South of France — Provence & the Calanques
Sightchaser travel map: South of France — Provence & the Calanques
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Gordes
Iconic Luberon hilltop village with honey-stone houses cascading down a rocky spur. Best photographed from the D15 lookout at golden hour. Pro tip: Arrive before 8am or after 5pm - the village fills with tour buses by mid-morning.
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Calanques de Marseille
Dramatic white limestone cliffs dropping into turquoise water south of Marseille. The Calanque de Sugiton hike (3hrs return) is the best ratio of effort to reward. Pro tip: Access is restricted in summer - book entry via the national park website in June-September.
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Lavender Fields - Valensole Plateau
Europe's largest lavender-growing plateau. Peak bloom runs late June to mid-July. The D8 road between Valensole and Puimoisson has the best rows. Pro tip: Shoot at sunrise for the best light and empty fields - the tour buses arrive by 9am.
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Roussillon
A village built from and into 17 shades of ochre rock. The Sentier des Ocres walking trail loops through surreal rust-red formations on the edge of town. Pro tip: The village glows warmest in late afternoon light. The 3 euro trail entry is worth it.
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Les Baux-de-Provence
A ruined medieval citadel perched on white limestone cliffs in the Alpilles. The Carrieres de Lumieres light show in the old quarry is worth an evening visit. Pro tip: Park at the base and walk up - the village streets are too narrow to drive.
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Marche d'Aix-en-Provence
The Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday morning market on Cours Mirabeau and Place Richelme is the best food market in Provence. Cheese, olives, charcuterie, calissons. Pro tip: Go hungry. The roasted chicken and socca stalls near Place de l'Hotel de Ville are the move.
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Port de Cassis
A small, beautiful fishing harbour ringed by pastel buildings and white cliffs. The waterfront restaurants serve the best bouillabaisse outside Marseille. Pro tip: Walk up to Cap Canaille viewpoint above town - one of the highest sea cliffs in France.
food

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
A fairy-tale village clinging to a gorge above the Verdon valley, with a golden star hanging on a chain between the cliffs above it. Gateway to the Gorges du Verdon. Pro tip: Stay one night - the village is completely different once the day visitors leave.
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Montagne Sainte-Victoire
Cezanne's mountain - the pale limestone ridge east of Aix that he painted over 80 times. The GR9 trail to the summit ridge takes about 3 hours and has extraordinary views. Pro tip: The north face trail from Vauvenargues is less crowded and more dramatic than the south approach.
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Arles - Roman Arena
Van Gogh's city. The Roman amphitheatre still hosts events. The old town at dusk, when the yellow limestone glows, is exactly what he was painting. Pro tip: The Fondation Vincent van Gogh is small but excellent. The Arles Photography Festival in July is world-class.
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