Provence, France: Hike, Paddle, Climb

Provence, France:
Hike, Paddle, Climb

This week, we will explore Provence, France. Imagine a place where you can play outdoors and then soak in a lavender bath while drinking some of the best wine in the world.

Today, we will deep dive into the Adventure itinerary. Tomorrow, we will focus on a Culture itinerary and Wednesday will bring the ultimate Relaxation itinerary. With each day bringing more options, let’s begin.
- Cris

Day 1: Hike and Paddle

Start the day with a boat trip from the Old Port in Marseiile to Calanques National Park. Did someone say “hidden beaches?” I picture them storing pirates’ loot among the sandstone cliffs. Hike to the Calanque d’En Vau from Cassis and grab photos of one of the most places in the park.

Hike back down to the shore and swap your boots for paddleboard shoes or bare feet. Go kayaking or paddleboarding in the clear waters of the Calanques. Look down into the turquoise water and spot octopuses, anemones, and urchins but also pointed-snout wrasses, saddled seabreams, and groupers. Watch out for the wild boars if you pull your kayak onto the beach. They eat acorns but can become aggressive and dangerous when people start feeding them. Don’t feed them.

Day 2: The Grand Canyon of Europe

Drive to the Verdon Gorge, often called the "Grand Canyon of Europe," and hike the Sentier Blanc-Martel trail, which is a challenging 6-7 hour route offering stunning views of the gorge and the Verdon River below. Bring cash to pay for parking at the beginning of the trail, and more to pay your driver to return you to your car…unless you plan to hike back out the way you came. No one does this.

Rappel down waterfalls, swim through crystal-clear pools, and navigate natural rock slides in the joy known as ‘canyoning.’ While tours offer fun for all ‘experience levels,’ please know that ‘experience’ is not code for ‘fitness.’ Are you super fit but haven’t tried rappelling? This is your crowd. Are you really out of shape…this is not a great idea.

Gasping for air, looking for eggs, and a life affirming hike

I feel dizzy: Don’t look down
Happy Easter: This will be some egg hunt
OK, wow: You live to perform this hike

Day 3: Mountain Biking and Wine Tasting

Today is about balancing energetic fun and a little healing for sore muscles. In the morning, head to the Luberon Regional Natural Park for a mountain biking tour through the park’s rugged trails, passing by lavender fields, vineyards, and ancient villages like Gordes and Roussillon. Tours are available with a variety of bikes ranging from mountain bikes to e-bikes so check your tour description carefully.

Your muscles are sore and tired. Take a break and enjoy an afternoon wine-tasting tour. Provence is known for its rosé wines, so indulge in a guided tasting to learn about the region's wine-making process. Take notes of your favorite wines, buy some to take home, and then sample again at home. Did the abundance of local lavender change your appreciation of the wine? Do not say “this tastes like White Zinfandel.”

Day 4: Hot Air Balloons and Rock Climbing

Welcome the day with a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Alpilles Natural Regional Park. Admire the rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards. Marvel (with your inside voice) how “slow” the cars are all the way down below on the roads.

Once on the ground again, don’t let gravity get you down. Head to a rock climbing session at one of the limestone cliffs in the Alpilles area, such as near Les Baux-de-Provence.

Tomorrow, we will explore the Cultural diversity and attractions of Provence. The area is rich in historical importance and includes the mandatory castles. You may find yourself singing ‘something more than this provincial life’ in confusion because why would someone leave such beauty?

See you tomorrow.

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