From Cannes to Lourmarin: Top towns to explore around Provence

03/12/2024

Jenny Hall (she/her) highlights the best places to visit whilst studying in Aix-en-Provence

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Image by Jenny Hall

By Jenny Hall

This year, as part of my degree in Modern Languages, I moved to the South of France for five months to study in Aix-en-Provence, one of the most popular destinations for York students doing a year abroad (I know, not a bad place to call home). In between all that strenuous studying, it is essential to explore your new home, not only to discover the beauty and culture of the area, but also to truly feel like a local. Whether you also find yourself applying to study in this provincial student town, or are simply planning a holiday in the area, I have compiled a list of must-see day trips.

1.      Cassis and Calanques

Coming in at number one is Cassis and the surrounding Calanques of Marseille. Cassis is a beautiful port town, bustling with bakeries, markets, and pastel-coloured cafés. With the “Jeune Carte Bus 24h” you can get to Cassis and back for only two euros. Getting to Cassis also allows you to access many hiking trails around the Calanques, which are steep valleys along the coast, often with beautiful small beaches. There are 26 Calanques in total, Calanque de Port Pin is only a half an hour walk from Cassis with breathtaking views on the way, whilst Calanque de Sutigon involves a hike through the Calanques National Park.

2.      Lourmarin

One of my favourite places I visited is the lesser-known commune of Lourmarin. This idyllic town is full of quiet cobbled streets, artists’ workshops and many key monuments. Only a short walk from the historic centre, you will find The Temple Protestant and Chateau de Lourmarin, boasting beautiful gardens with views overlooking surrounding vineyards. On Sunday there is also an expansive farmers market with craft stalls. My only complaint from this picture-postcard village is that while wandering around you will probably hear a lot of English and American accents as the area seems to attract wealthy second homeowners. So, if you are looking for somewhere to practise your French with locals, this might not be the place. But for a quintessential French village only a short bus ride away, it’s definitely a must.

3.      Verdon

A little bit harder to access with public transport, but still definitely doable, is the town of Verdon and its surrounding gorges. The town is nestled between spectacular mountains (from which people can be seen abseiling down the side), and a short trek to the Chappelle Notre Dame rewards you with stunning views over the amber-tinted commune. Grabbing a sandwich here is also very reasonably priced at many cafés, and ice cream parlours offer the chance to taste the renowned lavender-flavoured gelato that Provence is famous for. If you have time, Saint-Croix lake is a great swimming spot too, with boat and pedalo hire available, and the turquoise-green water of the Verdon river is simply unbelievable.

4.      Cannes

Heading into the French Riviera, I’d recommend Cannes to anyone who fancies a town with more of a luxurious feel and, of course, any film lovers, as the city is known for its famous film festival. You can visit the Cannes Sign (like the Hollywood sign) and also the Palace of Festivals and Congresses, where, in the cement outside, there are handprints of world-famous actors and directors. The town also has markets and street music, and many sandy beaches for relaxing by as well.

5.       Arles

The historic city of Arles is also a definite must, known for its striking roman amphitheatre and for having inspired many of Van Gogh’s paintings. You can even visit the café he painted in his famous work “Café Terrace at Night”, or simply take a stroll along the Rhône River. If you’re lucky enough to have a car on your trip, the vast marshes of the Camargue are not far and have a tranquil and eerie atmosphere. Driving through the plains you can even see flamingos!

This list by no means covers all the day trips you can take around Provence as there is so much to do in this region for hikers, art lovers and even those who just want to relax by the beach. But if you do make it to any of these spots during your trip, I can assure you, you won’t be disappointed.