Top Provence On the Water

Calanques National Park is renowned for its beauty with a jagged shoreline and cliffs that plunge into the sea. The hiking trails that hug the coast lend themselves to impressive views, but the footpaths aren’t well marked. With this day trip from Luminy, you’ll walk with a local guide to discover a route suited to your group and the weather, with scenic views and swim stops, too.

Explore the Calanques National Park's dramatic limestone cliffs and hidden coves by boat, enjoying unparalleled views of the rugged coastline on Grenadine, a beautiful catamaran (only 24 persons on board !). Sip on soft drinks or rosé wine, while admiring stunning coastal views as you glide to mind blowing destinations. Put on the included snorkeling gear and wetsuit (in cold water) and explore the protected waters in the park which contains ecosystems that include seagrass meadows, coral reefs, and a variety of fish species like groupers and scorpionfish. Uncover hidden gems with the help of an insightful captain that knows the area well. Return to your meeting point at the end of your day tour with incredible memories of this specular natural attraction. For lunch, a delicious home-made sandwich, dessert, rosé wine... The tour can be modified according to the weather and swimming conditions, speak to your skipper.

Enjoy a new perspective on coastal Marseille—and get up close and personal with its famous limestone calanques—on this half-day kayaking tour. With the Help of a Certified Guide, plus all necessary equipment, getting out on the water is made easy, even for beginners. After your safety briefing, set off for an active trip into nature, and admire views that few other visitors get to see.

See the best of beautiful, medieval Avignon without worrying about language barriers on this walking tour. Learn the history of this exquisite UNESCO-listed city with ancient Roman roots and celebrity as the 14th-century seat of the Papacy. Admire hilltop views of the Rhône River, tour the ornate chambers and chapels at the Palace of the Popes, and enjoy a glass of Côtes du Rhône wine near the Place de l’Horloge.

Head towards the famous Château d’If, a fortress made world famous by Alexandre Dumas’ Count of Monte Cristo. The crew will share with you some anecdotes about the story. The catamaran will then reach the islands of Friuli, Pomegues and Ratonneau. Admire their limestone cliffs, coves and translucent waters. The master will anchor in a protected cove, chosen according to wind, sea state and use. Enjoy a swimming break to swim and relax. Two paddles as well as masks and snorkels are available on board. The boat has benches, toilets, a shower and a ladder. On board, you will also enjoy a snack. The whole experience takes place on board the catamaran. No landings or port calls are planned. The course and anchorage can be adapted by the master to suit the weather and maritime conditions.

Experience the thrill of white-water rafting right on the edge of the Ecrins National Park—the alpine landscapes look even more dramatic when viewed from the water. On this tour, follow an easy but adventurous route along the Durance River from Châteauroux-les-Alpes to Embrun and enjoy a mix of fast rapids and gentle sections, as well as the chance to cool off with a swim.

Explore Marseille Bay's secrets in a beautiful catamaran (only 22 people on board!). Stop to swim in clear waters and visit areas like Château d'If (Count of Monte Cristo) and Frioul Islands. Meet at the Vieux-Port, in Marseille, and hop aboard an ultra-comfortable catamaran. Enjoy soft drinks, as you glide to mind blowing destinations, like le Vallon des Auffes. Have the opportunity to swim in magical places, with 1 or 2 stops in the morning or sunset and generally 2 stops in the afternoon. Stand-up paddles are at your disposal to explore heavenly calanques. Use the diving board on the roof of the catamaran to jump into the refreshing sea. Uncover hidden gems with the help of an insightful captain that knows the area well. Return to your meeting point at the end of your tour with beautiful memories... The tour can be modified according to the weather, speak to your skipper. Although rare, when the wind blows offshore, paddleboards cannot be used for safety reasons.

With just one day to experience Provence, this full-day tour from Avignon includes the famous lavender fields (seasonal), picturesque hilltop towns, and Provencal markets. Visit historic landmarks such as Senanque Abbey and the UNESCO-listed Pont du Gard; explore the towns of Roussillon, les Baux de Provence, and Gordes; and follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh in Saint Remy de Provence.

Spend a perfect day in Provence on this combo tour featuring visits to Les Baux de Provence, Avignon and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Departing from Aix-en-Provence by minibus, discover a medieval hilltop village and snap a photo by the Pont du Gard, a UNESCO World Heritage–listed Roman aqueduct. Explore on foot Avignon and learn about its papal history. Finish this day of beautiful sightseeing with a wine-tasting session inside a Châteauneuf-du-Pape winery. An informative guide shares insightful commentary along the way.

Sample the fine wines of Provence on this half-day small-group tasting tour from Avignon. Visit three different wineries in Vacqueyras, Gigondas, and Chateauneuf du Pape; learn more about French winemaking and wine appellations; and sample an array of grand or premier cru wines.

Simplify a visit to the vineyards and medieval villages of Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Avignon with this small-group, wineries tour. Once you've boarded your comfortable, air-conditioned minibus, relax knowing the logistics and organization are all sorted. Enjoy an itinerary that includes exploring local villages, including Gigondas, Vacqueyras, or Séguret, as well as stopping at traditional wineries. Here, you are invited to sample red and white wines while learning about local wine production.

The Luberon is known for its perched villages, and this tour visits two of the most picturesque—both officially classified among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”. Make an early start to beat the traffic and admire the red ochre cliffs of Roussillon in the morning light, then continue to Gordes to stroll the cobblestone streets and enjoy views over the Luberon. Finally, stop at Fontaine de Vaucluse to visit its famous spring.

Soak up Provence’s exquisite natural beauty on a full-day tour from Avignon. Cross expansive plateaus covered in lavender blooms as you travel to several enchanting French villages such as Sault and Roussillon. Browse lavender shop and markets, visit the hilltop town of Gordes and learn all about Provence’s symbolic flower. The small-group format ensures a flexible and personalized tour.

A private boat for your group only: no crowded shuttle boats, just you, your skipper and the turquoise inlets of the Calanques National Park. Start with the colourful harbour and morning market of Cassis, cruise for two hours past Port-Miou, Port-Pin and En-Vau, enjoy lunch on the waterfront, then drive the spectacular Route des Cretes to Cap Canaille, the highest sea cliff in France. Your private Mercedes and driver collect you from your hotel, cruise terminal, station or airport in Marseille. The Calanques from the water, Cassis at your own pace and the best view in Provence to finish.

Board "La Flaneuse" to discover the harbor of Marseille and the coves of the Friuli islands at sunset. Take a seat on the last traditional Marseille tartan still sailing in Marseille. On board you can enjoy the sumptuous landscapes of the Calanques National Park at sunset from the pouf and cushions made from the old sails of the boat. At anchor you can enjoy swimming and explore the creeks by snorkeling with masks and snorkels made available on board. A dinner buffet of local and seasonal products, accompanied by cold drinks and Provence wines will be served.

"We adapt our arrival time every day so that you are back on time on your cruise ship". Embark on the Elba 45 catamaran for an exceptional day. From the Check-out, towards the famous Old Port, enjoy a welcome coffee while admiring the city and its iconic monuments, from Mucem to the Cathedral of the Major, via the Pharo Palace and Fort Saint-Jean. Then head to the Château d’If, famous prison made immortal by the Count of Monte Cristo, then to the Friuli archipelago, where the cliffs, turquoise waters and picturesque ports offer a unique panorama. We anchor in a heavenly cove, where you can enjoy a refreshing aperitif, a buffet lunch prepared by a caterer, accompanied by wine and unlimited drinks. Enjoy moments of swimming, paddling, seascooter or admire the many fish snorkeling in crystal clear water. Return to the Port with unforgettable memories.

Sport and technical discipline par excellence, Hydrospeed is the whitewater sport for thrill seekers, you will be one with your float but also with the river thus discovering extreme sensations of gliding and well being alongside your guide who can advise you. The hydrospeed navigation courses offered are accessible from 12 years old for good swimmers. Palmage exercises in the river, eskimo roll, surf, candles will be offered to give you new sensations. Combining the techniques of canoeing and sport swimming with fins, hydrospeed is also called whitewater swimming. Beginners, sportsmen and thrill seekers, we offer different routes adapted to your technical level and your physical condition.

The Durance is without doubt the best river in France to learn to navigate and discover whitewater swimming. Your body will be in constant contact with water and your float. Thanks to advice and an appropriate technique that our instructors will teach you, you will be able to discover unique sensations of skiing and well-being. The ideal route for a first experience is the one that will take you from the famous wave of the Rabioux to Embrun.

Rafting is an activity accessible to all thanks to the variety of routes offered by the Ubaye: from the more sporty for adrenaline fans, to the quieter for families who can taste the joys of a rafting descent between rapids and laughter. Only obligation to know how to swim. In groups of 6 to 8 people per raft, the rafting instructor guides who steer the boat will make you carry out some basic manipulations before setting off on the water: left, right, stop, forward or backward will be quickly mastered. The adventure can then begin: you will have great sensations with maximum security, as well as all the joys of white water including splashes, spray, more or less forced swimming are part. Rafting is the ideal activity for discovering white water to share without moderation with family, couple or friends.

The Provencal coastline near Marseilles is one of the most charming in southern France, but much of its beauty is hidden beneath the surface of the Mediterranean. With this experience, discover the fascinating marine ecosystem beneath the waves with guided snorkeling along the Endoume coastline. Explore sea caves, man-made constructions, and other locations rich with sea plants and animals.

Admire Provence’s lavender fields in full summer bloom on this half-day tour from Avignon. Half-day lavender tour, with the itinerary adapted, depending on the lavender blooming conditions. Earlier in the season, explore the lavender in the Luberon. As the season progresses the tour moves to Sault. Enjoy beautiful scenery and photo stops during the tour. The destination is chosen according to the lavender bloom to ensure the best flowering conditions.

Add a bit of romance to your Marseille vacation and get the chance to take great photos of the cityscape with this sunset cruise. Unlike many boats that set sail from the French port, this one includes a buffet dinner stocked with seasonal produce along with two glasses of rosé wine.

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscapes of the Camargue Regional Park by land and by water—all in one tour. Start with a guided 4WD safari and venture off-road to discover magnificent views that you can’t reach in a tour bus. After a picnic lunch (included) by the riverside, enjoy views of the rice paddies and salt marshes from the water on a guided kayaking excursion along the Rhone Delta.