Aix & Marseille : Essence of Provence: Wine, Food & Villages

Exploring the "Essence of Provence" offers an immersive journey through the captivating landscapes of Aix-en-Provence and Marseille. This 7-hour tour invites travelers to uncover the region’s renowned wine, food, and charming villages. From admiring the breathtaking Sainte Victoire mountain to indulging in estate wine tastings and savoring Provencal specialties, the tour promises a delightful blend of cultural experiences and scenic beauty. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a foodie, or simply seeking to learn about the heart of Provence, this tour provides an enchanting glimpse into the treasures that make this region truly special.

Key Points

• Immersive exploration of Provence’s natural landscapes, including panoramic views of Sainte Victoire mountain and strolls through lush vine fields.
• Hands-on experience at a local winery with estate wine tasting and insights into the art and science of Provençal winemaking.
• Culinary tasting of diverse Provençal specialties, including olive oils, artisanal cheeses, and traditional breads, with a focus on food and wine pairing.
• Cultural experiences in charming Provençal villages, such as playing pétanque and enjoying coffee and croissants.
• Visits to significant historical sites like the basilica in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Beaume, with optional stops in Aix-en-Provence for Marseille clients.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

This Essence of Provence experience combines the charming landscapes around Sainte Victoire mountain, a visit to a local winery for wine tasting, and a sampling of Provencal specialties.

Priced at $1,100.27 for up to 6 participants, the 7-hour tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve their spot now and pay later.

The experience includes a vineyard visit, food tasting, a live tour guide, hotel pick-up and drop-off, and transportation by air-conditioned van.

Whether you’re in Marseille or Aix-en-Provence, this tour provides an immersive exploration of the region’s wine, food, and picturesque villages.

Activity Highlights

Travelers can look forward to a captivating exploration of the landscapes around Sainte Victoire mountain and the lush vine valleys.

They’ll walk through the vineyards and visit a winery for an estate wine tasting, learning about the region’s wine production.

Guests will also have the chance to enjoy a game of pétanque or a coffee and croissant in an authentic countryside village.

The experience includes a tasting of Provencal specialties, olive oils, cheeses, and traditional bread, as well as a lesson on food and wine pairing techniques.

It’s a well-rounded immersion in the essence of Provence.

Detailed Itinerary

The detailed itinerary begins with an admiration of the landscapes around the Sainte Victoire mountain.

Guests then walk through vine fields and visit a winery for an estate wine tasting.

In the village, they can enjoy a game of pétanque or coffee and croissant.

Next, they’ll taste Provencal specialties, olive oils, cheeses, and traditional bread, learning food and wine pairing techniques.

The tour also includes a stop in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Beaume to visit the village and its basilica, the school of Mary Magdalene.

Clients from Marseille have the option to stop in Aix-en-Provence instead.

Additional Stops

The tour also includes a stop in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Beaume to visit the village and its basilica, the school of Mary Magdalene.

This historic site is a significant destination on the itinerary. Plus, for clients from Marseille, there’s an optional stop in Aix-en-Provence instead of Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Beaume.

This provides flexibility to accommodate the preferences of different participants.

The key highlights of the additional stops include:

1. Exploring the charming village of Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Beaume.
2. Visiting the famous basilica associated with Mary Magdalene.
3. Optional stop in the picturesque city of Aix-en-Provence for Marseille-based clients.
4. Experiencing the unique cultural and historical aspects of these Provençal destinations.

More Great Tours Nearby

Inclusions

The tour package includes a visit to a local winery for an estate wine tasting, allowing participants to learn about the region’s wine production.

Plus, the tour features a tasting of Provencal specialties, including olive oils, cheeses, and traditional bread, providing insight into the local cuisine.

A knowledgeable live tour guide, fluent in English, French, and Polish, accompanies the group throughout the experience.

Pickup and drop-off service at the participants’ hotels in the Marseille or Aix-en-Provence area, as well as air-conditioned transportation, are also included, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey through the Essence of Provence.

Landscapes Around Sainte Victoire

As the tour traverses the picturesque landscapes surrounding the iconic Sainte Victoire mountain, you will be treated to a breathtaking display of Provence’s natural beauty.

The itinerary includes the following highlights:

1. Panoramic vistas of the rolling hills and vineyards that characterize the Sainte Victoire region.

2. Opportunities to stroll through the lush vine fields, providing an immersive experience in the heart of Provence’s winemaking tradition.

3. Chances to admire the striking geological formations and unique rock formations that have made Sainte Victoire a beloved natural wonder.

4. Insights into the local ecosystem and the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in this stunning Mediterranean landscape.

Vineyard Visit and Wine Tasting

After exploring the stunning landscapes surrounding the iconic Sainte Victoire mountain, the tour moves on to a hands-on experience at a local winery.

Visitors will walk through the vine fields, learning about the wine production process. They’ll then enjoy an estate wine tasting, sampling the region’s renowned varietals.

The experience provides an opportunity to appreciate the art and science behind crafting exceptional Provençal wines. With guidance from the knowledgeable guide, guests will discover the nuances of the terroir and gain a deeper understanding of what makes these wines so distinctive.

Provencal Specialties and Wine Pairing

Following the enjoyable wine tasting, the tour then focuses on exploring the diverse and flavorful Provençal cuisine.

Participants will have the opportunity to taste a variety of Provençal specialties, including:

1. Olive oils – Sampling the rich, peppery flavors of locally produced olive oils.
2. Cheeses – Indulging in the region’s renowned artisanal cheeses.
3. Traditional bread – Savoring the crusty, aromatic breads of the Provence.
4. Food and wine pairing – Learning the art of matching Provençal dishes with the appropriate wines.

This culinary experience allows visitors to fully enjoy the flavors that define the essence of Provence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Select the Specific Wines to Taste During the Tasting?

It’s unlikely you can select the specific wines to taste during the wine tasting. The tour typically includes a pre-selected wine tasting at the vineyard to showcase the local varietals and wine production. However, you can ask the guide about customizing the experience.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour has a casual, relaxed dress code. Guests are advised to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes for the winery visit and walking around the villages.

How Many Stops Are Typically Made During the Village Visits?

The tour typically visits 2-3 authentic countryside villages, including Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Beaume. Clients may also have the option to stop in Aix-en-Provence instead of Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Beaume, depending on their location.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration. It’s a fixed 7-hour experience that covers the key highlights of the region, including wine tasting, food sampling, and visits to authentic countryside villages.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?

The tour can be customized to accommodate dietary restrictions. The provider is flexible and willing to adapt the food tasting portion to cater to any specific dietary needs or preferences of participants.

Sum Up

The "Essence of Provence" tour provides a delightful blend of cultural experiences and culinary delights. Visitors can enjoy the captivating landscapes around Sainte Victoire mountain, indulge in estate wine tastings, and savor Provencal specialties. With engaging activities like a game of pétanque, this journey offers an enchanting exploration of Aix-en-Provence and Marseille, showcasing the essence of the Provence region.

You can check availability for your dates here: