Aix-en-Provence, Cassis, Sanary-Sur-Mer, Marseilles, Arles, Avignon
The attractive and romantic city of AIX-EN-PROVENCE, often called the 'city of a thousand fountains', is our base for the tour, staying at the luxury Hotel Le Pigonnet.
Something not to be missed is one of France's great boulevards, the Cours Mirabeau - its beautiful avenue of trees a verdant tunnel shading the many beautiful buildings with richly-decorated frontages from the hot sun of Provence.
CASSIS has remained much the same little fishing village that attracted artists such as Signac and Derain. Here you can relax at a waterside cafe and watch the boats as they bob in the harbour. From Marseilles to Cassis the coastline forms narrow inlets, THE CALANQUES, a series of jagged white cliffs, some up to 400 metres high, reflected in the dazzling turquoise water. Here there will be an opportunity for a short boat trip.
In SANARY SUR MER the fishing boats unload their catch in the colourful palm-fringed harbour. It was here that Aldous Huxley made his home for 60 years, as did other notable writers such as Bertholt Brecht and Thomas Mann.
People have lived in France's oldest city and busiest port, MARSEILLES, for more than 26 centuries, its mix of cultures once described by Alexander Dumas as 'the meeting place of the entire world'. There is a great deal to see in this fascinating city and if you visit the morning fish market you can delight in Marseilles' famed 'bouillabaisse' at one of the countless nearby fish restaurants.
With both Greek and Roman origins, the ancient city of ARLES draws many visitors to its ancient Roman ruins, fine museums and churches, arena and excellent restaurants.
St. Trophime is one of the most beaitiful churches in France and a fine example of Romanesque architecture. Vincent Van Gogh spent time in Arles during 1888-1889, completing over 300 paintings which include some of his most celebrated works. The area around Arles is renowned for its natural beauty, especially the wild, haunting landscape of the Camargue.
The medieval city of AVIGNON is bordered to the north and west by the River Rhone. Its three miles of walls are punctuated with 39 towers and 7 gates, inside which thrives a culturally-rich city. The Pont St-Benezet is visted by many tourists keen to see the subject of the famous rhyme.