Provence and French Riviera Fly & Drive

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Marseille is the second largest city in France, the biggest Mediterranean port and the economic hub of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Marseille is set in a beautiful location, snuggled between craggy limestone hills and a sweeping bay, and is rich with history, which wasn’t always pleasant. Marseille is a popular holiday destination, as it has 300 days of sunshine a year. Today Marseilles still keeps traces of its tumultuous past, this ancient city is today very active and attractive. It has powerful charm which encourages visitors, to stroll through its old districts around le Vieux Port, in the gardens with the ancient ruins or the gardens of Longchamp Palace and, of course, on the esplanade of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde Cathedral, which overlooks the entire city Marseille is atmospheric and charming and a real must.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Avignon, nestled on the banks of the Rhône in southern France, is a compact city where medieval charm meets Provençal sunshine. Dominated by its formidable ramparts and honey‑colored stone buildings, the city invites slow wandering through narrow streets, leafy squares, and lively cafés. Its skyline is crowned by the Palais des Papes, one of Europe’s largest and most important Gothic palaces, a reminder that Avignon was once the seat of the papacy in the 14th century. Begin your visit at the Palais des Papes, where vast ceremonial halls, chapels, and private apartments reveal the power and intrigue of the medieval church. From the palace square, it’s a short walk to the celebrated Pont Saint‑Bénézet, the “Pont d’Avignon” of song. Today only a few arches remain, but the bridge offers evocative views over the city walls and the river, especially at sunset. Nearby, the Rocher des Doms gardens provide a peaceful lookout point, perfect for escaping the midday heat. Avignon is also a city of culture and festivals. Each July, the Festival d’Avignon transforms streets, cloisters, and courtyards into stages for theater, dance, and performance art, drawing artists and audiences from all over the world. Outside festival season, you can explore excellent museums such as the Musée Calvet and the Collection Lambert, browse antique shops, and sample local wines from nearby Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape in atmospheric wine bars. Food is central to the Avignon experience. Expect Provençal flavors: olives, tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and fresh seafood from the Mediterranean. Wander through Les Halles, the covered market, to discover regional specialties like tapenade, goat cheeses, and lavender honey. In the evening, choose a terrace on Place de l’Horloge or a quieter side street and linger over a glass of rosé while watching the city’s stone facades glow softly in the fading light.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Marseille is the second largest city in France, the biggest Mediterranean port and the economic hub of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Marseille is set in a beautiful location, snuggled between craggy limestone hills and a sweeping bay, and is rich with history, which wasn’t always pleasant. Marseille is a popular holiday destination, as it has 300 days of sunshine a year. Today Marseilles still keeps traces of its tumultuous past, this ancient city is today very active and attractive. It has powerful charm which encourages visitors, to stroll through its old districts around le Vieux Port, in the gardens with the ancient ruins or the gardens of Longchamp Palace and, of course, on the esplanade of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde Cathedral, which overlooks the entire city Marseille is atmospheric and charming and a real must.