Plan-d'Aups-Sainte-Baume

The mountain of Sainte-Baume is a monumental limestone bar which houses on its northern flank of the grotto devoted Mary Magdalene (balm: cave in Provence) and a relic forest of beeches, oaks, yews and pines in the Quaternary. The combination of this geological wonder of the deep forest and has always attracted men of Celto Ligurian-kings of France to the latest delighted pilgrims and hikers in the original meaning of these two productions of a mysterious powerful nature austere and dramatic in all seasons.

From the Hotel de la Sainte Baume, cross the plate on a carpet of thyme to join the path that climbs the tall trees in the grotto at St. Mary Magdalene (about 1 hour walk). The cave, the most courageous borrow the hiking trail (GR9 about 30 minutes) to reach the peak and the Holy Pilon. The spectacle is breathtaking. South: the sea, the villages of the plain. North: the set of Plan-d'Aups and wide: the Montagne Sainte-Victoire, a twin sister of the Sainte-Baume in a milder version. The GR 98 follows the entire ridge. Numerous logging roads provide an opportunity for easier walks.

• Swimming pool Aquagem Gémenos (25 minutes from Plan-d'Aups): Three pools (sports, learning, fun), paddling pool with water games (jets, trampoline, swimming against the current, massage benches, artificial rock). Water river connecting play pools indoor and outdoor. "Fitness wet" area: sauna (6 seats), hammam (6 seats), whirlpool (6 seats), relaxation room, solarium terrace. Many activities are offered: water aerobics, adult and child swimming, water garden for 4-5 years, baby swimmers... Opening hours: in summer, from mid-June to mid-September: daily from 11am to 19h. Paid entry.
• Equestrian center in Nans-les-Pins (15 minutes from Plan-d'Aups). Information on +33 6 76 12 22 25.
• Marseille: Notre-Dame de la Garde (superb but avoid by windy day), the Estaque to taste its chichis (donuts), the Corniche and the port of Goudes, the district of the Basket, the castle of If... It is also the capital of soap and the cradle of the santon. Marseille does not forget the gastronomes with its pastis and bouillabaisse. Take the opportunity to descend the famous Canebière, stroll on the Old Port and its fish market, embark on the famous ferry boat.
• Aix-en-Provence: the many fountains, the Cours Mirabeau and its many lively squares. Discovery tour of Old Aix by a tour guide, departing from the Tourist Office.
• Cassis and Cape Canaille.
• The creeks: Port Miou, Port Pin and En Vau via Cassis. Sormiou (one of the most beautiful) and Morgiou via Marseille (passage allowed by car only before 8am and if there is no wind). Access by car is regulated. Visit of the creeks by boat: the cruise of the creeks works all the year, every day from 9:30 to 17:30. Shuttle every 30 minutes or so. Departure on the quays of Cassis.
• Montagne Sainte-Victoire.
• Avignon with the palace of the Popes, the bridge Saint-Benezet, known as "Pont d'Avignon", known throughout the world thanks to the song.
• Les Baux-de-Provence, typical village.
• The Gorges du Verdon, huge and magnificent canyon (grandiose spectacle), with its hilltop villages and landscapes, Lake St. Croix, Lake Esparron. The gorges are part of the Regional Natural Park of Verdon.
• Nimes with its Roman monuments (its bullring and the square house).
• The Camargue National Reserve and Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.