Bouches-du-Rhône Holiday Guide

Bouches-du-Rhône Holiday Guide

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Bouches-du-Rhône - diverse and fascinating

The Bouches-du-Rhône makes an ideal holiday base for anyone wanting to explore the two "sides" to France's beautiful south. It forms the bridge, geographically and culturally between the Languedoc and the Côte-d'Azur, and offers an unrivalled opportunity to experience the diversity of this fascinating part of France.

Top 5 things to see and do in the Bouches-du-Rhône

1. Enjoy the seaside

The seaside of the Bouches-du-Rhône department is varied and lovely, with safe sandy family beaches, clear waters ideal for snorkelling or scuba diving and lively, well equipped resorts. The real feather in the cap, though, is the stunning seaside around Cassis, where the Calanques, amazing rock formations jutting out into the sea, create some of the most dramatic and picturesque seascapes you will ever find. Many can only be seen by boat, and boat trips around these natural marvels are a highly recommended holiday diversion!

2. Follow the art trail

Lovers of art can fall in love with towns like Arles, where so many famous painters have found their inspiration. Following the historical art trail through the department is popular, as is taking your own inspiration from this lovely area and creating your own masterpiece!

3. The Camargue

A kaleidoscope of natural colours awaits you in the Camargue, where the wetlands create a unique natural environment and invite you to enjoy the flamingoes, wild horses and black bulls that freely roam this area of southern France. You can watch the local horsemen round up the bulls and drive them through the streets in time-honoured fashion, and visit the fascinating mediaeval towns that dot the Camargue littoral.

4. The Alpilles

The Alpilles is the inland, hilly part of the department that has long been inspirational to writers as well as artists. The natural landscapes here are truly beautiful, with garrigue scrubland redolent of wild herbs, the rise and fall of the hills, sunflowers, lavender, vineyards and olive trees. Quintessential Provence.

5. OK Corral at Cuges les Pins

If the kids are happy on holiday then the parents have a better time, so give the kids a day to remember at the excellent theme park the OK Corral at Cuges les Pins. It's got all the fun of the fair, and hopefully the young ones will be so exhausted afterwards that you will be able to enjoy a really peaceful evening.

Top 5 towns and cities in the Bouches-du-Rhône

1. Marseille

Marseille is France's second city, and the undisputed queen of the south. First and foremost, Marseille is a port town, and its history is deeply connected to the sea. It has suffered from a reputation for having a high proportion of crime, and while there are elements of organised crime still in existence today, as much could be said of most modern cities - indeed the Marseille you will find on your holiday is actually a vibrant and delightful place. Whether you are shopping, dining, enjoying festivals and other cultural events or soaking up the history and the atmosphere, Marseille is simply a city that must be experienced.

2. Cassis

The ancient fishing port and village of Cassis is somewhere you will want to linger, savouring the atmosphere and the picture postcard views. Built in the late Middle Ages, Cassis has historic streets and buildings, a picturesque port and is close to the stunning Calanques, making it an ideal base for a holiday beside the Mediterranean Sea.

3. Aix en Provence

Aix en Provence is often described as a "city of light and motion", and this slightly eccentric description suits it perfectly. Aix manages to strike that perfect note between being a hive of activity and maintaining a genteel ambience. It is also a place where there is enough to see and do to provide several days worth of sight seeing, and even longer if you take things at a leisurely, Aix en Provence pace!

The old town is lovely, and has mediaeval and other period remains. Aix is also known for its beautiful fountains, of which there are many, and its excellent markets which take place every other day of the week. Needless to say, the town has a good number of restaurants, bars and cafés where you can enjoy the best of the local cuisine and wines. If the kids are getting fed up with the sight seeing, Aix has a mini golf course which should sort things out a bit for them!

4. Arles

The UNESCO World Heritage Site town of Arles, which lies inland from the Camargue marshes beside the River Rhône, is a mediaeval walled town of huge character and appeal, whose history includes being the home and the inspiration to great artists whose works can still be found around the town. The Feria, where the bulls are run through the streets of Arles and taken into the bullring in the centre, is a long standing traditional event that is well worth seeing if you can arrange to be around at the time.

5. Salon de Provence

Salon de Provence is a very pretty old town which was the home of Nostradamus. One of the town's attractions is indeed the Nostradamus Museum, but there are plenty more things to enjoy here too. Take in the beautiful Provencal chateau, a delightful 18th century fountain, walk beside the canal or visit the old olive mill. The more modern side of life is also well represented, with great shopping and dining.

Food and drink in the Bouches-du-Rhône

The most iconic dish of the department is, of course, the Bouillabaisse (a fish stew), which hails from the capital city of Marseille. Tapenade is another favourite, this time being a delicious savoury paste made from olives and anchovies. Try in addition beef from the Camargue bulls, Provençal stews made from Mediterranean vegetables just bursting with colour and flavour, or fish and shellfish from any of the coastal towns. Olives served with local oil and fresh Provencal herbs make a great appetizer, while drinks include some excellent wines, especially from around Aix en Provence.

How to get to the Bouches-du-Rhône

Marseille's airport allows you to get to the department easily and quickly from the UK, being served by British Airways, Air France, Bmi Baby, Ryanair and easyJet. Nîmes and Avignon airports are also possible options. The TGV service also runs through France to the city. Road networks are excellent, and although it is a long drive all the way from the UK, the toll road system means that hold ups are rare, and driving is a pleasure rather than a bind.

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