A Gourmand Journey through Provence

With its geographical and cultural diversity, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region has a wide variety of lands that have influenced its culinary heritage, rich in colors, smells and flavors, deeply rooted in tradition yet resolutely forward-looking.

What a pleasure to sip a pastis, nibble on olives, taste some tapenade on lightly toasted bread, be tempted by a bouillabaisse, succumb to some nougats, calissons and fruit jellies!

But what an unforgettable experience is to learn the secret of making these sweets, to be introduced to the world of Provencal aperitifs, to visit French vineyards in region SUD, to learn the history of an old olive oil mill or to take a Mediterranean style cooking class!

What a pleasure to sip a pastis, nibble on olives, taste some tapenade on lightly toasted bread, be tempted by a bouillabaisse, succumb to some nougats, calissons and fruit jellies!

This journey connects the Dentelles de Montmirail mountains to the Mediterranean sea. Immerse yourself in the landscapes and perfumes of vineyards and olive groves and visit businesses crafting chocolates, calissons (little diamond-shaped sweets made from ground almonds and candied fruit) and pastis (a delicious anise-flavoured spirit). Meet the locals, discover their traditional recipes, their savoir-faire and taste their creations.

Discover more about the local area with city tours which leave plenty of time to simply stroll around and enjoy some fantastic restaurants in Avignon, Aix-en-Provence and Marseille.

3 days / 2 nights

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When is the best time for this gourmet journey?
We recommend the spring but it can be enjoyed all year round.

1 – Gigondas

DOMAINE DE LONGUE TOQUE GABRIEL MEFFRE

In the village of Gigondas, the sommelier introduces you to the wines of the Maison Gabriel Meffre, shares his expertise and guides you in your selection. The tasting is based on a presentation of the terroirs and grape varieties but also on the history of the “Negociant -Vinificateur” business created by Gabriel and his wife in 1936. In 1997, the managers bought out the company and chose to run the new vineyards based on the principles of sustainable agriculture. The Domaine de Longue Toque, nestled at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail, started its conversion to organic farming in 2017. Always striving to produce quality wines, the estate is continuing to promote responsible involvement from its teams.

Gigondas > Châteauneuf-du-Pape : 24 km

2 – Châteauneuf-du-Pape

CHOCOLATERIE CASTELAIN

A visit to the demonstration workshop at Chocolaterie Castelain in Châteauneuf-du-Pape starts with a video screening on growing cocoa and the first stages of transforming the bean. Discover the history of the chocolaterie that was created in 1994 by Bernard Castelain. Afterwards, go behind the scenes of the production workshop, discover the savoir-faire and secrets of the craft and prepare for a tasting as an informed connoisseur.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape > Avignon : 17 km

Enjoy lunch in Avignon before spending the afternoon and evening visiting and discovering the city, its heritage and soaking up its atmosphere. The historic Pont Saint-Bénézet, Palais des Papes, small squares and cafés are on the agenda. Dinner, bed and breakfast in the city.

Avignon > Saint-Rémy de Provence : 25 km

3 – Saint-Rémy de Provence

MOULIN DU CALANQUET

In Saint-Rémy de Provence, brother-and-sister team Anne and Gilles Brun opened an oil mill in 2000. These descendants of the poet Frédéric Mistral from a family of Saint-Rémois farmers dating back five generations replanted various traditional varieties of olives: Grossane, Picholine, Aglandau, Salonenque, Verdale des Bouches-du-Rhône. Monovarietal olive oils have a clear, well-defined flavour, while the Moulin du Calanquet’s blended oils boast a powerful aromatic complex. Discover more about the Brun family’s approach as you visit the mill and taste its products.

Crossing the Alpilles Regional Nature Park.

Saint-Rémy de Provence > Aix-en-Provence : 80 km

4 – Aix-en-Provence

CONFISERIE DU ROY RENÉ

In Aix-en-Provence, the confectionery-maker Confiserie Roy René is the temple of the calisson, the sweet treat combining the much-loved Provençal flavours of almonds and candied fruit. An essential part of the city’s heritage, the calisson dates back to the era of Roy René, in the 15th century. Legend has it that the Roy’s (the King) confectioner made this treat to delight Queen Jeanne on her wedding day. She named these delicacies “di calin soun” (Provençal for “cuddles”). The displays at the Calisson Museum focus on the raw materials used. The Roy René factory is surrounded by three hectares of almond trees. A visit highlights the history and associated savoir-faire. And each visitor is invited to make their own batch of calissons before tasting.

After lunch in Aix-en-Provence, why not see an exhibition, visit Cézanne’ Studio or simply take a break on a café terrace and enjoy Provençal life.

Aix-en-Provence > Rousset : 17 km

5 – Rousset

DOMAINE TERRE DE MISTRAL

In the terroir of Sainte-Victoire, in Rousset, the Terre de Mistral winery and olive-growing estate was created in 2008 and was awarded the French National Wine Tourism Award in 2013. The Mistral Attitude is defined by a love of producing wines and olive oils and a sense of sharing. The guided tour of the wine cellar, the oil mill and tastings are fun and relaxed: try your hand at recognising aromas, take part in blind tastings and more!

Rousset > Marseille : 41 km

Have dinner in the Old Port and spend the night in Marseille.

6 – Marseille

CRISTAL LIMIÑANA

With happy hour approaching, it’s the perfect time to visit Cristal Limiñana where you can sample a selection of aniseed-based aperitifs and other regional drinks. The guided tour begins in the shop by discovering the many colourful labels, before moving onto the vat house, and ends with bottling and loading onto pallets. The Mediterranean epic of the Limiñana family, who left Spain for Algiers before settling in Marseille, is usually told by the founder’s great-granddaughter herself. Today all creations are of 100% French origin.

Enjoy a city tour and perhaps a bouillabaisse at the Esplai du Grand Bar des Goudes, before visiting the Calanques (creeks) of Cassis.

Marseille > Cassis : 35 km