Marseille: 4 excursions to discover Provence's finest vineyards

Known for its fishing port, restaurants, beaches and creeks, the small town of Cassis is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. But the seaside resort is also renowned for its hillside vineyards, which produce excellent red, rosé and white wines. Cassis enjoys a favourable microclimate, sheltered from the excesses of the Mistral, invigorated by the sea breeze and bathed in sunshine.

Twelve independent wine-growing estates provide the lifeblood for this vineyard, whose production is covered by the AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) label. The vineyards stretch out in an amphitheatre right down to the sea, with the luminous cliffs of Cap Canaille as a backdrop.

The south-facing terroir of Bandol wines stretches from the foothills of the Sainte-Baume to the shores of the Mediterranean. Some fifty expertly-trained estates produce wines whose quality is rewarded by an appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC). The reds, with their colourful hues and aromas of red fruit, cinnamon, leather and spices, make excellent wines for laying down, while the whites are appreciated for their dry, crisp character. The rosés, which are very fresh, can also be kept for several years in good conditions.

The vines cling to the slopes of the Var hills, on terraces patiently laid out by generations of winegrowers, or stretch out into the valleys. They surround tourist towns and villages such as Le Castellet, Le Beausset and La Cadière-d’Azur.

From Sainte-Victoire to the Etang de Berre, the vineyards of the Pays d’Aix have many identities. At the heart of a particularly popular tourist destination, some of the estates are displaying a wealth of ingenuity to offer unique experiences. Château La Coste, for example, combines art, architecture and viticulture in an unusual and immersive tour. An excursion along the byways of the Pays d’Aix promises some wonderful discoveries!

Four Protected Designations of Origin (PDO) underline the diversity of the terroirs and producers and highlight the work of the winegrowers: Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, Côtes de Provence, Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire and Palette.

A natural region stretching across the southern and northern slopes of its namesake mountain range, the Luberon attracts visitors from all over the world with its characterful hilltop villages. Gordes, Lourmarin, Roussillon, Ménerbes and Ansouis are all among the most beautiful villages in France, while the cedar forest of the Luberon delights nature lovers.

The hills and valleys of the Luberon are also home to numerous vineyards, renowned for their red, rosé and white wines that reflect the richness of the local terroir. Some producers offer guided tours to reveal the secrets of wine-making and vine-growing. These excursions allow you to discover traditional production methods, taste quality wines and enjoy spectacular views of the Luberon mountains and surrounding valleys.