Referred to as the French Rome for its magnificent Roman vestiges such as the Maison carrée, the Roman arena and the Diana Temple, Nîmes delights visitors with its quality lifestyle and the innate sense of fun and creativity. Nîmes lies close to the Pont du Gard which symbolises the region. The audacious bridge, built by a thousand workers working 2000 years ago, was part of a 50-km long aqueduct which channelled water to the city of Nîmes. The Pont du Gard is part of UNESCO Heritage for Humanity.

www.pontdugard.fr

Van Gogh stayed in Arles, and couturier Christian Lacroix is a native son... in Arles, artists and the Camargue “Gardians” are equally at home. Here there are festivities to celebrate the Camargue-grown rice, and the famous bullfights. Arles is built on the Rhone, which widens into a delta then meanders through the Camargue to the coast. Arles, a city since the 6th century BC, has always been a place of art and history. Many of its Roman and Romanesque monuments have been registered as UNESCO Heritage for Humanity. Arles is 25 minutes from Avignon.

As you leave Arles, you enter Camargue. The land in Camargue is now part of a Regionial Natural Park, and is home to white horses, pink flamingoes, and hundreds of species of birds who have made their home in the protected wetlands. Discover this vast area full of dikes, rice fields, dunes, ponds and salt works. Many different cycling and horseback riding outings are proposed.

For more information :
Tourism Office
T. +33 (0)4 90 18 41 20
www.arlestourisme.com

For more info on the Park :
www.parc-camargue.fr

For more info :
Saintes Maries de la Mer Tourism Office
T. +33 (0)4 90 97 82 55
www.saintesmaries.com

The city of Marseille was founded in the year 600 BC by the Phoceans. Today Marseille is a major city full of many different neighbourhoods. A bustling port on the Mediterranean, Marseille has a long and fascinating history, and has just celebrated its 2600th anniversary. Full of interesting features, such as the winding streets in the Endoume area which overlooks the sea, active night life and a strong cultural identity, Marseille also offers boat trips to the islands, lovely strolls along the Vieux Port, outings in the Calanques and many other possibilities. An amazing city, just one hour from Avignon.

For more information : Tourism Office
T. +33 (0)4 91 13 89 00
www.marseille-tourisme.com

The stretch of fjord-like Calanques covers 5000 hectares between Marseille and Cassis and is world-renowned for hiking, climbing, underwater diving and sea-kayaking. The beautiful, protected wilderness of the Calanques is home to several unique species including the Sabline de Provence grass. The waters hold the priceless treasure of the Cosquer cave, the oldest known under water painted cave, which goes back 27,000 years.

For more information :
Cassis Tourism Office
T. +33 (0)8 92 25 98 92
www.ot-cassis.com

The city of Aix is closely linked to the famous Saint Victoire mountain through the strong relationship created by painter Paul Cézanne. Saint Victoire looms large, visible before reaching Aix, the true backdrop for a true city of art. Aix is an elegant city, lovely streets so conducive to wandering, lots of fountains on beautiful squares. And shopping is a fine art in Aix !

For more information :
Tourism Office
T. +33 (0)4 42 16 11 61
www.aixenprovencetourism.com

Saint-Rémy de Provence has kept the lovely flavour of an authentic Provencal village. Narrow streets and gushing fountains ensure cool peace and quiet for visitors. Lively sidewalk cafés overflow with busy local activity, and the Wednesday market is renowned. At the foot of the Alpilles range, Saint Rémy de Provence is a starting point for lots of walking tours. The beautiful light and blue skies inspired Vincent Van Gogh. Saint Rémy is also just next to the outstanding Roman site of Glanum.

For more information :
Saint-Rémy Tourism Office
T. +33 (0)4 90 92 05 22
www.saintremy-de-provence.com

Just outside of Saint-Rémy de Provence, at the end of a beautiful winding road amidst pine and stark limestone, stands the dramatic silhouette of the Baux de Provence. The castle ruins rise atop the rocky outcrop, and the old village overlooks the Provencal landscape of olive trees, limestone rock and scrubland. Les Baux de Provence is ranked as one of the « Most Beautiful Villages in France ».

For more information, contact the Baux de Provence Tourism Office
T. +33 (0)4 90 54 34 39
www.lesbauxdeprovence.com

Uzès was an Episcopal City, the first Duchy of France, and a Protestant stronghold. It has been a dynamic centre since the 15th century, with textile and other activities. Uzès is above all a city of Art and History with many magnificent homes and squares.

For more information :
Tourism Office
T. +33 (0)4 66 22 68 88
www.uzes-tourisme.com

The canyons cut by the fast-flowing Ardèche river stretch 30 kilometers in length, and have been registered as a Natural Reserve. The canyons and their highlands draw visitors from the world over, eager to hike and float the canyons, and visit the beautiful countryside. Outdoor activities abound here – spelunking, rock climbing, canoeing and kayaking, hiking, bungee jumping ...

For more information :
Tourism Office for the Gorges de l’Ardèche
T. +33 (0)4.75.88.04.01
www.vallon-pont-darc.com