Sun-dappled fields of fragrant lavender, ancient olive trees, villages built of buff-hued stone: these calming images come to mind when daydreaming of a Provence tour. There’s no dispute that this region in southern France is a visual feast, but delving deeper into its characteristics on a Provence tour will delight all your senses.
Part of the beauty of enjoying a Provence tour is the ample opportunity to get a more in-depth view of “la belle vie” in France. The big-name museums might be the draw in Paris, but here you’ll find yourself able to live like a local, strolling through food markets, making new friends and enjoying the laid-back pace of Provencal life.
A Provence tour is a great way to see a sampling of the most charming towns, particularly if it allows you to participate in activities that highlight the traditions and culture of the region. Tauck’s Culturious tours, for instance, offer you the opportunity to do everything from kayaking the Sorgue River to take in the landscape to going on a pub crawl that gets you in touch with the locals.
These are just a few of the can’t-miss places and experiences that make up a great Provence tour.
* Aix-en-Provence. Known simply as “Aix” to the locals, this university town is the perfect start to your Provence tour. Its tree-lined main boulevards, fountain-studded courtyards and rich food culture typify the beauty of Provence. It’s also an ideal stop for lovers of art. Stroll through the streets that inspired impressionist painters or visit Cezanne’s tranquil atelier studies on the outskirts of town.
* Learning the lingo on your Provence tour. The French are justifiably proud of their melodic language, and getting to know a bit of it can make your trip that much richer. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – once people see that you’re simply making the effort to use their language, they’ll be impressed. Plus, it’s a great way to interact with locals and make some wonderful memories. Language instruction is included in a Tauck Culturious Provence tour.
* Avignon. Lovely architecture abounds throughout Provence, but the walled city of Avignon has some truly exceptional sights. Particularly spectacular is the Palais de Papes, from which Roman Catholic popes ruled in the 14th century. It’s a perfect city for strolling, or hopping on a bicycle for a relaxing ride down to the Rhone River to watch the sun set over the legendary Pont Saint-Benezet, built in the 12th century; a must on your Provence tour.
* Provence’s culinary treasures. France has a formidable reputation for food, but Provence has a culinary culture all its own, which you will experience on your Provence tour. Centered on the bright flavors of local herbs and vegetables and inspired by the character of the seasons and local climate, Provencal cuisine is a marriage of rustic and refined – all carried out with typical French flair. While dining in the region’s countless bistros, restaurants and cafes is certainly a pleasure, a cooking class focused on local specialties is an unforgettable experience to incorporate into your Provence tour. The nuances of Provencal culture that come through in its cooking will allow you to get to know your destination on a deeper level.
A trip to France doesn’t need to be a cookie-cutter experience, and a Provence tour is the perfect way to get off the beaten track and soak up the local culture.