Art-filled cities, small harbours and hilltop villages: spend the day exploring, then return to the peace of the estate in the evening.
Settling down in Trets means choosing a privileged starting point to explore Provence. One day in Aix-en-Provence, the next facing the sea in Cassis, then a getaway to the Luberon: a change of scenery without changing accommodation.
Here are sixteen ideas for visits in four departments, all less than a two-hour drive in smooth traffic. Create your program at your own pace, between discoveries and relaxing days at the estate.
Cities of character and Mediterranean escapes
A café terrace in Aix, a stroll around the Old Port or a day overlooking the Calanques: Provence’s best-known sights are within easy reach for a day trip from the estate.
Approximately 35 to 50 minutes drive
Fountains, alleys and art of living
Stroll along the Cours Mirabeau, have a coffee in the shade of the plane trees then lose yourself in the streets of the old center. To extend the day, open the door of the Granet museum before a gourmet break around calissons.
Approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes drive
The Old Port, the Panier and the Mucem
Start from the quays of the Old Port, go up the alleys of Le Panier and join the Mucem for an exhibition or a walk facing the sea. A day full of contrasts, between colorful facades, culture and Mediterranean flavors.
Approximately 55 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes drive
A pastel-coloured harbour and the Calanques
Sit at the port for lunch, stroll through the streets then enjoy the Grande Mer beach. To admire the cliffs from the water, choose a boat trip in the Calanques, depending on the weather and the departures offered.
Approximately 55 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes drive
From the Old Port to Mugel Park
Stroll along the quays of the Old Port, then head to Mugel Park for a moment of greenery facing the Mediterranean, depending on access conditions. Extend the day with a break on the beach or a dinner on the port.
Provençal villages and small ports
To the east of Trets, the Var invites you to change the atmosphere without multiplying the kilometers: heritage, shady squares and escapades by the water.
Approximately 25 to 35 minutes drive
A large basilica, very close to the estate
Discover the Sainte-Marie-Madeleine basilica, then stroll through the old center. Between heritage and a break on the terrace, it’s a great half-day idea to save time on your way back and enjoy the calm of the estate.
Approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes drive
Along the fountains
Wander the streets in search of fountains and old wash houses. A walk that tells the story of the place of water in this village of Provence, to be enjoyed quietly before lunch on a square in the center.
Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 25 minutes drive
Traditional fishing boats and a relaxed coastal atmosphere
Admire the pointus, these traditional fishing boats that color the port, then explore the pedestrian streets. Extend the outing with a break facing the sea or a swim in Portissol on sunny days.
Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes drive
A village at the foot of its rock
Stroll along the Cours Gambetta, between terraces and Provençal facades, then explore the streets at the foot of the impressive tuff cliff. Depending on the opening periods, discover the troglodyte habitats of the rock to take a different look at the village.
The art of living in the villages of the Luberon
To the north of the estate, head towards the Luberon: the roads cross landscapes of vineyards and olive trees before reaching villages where you like to take your time.
Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes drive
Terraces, galleries and castle
Stroll between the fountains and art galleries, visit the castle then linger on the terrace of a café. Lourmarin is ideal for a peaceful day as well as a first discovery of the villages of the southern Luberon.
Approximately 55 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes drive
A walk in a hilltop village
Walk up the streets, admire the stone facades and discover the views of the countryside. Combine this visit with lunch in the southern Luberon for a getaway to the rhythm of Provençal villages.
Approximately 1 hour 25 to 1 hour 45 minutes drive
The colors of ochres
Discover the warm-toned facades of the village then take the Ocres path, depending on its opening conditions. A unique setting for a walk and beautiful photos, between orange cliffs and green pines.
Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes drive
A break under the Luberon plane trees
Take the time to settle in near the Pond basin, in the shade of the large plane trees, then set off to explore the village streets. Between a walk in the old center and a lunch on the terrace, taste the sweetness of the southern Luberon.
Inland Provence, between culture and Verdon
Going back towards Haute-Provence, the landscapes open up and the atmosphere changes. Old centers, panoramas and discoveries on the banks of the Verdon make for beautiful days departing from the estate.
Approximately 55 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes drive
The narrow streets of Jean Giono’s Provence
Enter the old center, walk from place to place and discover the world of Jean Giono at the Jean Giono Center, according to its programming. A pleasant cultural stopover to combine with a gourmet break in the city.
Approximately 1 hour 10 to 1 hour 30 minutes drive
Old town and panorama from the citadel
Explore the ancient streets, then climb to the citadel site to enjoy the panorama. Save time for the shops and a break on the terrace: here, the visit is to be savored as much as it is told.
Approximately 1 hour 15 to 1 hour 40 minutes drive
A journey into prehistory, on the banks of the Verdon
Visit the Verdon Gorges Prehistory Museum, then stroll through the village and near the water. On sunny days, a canoe trip with a local rental company can complete the day, depending on the navigation conditions.
Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes drive
Provençal streets and walk along the Verdon
Walk through the old village and climb towards the Templar castle which dominates the rooftops. Then return to the banks of the Verdon for a peaceful walk, before enjoying the terraces of this small spa town.
For an outing at sea or in the Calanques, check the weather and access conditions for the day. And if you prefer to leave the car at the estate, discover our hiking ideas from the property.
Discover the Aurélien apartmentA question about the estate or an enquiry about your stay? Drop us a line or give us a call.