Heritage, wines and gastronomy - 3-day tour

Heritage, wines and gastronomy - 3-day tour

Overview

Heritage, wines and gastronomy - 3-day tour is an easy-paced escape through Provence, blending iconic history, celebrated vineyards, and local flavors. Designed for travelers who want a balanced mix of guided visits, scenic viewpoints, and tastings, this experience connects Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, Cassis, and the Great Southern Wine Route.

Across three days, you will explore landmark sites like the Palais des Papes, discover Provençal streets and markets, and enjoy wine tastings in renowned appellations including Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

🗺️ What to Expect

This three-day journey combines heritage sightseeing with wine and food-focused moments, moving between historic city centers and standout landscapes in southern France. You will typically begin with Avignon’s medieval highlights, then head into the vineyards for tastings along the Great Southern Wine Route, including Châteauneuf-du-Pape and other noted wine villages.

Another day is dedicated to Aix-en-Provence and the world of Cézanne, mixing culture with a light walk near Sainte-Victoire and time at Château Lacoste for contemporary art and a vineyard tasting. The final day centers on Marseille and the Calanques area, with multiple ways to experience the coastline, followed by local wine tasting around Cassis and a photo stop at Cap Canaille, the highest sea cliff in Europe.

✨ Highlights

• 🏰 Explore Avignon’s UNESCO-listed atmosphere with a visit to the Palais des Papes
• 🌉 See the legendary Pont Saint-Bénézet (Pont d’Avignon)
• 🍷 Taste celebrated wines on the Great Southern Wine Route, including Châteauneuf-du-Pape
• 🖼️ Step into Cézanne’s world in Aix-en-Provence, including a visit to his studio (ticket not included)
• 🥾 Enjoy a light walk near Sainte-Victoire with Provençal landscapes and picnic potential
• 🌊 Choose your Calanques experience from hiking, a boat trip option, or time in town and at the beach
• 📸 Finish with a dramatic viewpoint at Cap Canaille, the highest sea cliff in Europe

📍 Itinerary

1. Day 1: Avignon
   • Stop at: Palais des Papes, Avignon, visit of the Palace of the Popes (Duration: 2 hours)
   • Stop at: Pont Saint-Bénézet (Pont d’Avignon), visit of the famous bridge (Duration: 30 minutes)
   • Old town visit, then lunch break at Les Halles (covered market)
   • Continue to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, followed by tasting at the cooperative cellar and different estates depending on the day of the week
2. Day 2: Aix-en-Provence and around Sainte-Victoire
   • Visit the city centre of Aix-en-Provence, fountains, mansions, and Saint Sauveur cathedral (about 1h30)
   • Visit Cézanne’s studio (ticket not included, 6.5 euros)
   • Country path walk close to Sainte-Victoire, with stops such as Bimont dam, Cézanne balcony, and scenic viewpoints
   • Continue to Château Lacoste, contemporary art exhibitions, vineyard visit, and wine tasting
   • Possible stops depending on timing in local product shops (Puyricard chocolate factory, olive oil, confectionery, lavender)
3. Day 3: Marseille, Calanques, Cassis and Cap Canaille
   • From Marseille, commented van ride covering the city’s history, modernization, religious buildings, villas, environment and beaches
   • Pass by the Velodrome, Le Corbusier’s radiant city, and the largest university in France, then take the Route de la Gineste with photo stops and viewpoints
   • Morning options: hike to Calanque d’En Vau (3 hours), short hike to Port Pin (1h30), boat trip (45 to 110 min, ticket not included 16 to 28€), or city visit with market and possible swimming at the central beach
   • Meal break (at your expense)
   • Visit one of the 12 organic Cassis wine estates (entrance not included, 10 to 12€ with tasting) or taste local wines
   • Optional activities: snorkeling session (included), Kayak/Paddle (not included), or visit nearby La Ciotat
   • Photo stop at Cap Canaille, the highest sea cliff in Europe

✅ What’s Included

• Visit of the Palace of the Popes of Avignon
• Visit of Pont Saint-Bénézet (Pont d’Avignon)
• Wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape (cooperative cellar, plus different estates depending on the day of the week)
• Visit of Aix-en-Provence city centre (fountains, mansions, Saint Sauveur cathedral)
• Visit to Château Lacoste, including exhibitions, vineyard visit, and wine tasting
• Commented van ride in Marseille with sightseeing along key areas and viewpoints
• Snorkeling session (included in the tour)

❌ Exclusions

• Cézanne’s studio ticket (not included, 6.5 euros)
• Calanques boat trip ticket (not included, 16 to 28€)
• Entrance to a Cassis organic wine estate (not included, between 10 and 12€ with tasting)
• Kayak/Paddle (not included)
• Meals (meal break is at your expense)

ℹ️ Important Information

• Difficulty: Easy.
• Tour structure: A mix of guided visits, scenic drives with stops, and optional activities (hiking, boat trip, city visit, swimming).
• Optional costs: Some tickets and activities are not included, such as Cézanne’s studio, the Calanques boat trip, and certain estate entrances with tasting.
• Timing notes: Some stops may vary depending on timing and the day of the week (for example, which wine estates are visited).

🎟️ Time to Book Your Adventure

Reserve your spot on the Heritage, wines and gastronomy - 3-day tour and experience Provence through its most iconic stories, landscapes, and glasses of wine. From the Palais des Papes in Avignon to a wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the dramatic views over Marseille and Cap Canaille, this itinerary is built for travelers who want variety without a rushed pace. Book ahead to secure your preferred dates and enjoy three days of culture, vineyards, and coastline in one seamless journey.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions, FAQ

1) How long is the Heritage, wines and gastronomy - 3-day tour?
The experience lasts 3 days. It is designed as an easy-paced, multi-day itinerary combining heritage visits, wine tastings, and coastal scenery.

2) What are the main places visited during the tour?
You will visit Avignon (including the Palais des Papes and Pont d’Avignon), Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, Cassis, and Cap Canaille. The program also includes wine-focused stops such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Château Lacoste.

3) Are wine tastings included?
Yes, wine tasting is part of the itinerary, including Châteauneuf-du-Pape and a tasting at Château Lacoste. In Cassis, you may visit one of the organic wine estates, but the entrance with tasting is not included.

4) What extra costs should I expect?
Some tickets and activities are not included, such as Cézanne’s studio ticket (6.5 euros) and the Calanques boat trip (16 to 28€). Meals are also at your expense, and Kayak/Paddle is not included.

5) What are the activity options on the Marseille and Calanques day?
From Marseille, you can choose between hikes (including options to Calanque d’En Vau or Port Pin), a boat trip option to see the creeks, or time in the city with a market visit and possible swimming. The day typically ends with Cassis wine tasting options and a photo stop at Cap Canaille.