Most travelers will find that 5 to 10 days is perfect for a well-paced France trip with stops in Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, and Marseille. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Paris or Bonnieux. Get inspired with the following Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, and Marseille trip ideas below.
## Exploring Provence: Crafting Your Ideal Itinerary in Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence & Marseille
Planning a trip to the South of France? The region encompassing Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, and Marseille offers a diverse range of experiences, from bustling city life to tranquil countryside escapes. Deciding how many days to dedicate to this captivating area can be a challenge. This guide provides insights into recommended itineraries to help you make the most of your time.
Generally, travelers find that spending between 5 and 10 days allows for a comprehensive exploration of Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, and Marseille when combining visits. This timeframe provides opportunities to delve into the unique character of each location and experience the best of Provence.
For those fortunate enough to have 11 days or more, the possibilities expand considerably. Many travelers opt to extend their journey with additional stops, enriching their overall experience in France. Two popular extensions are visits to the romantic city of Paris and the charming village of Bonnieux, each offering a distinctive flavor of French culture.
## Discovering Provence: Recommended Itineraries for Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence & Marseille
Let’s explore some suggested itineraries, each designed to showcase the highlights of this beautiful region.
### A Five-Day Provencal Escape: A Whirlwind Adventure
Imagine yourself strolling through the sun-drenched streets of Aix-en-Provence, the scent of lavender in the air. This five-day itinerary offers a taste of the quintessential Provence experience, blending city exploration with countryside charm.
**Day 1: Arrival in Marseille – Embrace the Coastal Vibe**
Your journey begins in Marseille, a vibrant port city with a rich history. Take time to explore the Old Port, wander through the colorful markets, and soak in the city’s unique atmosphere. Enjoy fresh seafood and perhaps a pastis in a local cafe to kick off your Provencal adventure. Overnight stay in Marseille.
**Day 2: Aix-en-Provence – A Guided Exploration**
Embark on a scenic drive to Aix-en-Provence, a city known for its elegant architecture, Cours Mirabeau, and artistic heritage. Take a guided walking tour to discover the city’s hidden gems, learn about its history, and admire its stunning fountains. Allow time to explore the shops and enjoy a delicious meal in one of the many restaurants. Overnight stay in Aix-en-Provence.
**Day 3: Saint-Rémy-de-Provence – Via the Beauty of Les Baux-de-Provence**
Today, journey to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a charming village nestled in the Alpilles mountains. En route, make a stop at Les Baux-de-Provence, a fortified village perched on a rocky outcrop, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Explore the village’s medieval streets and soak in the panoramic vistas before continuing to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Overnight stay in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
**Day 4: Wine Tasting Extravaganza – Gigondas & Châteauneuf-du-Pape & Journey to Avignon**
Indulge in a delightful wine tour, exploring the renowned vineyards of Gigondas and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Sample exquisite wines, learn about the winemaking process, and savor the flavors of the Rhône Valley. In the late afternoon, drive to Avignon, a historic city on the banks of the Rhône River. Overnight stay in Avignon.
**Day 5: Farewell to Provence – Return to Marseille**
Spend the morning exploring Avignon, including the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) and the Pont d’Avignon (Avignon Bridge). In the afternoon, return to Marseille for your departure, filled with memories of your Provencal adventure.
This five-day itinerary provides a taste of the highlights of Provence. The region’s exceptional beauty is on full display as you travel through emblematic cities such as Marseille and Aix-en-Provence, as well as traditional villages in the scenic countryside. Finish the adventure in medieval Avignon and a wine tasting in nearby Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
### Nine Days of Provencal Delights: A Deeper Dive
For a more immersive experience, consider this nine-day self-drive itinerary, which allows you to delve deeper into the region’s culture, cuisine, and landscapes.
**Day 1: Arrival in Marseille – Coastal Exploration**
Begin your adventure in Marseille, exploring the Old Port and experiencing the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Overnight stay in Marseille.
**Day 2: Marseille from the Water – Private Boat Cruise & Photography Workshop**
Enjoy a unique perspective of Marseille with a private boat cruise along the coast. Participate in a photography workshop to capture the beauty of the city from the sea. Overnight stay in Marseille.
**Day 3: Aix-en-Provence – Rental Car & City Tour**
Pick up your rental car and drive to Aix-en-Provence. Take a guided city tour to discover the city’s historical landmarks and charming streets. Overnight stay in Aix-en-Provence.
**Day 4: A Culinary Journey – Provençal Cooking Class in Aix-en-Provence**
Immerse yourself in the local cuisine with a Provençal cooking class in Aix-en-Provence. Learn to prepare traditional dishes using fresh, local ingredients. Overnight stay in Aix-en-Provence.
**Day 5: Exploring Hilltop Villages – Les Baux de Provence & Saint-Rémy-de-Provence**
Drive to Les Baux de Provence and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, exploring the charming hilltop villages and enjoying the stunning views. Overnight stay in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
**Day 6: Tastes of Provence – Olive Oil Experience & Wine Estates**
Discover the flavors of Provence with an olive oil experience and visits to local wine estates. Sample regional specialties and learn about the production processes. Overnight stay in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
**Day 7: Avignon – History and Culture**
Drive to Avignon and spend the afternoon exploring the city’s historical center, including the Palais des Papes. Overnight stay in Avignon.
**Day 8: Wine Country – Chateauneuf du Pape & Gigondas Wine Tour**
Embark on a wine tour to Chateauneuf du Pape and Gigondas, sampling renowned wines and learning about the Rhône Valley’s winemaking traditions. Overnight stay in Avignon.
**Day 9: Departure – Return to Marseille**
Return to Marseille for your departure, reminiscing about your Provencal adventure.
Twirl around to the catchy tune of Sur le Pont d’Avignon as you cross said bridge and more on this nine-day self-drive trip. In addition to crossing the celebrated bridge of Avignon, you’ll stroll down the Mediterranean coast and through markets, vineyards, olive groves, and more to see all that Provence has to offer.
### A Ten-Day Provencal Immersion: Savoring Every Moment
This ten-day itinerary builds upon the nine-day experience, adding even more opportunities to indulge in the region’s unique offerings.
**Days 1-9:** Follow the itinerary for the nine-day tour.
**Day 10: Farewell – Return to Marseille**
Return to Marseille for your departure, taking with you cherished memories of your Provencal journey.
Take 10 days to stop and smell the lavender as you traverse the fields, vineyards, and villages of Provence on this self-drive trip. This popular region of southeastern France has plenty for your senses to enjoy: take in the scents of soapmaking workshops, sights of the Mediterranean coast, and tastes of famous wines and market-fresh cooking on your adventure.
### Extended Itineraries
For those with even more time, extended itineraries offer the opportunity to explore even further.
### A Thirteen-Day Adventure: Arles & Bonnieux Included
This itinerary expands the ten-day experience, incorporating visits to Arles and Bonnieux.
**Days 1-5:** Follow the itinerary for the five-day tour, adding a free day in Aix-en-Provence on Day 5.
**Day 6: Bonnieux & The Luberon Region**
Drive to the Luberon Region and explore the beautiful hilltop villages, including Bonnieux. Overnight stay in Bonnieux.
**Days 7-8:** Follow days 6-7 of the nine-day itinerary.
**Day 9: Arles & Roman History**
Drive to Arles and explore the city’s Roman history, including the Roman amphitheater. Overnight stay in Arles.
**Days 10-12:** Follow days 7-9 of the nine-day itinerary.
**Day 13: Departure – Return to Marseille**
Return to Marseille for your departure.
Provence gets roughly 2,900 hours of sunshine per year, so you’ll have plenty of time to bask in this 13-day road trip through the South of France. You’ll make your way from coastal Marseilles inland to experience French farm cooking, hilltop villages, established wine estates and olive oil groves, and even ancient Roman ruins under the southern French sun.
## Getting Around: Traveling Between Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence & Marseille
The small, picturesque city of Aix-en-Provence is a bit over 15 miles north of Marseille, the biggest city in the south of France.
Choosing the right itinerary depends on your individual preferences and available time. Whether you opt for a quick five-day escape or a leisurely thirteen-day immersion, Provence promises an unforgettable travel experience.
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