Activity Reviews in Provence

Les Alpilles is a relatively little-known range of hills to the south of St Remy de Provence, awarded Parc Naturel Régional status in 2007. The peaks rise to a modest 500m, hence the name ‘little Alps’. Inhabited and farmed by man for thousands of year, these craggy limestone hills are dotted with pretty villages, roman remains and centuries-old vineyards and olive groves. They are also criss-crossed with paths and tracks, making them ideal for walking, mountain biking and, for the less energetic, riding.

Be welcomed as a guest into the studio in which Paul Cézanne created some of his most famous paintings; and immerse yourself in the life of the Aix-en-Provence artist.

With the many rivers around Avignon there are plenty of opportunities to kayak in gorgeous natural surroundings. We headed just 50 kilometres north-west to the village of Goudargues, near La Roque sur Ceze, to try Goud' Canoe’s “Nature” package; which is an 8km route with plenty of picnic areas, swimming spots and sun-bathing sites along the way.

On Saturday I decided to go hiking on Mont Ventoux, the largest mountain in Provence. Popular nicknames include the ‘Beast of Provence’, ‘Giant of Provence’ and of course the ‘Bald Mountain’. After doing only a little research, I headed off in the direction of Bédoin, the town at the base of the mountain where Google Maps told me to go.

It was a very hot day when we decided to set out for a hike from Digne les Bains, and after a three course lunch with a cheese course to finish, we weren't feeling like moving around too much.

The image we have of Provence is one of a small county house, probably surrounded by lavender fields in full bloom, flowers twisting their way over the door frame, someone in the yard stamping grapes in a wooden barrel with their bare feet, a picnic basket at the ready with a baguette, selection of cheese and a corked half bottle of wine...and probably some delicious Provencal style food on the wood stove...

Interested in a lovely Provençal bike ride? Don't feel like going through the pain of climbing Mont Ventoux? That's OK! A perfectly peaceful bike route is waiting for you just across the river from Avignon. A spin around Île de la Barthelasse will take you past beautiful farm fields, orchards and views of Avignon – plus it's all flat.

November in Provence is a month of showers, overflowing riverbeds and muddy paths. But in between the rainy days, the sun comes out again in shining form, reaching the wet ground for a temporary warmth. It's the time to head for the forests in search of hidden treasures, the wild mushrooms that spring up from the heavy dampness of the soil.

The Train des Merveilles takes you from the coastline of Nice into the rugged mountains of the Vallée des Merveilles and the Mercantour National Park.

There are plenty of things to do and see in Avignon, and learning to cook local produce with a local chef is a great way to learn about Provençal cuisine.

Looking for a quiet walk and a bit of nature? Taking in sights, shopping and eating gelato in a busy city can be exhausting, even when it’s as charming as Avignon. Just minutes outside of the city walls, there is a beautiful canal and walking path that will make you feel miles away from the tourist filled plazas and gelaterias.

Provence Quad Location, situated in Graveson just a few kilometres outside St.Remy-de-Provence, offer guided tours through the Provençal countryside every day of the year. I was part of a group on the “Discovery” tour.

Touring the Mont Sainte Victoire is a perfect escape from Aix-en-Provence to see a wild side of Provence, share some of Cesanne's views and taste some fine wines en route.

Vaucluse ULM flight school are based out of a hangar in Avignon-Sud Airport where they are in possession of around ten different types of aircrafts – from gliders; to stunt planes, microlight aircraft and the bright yellow Auto-Giro that I’m going up in today.

Riding around La Camargue on horseback is the perfect way to spend an afternoon in the company of experienced and well-trained horses trekking through marshland and along the dusty-paths of the famous region.