Marseille, France
About This Stop
Instead of staying in Marseille, we headed inland for a full day of history, sweeping views, and small-town charm that perfectly captured the essence of southern France. Our journey took us north to explore a medieval fortress and papal landmarks before finishing the day wandering the enchanting streets of Aix-en-Provence. With authentic French snacks, breathtaking panoramic views, and some of the most memorable ice cream of our entire trip, this detour from the coast proved to be absolutely worth every moment.
We began our adventure with a scenic 45-minute bus ride north from Marseille, traveling deep into the heart of southern France where the landscape transformed into the quintessential Provence countryside. Our destination was the magnificent Fort Saint-André, a massive medieval fortress perched dramatically on a hilltop that offered commanding panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Walking through this ancient stronghold felt like stepping back in time, with every stone wall and watchtower telling stories of centuries past.
Our exploration continued through the historic grounds near the Palace of the Popes in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, where we found ourselves immersed in locations steeped in centuries of papal history and ecclesiastical power. The weight of history felt palpable as we wandered through areas where religious and political decisions had shaped the course of European history. After our tour, we sampled some delightful local snacks that embodied the simple, rustic, and absolutely delicious flavors that define authentic French cuisine.
For our journey to Aix-en-Provence, we hopped aboard a double-decker bus and managed to secure the coveted front row seats on the top deck, giving us an unobstructed view of the stunning landscape. The scenic drive south provided us with another magnificent perspective of Provence's natural beauty, with rolling hills, vineyards, and charming villages creating a picturesque tapestry that unfolded before our eyes.
We spent our afternoon exploring the colorful streets and elegant fountains of Aix-en-Provence, a town so perfectly charming it seemed like it had been designed specifically for postcards. Every corner revealed new photographic opportunities, from sun-dappled courtyards to flower-lined walkways that captured the romantic essence of southern France. Our culinary adventure culminated with authentic French food and what can only be described as "awesome ice cream" – gelato that was so exceptional it became an undisputed highlight of our entire journey, providing the perfect sweet ending to our Provence adventure.
We began our adventure with a scenic 45-minute bus ride north from Marseille, traveling deep into the heart of southern France where the landscape transformed into the quintessential Provence countryside. Our destination was the magnificent Fort Saint-André, a massive medieval fortress perched dramatically on a hilltop that offered commanding panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Walking through this ancient stronghold felt like stepping back in time, with every stone wall and watchtower telling stories of centuries past.
Our exploration continued through the historic grounds near the Palace of the Popes in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, where we found ourselves immersed in locations steeped in centuries of papal history and ecclesiastical power. The weight of history felt palpable as we wandered through areas where religious and political decisions had shaped the course of European history. After our tour, we sampled some delightful local snacks that embodied the simple, rustic, and absolutely delicious flavors that define authentic French cuisine.
For our journey to Aix-en-Provence, we hopped aboard a double-decker bus and managed to secure the coveted front row seats on the top deck, giving us an unobstructed view of the stunning landscape. The scenic drive south provided us with another magnificent perspective of Provence's natural beauty, with rolling hills, vineyards, and charming villages creating a picturesque tapestry that unfolded before our eyes.
We spent our afternoon exploring the colorful streets and elegant fountains of Aix-en-Provence, a town so perfectly charming it seemed like it had been designed specifically for postcards. Every corner revealed new photographic opportunities, from sun-dappled courtyards to flower-lined walkways that captured the romantic essence of southern France. Our culinary adventure culminated with authentic French food and what can only be described as "awesome ice cream" – gelato that was so exceptional it became an undisputed highlight of our entire journey, providing the perfect sweet ending to our Provence adventure.
Location
Photo Gallery
