Must one really take a plane to discover beautiful places? Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur unfolds its finest settings, calanques, coves, lavender fields, within easy reach. Here are five natural sites to savour without hurrying, between charming farmhouses and wine estates.
1 The Calanques of Marseille and Cassis
Between these two coastal towns stretches one of France's most beautiful natural parks: the Calanques National Park. Over more than twenty kilometres, it is explored above and below the water, diving, boating, hiking. Fifteen calanques in all; En-Vau stands out for its deep waters and its belvedere with splendid views. You reach it by kayak, and may cross paths with wild boar along the pebble beaches.
2 The Verdon Gorges and Lake Sainte-Croix
The Verdon Gorges offer breathtaking panoramas: cliffs exceeding seven hundred metres and water of an almost unreal, crystalline blue. Pedal boats, hiking, cycling the Route des Crêtes, paragliding, climbing, a magical place, full of beautiful landscapes.
3 The Provençal Colorado of Rustrel
This former ochre quarry recalls the sceneries of Hollywood westerns. Since excavations began in 1871, erosion has sculpted multicoloured fairy chimneys, composing a spectacular landscape, to be discovered on foot.
4 The Calanques of the Côte Bleue
West of Marseille, these more modest calanques are less known than those of Cassis, yet offer a landscape just as picturesque and full of charm. They are reached by one of France's most beautiful railways, past coastal villages and sandy beaches.
5 The Valensole Plateau and Its Lavender Fields
Over more than eight hundred square kilometres, the lavender fields bloom from mid-June to mid-August. On the third Sunday of July, the Valensole plateau celebrates its famous Lavender Festival, with many events around the blue flower.
Provence is best earned at a slow pace: a table in the shade of a plane tree, a wine estate in late afternoon, a trail at first light. That is how we love to compose it.
Dreaming of a confidential Provence, between nature and beautiful addresses? Let's talk it through with our specialists.
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