Five Great Villages in Provence

Provence is known as being the very best region in the South of France for summer holidays, with its twist of culture and a relaxed style that is typical of the region. Staying in one of the many beautiful Provence holiday villas is an especially delightful way of enjoying this magical region.

Provence is great to visit in the spring when the plants are in bloom, the weather is sunny and yet the heat of full summer has not yet arrived, allowing for more comfortable enjoyment of the many cultural attractions of this beautiful area.

One of the top five great villages is the oddly named Plan de la Tour (known simply as ‘Plan’ to the locals). This village is just a few kilometres away from the beaches of the larger St Maxine, but it is very quiet. Perfect for relaxed exploration without getting too far away from the gorgeous beaches. Another excellent village to visit is Les Baux de Provence. This village is home to an astonishing number of monuments – 22 to be precise, a very large number for a small settlement. To be fair, the village acts more as a support to the tourist activities and houses around 500 locals. The village is great for a day trip.

For a really ancient village, try visiting Gordes. This is a hillside village with an almost uniform stone construction harking back to the Middle Ages. The village has survived through world wars and natural disasters. Roussillon is a great place to visit for its nearby natural beauty, dramatic red cliffs and weirdly shaped rock formations reminiscent of another world.

Fans of the mountains will want to visit Saint Remy de Provence. Find it nestled in the Alpilles, and marvel at the breadth of historical architecture and delightful cuisine.

Adventure holidays in France

France really is a country that has it all and when it comes to adventure holidays this couldn’t be truer.  With terrain that ranges from the spectacular Alps, to lush vineyards and greenery, to sandy beaches and crystal clear sea, it is the ideal location no matter what type of activities a person is looking to undertake on their holiday.  Known for its fine wines and great food, France offers so much more than the myriad of things that are so often associated with it.

Adventure holidays in France are the perfect way to spend a holiday with friends, family or on your own.  There is no shortage of things to do, as it offers hiking, biking, water sports, as well as more extreme sports such as mountaineering.  Spend your time skiing or paragliding on the beach, France offers as wide a range of climates as activities so it really does have something to suit every taste and skill level.

Long, leisurely hikes through lush, green countryside awaits those who prefer to take their adventures at a slower pace, but for those who like something that really gets the blood pumping the options are seemingly limitless.  With such a variety of climates and locations on offer there is no time of the year at which France is not open to the most adventurous and an adventure holiday in France is the ideal way to spend any holiday, no matter how long or short.

A quick guide to Provence, France

As one of the most desired parts of France for its excellent food, Provence also offers holiday goers spectacular markets, entertainment and of course, wine. This beautiful portion of France has scenery that ranges from mountain regions to dramatic coastlines. In between are historical monuments, medieval villages, olive groves and endless lavender fields.

No matter what it is that you hope to discover you will surely find it tucked away along one of the grand mountains or rolling hillsides of the region. Wine lovers flock to the south of France to explore the numerous vineyards. There really is no better place to discover new wines in an old country. It is also here where visitors will find many of the world’s best red, white and rosé wines.

A visit to Province should also include some of the hilltop villages. Menerbes is one of the most notable villages in the region. This beautiful town, which is set high in the mountains, looks down onto farmland and vineyards. It also provides tourists with stunning views of the Calavon Valley.

A village not to be missed is Roussillon. Easily explored on foot, the town is placed high in the red and gold cliffs that can be found about 30 minutes from Les Olivettes. It is a preferred destination by Northern Europeans and Germans.

The medieval hilltop village of Gordes is a popular choice with the French and rather noteworthy European officials, while the town of Les Baux draws visitors with its old world charm. Located in the Alpilles Mountains, the village is a great choice for those wanting unforgettable panoramic views of the Camargue, Alpilles fields as well as impressive views of the Arles.

Property in Provence

Compressed within a few hundred kilometres radius is delightful scenery the match of anywhere in Europe. Vineyards and groves of olives line the roads and laneways, and lavender scented hills give a fragrance that enchants the senses. The Alps form a barrier in the east which shelters the coast, and creates a climate that makes year-round living a comfortable option.

You might consider buying yourself a holiday home in Provence. Properties available from 50,000 – 500,000 euros. From sea-front apartments, to luxury villas and farmhouses (or mas), there is a wide choice of property available for sale in Provence and Cote d’Azur.

Property in Provence is generally priced higher than similar properties further to the west and north, due to its proximity to the French Riviera.  However, small apartments near the Provencal coast can still be found for less than 140,000 euros.

Self Catering Holiday in Provence

You will find a range of luxury self-catering accommodation is available in Provence and Cote d’Azur. The latter, the playground of the rich, is the place to come for luxury villas, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, with your own private pool. But you can also choose from charming villas, farmhouses, luxury villas with pools, or modern apartments with all mod cons. And within close proximity to the beach, you can find the perfect holiday hideaway – under blue skies for nearly 300 days of the year.

Mas Carignan
Mas Carignan, set in two acres of land, including its own vineyard, commands a dramatic position at the crest of a hill, and enjoys magnificent views across the valleys towards the sea and mountains. The accommodation includes five double bedrooms and four bathrooms/shower rooms, and is furnished to a high standard. The house has central heating and a heated pool. The accommodation is suited for two families. The maximum capacity for rental purposes is ten.

La Bouilladise Villa
This detached Provençal house is situated on a wooded hillside near La Bouilladisse to the south east of Aix-en-Provence. There are far-reaching views over the surrounding hills and countryside. The secluded garden is enclosed, and the swimming pool is fenced off making it safer for young children. There are terraces on three sides of the house with a gas barbecue, a pizza oven, garden furniture for outdoor meals, a ping-pong table and parking for two cars within the property. The house is up a small, steepish lane above the road which leads to the village. There may be some traffic noise from this road, however in the summer this is drowned by the cicadas singing in the surrounding woodland. The interior is modern and the décor is cheerful and the house is very well-equipped. Internet access is available if you bring a lap-top.

Provence Cooking Schools

French cooking, generally undertaken by French men and women of all ages,  is a relaxing pastime with a delicious outcome if you take care along the way. Cooking is Provence can be a hands-on experience that you’ll get a lot out of if you take cooking classes that will guide you in the best ways to prepare Provencal dishes.

Treat yourself to a holiday that incorporates cooking classes, whilst on vacation in Provence. Food is a wonderful reason to go to Provence, as well as the beaches, sunshine, olives, vineyards, lavender,and wines that include Chateauneuf-du-Pape. So why not enrol yourself in one of the many very personal, often home-based cookery schools. Whatever gastronomic dish you are hoping to create, there will be a school that give you the skills to do so. Or, if you’re just looking for a relaxing creative break, why not treat yourself to a weekend course in luxury surroundings?

The exceptional Provence cuisine uses fresh local ingredients like eggplant and tomato, combined with farm bred meats and herbs and spices. A Mediterranean influence brings hot spices and seafoods. Market places are unforgettable, so wherever you go, keep an eye out for the weekly markets where fresh produce (think dinner), food, clothes, and antiques can be found. Vineyards make good villa rental Provence France destinations and you should try to get to the southern part of the Rhone Valley, where French vineyards originated 2,600 years ago.

The five best restaurants in Antibes

A holiday in France is as much about the food as it is about the scenery and beaches. A great restaurant or newly discovered diner is well worth a mention for future visitors. If you expect to be visiting Antibes, sooner rather than later, here are five to keep in mind.

Chez Helen
This restaurant has an excellent reputation for its vegan dishes. Affordable prices, great house wine and outstanding meals are what make Chez Helen such a great choice. The restaurant can be found in the heart of Old Town Antibes.

La Taille de Guepe
Always extremely popular, this restaurant has a menu that includes edible flowers. It is also renowned for its quaint ambiance, originality, presentation, excellent food and attentive service. Couples tend to prefer dining here partly due to its romantic setting; it is located in the heart of Old Town Antibes.

Le Figuier de Saint Esprit
An ideal choice for those looking for a quiet place to relax, this restaurant offers excellent food served on beautiful dishes. The ambiance is enhanced by an enormous fig tree that simply engulfs the entire restaurant, adding to its charm. This is sophisticated elegance at its finest.

La Tour Antique
The Italian dishes served here are known for their outstanding quality and beautiful presentation. The restaurant offers a romantic atmosphere, with friendly waiters and a high level of quality service, at great prices.

Restaurant Aubergine
Rated as producing some of the best food around, this establishment offers guests a great choice of dishes, including shrimp and fish gratin and traditional crème brulee and tarte pomme et framboise desserts. Get there early or make a reservation, because this small restaurant tends to fill quickly.

Beaches in Provence

Some of the best and most beautiful beaches in France are right on the south coast, bordering the Mediterranean Sea. On the top of most peoples lists are visits to St Tropez and Cannes, home of the film festival and favored by celebrities. Whilst these areas tend to be expensive and crowded, it’s easy to see why – the pretty fishing village of St Tropez is home to some top designer brand shops, sizeable luxury yachts at the marina and a real French feel.

During the French summer holidays many of the beaches along the Riviera can get crowded – if possible, visit at other times when you’ll find it easier to find your own stretch of sand to relax on. With 300 days of sun a year, you can enjoy the sun from April right through to October. One of the prettiest beaches, facing west, is close to Antibes, with a sheltered bay and view of the Old Town, with plenty of ice cream parlours nearby to help you keep cool.

Visitors to Cannes may be disappointed to find that many of the beaches are not accessible unless you’re staying in one of its top hotels. Unlike Nice, where the wide beach along the Promenade Des Anglais, though pebbly, is the place to relax in the summer. If you fly in to Nice airport, with just hand luggage, you could be lying on the beach in less than an hour, if you take a taxi.

One of the best ways to see the most beautiful stretches of sand on the coast is to hire a car. Many of the beaches are in little coves, often just minutes away from each other, so you can visit over a dozen beaches in just one day, all with different feels and flavours. What lots of people enjoy about lazing on beaches in France is that it’s considered OK for women to go topless and there are often reserved naturist beaches for those who like to relax au natural.

B and B – Chambre d’hotes – in Provence

Surrounded by rolling countryside, vineyards and olive groves – a stay in a French B&B will be rewarding and something to remember. In France, bed and breakfast accommodation is  known  as chambre d’hotes and are located in private houses.  They are usually easy to find in the villages  or the countryside and they are generally, but not always a cheaper option than a hotel.

Most establishments provide a generous continental breakfast with a choice of fruit juice, bread and croissant or pain au chocolate fresh daily from the local baker, home made jam and local honey when available, and coffee tea or chocolate.

Lists of local chambre d’hotes (B and B) can be obtained from the local tourist offices, via the Internet.

Aix en Provence

Nestling between the Durance in the north, the Etoile range and the Olympe and Aurélien mountains in the south, the Aix region is unforgettable and holds treasures for you to discover off the beaten track. Visitors to Aix en Provence will find a large number of prestigious cultural attractions: museums, foundations and cultural attractions, archaeological sites that testify to its rich heritage. This delightful town is wonderful place to stay, with its shops and flower market, street traders and street cafes, you will enjoy strolling around the streets of Aix en Provence.

Suggested trips

Avignon, Les Baux de Provence, Saint Rémy
Day trip approximately 250 km.

• Morning: departure for Avignon, visit the Palais des Papes and the St Benezet bridge.?• Time for lunch in Avignon.?• Afternoon: departure for St Remy de Provence and the famous village of Les Baux de Provence topped by the ruins of its castle which unveil a panoramic view over the Alpilles region.

Visit to Marseilles, Cassis and its Calanques

Day trip approximately 100 km.
• Visit of Marseilles with stops at the «Vieux Port» and Notre Dame de la Garde to admire the wonderful panoramas surrounding the city of?Marseilles. Enjoy fantastic and unique views of the city from an open top deck bus : the Vieux-Port (Old Port), the historic Panier district, the basilica?of Notre Dame de la Garde with its fabulous panorama, the Corniche overlooking the sea … then on to Cassis by the President Kennedy sea?front Corniche.?• Time for lunch in Cassis.?• Visit of the Calanques of Cassis by boat, 3 or 5 calanques and then free time in Cassis. 3 calanques, lenght 45 minutes. 5 calanques,?lenght 1 hour 10 minutes.?• In case of bad weather, it is possible to climb the highest cliff of Europe, Cap Canaille, and travel on to La Ciotat via the mountain ridges.

Arles and the Camargue

Day trip approximately 300 km.
• Morning: Leave Aix for a visit of the town of Arles : the Roman Arenas the antique theatre and the Cathedral with its Saint Trophime cloister.?• Time for lunch in Arles.?• Afternoon : Pass through the Camargue’s national park to the village of Aigues Mortes. Discover the Saintes Maries de la Mer before returning to Aix.

For more information, and hotel reservation information, with pictures of Aix en Provence, visit the official Aix en Provence Tourism site