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Curator’s statement
Embark on a captivating 5-day culinary journey through the enchanting regions of Southern France. From the serene landscapes of the Camargue to the vibrant streets of Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, Cassis and Marseille. This itinerary offers a rich blend of gourmet delights and cultural experiences. Indulge in Michelin-starred dining, hands-on cooking classes and exclusive wine tastings at renowned vineyards. Enhance your adventure with farm-fresh experiences. Explore bustling local markets and immerse yourself in the region's rich arts and heritage.
The Fora Difference
Book with Marc to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
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Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
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Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
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Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay
Le Pigonnet
Savor the epitome of luxury at Hôtel Le Pigonnet, where elegance, sophistication, and impeccable service intertwine for an extraordinary experience.
Fora Perks
- ★
Breakfast daily.
- ★
Welcome amenity.
- ★
Upgrade whenever possible.
InterContinental Marseille - Hotel Dieu
Stately hotel in Marseille boasting sleek rooms, an acclaimed restaurant a brasserie
Fora Perks
- ★
$100 food / beverage credit.
- ★
Breakfast daily.
- ★
Guaranteed upgrade at time of booking in the next room category available.
- ★
Extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Le Mas de Peint
Le Mas de Peint is a charming, luxury farmhouse hotel nestled in the heart of the Camargue region, offering an authentic Provençal experience with elegant accommodations and exquisite dining.
Unlock perks by contacting Marc to book your trip.
Day 1: Arrival in Provence
Morning:
Arrive in Provence and check into the charming Le Mas de Peint guesthouse in the tranquil Camargue region. This rustic, yet elegant property offers a serene retreat surrounded by nature.
Afternoon:
Explore the vibrant Arles Market, sampling local delights like olives and cheeses. Visit the Roman Amphitheatre and Van Gogh's favorite spots.
Evening:
Enjoy a gourmet dinner at La Chassagnette, a Michelin-starred restaurant celebrated for its organic, farm-to-table cuisine, perfectly complemented by wines from Domaine de Trevallon.
Day 2: Cooking Class, Wine Tasting, and Art
Morning:
Head to Avignon, an hour's drive away, to attend a cooking class at L'Atelier des Chefs. Learn to prepare classic Provençal dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Afternoon:
Visit Domaine de la Citadelle in Ménerbes for a wine tasting of their renowned Luberon wines. Explore their Corkscrew Museum, showcasing a unique collection of corkscrews from around the world.
Evening:
Dine at La Bastide de Marie, indulging in a gourmet meal accompanied by wines from Château La Coste. Enjoy a stroll through Avignon's historic center, visiting the Palais des Papes and Pont d'Avignon.
Day 3: Exploring Aix-en-Provence and a Farm Fresh Experience
Morning:
Travel to Aix-en-Provence, a vibrant city known for its elegant architecture and cultural heritage. The journey from Avignon takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Afternoon:
Spend the afternoon exploring the lively Aix-en-Provence Market. Later, visit Château La Coste, (30 minutes from Aix-en-Provence), for a tour of its stunning vineyards, contemporary art installations and a wine tasting.
Evening:
Dine at Restaurant Pierre Reboul, located in the heart of Aix-en-Provence. Enjoy a gourmet meal prepared with innovative flair, accompanied by wines from Château Vignelaure.
Day 4: Coastal Flavors and Cultural Experiences in Cassis
Morning:
Depart for Cassis, a charming coastal town famous for its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes.
Afternoon:
Explore the scenic beauty of the Calanques National Park on a boat tour. Visit Domaine du Paternel, a family-owned winery renowned for its Cassis wines, for a vineyard tour and tasting.
Evening:
Enjoy dinner at Chez Gilbert, a renowned seafood restaurant overlooking the picturesque port of Cassis. Delight in fresh seafood dishes paired with wines from Domaine du Bagnol.
Day 5: Farm Fresh Experience and Farewell in Marseille
Morning:
Depart from Cassis and head to Marseille, France's oldest city and a vibrant cultural hub. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
Afternoon:
Enjoy a farm-fresh experience at Ferme Auberge la Baume, where you can tour the farm, meet the animals and savor a lunch made with fresh, local ingredients. Afterwards, explore the bustling Noailles Market and visit Domaine Tempier in Bandol for a wine tasting.
Evening:
Conclude your culinary journey with a farewell dinner at Le Petit Nice, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Indulge in exquisite seafood dishes crafted by acclaimed chef Gérald Passedat, paired with wines from Domaine Tempier.
Additional days
Alternative cultural experiences that can be slotted into your itinerary as needed:
Visit the Mucem (Museum of Civilizations of European and the Mediterranean) for a cultural experience
Explore the local art scene, including visiting the Cassis Art Gallery.
Explore the regions many art galleries and museums, such as the Granet Museum.
Need to know
Currency:
The currency used in France is the Euro (€).
Payments:
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it's useful to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets.
ATMs:
Available in cities and towns; ensure your bank knows you’re traveling to avoid any issues with withdrawals.
Customs/Greetings:
A polite greeting is important. Say "Bonjour" (Good day) when entering shops or restaurants and "Au revoir" (Goodbye) when leaving. A handshake is customary when meeting someone for the first time.
Dining Etiquette:
Tipping is customary, though not obligatory. Leaving a small amount (5-10%) is appreciated if service was good. Note that in many places, service is included in the bill ("service compris").
Shopping:
Markets are a great place to experience local culture, but be respectful when handling produce. Ask before taking photos of market stalls.
Polite Phrases:
Bonjour (Hello/Good day)
Bonsoir (Good evening)
Merci (Thank you)
S'il vous plaît (Please)
Excusez-moi (Excuse me)
Parlez-vous anglais ? (Do you speak English?)
Public Transportation:
Major cities like Marseille, Avignon, and Aix-en-Provence have good public transport networks, including busses, trams and trains.
Trains:
The TGV (high-speed train) connects major cities and is a convenient way to travel longer distances. Book tickets in advance for the best prices.
Car Rentals:
Renting a car is a good option for exploring the countryside and smaller towns at your own pace. Ensure you have a valid driver's license and understand French road signs and rules.
Taxis and Rideshares:
Available in urban areas, services like Uber operate in larger cities.
Best Time to Travel:
Spring (April to June):
Pleasant weather, blooming landscapes and fewer tourists make it an ideal time to visit.
Fall (September to October):
Mild temperatures and the grape harvest season offer a great experience, with fewer crowds compared to summer.
Summer (July to August):
Warm weather and lively festivals, but it’s also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.
Winter (November to March):
Quieter and cooler. Some attractions may have limited hours, and smaller towns can be very quiet.
By keeping these tips in mind, travelers can make the most of their visit to Southern France, by enjoying its rich culture, delicious cuisine and stunning scenery.
Travel Advisor
Marc Scholnick
Get in touch with Marc
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This itinerary is part of our ongoing series on travel to South of France. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my itinerary, Luxury Unveiled: Discovering Mexico's Most Exclusive Hotels.