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Who said you had to take a plane to discover beautiful places? This summer, we're celebrating the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region and its most beautiful corners!
Calanques, creeks, dreamy beaches and lavender fields, this magnificent region of southern France will seduce you with its breathtaking landscapes. Here are 5 natural sites not to be missed this summer in Provence.
1. The calanques of Marseille and of Cassis
Between Marseille and Cassis, on more than 20 km of coast, is one of the most beautiful natural parks in France: the natural park of the Calanques. It is a unique place that will delight nature lovers thanks to its dreamy landscapes and all its possibilities of activities.
Whether underwater by diving, on the water with a boat ride or on foot on the hiking trails, the calanques of Marseille and Cassis invite you to explore and discover. In total, 15 calanques are to be discovered, but the most beautiful one remains that of En-vau for its deep waters and its belvedere which offers splendid views.
We advise you to visit it by kayak and to go to the pebble beach to observe some wild boars sunbathing or swimming in the clear waters of the calanques!
For more information on tours and rates, please visit calanquesdecassis.com
2. The gorges of Verdon and the lake of Sainte Croix
Do you dream of adventure and change of scenery in an idyllic setting? The Gorges of Verdon are the perfect place to discover breathtaking views. You will be able to navigate at the foot of a cliff of more than 700 meters high, on a water of an almost supernatural and crystal clear blue.
You can also take a pedal boat ride on the Sainte Croix lake or hike or bike along the Route des Crêtes. For those who are not afraid of heights, you can try paragliding over the lake and the gorges for a view of the sky that you will remember for a long time, or climb one of the many limestone cliffs. It is a magical place full of beautiful landscapes and ideal to discover in summer.
For more information on the Gorges of Verdon and its surroundings, go to lesgorgesduverdon.fr
3. Provençal Colorado of Rustrel
For this visit, we advise you to avoid white shoes! The Provençal Colorado of Rustrel is an old ochre quarry, which has nothing to envy to Hollywood western sceneries.
Since the first diggings in 1871, many inspired artists have sculpted multicolored fairy chimneys to offer us today a spectacular landscape. A nice visit to make with friends or family.
Find more information on the Provençal Colorado of Rustrel on coloradoprovencal.fr
4. The calanques of Côte Bleue
To the west of Marseille are the small calanques of the Côte Bleue, less known than those of Cassis but which offer a landscape just as picturesque and full of charm.
Accessible by train, you will be able to observe superb panoramas on one of the most beautiful railroads of France. On the way, you can stop to discover small coastal villages and enjoy the few sandy beaches of the Marseille region. A little corner off the beaten track, ideal for a family day out in the summer.
For more information on the calanques of the Côte Bleue, go to calanques13.com
5. The plateau of Valensole and its lavender fields
Head for one of the largest communes in France: Valensole. In summer, it is known for its lavender fields, which cover more than 800 km2. Can you imagine the feeling of being in the middle of the plateau? Only fields covered with the blue-mauve of lavender as far as the eye can see, and this smell so typical of the region... The dream!
The lavenders bloom between mid-June and mid-August, so it's the perfect time to enjoy them. Every year, the 3rd Sunday of July gives way to the famous Lavender Festival on the Valensole plateau. A festive and traditional day accompanied by various animations around lavender, to fully enjoy the beautiful days of southern France.
For more information on the Valensole plateau and its lavender fields, visit valensole.fr
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