France

Natural treasures of the Haute Provence

Day 1. Old World Grand Canyon

On the first day, we invite you to go to the Verdon Gorge. The canyon is all that remains of the ancient sea that once occupied the land of Provence. For a long time, the deepest parts of the gorge remained impregnable. Only at the beginning of the last century, the geologist Edouard Alfred Martel made the first expedition along the Verdon River. 25 years later, the famous speleologist Robert de Joly investigated the sinkhole, the place where the river goes underground. The scientist even had to use a diving suit.

Each dish in the L'Actuel restaurant is filled with the aromas of the Alpine foothills and the Provencal sun. The cuisine is simple but savoury: homemade lobster ravioli, foie gras, grilled fish, stuffed ballotine chicken and braised lamb shank (souris dagneau).

L'Actuel

Immersed in the greenery and singing of cicadas, Le Comptoir restaurant invites guests to enjoy the dishes of southern French and world cuisine. Le Comptoir's extensive menu includes homemade bruschetta, refreshing summer cocktails, fried mussels, steaks and salads with season vegetables.

Le Comptoir

Verdon Gorge

The Artuby Bridge stretches over the river of the same name at the altitude of 182 meters. This is the highest European bridge from which extreme jumps on an elastic rope are allowed. Bungee jumping is practiced here from April to November.

The Artuby Bridge

After admiring the canyon from above, head to the Lake of Sainte-Croix. An artificial reservoir appeared as a result of the construction of a dam in the 1970s. For this, the village of Salles-sur-Verdon had to be flooded. We recommend driving to the lake from the village of Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon. On the local beach, you can rent a boat or kayak at the Le Petit Port and Lac-Loc rental points to get on the water and sail between the cliffs.

The Lake of Sainte-Croix

Ferme Para Lou streches out among lavender fields, 700 meters from the Lake Saint-Croix. The complex fits perfectly into the natural landscape, inviting guests to plunge into the serene life of a country estate. The hosts collect honey from their own apiary, mules and horses graze in the meadow, and guests rest on hammocks and relax by the pool overlooking the aquamarine lake and the Provencal Grand Canyon. You can stay either in a room or in a separate house with its own kitchen and a living room with a fireplace.

Ferme Para Lou

Stay overnight in a 19th century hut. In ancient times, the house served as a stable, the new owners have restored the original stone walls and ceiling beams. The authentic rustic interior is simple and cozy, including a kitchenette, a living room and a bedroom. Lou Marcelou is famous for its spacious terrace overlooking the lake and mountain ranges.

Lou Marcelou

Camping sites are a more budget-friendly alternative to hotels and guesthouses. Camping Les Roches offers 198 caravans, campgrounds and campervans located in the middle of a forest and 100 meters away from the beach. The caravans are equipped with mini-living rooms, kitchens and several bedrooms, as well as a barbecue area, a playground and a table tennis equipment for guests to use in common.

Camping Les Roches

Mountain landscapes, faience and medieval churches

Day 2. Rural Provence

The settlement was founded by monks in the 5th century, and the ancient Temple of St. Mary became a Mecca for local pilgrims. In Moustiers, ballads about knights and beautiful ladies are remembered, even the main symbol of the village, a golden star hanging over the gorge, is covered with secrets. There are over 20 legends about the star! Some believe that this is the key to the treasures of the Templars. Others believe the star is set to commemorate the Provencal Romeo and Juliet. But the most popular legend was the story of the knight Bozon de Blacas. He was captured by the Saracens during a crusade and vowed to hang a gold star over his native village if he could return home. The mysterious symbol has fallen several times, so this is already the eleventh golden star in a row.

The restaurateur Mireille Servan and the chef Laurent Barre praise the authentic Provencal cuisine with its clear and hearty dishes, generously flavored with alpine herbs. Choose a table on the shady terrace under the plane trees and be sure to try the stewed legs of lamb (pieds de paque) and lamb thigh stewed in lavender honey.

La Treille Muscate

La Bastide de Moustiers is a home for a gourmet where juniper smoked venison and beef cheeks in red wine are served. The restaurant's menu changes every week, while remaining faithful to local products: in spring it is asparagus, in summer it is nasturtiums from their own garden, in autumn it is tomatoes, and in winter it is goat's milk, from which the most delicate ice cream is made.

La Bastide de Moustiers

Behind the gates of the 18th century manor, a gastronomic journey through the south of France begins. The chef of La Ferme Ste-Cécile creates dishes of incredible presentation and taste: baked pigeons and quails, squid, marinated anchovies with beet salad, goat cheese and freshly baked spicy bread. The atmosphere is complemented by a flowered garden and a terrace with a fantastic panorama.

La Ferme Ste-Cécile

The Village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Several centuries ago, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie experienced a real faience boom. Fine ceramics were made for the king himself! In the museum you will find out about the stages of production and see the most beautiful and rare faience products, tiles and dishes created back in the 17th century.

Museum of Faience

This is a small 12th century Catholic chapel. You will recognize it from the tall Lombard-style bell tower. It is considered the most beautiful bell tower in Provence. The church is located in a picturesque square with a drinking fountain and benches where you can relax in the shade.

Church of Our Lady of the Assumption

A small chapel seems to hover over the village. It was built on rocks on the site of the very Temple of St. Mary. A path of 262 steps leads to the church, but the views of the Valensole plateau and the Maire valley are well worth the effort.

Chapel of Notre Dame de Beauvoir

The concept of the hotel is the era of the Enlightenment and the great philosophers, whose names are given to the five elegant suites. In a restaurant you will not only taste the delicacies and wines of Provence, but also enjoy the stunning views from the terrace. In addition to the 17th century mansion, the hotel offers an old country estate, for those who want to spend time in the natural idyll.

Hôtel Particulier des Lumières

It is an opportunity to stay in a charming Provencal cottage in the heart of Moustiers. The house is equipped with household appliances, WI-FI, TV and DVD. On the fourth floor you will find a cozy lounge area where you can treat yourself with a barbecue overlooking the town and the mountain range.

The House of Moustiers

The guesthouse is based in a traditional 16th century building. Bright rooms and apartments with a separate kitchen are available to guests. Have a tea party in a cozy backyard garden or visit a local restaurant, where you will be heartily fed with homemade cuisine.

La Bastide du Paradou

Day 3. Valensole Village

Valensole is beautiful all year round. Almonds bloom here in spring, lavender blooms in summer, and sunflowers and wheat grows in August. Even in autumn and winter, the local landscape resembles a postcard, when the peaks of the mountains covered with snow stand out against the background of a clear sky.

Stop by for a lunch at Le P'tit Resto, where guests will be served large and tasty meals. The menu combines popular dishes: pizza, carpaccio and burgers, as well as French pork sausages (andouille), terrine ham and parfait for dessert.

Le P'tit Resto

Ice cream is the best helper in saving you from the hot Provencal sun. The undisputed must-eat at Le Palais D'Or is lavender-flavored ice cream.

Le Palais D'Or

Plateau Valensole

A walk in a lavender field is a full-fledged aromatherapy session, but it is important to remember that plantations are private property, therefore it is forbidden to pick plants, but ready-made bouquets can be bought in souvenir shops or the lavender museum. Be careful, bees have settled on the fields, and sometimes snakes are found between the bushes. Take a bike at a rental center and go for a mini-expedition across the endless lilac sea, pulling off onto country roads, avoiding crowds of tourists. You will have a chance to take great photos and enjoy the tart scent of flowers properly.

Lavender fields

The villagers make honey, oil, perfumes, cosmetics, and even candy from lavender! All this you can buy at the Museum of Lavender.

Museum of Lavender

Spend a night like a real Chevalier in an 18th century castle. The interior of the rooms maintains the general style, no Art Nouveau, only antique carved furniture, canopy beds, crystal chandeliers, engravings, paintings and other decor that takes guests three centuries ago. The hotel is equipped with free WI-FI, there is not a single TV in the castle, but there are well-tended gardens, a terrace and even a tea room.

Château du Grand Jardin

This 18th century manor is located in the picturesque surroundings of Valensole, near the village of Saint-Gregoire. Vacationers are accommodated in two cottages, the interior of which recalls the traditional decoration of Haute Provence. The homestead is suitable for family tourists, as there are facilities for children.

Le Clos de la Tuilerie

The farm is an excellent choice for those who respect the environment and are looking for a quiet and relaxing holiday. The Schultz family has owned land for 40 years, hosting guests on an eco-farm amid olive and almond plantations. Two furnished cottages are suitable for recreation even for a large company, because each of the houses can accommodate up to 5-6 people.

Le Mas de Trotte-Vache

Majestic palaces, Catholic temples,&nbsp;and museums

Day 4. Avignon

Avignon is a city of medieval aesthetics and canonical church music. The hero of French ballads, Avignon at the beginning of the XIV century became the residence of the Pope, hence its second name is &quot;the city of the Popes&quot;. The local heritage of the Catholic Church is the Palace of the Popes, the Cathedral of Notre Dame des Domes and the Saint Benezet Bridge, which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List, not visiting them means not seeing the city.

La Mirande restaurant has been awarded Michelin stars for its high-quality cuisine and support for the sustainable development of the region: the restaurant purchases products from local farmers and grows aromatic herbs in the garden. Chef Florent Pietravalle focuses on southern cuisine: light, tasty and refined. An elegant room with Venetian chandeliers or a blooming summer garden will only enhance the aesthetic pleasure.

La Mirande

The exclusive restaurant at the La Miranda Hotel can accommodate 12 guests at a common table, serving Provencal cuisine prepared in front of them by the team of chefs Patrice Blain and Alexandere Malinverno. The homely atmosphere is complemented by cozy details: earthenware and copper dishes, bright pots and an abundance of wood.

La Table Haute de la Mirande

The star-awarded Sevin restaurant occupies an ancient house of the 13th century. Today, in the vaulted halls, modern cuisine is born from the chef Guilhem Sevin. Start with cod with black sesame seeds, onions and cauliflower with ginger, then go on to the main course, the pork mignon with vegetables, after enjoy farm cheeses and creative desserts. We advise you to book your tables on the terrace overlooking the Palace of the Popes.

Sevin

Connoisseurs of traditional French cuisine prefer La Fourchette. The elegant and light rooms are inviting to a leisurely conversation, while the dishes change on the tables: snails dressed with butter and herbs (Les escargots de Bourgogne), juicy breaded pork legs with ravigot sauce (Les pieds de porc panés), Bresse Gallic chicken with foie -grass and caramelized turnips (La volaille de Bresse), sweets and cheeses.

La Fourchette

Chef Julien Chazal reinterprets French culinary classics by experimenting with compositions. The result is a fresh and unconventional menu that has room for tradition and innovation. Popular in the south, angler fish is served at Le Goût du Jour with vegetable ravioli, beurre blanc sauce, caviar and the Asian fruit yuzu; and the Provencal hit, venison, is revealed in a new way in combination with black truffles and chervil.

Le Goût du Jour

Crossing the threshold of La Vieille Fontaine, guests enter a country estate where fine French cuisine is complemented by trends from chef Pascal Auger, who brought the restaurant a Michelin star. The restaurant serves duck with black truffles, scallops with almond paste and foie gras with Longue de Nice pumpkin, pistachios and fruits.

La Vieille Fontaine

The Pollen cuisine, under the guidance of local chef Mathieu Desmarest, has won Michelin stars and gourmet hearts. Following a three or six position formula, guests taste excellently prepared dishes that maximize the gastronomic potential of Provence. For the wine list, the Pollen team has selected organic and biodynamic wines.

Pollen

Hiély-Lucullus is led by Gerald Azoulay, a native of Avignon who studied with the best culinary masters of Rohan and Grasse. Chef Azoulay's cuisine is a harmony of Provencal products: black truffles, green asparagus, tomatoes, herbs, olive oil and gastronomic discoveries from all over the world. We recommend ordering the traditional aïgo boulido with seaweed, garlic, seasonal vegetables and chia sage from Latin America. The wine list contains about 500 items, each of which is specially selected for the local cuisine.

Hiély-Lucullus

Avenio is the Michelin star's child of Jerome and Pauline Nolin. Simple Provencal Avenio dishes are beef cheeks with beans and asparagus, artichoke salad, roast pigeon with vegetables, delicious fig dessert or chocolate and pear sphere have passed the test of time and are already loved by residents and guests of Avignon.

Avenio

When taking a gastronomic tour of Corps Saints Square, be sure to stop at L'Agape Restaurant. The bistro-style interior, open kitchen and the most unexpected taste combinations are the idea of the owner and chef Julien Gleize. Here you will taste thinly sliced veal with tempura capers, marinated red onions and avocado cream; Provencal zucchini with mackerel and creamy cabbage with almond cream and apricot mousse. The restaurant is awarded the Michelin-starred "Bib Gourmand", which means "excellent cuisine at a reasonable price".

L'Agape

Avignon

Not every bridge in the world can boast that it was built by the divine providence. According to legend, in 1177 an angel appeared to a shepherd named Benoit and ordered him to build a bridge over the Rhone River. The boy convinced the bishop to start construction, and by 1185 the grandiose structure was ready. The bridge connected the cities of Avignon and Villeneuve-les-Avignon, and the boy was nicknamed Saint Benezet. The popularity of the bridge was brought about by the medieval song "Sur le pont d`Avignon", which was sung at every corner in the 15th century. The bridge did not survive the flood of 1669. Only four spans and the chapel of St. Nicholas have survived to our days, but you still can walk along the preserved part of the bridge.

Saint Benezet Bridge

In the garden, you can hide from the heat, take a walk and take great pictures of the Palace of the Popes, the Saint Benezet Bridge, the Rhone River and the Mount Ventoux from the observation deck on the cliff in the northern part of the park. Archaeologists call the garden "the cradle of Avignon", because it was here that they discovered the site of the people from the Neolithic era. The park is bordered by a vineyard, which is the starting point for harvesting in all Provencal vineyards.

Gardens of the Doms

The palace is one of the ten most visited attractions in France. About 650,000 tourists come to the city every year to see the legendary monument. The palace served as the residence of the Pope from 1364 to 1377 during the period of the so-called "Avignon Papacy", when the head of the Catholic Church left troubled Rome and settled in Avignon. Later, the palace was occupied by followers of the antipapal movement, French cardinals, who disagreed with the choice of a new pontiff from Rome. Today, 25 rooms are open for tourists, among them the Papal chambers, the Consistory hall with tapestries and portraits, the Saint-Jean chapel and the Saint-Martial chapel, which are decorated with frescoes. The palace has preserved the original furniture and medieval utensils.

Palace of the Popes

The 14th century palace is decorated with more than 300 paintings of the Late Middle Ages and Early Renaissance, as well as sculptures and church capitals. The museum will interest fans of Sandro Botticelli's work, here you can see his painting "Madonna and Child".

Museum of Petit Palais

The history of Notre-Dame-des-Dome is closely connected with the "Papal period" of the city, at that time the cathedral was even considered the center of the Catholic world. Italian painter Simone Martini worked on the interior of the temple. Inside there are some of the oldest macabre frescoes in Europe, "The Three Living and the Three Dead,". But the main "treasures" of Notre-Dame-des-Dome are considered to be the six-meter gilded statue of the Virgin Mary and the Golden Organ of the 19th century.

Cathedral of Notre Dame des Doms

The Gothic temple is a favorite of tourists and residents of the city. The Basilica welcomes guests with the elegant carved doors from the 16th century, made of walnut wood. The relics of the Basilica of Saint-Pierre are no less curious: a baroque altar with the image of the Last Supper, a gilded wood loft and a 19th century organ. The Basilica in honor of St. Pierre was erected in 1358 on the site of an early medieval church destroyed by the Saracens.

Basilica of Saint-Pierre d’Avignon

The oldest church in Avignon was built by the patron saint of the city, Saint Agricola, in the 7th century. There are the relics of the saint and the 16th century altarpiece. Organ concerts are held in the church, some of which are free.

Church of Saint Agricola

The Roure Palace is a Provence Cultural Museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It houses costumes, furniture of the 18th-19th centuries, drawings, sculptures, books, everything that tells about the traditional life of the Provencal people. The Roure Palace was built in 1469 for the family of the Florentine banker Baroncelli, whose descendants owned the house until 1908. In 1918, the Gothic mansion was bought by the writer Jeanne de Flandreysy, who turned the house into a cultural center.

Roure Palace

Museum Calvet is Avignon's premier museum. The history of this place began in 1810, when the doctor and collector Esprit Calvet donated a library to the city, a repository of exhibits of natural sciences and ancient artifacts. Since then, the museum has expanded significantly and today you can enjoy the works of Paul Cézanne, Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, Alfred Sisley, Amadeo Modigliani, Tintoretto, Marc Chagall and other French, Italian and Northern European masters.

Museum Calvet

The ambassador of contemporary art in Avignon, the Lambert Museum, brings together over 1,200 works from conceptual painting to minimalism. The private collection belonged to art patron Yvon Lambert, who began collecting exhibits in the 1960s. You will see the creations of Brice Marden, Carl Andre, Niele Toroni, Robert Ryman and other artists.

Collection Lambert

The Lapidaire Museum is housed in a magnificent 17th century Jesuit chapel. It houses a collection of Gallo-Roman culture and archaeological artifacts such as ancient sarcophagi, household items and sculptures.

Lapidaire Museum

The Church of Saint Didier is a striking representative of the Avignon Gothic. The facade of the 14th century building remained intact, retaining all the features of the architecture of that time. The church is decorated with the works of Simon de Chalons "The Flagellation" and "The Descent of the Holy Spirit", as well as the high relief "Carrying the Cross" by the sculptor Francesco Laurana. The last element is considered an outstanding piece of art.

Church of Saint Didier

This is a cozy guest house located in the heart of the city on the Palace Square overlooking the Palace of the Popes. The owner of the house rents out only two rooms with private bathrooms, so the intimate atmosphere, peace and homemade breakfasts in the secret garden await guests.

Face au Palais

Les Jardins de Baracane is a completely renovated 17th century manor house with lush gardens and an outdoor pool. The owners of the guest house, the couple Olivier and Laurence, have preserved the antique details in the interior: beamed ceilings, tiles, wooden doors, internal shutters on the windows and stonework. The windows of the rooms overlook the inner garden so that the noise of the city does not distract from the rest.

Les Jardins de Baracane

La Mirande is a union of sophisticated classics and modern comfort. The history of the luxury hotel dates back to 1309, when the building belonged to Cardinal de Pellegrue. Since then, the owners of the luxurious palace have changed more than once, and La Mirande rooms have been used as scenery in the film "La Réligieuse" by Jacques Rivette, the New Wave director. The current owners have reconstructed the building, but preserved the spirit of the old era. The Baroque rooms are soundproofed and decorated with tapestries, marble baths and fine furnishings. La Mirande restaurant has been awarded a Michelin star, and guests can not only taste gourmet cuisine, but also take part in culinary master classes.

Hotel d'Europe is one of the oldest five-star hotels in the Old World. The mansion opened its doors to travelers in 1799. The individually styled rooms offer views of the inner garden, historic streets or the Palace of the Popes. The hotel invites you to relax in a spa, enjoy a rooftop breakfast or dine in a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Hotel d'Europe

La Divine Comédie is an example of elegance, style and service. Guests will fall for an outdoor terrace, a swimming pool, a spa center, a bar, a private parking and classically styled rooms decorated with bookshelves and antiques. Stay in one of five suites and explore the home garden, the largest private park in Avignon.

La Divine Comédie

Artists&#39; studios, palaces and thermal springs.

Day 5. Land of a Thousand Fountains

Aix-en-Provence is called &quot;Little Versailles&quot; for a reason. The city has 130 fountains within a radius of 3 kilometers, this is the largest concentration of fountains in Europe! Thanks to the patron saint of the city, King Rene the Good, provincial Aix turned into a city of universities and art in the 15th century. Some call Aix-en-Provence the 21st arrondissement of Paris, while others call it a city-museum for the preserved architectural monuments, numerous galleries and exhibitions.

The Villa Gallici restaurant is pure aesthetics. Guests can leisurely discover the flavors and aromas of Provence while sitting on the outdoor summer terrace under the plane trees. In winter, they gather in the living room, decorated with soft armchairs, a chandelier, flowers and a carved baroque fireplace. Chef Christophe Gavot has been running Villa Gallici's kitchen since 2003, creating culinary delights every day from local products. Try the Sisteron lamb fillet from Haute Provence, baked with a sprig of rosemary, artichokes, pine nuts and olives; or Mediterranean perch fried with potatoes, saffron and onion and blackberry cream, and, of course, an assortment of cheeses from the Alpine foothills.

Villa Gallici

An intimate atmosphere, French cuisine and 300 wine listings are the ingredients for an ideal dinner from Le Vintrépide restaurant. In the historic center of Aix-en-Provence, guests will taste delicious but simple dishes: baked guinea fowl with truffles and potatoes, chicken roll, scallops, sea bass and homemade desserts, decorated with seasonal fruits.

Le Vintrépide

The union of tradition and innovation in every piece is what Michael and Olivia Feval are guided by, offering guests traditional French dishes in a new way. Here they create fish tartare (tartare de poisson), decorated with raspberries and flowers; and fillet of bluefin tuna (Thon Rouge), medium rare, served with radishes, tropical musk lime calamansi, olives and capers. Among the classics, we advise you to try veal with celery, chestnuts and mushrooms (le Carré de Veau). The culinary art of Chef Mickael Feval was appreciated by the guides Gault & Millou and Michelin, who awarded the restaurant a star.

Mickaël Féval

Molène is the second restaurant of the Feval couple and an equally successful project celebrating the sea and seafood. The menu focuses on fish dishes: langoustine and sea bass roll (la Langoustine et le Loup, en ballottine) with sturgeon caviar, perch fillets and trout and parsnip appetizers. A touching personal story is associated with the name of the restaurant; it was on the island of Molène in the north of France where the owner and chef of the restaurant, Mickael, proposed to his future wife Olivia.

Molène de Mickaël Féval

Côté Cour is the gastronomic star of the Boulevard Mirabeau, serving gourmet cuisine. The owner and chef of the restaurant, Ronan Kernen, changes the menu every week to diversify the dining experience with new culinary combinations. Here you can enjoy beef tenderloin with truffle, vanilla mille-feuil cake and foie gras ravioli. Among the chef's unusual combinations is duck fillet with pak-choy kimchi and rosemary.

Côté Cour

La Petite Rerme restaurant creates dishes with a southern character: juicy, hearty and aromatic. Here you will taste grilled langoustines and salmon ceviche with turmeric. Leave room for specialties: duck breast (Magret de Canard) baked with carrots, caraway seeds and beets with orange sauce; piglet fried with mushrooms, cabbage and walnuts (Cochon de lait) or beef steak (Paleron de boeuf). Wines from Champagne, Burgundy and Provence are more preferable on the list.

La Petite Ferme

At La Table du Pigonnet, South French flavour is revealed in every dish from Chef Thierry Balligand, who has been loyal to the restaurant since 1993. On the list of undisputed must-try there are beef breaded with sweet potatoes, fried scallops, pistachio soufflé and berry sorbet. The restaurant offers a special vegetarian menu with herbs and vegetables from its own garden. We recommend booking a table in the garden surrounded by greenery and flowers.

La Table du Pigonnet

Chef Filipe Licandro's Le Bistro exists in the spirit of a modern city: the interior, kept in soothing colors, does not distract from the menu with clear dishes from classic Provencal ingredients: lamb baked with dried fruits, onions, black garlic and Navarrin sauce (lepaulet dagneau), poultry with sauce from morels (la volaille Prince des Dombes) or hake with Brussels sprouts (le merlu).

Licandro Le Bistro

Aix-en-Provence

In Aix-en-provence, Paul Cezanne is a real celebrity. Locals honor the memory of the talented fellow countryman and even preserved his workshop, which is located on the second floor of a mansion built by Cezanne's personal order. In Provence, the post-impressionist finished over 800 paintings! Admirers of Cezanne's work can visit places associated with the artist's life. To do this, follow the big "C" icons on the pavement. The route starts at the family house on Rue de l'Opéra, where Paul Cezanne was born in 1839, and ends at the Saint Pierre cemetery, where the great master is buried.

Cezanne's Studio

According to legend, the Cathedral was built on the ruins of the Temple of Apollo. It became a bridge between Roman paganism and Christendom. It took 800 years to build, the temple was finally erected by the 13th century! Inside there is the Triptych of the Burning Bush, which is recognized as the most outstanding work of art of the 15th century! You will find it in the Gothic nave of the Cathedral.

Aix Cathedral

The Richelme Square has a daily food fair. Markets and fairs are a true passion of the southerners. It's worth going here for the freshest products at low prices and a crazy atmosphere. Aix-en-Provence has 14 markets on a permanent basis, selling vegetables, fruits, aromatic spices, cheeses, seafood and meat. In summer, flower shops open on the nearby Square of l'Hôtel de ville, where you can admire a lot of colors and breathe in the scent of the Provencal flora.

Richelme Square

Boulevard Mirabeau is an artery of Aix-en-Provence. Instead of the old ramparts in the 16th-18th centuries, elegant mansions were erected here, where today cafes, shops and bakeries are located. The promenade begins with the fountain of King Rene. It is no coincidence that the monarch was portrayed with a bunch of Muscat grapes in his left hand. It was King Rene who revived the Provencal winemaking. Further down Mirabeau, you will see the quaint Moussue fountain, which is served with hot water. And then there is the fountain de Neuf-Canons, and at the end rises the majestic Rotonde. The sculptures on this fountain symbolize the main values of the city: Justice, Agriculture and Art. On Mirabeau, be sure to try Calisson. A local delicacy of almonds and candied melons with orange blossom is baked at the Béchard bakery.

Mirabeau Boulevard

Walking through the Mazarin quarter, stop by the Hotel de Caumont, a furnished 18th century mansion. Previously, the luxurious building belonged to the de Caumont family, and even the room of the Marquise Pauline has been preserved here. She was considered the most beautiful girl in Provence at that time. Today, the art space of the Hotel de Caumont regularly hosts exhibitions and concerts. The manor garden, decorated in the spirit of the 18th century, deserves special attention.

Hotel de Caumont

Another pearl of the Mazarin area is the Granet Museum. The museum contains exhibits from ancient art to postmodernism. People come here to look at the works of Rembrandt, Rubens, Flemalle, Degas, Van Gogh, Monet and the Aix-en-Provence's favorite, Cezanne.

Granet Museum

Relax in the thermal baths at the end of the day! The thermal springs in Aix-en-Provence were discovered by the ancient Romans. And although only ruins remain from their baths, you can visit their modern counterparts, in no way inferior to the Roman baths.

Sextius Thermal Baths

The rooms of the villa are not alike, each of them is a separate piece of art, stylized in the best traditions of Baroque and Rococo. The La Villa Gallici restaurant, awarded the Michelin Plate, serves Provencal dishes with original signature notes. For the comfort of guests, there is a spa center, a fitness room, a heated pool, and a wine library.

La Villa Gallici - Relais & Châteaux

This classic Provencal villa opened its doors to guests in 1924. The pride of the hotel is a shady garden decorated with fountains, flower beds and statues. Stop for dinner at La Table du Pigonnet, renowned for classic French cuisine.

Le Pigonnet

The guest house is located in a former 17th century water mill! The premises of the farm were converted into rooms only in 2001. Today, guests can relax in a village house and enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables from the garden, just half an hour walk from the city center.

Le Moulin des Pinchinats

Guests of Maison Dauphine will find an interesting neighborhood, the Square of the Four Dauphines, the handsome Boulevard Mirabeau and the gallery of modern art on the ground floor. The apartments are eclectic in design, with bright linens and classic fireplaces that emphasize the individuality of the place.

Maison Dauphine

Day 6. Cassis is a quiet fishing harbour

Virginia Woolf called Cassis a little paradise. It is not difficult to understand why the writer loved this fishing town. On the one hand, Cassis is tightened by the Calanques National Park with fjords and pine trees, on the other it is limited by the giant Cape Canai, vineyards and olive groves. Despite the developed tourism, the city managed to preserve the unique nature, which is the main attraction here.

For over 40 years, La Presqu'île has been inventing amazing dishes that highlight the region's gastronomic richness, combined with mushrooms and vegetables from Asia and America. Treat youself with the finest medium-rare veal mignon, baked lamb, Jerusalem artichoke turbot with tonka beans, or fish stew with pak choy, beetroot and saffron.

La Presqu'île

La Villa Madie is an ambitious gastronomic project by Marielle and Dimitri Droisneau, which has already achieved two Michelin stars. La Villa Madie's menu combines traditional Provencal recipes and signature dishes: barigoule artichokes, langoustines with bergamot and marinated beef with black truffle.

La Villa Madie

The cosy La Brasserie du Corton belongs to the authorship of Marielle and Dimitri Droisneau. The terrace of the restaurant will make fall in love at first sight, and while you admire the sparkling surface of the Mediterranean Sea, in the kitchen, the team of Chef Dimitri Droisneau is already preparing Magre duck with polenta, apples and curry, beef tartare, custard soufflé (mousseline de sole) and an Italian guest dish, pasta with squid (calamarata).

La Brasserie du Corton

Clos Sainte-Magdeleine vineyards cascade down to the edge of the Mediterranean. Thanks to the sandstones and rocks of marl, a delicate rose and velvety white wines with a noble bitterness in the aftertaste are born here. The estate is run by Jonathan Sack-Zafiropulo, a fourth generation winemaker. He made the Bel Arme dry wine, the ambassador of Clos Sainte-Magdeleine, created from old vines of Clairette, Bourboulenc, Marsanne and Trebbiano.

Clos Sainte-Magdeleine Winery

Domaine du Bagnol winemakers rely on biodynamics, a study in which the Earth is perceived as a single organism, and the fields are cultivated with the help of a plow and horses, taking into account the astrological calendar and natural rhythms. Winemaking on the lands of Domaine du Bagnol dates back to the Middle Ages, but the first official owner of the plantations is the Marquis de Fesques, who acquired the winery in 1867. The current owners, the Genovesi family, dedicated the prestigious cuvée Marquis de Fesques, famous for the aroma of almonds and spicy bread, to the aristocrat.

Domaine du Bagnol Winery

The Santini family has run vineyards since 1943 and now produces organic wines from the varieties Grenache, Cinsault, Clairette, Carignan, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Trebbiano and Marsanne. Santini's principle is that the grapes are harvested by hand and only in the early morning to preserve the aroma and fullness of the taste. Try exquisite rosé, elegant red wine with hints of ripe cherries and the legendary white cuvée, fermented in oak barrels and bringing the Domaine du Paternel Winery the glory for over 70 years.

Domaine du Paternel Winery

Domaine de la Ferme Blanche is one of the oldest wineries in Provence. For the first time, wine from local vineyards was obtained in 1714. Today, 150 thousand bottles are produced here annually, and 80% of the production is white wines, in which the piquant aromas of fruits and acacia are revealed. The winery's gastronomic shop sells local Provencal products: olive oil from Aix-en-Provence, sardines from Marseille and Nice.

Domaine de la Ferme Blanche Winery

In 1899, a young enthusiast and self-taught Emile Bodin bought an old vineyard that had suffered from phylloxera. Together with a friend, Bodin grew the plantations with pest-resistant Texas grapes and saved the land from ruin. The famous French poet Frederic Mistral wrote about Bodin's wines: “the bee has no sweeter honey, the wine shines like a pure diamond, dances in a glass, smells of rosemary and myrtle”. Emile Bodin's descendants still run the Château de Fontblanche and create original white and red wines.

Cassis Bodin Wine Vault

Cassis

Cap Canaille is the highest sea cliff in Europe. Its height is 394 meters, from the top there is a great view of Cassis, the surrounding bays and wineries. The road from the city to the cape is no less picturesque. It is called Route des Crêtes and goes uphill along the cliff. It is best to go to conquer the cliff in the morning, at lunchtime it gets very hot on the mountain in summer.

Cap Canaille

It is best to start your acquaintance with the city itself with the port, the business card of Cassis. Take a walk along the promenade, looking at the snow-white boats and colorful houses. Here you can easily rent water transport and explore the waters of Cassis, for example, the Calanque Port Pin and the Calanque d'En Vau.

Port of Cassis

From this observation deck, you will see a small azure bay. You cannot swim here, the locals use it as a pier.

Calanque de Port Miou

In summer, the air in Cassis warms up to + 27C. The best way to escape the heat is to take a dip in the sea and cool off with a cocktail at a beach bar. Fans of sandy coves should look at the Grand Mer beach, which is located right behind the marina. Lifeguards are on duty on the beach, the shore is regularly cleaned, and along the promenade tourists will find restaurants and water sports equipment rental.

Grande Mer Beach

This colorful hut in Cassis Bay will complement any vacation. A small house is located on the slopes of the rocks and is sheltered from prying eyes by dense greenery. Guests have at their disposal two terraces, a pier for boats and a separate entrance to the water.

L'Esquinade

Spend a night in a medieval citadel! Several hundred years ago, the city developed inside the castle, and its powerful walls protected the inhabitants from the enemy. The castle is built on a cliff, so get ready for some gorgeous sea views. Although guests are greeted with a modern design, the renovation has not fundamentally changed the appearance of the castle.

Château de Cassis

Does your heart need a romance? Follow the example of Edith Piaf and Winston Churchill, who once stayed at the elegant Les Roches Blanche. The resort opened its doors to the Roaring Twenties, and it still feels the hint of that era here in the elements of art deco and in the general atmosphere of celebration and relaxation.

Hôtel Les Roches Blanches

Provence stretches from rugged mountain ranges to the Mediterranean coast. On a six-day car trip, you will pass the European &quot;Grand Canyon&quot;, find out why the artists loved Aix-en-Provence so much and taste some white wine unconventional for the region.

Holidays in Provence