Tour the idyllic, sun-soaked vibrancy of southern France.
Stretching over a gorgeous expanse of pastoral perfection, Provence encompasses postcard-worthy villages, striking cliffside panoramas and a sophisticated artistic scene.
Its main port, Marseille, is France’s second-largest city and a magnet for creative souls. Opera, ballet, theater, cinema, music, galleries and museums thrive here, overlooking the Mediterranean.
The first Roman settlement outside of Italy, Provence has always enjoyed a unique character. Independent for nearly 600 years between Roman and French rule, its culture still retains a sense of joyful freedom and simple vitality.
Ramble contentedly through the idyllic sweep of Marseille and Provence to experience its rustic charms and refined allure.
LOCAL CUISINE SHOPPING
Marseille’s most famous seafood dish Marseille’s Old Port is bouillabaisse, a superb fish stew area bursts with of five or more fish, several varieties authentic nautical of shellfish, plus potatoes and other gifts — sailing veggies. Enjoy its rich comfort with sweaters, books, rouille, a mayonnaise of egg yolk, crockery, toys and olive oil, red pepper and saffron. model ships, including pontus, the local Provence has exceptional chocolates, too! Try espérantine, fishing boat. a green chocolate shell made with olive oil around almond confection, and papaline, a pink chocolate liqueur fantasy The must-grab items here, though, are made with honey and herbs. les indiennes, traditionally printed fabrics popular in Provence since the 1600s. Saturated Artisanal pastis flourishes here. Concocted to replace absinthe, with sunny colors and cheerful patterns, like pastis is a liqueur made of star anise, one of Provence’s most sunflowers, olive branches, fruits, vines and celebrated spices. The finest versions include over 70 herbs. curved geometry, the prints adorn scarves, Order it in Marseille by its local nickname, pastaga. dresses, vests, home linens and more.
CURRENCY France uses Some major All restaurants Most stores accept the euro. banks exchange include a 15% service major credit cards. money at ATMs. charge, but leave a small tip. PROVENCE (MARSEILLE) FRANCE
PLACES OF INTEREST TOP 3 LAND DISCOVERIES
1. AIX-EN-PROVENCE MARSEILLE CITY TOUR Explore the former medieval capital of Provence’s cathedral, palace and boutiques. Marseille is a muse of a city. Appearing in novels and movies throughout the 2. AVIGNON 20th century, its colorful Old Port is a Tour the luxurious Palace of the Popes, where seven mesmerizing beauty. Meander by popes lived in the 14th century. classically French sidewalk cafes, thriving markets and picturesque fishing boats 3. MARSEILLE before journeying to the Byzantine Discover this lively port city’s architecture and shops church and crypt at La Garde Hill. in the heart of Provence. AIX-EN-PROVENCE 4. ARLES Soak up inspiration in the town where Vincent Van Gogh Discover Aix-en-Provence, the ancient painted over 300 canvases. capital city of the Provencal region. Drive through the countryside into the charming 5. CASSIS old town to walk the grand Cours Mirabeau, Journey along the sheer white cliffs of Cassis, a vibrant shaded by over 200 trees, leading to the fishing village since antiquity. city’s medieval ramparts, the old Mazarin District and St. Sauveur Cathedral. 6. PONT DU GARD View the fascinating three-tiered bridge, dating back to 40 A.D., over the Gard River. TASTE OF AVIGNON
beyond provence Tour the impressive Palace of the Popes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on the LOURMARIN Rhône River, where seven popes chose to Wander through the picturesque village of Lourmarin’s reside over Rome in the 14th century. This castle, churches and shops. fascinating palace comprises sumptuous chambers, chapels and passages before ROUSSILLON lunch at a delectable French brasserie. Marvel at the red, yellow and white cliffs of this village in the Louberon Mountains.
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This information has been compiled for the convenience of our guests and is intended solely for that purpose. While we work to ensure that Visit the Land Discoveries Desk on Deck 4 the information contained herein is correct, we cannot accept responsibility for any changes to reserve these and other exciting experiences. that may have taken place since printing. ©2014 Azamara Club Cruises. Ships’ Registry: Malta.