Sophie & Jean
Explore
Aix-en-Provence around town
Walk along la Cours Mirabeau This avenue has a wide walkway shaded by rows of lush plane trees, and is replete with mansions and restaurants that were the haunts of French cultural icons like Camus, Cézanne and Zola Market in Aix-en-Provence https://www.marvellous-provence.com/aix-en-provence/what-to-see/markets Atelier Cezanne Surrounded by olive groves and fig orchards on the Lauves Hill is Paul Cézanne’s studio where he worked for the last four years of his life. Wine Tourism Château La Coste If you’re pressed for time Château la Coste is just north of the city and offers great education on how they make their wine.
Lavender Fields - (high season is mid-June so you may get lucky!)
Approximately 1hr drive from Aix-en-Provence Renowned for its magnificent landscapes of purple lavender fields, Provence is filled with places worth a trip. Best places: - Plateau de Valensole - Notre-Dame de Sénanque Abbey
One of the most famous villages of Provence: Gordes
1hr drive from Aix-en-Provence There are many things to do in Gordes including: - The famous market Tuesday mornings - Held around the foot of the castle, it’s one of the best places to shop for souvenirs or taste your way through the village - Cute cafes and amazing gourmet restaurants throughout town. - Don't forget to visit: viewpoint (view of the town); lavender fields, Chateau de Gordes Where to stay: La Bastide de Gordes Hotel. The hotel has amazing views from their terrace so even if you are not staying at the hotel, you can still enjoy a glass of wine on the terrace and relax :) https://www.hotelscombined.com/Hotel/La_Bastide_de_Gordes.htm
Wine Tours in Provence
Enjoy some of France’s finest wines amongst the beauty of the countryside in Provence with wine tours which are the perfect way to experience Provence in a fun, relaxed, intimate, environment! Here are some suggestions for you! http://www.provenceandwine.com/en/5/chateauneuf-du-pape-provence-and-wine https://www.ruedesvignerons.com/en/domaine/479/chateau-beaulieu-villa-baulieu-vignoble http://www.provenceandwine.com/en/17/luberon http://www.wineinprovence.com/
Trip to Monaco
2hr drive from Aix-en-Provence From the daily farmer’s market to local spots serving regional fare, and lavish once-in-a-lifetime restaurants, Monaco’s food scene is simultaneously indulgent and fresh. https://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2014-09-18/a-weekend-in-monaco-where-to-eat-stay-and-play
Trip to Cannes
1h30 drive from Aix-en-Provence With its wonderful climate and chic reputation, Cannes is a great place to visit. This city, on France’s sparkling Riviera, has many fascinating cultural attractions as well as some great places where you can relax, indulge and watch how the other half live.
Trip to Avignon
1hr from Aix-en-Provence Visit Palais des Papes: One of the most significant and important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. Enjoy a glass of wine, and people watch near the palace. (Helpful Tip: Parking in Avignon is impossible, so head straight to the parking structure in Palais des Papes. The entrance is right outside of the city walls (you’ll see an electronic parking sign - It’s cheap and convenient) Visit the Pont Du Gard Aqueduct: (30 Minute Drive from Avignon). Built in the 1st century AD, the Pont de Gard is one of the best preserved Roman constructions on earth. Pack a swimsuit, pick up a few groceries for a picnic dinner, and drive out to the Pont Du Gard aqueduct for sunset. Fun Fact: It’s the most visited ancient monument in France.
Day in Cassis
1hr drive from Aix-en-Provence. Cassis is a Mediterranean fishing port in southern France. Overlooked by a centuries-old château, it's known for pebbly beaches and its calanques, narrow inlets framed by steep, limestone cliffs. The harbor features pastel-colored buildings, sidewalk cafes and restaurants. Local vineyards are known for producing Cassis white wine. Trails run along the huge, rocky Cap Canaille headland for panoramic sea views.
Visit Les Gorges du Verdon
1h45 drive from Aix-en-Provence. Les Gorges du Verdon is known for its turquoise green river water, white water rafting, and hiking. Before settling down on the beach, drive along the canyon for views down onto the river. You’re going to want to stop every few minutes to take pictures. It’s absolutely breathtaking. Looking authentic villages in Le Verdon check out this website: http://www.villagesdefrance.fr/dept/page04_paysduverdon.htm