A Gourmet Provence self-drive tour unveils the vibrant flavors and stunning landscapes of southern France, from Marseille’s bustling ports to Avignon’s medieval streets. This 8-day journey features a Marseille food tour, Vallée des Baux gastronomy excursion, and a Calanques cruise. Perfect for foodies and culture lovers, this itinerary includes a Château La Coste wine and art tour and an Avignon gourmet walk. Drive through Provence’s lavender fields and savor its gastronomic heritage.
Why Choose a Gourmet Provence Self-Drive Tour?
Provence is a haven of azure skies, historic towns, and world-class cuisine. A Gourmet Provence self-drive tour offers the freedom to explore at your own pace, with curated experiences like a Marseille food tour sampling bouillabaisse and pastis. Sail through the Calanques’ turquoise fjords, taste wines at Château La Coste, and indulge in Vallée des Baux gastronomy. An Avignon gourmet walk completes this journey through Provence’s culinary and cultural treasures.
What to Expect from This Tour
Anticipate a seamless blend of guided gastronomy tours and independent exploration. Enjoy a 3-hour Marseille food tour, a 3-hour Calanques cruise, and a 4-hour Vallée des Baux gastronomy excursion with wine and cheese tastings. Visit Château La Coste for wine and art, and savor an Avignon gourmet walk. Stay in charming 3- or 4-star hotels with breakfast included, with a rental car for flexible travel.
Practical Information
Your Gourmet Provence self-drive tour begins in Marseille and ends in Avignon, both accessible by train or flight. Pick up a rental car in Marseille for the 140-km journey. Accommodations are in centrally located 3- or 4-star hotels, offering proximity to historic sites. The tour includes breakfast, guided gastronomy tours, a Calanques cruise, and Château La Coste tickets. Wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring swimwear for coastal stops.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall are ideal for a Gourmet Provence self-drive tour, with mild weather and vibrant markets. Summer brings lavender blooms and lively festivals, though July crowds peak. Book early for peak seasons to secure cruise and tour spots. Winter offers a quieter culinary experience, perfect for savoring Provence’s gastronomic delights.
Arrival in Vibrant Marseille
Arrive in Marseille and begin your Gourmet Provence self-drive tour, checking into a charming hotel near the Vieux Port. Explore the bustling Quai des Belges, stroll along the iconic Canebière, and visit Notre Dame de la Garde for panoramic Mediterranean views. Dine at MUCEM’s chic bistro “La Table” or brasserie “La Cuisine,” savoring Provençal dishes by chef Gérald Passédat.
Marseille’s Culinary Delights
After breakfast, join a 3-hour Marseille food tour, guided by a gastronomy expert through historic markets and artisan workshops. Sample olive oil chocolate, navette biscuits, panisse crepes, and artisanal pastis. For lunch, savor bouillabaisse at Restaurant Michel, a Marseille institution. Spend the afternoon wandering the Vieux Port or visiting the MUCEM museum, immersing in Mediterranean culture.
Calanques Cruise Adventure
Enjoy breakfast and embark on a 3-hour Calanques cruise, sailing through the Calanques Natural Park’s turquoise fjords and limestone cliffs, a breathtaking Mediterranean gem. Choose a morning or afternoon departure, admiring secluded coves from the sea. Spend the afternoon exploring Marseille’s historic center at your leisure, perhaps browsing local shops or relaxing at a seaside café.
Château La Coste and Aix to Arles
After breakfast, drive to Château La Coste for a wine and art tour, strolling through vineyards and olive groves dotted with contemporary art installations. Savor lunch at one of its four restaurants, featuring seasonal Provençal cuisine. Continue to Aix-en-Provence, exploring Cézanne’s beloved old town, then drive to Arles, checking into your hotel for a restful evening.
Arles’ Roman and Culinary Heritage
Start with breakfast and wander Arles’ charming streets, visiting the Roman amphitheater and Place de la République’s 4th-century obelisk. Pass by the Hôtel-Dieu, linked to Van Gogh’s time in Arles. For lunch, dine at L’Atelier by Jean-Luc Rabanel, savoring healthy, innovative Provençal dishes. Spend the afternoon exploring local shops or relaxing in Arles’ Provençal ambiance.
Vallée des Baux to Avignon
After breakfast, embark on a 4-hour Vallée des Baux gastronomy excursion, visiting winemakers for Provence wine tastings and a sheepfold for goat cheese sampling. Drive to Avignon, checking into your hotel in the UNESCO-listed medieval center. Spend the evening strolling cobblestone streets, soaking in the city’s historic charm and vibrant Provençal energy.
Avignon’s Gourmet and Historic Walk
Enjoy breakfast and join a 3-hour Avignon gourmet walk, meeting artisans for ten tastings, from Rhône Valley wines to award-winning chocolates. Visit Les Halles market, buzzing with local flavors. Spend the afternoon exploring Avignon’s medieval alleys or opt for a Palais des Papes visit. Dine at Sevin, savoring haute Provençal cuisine in a 12th-century setting.
Farewell to Provence
After breakfast, savor a final moment in Avignon’s historic center, perhaps browsing markets or strolling along the Rhône. Depart with memories of a Gourmet Provence self-drive tour, filled with Calanques cruises, Vallée des Baux gastronomy, and Avignon’s culinary delights. Extend your journey in Occitanie or the Côte d’Azur if time allows.
Cultural and Gastronomic Highlights
A Gourmet Provence self-drive tour blends culinary artistry with historic splendor. The Marseille food tour introduces iconic bouillabaisse and pastis, while the Vallée des Baux gastronomy excursion offers wine and cheese tastings. Sail through the Calanques’ fjords, explore Château La Coste’s wine and art, and savor an Avignon gourmet walk, celebrating Provence’s rich heritage.
Inclusions for a Seamless Journey
Your Gourmet Provence self-drive tour includes 7 nights in 3- or 4-star hotels with breakfast, a 3-hour Marseille food tour, a 3-hour Calanques cruise, a Château La Coste wine and art tour, a 4-hour Vallée des Baux gastronomy excursion, and a 3-hour Avignon gourmet walk. A detailed travel diary ensures effortless navigation through Provence’s culinary and cultural gems.
Savor Provence’s Gourmet Soul
A Gourmet Provence self-drive tour is a perfect escape for food and culture lovers, weaving through lavender fields, historic towns, and vibrant markets. From Marseille’s bouillabaisse to Avignon’s Rhône wines, every stop delights. Book now to explore Provence’s gastronomic and scenic treasures, creating memories of a flavorful journey.
