* France - Provence : Marseille and Cassis

Founded by the Phoenicians centuries ago, Marseille enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year and can boast spectacular surroundings. On the coast there’s the stunning limestone Calanques at Cassis lapped by limpid turquoise seas, and the charming canals and bridges of Martigues, the “little Venice” of Provence. Artists sought inspiration in the hills, notably painter Cezanne and writer Pagnol who have indelibly left their mark on this gorgeous and popular part of France.

4 days / 275 km

Ref: 11B044

Dates

March , April , May , June , July , August , September , October , November

D1 Marseille

Lunch on the old port of Marseille. Take the tourist train up to the church of Notre Dame de la Garde, known affectionately to the locals as the “Bonne Mere des Marseillais”, their mother protector figure. A boat ride to the chateau d’If is an optional extra. Free time to explore the picturesque Panier district. Dinner and overnight.

D2 Cassis and the Calanques, Le Castellet Village and Bandol Wines (130 km)

Head for the pretty seaside village of Cassis and time at leisure to explore. A boat tour of the mythical Calanques, stunning mini fjords in the limestone cliffs, is an optional extra. Continue to the mediaeval hilltop village of Le Castellet for lunch, and free time to roam the narrow streets full of artisan’s boutiques. Visit a wine and olive oil growing estate and taste some of Bandol’s excellent wines with “fougasse”, a local flat bread. Dinner and overnight.

D3 Martigues and the Blue Coast (120 km)

Visit Martigues, the “Venice of Provence” and do some seafood tasting (a cookery workshop then a bouillabaisse menu lunch is an optional extra). Lunch then on to explore the delightful “Cote Bleue”, or Blue Coast, west of Marseilles, and its pretty little resorts - Carro, the old village of la Couronne, Sausset les Pins and Carry le Rouet. Dinner and overnight.

D4 Aubagne and Pagnol (25 km)

Central to the popular tales of Marcel Pagnol, the village of Aubagne also has a craftman's workshop making “santons”, traditional figurines for the Christmas crib, some 200 of which make up the World of Marcel Pagnol exhibition. Lunch.