Day 1 in The Provencal Coast

Welcome to Provence - The Provencal Coast region! Following your check in at your hotel, start your explorations in France`s oldest metropolis and second largest city, Marseille. It is ethnically diverse offering cultural venues and landmark museums as well as vibrant sounds, smells and sights. Pay a visit to the scenic Le Panier neighborhood, north of Vieux-Port. The hillside district has many pedestrianized cobbled streets, a great place to enjoy an authentic Provencal lunch and soak in the distinctive atmosphere. There are many delightful shops and cafes all around the alleys.

After a relaxing lunch, head to the Notre Dame de la Garde, this is a great place to view the city. The church is situated on a 490 foot tall peak, which makes this the highest point of Marseille. The church itself is one of the most magnificent building, built in 1864, it is the most visited sites in Marseille and best-known symbol of the city.

End your day wandering around the harbor of Marseille. North of Vieux-Port you will find the City Hall and the gigantic 1896 Cathedral de la Major, a national monument of France. Avenue La Canebiere is packed with shops and a great selection of restaurants to choose from to wind down your day.

Day 2 in The Provencal Coast

Start the day off early and head off to the calanques in Cassis (steep-walled coves that form amazing small natural harbors sheltered from the Mediterranean Sea). The calanques in Provence stretch between Marseille and Cassis and the calanques near Cassis are the most beautiful! Take a boat tour that leaves out of Cassis, one of the best ways to discover the calanques and a great way to visit a number of the calanques in the area. Remember to bring your bathing suit to enjoy a swim in the calm teal waters.

Alternatively, explore a scenic hike of the calanques, it is quite a thrill to see them from above. The famous three are the Calanque de Port Mious, Calanque de Port Pin and Calanqued `En-Vau, all can be accessed from Cassis. Port Pin is a short walk away and offers a beautiful cove beach. Calanque d`En-Vau is stunning, but also the hardest to reach, offering some of the most rewarding views over the valley. There are lots of spots to stop for a swim and take in the spectacular views along the way.

As evening approaches head to the beautiful center of Cassis. The coastal path winds from the wide expanse of Grande Plage beach past restaurant terraces and boutiques all the way to Plage du Bestouan.

Day 3 in The Provencal Coast

Start your day off with an awe-inspiring drive on Route des Cretes. This road weaves its way up towards the Cap Canaille headland, which is over 1,000 ft high above the sea and has Europe`s tallest maritime cliffs. Every now and then we recommend stopping to get out and take a moment to indulge in the breathtaking scenery. All the way there are alien rocks diving hundreds of meters to the water.

Make your way to the Provencal harbor town of La Ciotat, bordered by the gorgeous seascapes of the Calanques National Park offering welcoming sandy beaches. Explore the town`s beautiful Old Port filled with private yachts and fishing boats with ochre-shaded houses on the quayside and rows of cafes and restaurant terraces. Discover the charming town by paying a visit to the beautiful Parc du Mugel botanic park, Calanque de Figuerolles national park, the island of Ile Verte (15 minute ferry ride within the national park`s boundaries), La Ciotat`s Beaches, the L`Eden Theater (world`s oldest movie theater) or the Musee Ciotaden to name some of the best things to see in the area.

Continue down the coast to pay a visit to the resort town of Saint-Cyr-Mer, originally several villages that have merged into one town. This area has several different points of interest to explore. Some highlights include Roman ruins at the Museum of Tauroentum and the Place Portalis where you can see a `mini Statue of Liberty,` which is an exact replica of the New York statue, but smaller and coated in gold. The long sandy beach in Les Lecques is the main attraction here with nautical activities of many kinds. Finish your day with a relaxing dinner overlooking the beautiful beaches of the area.

Additional Days in The Provencal Coast

Should you be able to spend additional days in Provence - The Provencal Coast we recommend you continue to explore the beautiful seaside resort towns in the area such as La Cadiere d`Azur, La Seyne Sur Mer, Le Pradet, Sand anary Sur Mer to name a few.

One city worth a visit due to it being tagged as the prettiest natural harbors in France is Toulon. Because of its location, this is the major naval center of France`s Mediterranean coast. Most of the things you will see in the area are marine and nautical themed. What sets this city apart is the unique attractions the city has to offer.

To admire the beauty of the entire city check out the top of Mont Faron. This mountain can be reached by cable car or for a bit more adventurous route, drive up the steep and narrow road. Spend some time wandering the Old Town where you`ll discover many charming fountains, the Toulon Cathedral, and great shopping in their Provencal market held each morning on the Cours Lafayette. Toulon is known for a lot of museums (Museum of Art, Hotel des Arts, National Museum of the Marine) and attractions that play a big role in the history making it a fascinating city to discover.

Another small resort town worth mentioning is Hyeres, the oldest resort along the Cote d`Azur. The town offers three beautiful parks: Parc Olbius Riquier, with its mini-zoo, pony rides, and peacocks; Parc Sainte Clare; and Parc Saint-Bernard.The Old City, which lies 3 miles inland from the sea on a hill, is worth a visit with their abundant health food shops and 19th-century villas. Stop off at the lively morning market in place Massillon before hiking uphill to the Mediterranean gardens of Parc Saint-Bernard, where you`ll discover magnificent views over the Var coast.

Your Last Day In The Provencal Coast

Depart your hotel for the airport or train station where you will head home or make your way to more European adventures. Savor the memories of a very special time on the Provencal Coast in the south of France.