COUNTRYSIDE FARMERS MARKETS
While Aix en Provence will spoil you with its daily farmers markets, you will want to enjoy a trip to a local village for their regular weekly market. Our favorite nearby is Lourmarin, in the Southern Luberon valley. As with all village markets, arrive early to find a parking spot (by 9am if possible), and bring cash and a backpack or basket to carry your purchases. And be sure to join in with the locals and start the morning off with a coffee at the village café, watching the hustle and bustle of this happy activity.
WINERIES
Do visit a local winery during your stay. You won’t usually have to pay a tasting fee, but you will be encouraged to buy at least one bottle. Rosé wine makes up 90% of the production in Provence, and you’ll be able to taste it and buy it anywhere in the region. For the most prestigious wines, we recommend heading to the seaside village of Cassis for white wine and to the hillsides of Bandol for red wine.
SPECIAL MEALS
The two most famous Provencal main courses are Bouillabaisse and Aioli. The first is a hearty fisherman’s stew with a base of tomatoes, garlic, and saffron. Taste this dish in nearby Marseille for an authentic catch of local Mediterranean seafood. As for Aioli, this is a full meal featuring the famous garlic mayonnaise, served with salt cod (sometimes known as Bacalao), steamed vegetables and potatoes. Aioli is best ordered at a local restaurant in the deepest Provencal countryside.
OTHER EXPERIENCES
You can visit all sorts of producers in the region, including cheese makers and truffle hunters. Ask us for recommendations!