The Paris to Avignon ride takes 3 hours and 45 minutes. Bus travel is also available between the 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.

During the tourist season sightseers clog even the small picturesque towns. It is wiser to go there in the less visited spring or autumn periods. If you would enjoy a scenic journey viewing Alpine scenery, the Train des Pignes between Digne les Bains and Nice should be on the itinerary. A serene way to enjoy the scenic countryside is to go on a river cruise on the Rhone. River cruises will take travelers along the western border down the Rhone River and continue along the Saone River, a tributary of the larger river.

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.

Sunflower fields and vines are in the south, the picturesque Luberon hills lie in the west and the southern Alps are in the northeast. The lavender fields define the essence of this scented land for many. Lavender blooms from about the final week of June to the beginning of August. The sunflowers which inspired Van Gogh are in full bloom between July and August.

Of course, tasting Provencal specialties will be a part of the experience. This cuisine is renowned for its ingredients which are an intriguing mix of natively grown produce. For the rustic tastes of Cezanne, the simple potatoes in oil dish was the most delicious. Marseille and its bouillabaisse are most known, but most major towns are associated with a particular ingredient or dish. The capital city of Aix en Provence is identified for its petal shaped Calisson sweet consisting of an almond and candied fruit paste topped with icing. Pastis is a refreshing local drink visitors should try with their meals.

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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