Suggested Itinerary:

Day 1: On the way in from Marseille Airport stop off at the delightful hilltop town of Les Baux de Provence and spend a blissful hour losing yourself in its quaint maze of cobbled streets. Continue to our recommended base for visiting the area – the elegant town of Aix en Provence.

Day 2: Time to explore the scenic beauty of the area – the fields of lavender and sunflowers and the hills lined with cypress trees and vineyards. A visit to the laid-back town of Arles with its fascinating Roman ruins is recommended as is a stop at the spectacular ancient Roman viaduct at Pont du Gard and a couple of hours exploring the intriguing medieval city of Avignon.

Day 3: A quiet day to spend amid the fountains and boulevards of the town of Aix: visit the Cathedral or Cézanne’s studio and browse the shops along the lively Cours Mirabeau (above).

Day 4: A morning drive down to the coastal town of Cassis today for a boat trip around the Calanques – a Mediterranean version of the fjords. Then head back to Marseille Airport for the flight home.