Places of Interest

Within Walking Distance

Certainly the market is a good morning out. Try and make sure that you visit it. Salon itself has a wonderful castle that now features one of the best arms collections in Europe, it is quite stunning. It also regularly hosts open-air concerts of jazz and classical music, usually early August. These are normally excellent value for money (around £12 per head). There are 2 Olympic size swimming pools and two large cinemas.

Further Afield

If you have a week to spare and want to make the most of this part of France the following places are well worth visiting.

Marseille and the Callanques. Drive to Marseille (half an hour) park the car up near the port (plenty of underground parking here just follow the signs). Or get the coach from Salon (by the market, you can park the car here).

Once in Marseille hop on a shuttle boat for a trip around the Callonques. These are the rocky steep cliffs and crags between Marseille and Cassis. The scenery is breathtaking and most boats will drop you off on an island or beach for the day and return to pick you up. Snorkelling and diving are easily arranged. Zone Bleu in Marseille is the dive club we have used and they organise a great day to introduce you to this sport. Expect to see plenty of fish, octopus, crab etc. even with a just goggles and a snorkle.

The old port of Marseille (the Vieux Port). Nice for a traditional meal of Bouillabaisse. Fish soup with a red spicy mayonnaise roux. Don't go to Marseille and miss this traditional soup. Price? Expensive for a change-£15 a head.

The church of Notre Dame de la guarde. This church overlooks the port of Marseille. Even if you are not religious it is worth taking the time to make your way up to this site for the fantastic views that are on offer. You can drive straight to the top where you will find ample free parking.

The Island of Porquerolles (off the town of Hyeres). For a day out with the kids take a packed lunch and a bottle of wine and hop on a boat (very early in the morning) from Hyeres to the island. Here you can find your own beach amongst the pine trees and laze the day away. The kids will have plenty of fun in the safe shallow beaches.

Near Salon - Les Baux. If you want to see the best pottery in the world (in my humble opinion) visit the famous village of Les Baux. It is famed for its olive oil and pottery. There are great walks around the village and a good museum featuring loads of amazing facts and exhibits concerning olive oil. Very interesting.

Whilst on this subject, most olive mills are happy to show you around and let you sample their oil. For olive oil aficionados you won't find better oil, but it comes at a price. Expect to pay around £40 for 5 litres, but all will happily sell a litre. In case you think that is expensive, I can assure you that it is not, and is worth every penny when poured on a good salad back in cold gloomy England.

Also, the co-operative mill at Mossane (20 minutes away) will show you around and sell oil. It has appellation controle status and is regarded as the best in France.

In Aix - St Victoire. Made famous by Cezanne from his many paintings this mountain towers over Provence (1 km high). A route from the north that provides a good walk up, allow a good day and bear in mind that it will be extremely hot walking this in the middle of the day. Try and start early. Take plenty of water (1 litre per person minimum) and remember it will be cooler at the top.

Luckily there is plenty of space at the top for a picnic and rest, you will need it! Walk up 1.5 hours, walk down 1 hr.

Whilst on the subject of walking, during the summer months some parts of Provence are closed to the public because of the fire risk. Check the signs at all park entrances and remember that in many places smoking and fires are of course forbidden.

Aix itself is a truly spectacular place. A day here will be remembered. Restaurants, shops, markets, cafes and students abound.

The Cours Mirabeau is the place to put on your shades, order a drink and generally pose.

Vineyards? There are loads. All seem to provide "degustation" (tasting) and my advice is if you see one you like just call in. Don't feel embarrassed, the French are not as prim and proper as the British and they like people to call in and have a taste and chat even if they don't sell anything!

The Camargue Region has been shaped by some of the harshest forces of nature. It will never be completely tamed and you can witness it with its wild bulls, pink flamingos, roaming little white horses and its ever abundant bird life. Why not see it by taking a ride on some local white horses?

The Olive Trail . 25 centuries ago the Greeks started cultivating olive trees in Provence . To get to know this legendary tree better you can visit museums dedicated to it such as Museon Artalan in Arles or stop at a mill to buy it freshly crushed. Maussane is the best mill in France and only 10 minutes from our villa. Alternatively visit the small local soap and olive factory in the centre of Salon.

The Bull Tradition. In Nimes and Arles you can visit the famous arenas that host the bull festivals and also visit the Roman amphitheatre and forums all of which remain beautifully preserved.

Avignon is a famous and imposing palace of the popes and is truly worth a day out.

Last but not least, still standing high and proud the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pond du Gard is a must whether you are fascinated or not by the power of the Roman engineers. Impressive even today! A virtual tour can also be taken in a museum at the centre. The River Gard is a beautiful spot to have a picnic lunch in with the aqueduct in view.

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