Provence

1. Take the perfect holiday photo at The Calanques, France’s Natural Wonder

About half way between Marseille and Cassis is the Calanques, one of the most breathtakingly beautiful spots on the French coast of the Mediterranean Sea.

High above the sea is a series of colorful limestone cliffs that tower above incredibly charming little coves that hide small white beaches. The rocks create unique ecosystem with plants sprouting between the rocks, with no soil and constantly battered by the winds and salty air. The whole incredibly beautiful area is protected within the Parc National des Calanques. The park is a popular destination for hiking and rock-climbing and little beaches are perfect for swimming and kayaking. The view of the brightly colored rocks from the sea is spectacular.

Marseille, France, The Calanques Map

2. Go to a cafe in The Old Fishing District of St Tropez, La Ponche

St. Tropez is known as the playground of rich and famous, glamorous and trendy. But, just northeast of the Vieux Port is La Ponche, the old St. Tropez fishing village that was thriving in the 18th century when French, Spanish, Italian and Greek fishermen competed in fishing for seasonal catch of anchovies, calamari, sea bass, tuna and lobsters.

The village grew around small, 40-meter long beach, with cottages around it. The La Ponche starts at the Vieux Port harbor, with fishing boats and luxury yachts alongside each other. Above the village is the town citadel.

Part of La Ponche, with its narrow cobblestoned streets lined by small shops, is now pedestrians so visitors can explore little alleys, cafes and boutiques at their heart content. At the center of La Ponche is the 18th-century Eglise de Notre-Dame de l’Assomption.

St. Tropez, France, The Old Fishing District of St Tropez Map

3. Step back in time at The Roman Ruins of Cimiez, Nice

About two kilometers from the downtown Nice is the Colline de Cimiez, a small hill where Romans built the city in 14BC. The well preserved ruins of arenas and thermal baths as well as the archeological museum are surrounded by a beautiful public garden Le Jardin des Arènes de Cimiez.

Fairly small arenas were built in the second century AD and served as a place of entertainment for the residents of the nearby city of Cemenelum. Even today the arenas are used for local events.

Thermal baths are some of the most beautiful Roman ruins in France and used to have cold and hot pools. The archaeological museum features archeological finds from the ancient Roman city of Cemenelum, once the capital of the Roman province of Alpes-Maritimes.

Nice, France, The Roman Ruins of Cimiez Map

4. Plan a hike to The Montagne Sainte-Victoire

Montagne Sainte-Victoire is a mountain that overlooks the city of Aix-en-Provence and an unique geological feature.

It is part of the limestone chain formed during the Jurassic Period but is in constant movement to this day, rising by seven millimeters a year. The mountain, with its imposing summit Pic des Mouches at 1,011m above sea level, is the iconic image of the region.

The mountain is characterized by contrasting geological formation such as promontories, small basins, rounded hills, foothills and valleys. Its beauty was immortalized by the paintings of Paul Cézanne. The mountain is very popular with hikers and there is a network of trails that all offer spectacular views. One of the most popular is Blue Trail, rocky and exposed, that will take you up to the Sainte-Victoire Priory and refuge.

Aix-en-Provence, France, The Montagne Sainte-Victoire Map

5. See the iconic The Pope’s Palace, Avignon

The Pope’s Palace, Avignon overlooks the iconic bridge on the river Rhone and is one of the most important medieval Gothic structures in Europe.

Covering 15,000 square feet, it is the largest Gothic palace in the world. Built as a fortress and palace, it became the papal residence and the heart of Western Christianity in the 14th century when the papacy moved from Rome to Avignon.

The palace held six papal conclaves, leading to the elections of six popes. Each pope left his mark and the palace came to symbolize the powerful influence of the Catholic Church. It has the largest library in Europe, and was a gathering place for thinkers, composers, philosophers and musicians. Today a tourist attraction, the palace has a rich and turbulent history of rebellion, pilgrimage, enlightenment and massacre.

Address: Place du Palais, 84000 Avignon, France

6. Admire fantastic Lavender Fields

Fields and hills covered in fragrant purple lavender is an iconic picture of Provence. The best time to experience the magic of Lavender Fields is from mid-June to mid-August, when they are in full bloom.

While you can see lavender planted all over Provence, there are areas where they put especially magnificent show. Plateau de Valensole between the valley of Durane and the Gorges of Verdon is one of the must visit spots. Luberon, the area around Mont Bentoux and Senanque Abbey near the Gordes in Luberon are also spectacularly beautiful when tiny purple flowers open up and make the visit to Provence a magnificent experience for all senses.

7. Wander through The Streets and Fountains of Aix en Provence

The ancient town of Aix en Provence is called the City of a Thousand Fountains. There are fountains of all shapes and sizes, built by many famous sculptors in different centuries. Enjoy them as you stroll up and down this charming town’s narrow cobblestoned streets lined by cafes, artisanal shops and restaurants.

Start your exploration from the Cours Mirabeau. At the bottom of this magnificent boulevard, on the great Rotonde square, you will see the city's most imposing fountain, dating back to 1860. The Fountain of the Nine Cannons created by Laurent Vallon was used by herds of cows to drink while migrating.

The famous moss-covered Fountain of Hot Water runs hot waters from the local Bagniers spring. The Fountain of the Four Dolphins created Jean-Claude Rambot in 1667 in the Mazarin quarter is one of the oldest. The fountains are very much part of the city’s identity, but also a great places to cool off during the hot summer days.

8. Check out the charming Hillside Village of Bonnieux

Perched on the hill above Luberon Valley, tiny village of Bonnieux is probably one of the most beautiful in France.

Ivy-covered houses cover the hillside, separated by narrow cobblestoned streets and alleys heading up the hill, where ancient 12th century church, the ‘old church’ and the 19th century ‘new church’ guard their domain. Visit the charming bakery museum and stock up with the delicious pastries in the attached boulangerie, and with the lavender and honey next door. The village was established by Romans and there are still some remnants of their structures, the most spectacular being the 3 BC Roman bridge, Pont St Julien.

All around the village are fields of olives, grapes and lavender, adding to the incredibly beautiful mosaic that is very much Provence.

9. Day trip to The Picturesque Fishing Port of Cassis

Cassis is a picturesque little seaport established by Romans in 1st century BC, snuggled between the steep cliffs the Calanques and Cap Canaille.

With its pastel colored houses, narrow streets, a perfect little beach and quai lined with cafes and restaurants, Cassis is today a popular tourist destination. Stroll up the hill and check lovely little shops selling local fine linens and other artisanal creations.

Sit at the café at the quai and watch the fine yachts and much smaller fishing boats in the port, or people strolling by. The surrounding hills are covered in rows of ancient vines producing the famous wines of the region.