Discover the charming city of Aix-en-Provence by wandering through its historic streets and taking in the architecture of its grand old houses and public squares. Visit the Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur with beautiful interiors and the Museum Granet, which has an incredible collection of artworks such as Pieter Bruegel the Younger, Jacques de Lajoüe, and many others. After wandering for few hours, take a rest and try some delicious local food specialties like Bouillabaisse and Calisson.
Discover the medieval city of Avignon, which is full of history and glorious architecture. Explore the UNESCO-listed Papal Palace, a magnificent fortress, chapel, and palace. After that, stroll through the charming backstreets and admire the beautiful view from Pont Saint-Bénézet, an iconic bridge. Finally, stop by one of the restaurants and cafes in the quiet courtyard of Place des Corps Saints for a delicious local lunch.
Visit the hilltop village of Gordes, full of beautifully restored stone houses, watchtowers, and narrow streets. Explore the cobblestone streets full of boutique shops, pottery galleries and have a picnic on the hills overlooking the countryside. Then travel to Roussillon, take a stroll down the Ochre Trail, admire the impressive panorama of the cliff, and get lost in all the colors.
Discover the artistic heritage and the Roman sites of the city of Arles. Visit the Arena, Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre of Arles, which is in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. After that, head to the Van Gogh Foundation, where some of the artist's paintings and works are displayed. Later, take a stroll down the quiet stylish streets of arles and find a charming local restaurant to enjoy traditional breakfast and dinner.
Explore the lively second largest city of France, Marseille. Visit the Old Port of Marseille, which is the official entryway to the city and has several local restaurants and cafes, and street performers. Then take a trip to Bell Garde which has an incredible panoramic view of the city and harbor. Later head towards the famous Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica, a stunning basilica on top of a hill that overlooks the entire city and sea. Try the unique local seafood specialities, crab, and shrimp soup then end your fifth day.
If you have more time, you could visit Marseille's historical sites, including Château d'If or Musée d'Histoire de Marseille, which permits learning Marseille's history while having dinner in some of the local restaurants. Suppose you have less time, you could skip Roussillon and Gordes or spend less time in Aix-en-Provence and Arles. Additionally, schedules vary seasonally and due to COVID, the locations may have reopened few hours or are closed for maintenance, so check before visiting. Make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes and stay hydrated on hot days as most locations are warm during summers.