Ah! Marseille, its Stade-Vélodrome, its Bonne Mère and its Frioul islands. Not to mention the surrounding creeks, unfortunately threatened by overcrowding. If the Phocaean city has many charms, it is not the only jewel in Provence. Just draw a line to the north to be convinced: Aix-en-Provence and its neighbor the Sainte-Victoire mountain, the village of Lourmarin and its olive groves as far as the eye can see or even Mont Ventoux, more high summit of the Vaucluse. These are the few destinations that we invite you to explore this week, a summary of Provence stretched over a hundred kilometres.
Friends of gastronomy, there will be something to rejoice about. Cours Honoré-d’Estienne-d’Orves, in the heart of the Old Port district, in Marseille, treat yourself to a gourmet stopover at the Grandes Halles to taste the wonders of Mediterranean cuisine. Before heading a short distance away, to the Métropole, savor 100% organic artisanal ice creams and sorbets with the sweet flavors of the South (lavender, pastis, fig, melon, etc.). Unless you prefer calissons, the famous specialty of Aix-en-Provence, to be discovered at Léonard Parli’s shop in Aix. In Lourmarin, stock up on regional products: poichichades, tapenades, candied lavender, Provencal herbs and olive oil. In Apt, you will have to arrive early in the morning to leave the market with some specialties such as cheese under the leaves. Finally, surveying Mont Ventoux will be an opportunity to discover lovely wines prized for their freshness.
The landscapes of this part of Provence evolve between beaches and mountains. In Marseille, bathing spots abound between creeks, beaches, coves and wild creeks. Inland, there is no shortage of hiking trails either. Going towards the Sainte-Victoire mountain, prefer the southern slope, which allows you to stroll through small towns and villages far from the tourist routes, such as Gardanne, where Cézanne lived. If walking is not your thing, it is possible to cross these valleys in a sidecar with the La Belle Echappée team. Rather cycle, if you still have strength after the ascent of Mont Ventoux, push to the Dentelles de Montmirail to visit the magnificent villages backed by the incredible limestone peaks: Le Barroux, La Roque-Alric, Beaumes-de-Venise… What to see the country and muscle the calves.