Things to do in Provence
-
Visite Palais Secrét
A two-hour Visite Palais Secrét takes you to unexplored parts of the Palais des Papes (the baths, bedrooms where the popes kept caged nightingales, secret towers, rooftop walkways etc), followed by brunch (and stunning panorama) on the Great Dignitaries' Terrace.
reviewed
-
A
L'Epuisette
The swankest restuarant (by far) has a Michelin star and knockout water-level views from an elegantly austere dining room. This is one of the most reliably consistent spot for real bouillabaisse.
reviewed
-
Marseille Shore Excursion: Private Tour of Les Baux de Provence
by Viator
While you’re in port in Marseille, spend your time on a private shore excursion visiting the enchanting village of Les Baux de Provence. This beautiful village…Not LP reviewed
from USD$45.25 -
B
Numéro 75
The chic dining room, in the former mansion of absinthe inventor Jules Pernod, is a fitting backdrop for stylized Mediterranean cooking. Menus change nightly, and only include three mains, but brevity guarantees freshness. On balmy nights, book the courtyard garden.
reviewed
-
Private Provence Tour: Avignon Wine Tour
4 hours (Departs Avignon, France)
by Viator
Drive through the typical Provencal landscapes, vineyards and charming villages of Cotes du Rhone area and Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the famous red vineyard for more…Not LP reviewed
from USD$50.95 -
Best of Provence
8 days (Apt)
Experience the cultural and natural highlights of Provence by foot.
Not LP reviewed
from USD$1,490 -
C
Couvent des Cordeliers
Rue des Teinturiers follows the course of the River Sorgue through Avignon's old dyers' district, where you'll find the former Couvent des Cordeliers, Avignon's largest convent when it was founded in 1226. Inside lies the grave of Laura, the muse of Italian poet Petrarch.
reviewed
-
Marseille Shore Excursion: Marseille Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
Varies (Departs Marseille, France)
by Viator
While in port in Marseille, enjoy a shore excursion to see the best sights of the city! Choose a one-day or two-day ticket and tour the oldest city in France on…Not LP reviewed
from USD$24.13 -
Promenade des Papes
From the Romanesque Cathédrale Notre Dame des Doms (1671-72), the Promenade des Papes (signposted along rue de Mons) leads to the Verger d'Urbain V, gardens - since gravelled over - where the popes grew sweet-smelling plants and herbs and kept exotic animals in cages.
reviewed
-
D
Au Brin de Thym
Market-fresh produce is made to look like a work of art at this pretty place fronted by a lavender and white awning and damask-clothed tables. The Provençal menu is a great way to sample creative dishes laced in local olive oil, and there's a strong wine list.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
E
Lou Marques
Gastronomic treats at the Hôtel Jules César's sumptuous restaurant, within a former 17th-century Carmelite convent, include a fine variety of foie gras, a St-Jacques risotto with red Camargue rice, and a Grand Marnier soufflé served with cool chocolate sorbet.
reviewed
-
F
Musée de l’Aventure Industrielle du Pays d’Apt
Gain an appreciation of Apt’s artisanal and agricultural roots at this converted candied-fruit factory. The well-curated museum interprets the fruit and candying trade, as well as ochre mining and earthenware production from the 18th century.
reviewed
-
G
Chez Jeannot
With a magical setting overlooking the storybook Vallon des Auffes, this affable joint has fresh salads, pasta and shellfish, plus piping-hot pizzas. Fish is so-so.
reviewed
-
H
Amphitryon
Run by fiery duo maître d’ Patrice Lesné and chef Bruno Ungaro, Amphitryon enjoys a solid reputation among Aix’s bourgeoisie, particularly in summer for its market-driven cooking and alfresco dining in the cloister-garden. Attached to it is the Comptoir de l’Amphi (mains €12-17).
reviewed
-
I
Le Petit Verdot
Delicious menus are designed around what's in season and paired with excellent wines. Meats are often braised all day, vegetables are tender, stewed in delicious broths. Save room for an incandescent dessert. Lively dining occurs around tabletops made of wine crates (expect to talk to your neighbor), and the gregarious owner speaks multiple languages.
reviewed
-
Les Instants d'Été
August brings open-air performances (theatre, cinema, cabaret, circus, video projections etc) to Parc Jourdan, Théâtre de Verdure du Jas de Bouffan (av St-John Perse), and the Carrières d'Ocre in Rognes (21km N of Aix) during the month-long Les Instants d'Été.
reviewed
-
J
Vallon des Auffes
Nestled around this picture-postcard fishing village are traditional cabanons (seaside cabins), built by fishermen to store tackle and cook traditional Sunday bouillabaisse. A narrow staircase (behind the bus stop) links corniche Président John F Kennedy with the harbour.
reviewed
-
K
L'Atelier
Consider this not a meal, but an 'artistic experience'. Every one of the seven or 13 edible works of art is a wondrous composition of flavours, colours and textures, and no two bites are the same. Sit back and revel in Jean-Luc Rabanel’s superbly crafted symphony of fresh organic tastes. No wonder this charismatic chef with his own veggie patch has two Michelin stars. Wine pairings are an adventure in themselves.
reviewed
-
L
Musée de la Marine et de l'Économie
The colonnaded Chamber of Commerce (also known as the Palais de la Bourse), built between 1854 and 1860, houses a Musée de la Marine et de l'Économie. The museum highlights Marseille's economic ties to the sea through a series of paintings, engravings, models and other exhibits.
reviewed
-
M
Le Sud du Haut
Marseille's bohemian patch of town is lined with restaurants offering a tantalising variety of French and ethnic cuisines. By far the stand-out Provençal cuisine of the area is found in this brightly-painted blue and yellow place with its eclectic interior and colourful, sky-topped terrace.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
N
La Cantinetta
The top table at cours Julien serves perfectly al dente housemade pasta, paper-thin prosciutto, marinated vegetables, bresaola (air-dried beef) and risotto. Tables in the convivial dining room are cheek by jowl, and everyone seems to know each other. Or escape to the sun-dappled, tiled patio garden. If you're lucky, the gregarious chef-owner, Pierre-Antoine Denis, will regale you with the day's specials. Reservations essential.
reviewed
-
O
Le Formal
Chef Jean-Luc Le Formal is making a name for himself in France's foodie circles with his first-class establishment. Impeccably mannered staff serve delicious treats in the vaulted-cellar dining rooms.
reviewed
-
P
Les Arcenaulx
Whet appetites with a meander around this cavernous former Louis XIV warehouse with antiquarian/contemporary bookshop and artist studios and galleries. Afterwards dine in grandiose style on sensational dishes evoking old Marseille or visit the neighbouring salon de thé (tearoom) for savoury tarts, cakes and ice cream.
reviewed
-
Q
Parc d'Astronomie, du Soleil et du Cosmos
Across the river in Les Angles, planets loom large at the Parc d'Astronomie, du Soleil et du Cosmos, an astronomy park where young masterminds can follow a 1½-hour trail through garrigue to unravel the mysteries of the universe. Call ahead to check what workshops/guided visits it has that day.
reviewed
-
AVP Location
In addition to Château d'If and the Îles du Frioul, several more islands (some protected by the Conservatoire du Littoral; ) are scattered offshore. Though it's not possible to visit them, you can rent a boat to sail around them. AVP Location rents boats and yachts of all shapes and sizes.
reviewed