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Provence, France: Relaxation
A relaxation itinerary in which we heal our minds and muscles with beaches, lavender, and spas.
Provence, France:
Beaches, Lavender, and Spas
Today, we will honor the beautiful relaxation of Provence. My prescription to heal sore muscles after flying to France is a full day of spa. Need to justify the expense? The day at the beach will be “practically free.”
Tomorrow, we will dive deep into what to eat. French food attracts strong opinions ranging from ‘magnifique’ to ‘meh, pass the Doritos.’ It should be an interesting day.
- Cris
Travel style: | Relaxation | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
Rejuvenation in Aix-en-Provence | Lavender Fields and Tranquil Villages of Luberon | Wine Tasting and Spa Retreat in Châteauneuf-du-Pape | Coastal Relaxation in Cassis |
Day 1: Rejuvenation in Aix-en-Provence
Thermes Sextius Spa
We spend today in Aix-en-Provence, a city known for its thermal springs and calming atmosphere. Start the day with a visit to the Thermes Sextius Spa, where you can indulge in a thermal bath, a relaxing massage, or a wellness treatment using local lavender and olive oils. Try a Sensory experience in which hot, cold, herbs, Eucalyptus leaves, and Balinese music are combined to sooth sore muscles and a tired mind.
Cours Mirabeau
Re-integrate into the world with a leisurely stroll along the Cours Mirabeau, lined with fountains, plane trees, and elegant cafes. Stop at a café for a light lunch, sipping on a glass of local rosé wine while people-watching.
Pavillon de Vendôme
Legend has it that this love nest (called a ‘folie’) was built by the grandson of Henry IV for Lucrèce de Forbin Solliès, known as the "Belle du Canet.” This predates the DeBeers marketing campaigns that convinced us that diamonds are symbols of love. I wouldn’t mind receiving the deed to a little house in the country.
Day 2: Lavender Fields and Tranquil Villages of Luberon
Gordes
Start your day in Gordes, a hilltop village with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside that is filled with lavender fields. Explore the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque, a peaceful Cistercian abbey surrounded by lavender fields (best viewed from late June to early August). The abbey is still inhabited by Cistercian monks and is considered a symbol of Provence.
Roussillon
Continue along the color spectrum from purple to red in Roussillon, a village known for its colorful ochre (red) cliffs. Competition is fierce among these charming villages as each seeks the title of ‘most beautiful town.’ They will notice when you appreciate their beauty and it’s a good way to make friends.
Sweat, Smooches, and Stories
Affordable workouts: Health is our first wealth
Smooches: I’m so over it
Children’s stories: I don’t remember this part
Day 3: Wine Tasting and Spa Retreat in Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
A renowned wine region in Provence, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the ideal location to learn about French wine - from the French! I recommend a private tasting at either Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe or Château La Nerthe that is paired with lunch. Not only will you enjoy great food, you will be awake for the afternoon.
Spa Day at La Bastide de Marie
La Bastide de Marie a favorite because they have developed special treatments that use local ingredients such as a soothing honey and jasmine wrap, a repairing treatment with the gentle scent of Neroli, or a massage with linen pouches filled with salts and essential oils of lavender and pine. As a bonus, their beautiful rooms and suites enable you to spend the night in comfort without racing to your appointment in the morning. Breakfast on the terrace in Provence? Oui!
Day 4: Coastal Relaxation in Cassis
Drive to the coastal town of Cassis, known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning calanques (rocky inlets). Start with a leisurely boat tour of the Calanques to take in the scenery without the exertion of hiking.
Plage de la Grande Mer
Spend the afternoon relaxing on the Plage de la Grande Mer, a lovely beach with calm waters ideal for swimming or simply lounging. While this used to be “the” beach, it’s become rather crowded. It might be a good idea to leave the beach towel at home and stroll along the beach, enjoying the energy of the crowd.
Tomorrow, we will explore what to eat in order to fuel these wonderful days. We assume that you are on vacation, and so the menu will be a bit more delicious than a typical meal but we will make sure you can find healthy nutrition as well.
See you tomorrow.
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