Embarking on a journey from the bustling streets of Paris to the tranquil landscapes of Provence via high speed train to Avignon. We rented a car directly from Avignon, super convenient and then had full access to the entire area, including both southern and northern Provence.
Arriving in Avignon: Gateway to Provence
From the train station, we set off to Vaison-la-Romaine, a charming town steeped in history. Wandering through its ancient streets and exploring the well-preserved Roman ruins, everything felt like we stepped back in time. We loved our small hotel, La Bastide de Vaison and had a lovely morning breakfast before exploring. Super friendly staff.
Exploring North Provence: A Journey Through Vineyards and Olive Groves
Leaving Vaison-la-Romaine behind, we ventured into the heart of North Provence. Each town we visited seemed to offer its own unique blend of charm and tranquility, from the medieval streets of Nyons to the picturesque hilltop village of Seguret. We also ventured up to Mont Ventoux for a beautiful view of the entire countryside, and saw many bikers pushing hard along the way. There was a great cafe on top for an espresso.
But it was the wine tasting experiences that truly stole my heart with a fantastic wine guide on our full day winery tour. From the bold reds of Gigondas to the crisp whites of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, we learned about and tasted many different wines and enjoyed the beautiful chateaus of Provence.
Aix-en-Provence to Cassis: A Journey of Art and Sea
Continuing our journey southward, we arrived in the vibrant city of Aix-en-Provence, where cobblestone streets lined with elegant mansions led us on a journey through centuries of art and culture. From the bustling markets filled with local delicacies to the tranquil gardens that inspired Cézanne, Aix-en-Provence was a feast for the senses. We were lucky enough to be there during market day which was 1/2 activity in itself! So many great foods to sample and explore nice European clothing as well as local crafts.
We then went on to Cassis, a picturesque fishing village nestled between towering cliffs and azure waters. Here, we spent some time strolling around, boat tour, visited during another market day and had some delicious seafood at the port.
Saint-Rémy and Beyond: A Discovery of Small Town Charm
We then went on to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where narrow streets lined with boutiques and cafes bring on lazy afternoons. Renting an e-bike, we set off to explore the surrounding countryside, discovering quaint villages and rolling fields.
We loved our hotel, Hotel le Vallon de Valrugues & Spa and it was a great base for exploring Southern Provence. We were able to visit some more small charming times, our favorites were Gordes, Roussillon, Les Baux and L'Isle-sur-la-sorgue. In each town we spent time having a coffee, exploring the small streets, a bite to eat and of course a glass of rose! We also had some time to shop for local lavender and black truffle products.
Overall wonderful, relaxing trip!