We recently shared our 10 Things to do in Provence on the Our Kind of Crazy blog and we thought we’d share the list on our blog as well. Like we mention in our post, there is so much more to France than just Paris. We want you to explore beyond the norm and join us in Provence on our next tour!
10 Things to do in Provence
Visit the many fountains of Aix-en-Provence.
Fountains? Yes. They’re all unique and beautiful in there own way. Just like no historic church is alike, no Aix-en-Provence fountain is alike either. Some say there are over a thousand fountains scattered throughout the city. Here are 5 not to be missed.
Fountaine des Quatre Dauphins built in 1667.
Fountaine des Neuf-Canons built in 1691.
Fountaine de la Rotonde built in 1860
Fountaine Moussue built in 1666
Fountaine d’Eau Chaude built in 1667
Perch yourself in a chair.
While in Aix-en-Provence on the Cours Mirabeau take a seat for people and dog watching. For a café with history, head to Les Deux Garcons at the eastern end of the Cours. This famous café was a favorite stop for Cezanne. His Dad’s hat shop was next door at number 55.
Visit the famous Calanques National Park
Make a visit to this wonder by boat (taken out of Cassis) or by foot. These natural steep-walled inlets formed millions of years ago are developed out of limestone and dolomite and are explored along the Mediterranean coast from Cassis to Marseille.
Visit Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Make a short stop at Saint-Paul-de-Vence to see one of the oldest Medieval villages along the French Riviera. Art in Saint Paul has always been the dominant commercial activity. While in town, don’t forget to visit the burial place of the Russian-born painter, Marc Chagall in the local cemetery.
Private French Cooking Class
Take a private cooking class while in Provence to experience and understand the Mediterranean Cuisine with a French tradition. The ideal cooking class will start out with a tour of a local market in search for the freshest ingredients. You will then take those ingredients back to school where you will prepare a meal and afterwards sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor. A tour with Jackdaw includes two cooking classes with a Michelin-rated chef!
Goat Farm Tour
For a tour off the beaten path, visit a privately owned goat farm. To really appreciate the famous Cheval French Cheeses one should see where and how it is made. There’s nothing like getting up close and meeting the goats that provide the milk for the cheese you are taking home.
Sanary-sur-Mer Market
Visit the famous port city of Sanary-sur-Mer on Wednesdays. This commune in the Var department of Provence is famous for its Grand Marche (market) and was recently voted the number one market in Provence. Always, always arrive early, around eight o’clock for the best selections of fresh fruits and vegetables, cheeses, fish, poultry, spices, tableware, clothing, leather goods, jewelry and much more. Don’t forget to pick up foods for a quick lunch along the water. The sun is always shining!
Do some Light Reading
Before leaving for your trip to Provence, I suggest you take the time to read Peter Mayle’s book, “A Year in Provence.” This informative hilarious read gives you a true insight into what it really is like to live in Provence. You will experience Provence’s seasons, her food, her customs and of course her people. Who knows, you may even be able to track down some of the locations Mayle writes about in his book and experience them for yourself.
French Antique Shopping
If you are looking for French antiques, you MUST visit L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue on a Sunday morning, year round. This village, near Avignon, is home to more than 300 outlets that sell antiques, glassware, china, linens, furniture, artwork and just about anything else you might be looking for. Prices range from a few Euros to thousands of Euros for the finer antiques. Oh, and did I mention the food market not to be missed? Arrive early. Parking can be difficult.
Sunset or Sunrise on the French Riviera
Last but not least, take the time to spend one early morning or late afternoon on a beach of the French Riviera. The beautiful sparkling sea and the rocky sandy beaches with the pristine weather are not to be missed. I promise you won’t forget that sunrise or sunset and it will become your best souvenir.