We are planning a trip-late Aug into early Sep, so I think places will still be busy? - with a 2-3 days each based near Le Lavandou and Aix, and then a week near Mt Ventoux.We like a mix of outdoor %26quot;activities%26quot; (so, for example my husband intends to cycle Ventoux)and plenty of relaxing and enjoying the ambience, so any tips to share would be v welcome, plus help with a few specifics:
Is it possible to get to Bormes les Mimosas from le lavandou without a car?
And on a short trip, is the boat out to Porquorelles or Port Cros worth it (in Aug!)?
Thinking about Cassis on way to Aix, is that a good idea, and how best to see les Calanques?
The Camargue looks confusing, where best to make for with just a day?
And in first week of Sept, does anyone know if taking one of the canoe options to Pont du Gard is likely to be good, or a motorway on water?
Any views much appreciated.
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Its a nice time to visit the region - it will not be as busy as early August and September will be even better as maot people return to work.
The Calanques are best seen by boat - regular trips from the harbour at Cassis.
Porquorolles is lovely but I have never tried to visit in August because of the car parking at the ferry terminal.
The Camargue is lovely but you need to drive through it to say Aigues Mort (I am not a fan of Ste Maries de la Mer).
Allow a full day for this plus say a visit to one of the long sandy beaches.
Have a great trip.
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That%26#39;s really helpful, thank you.
We should have a parking space where we are staying in Le Lavandou, so our aim is to leave the car there till we are leaving, so parking for the ferry shouldn%26#39;t arise. That was the reason for my other question re Bormes les Mimosas, but I%26#39;ve had a look at a better map, and it looks as if the 2 places kind of merge into each other, and the distances look wanderable - is that correct?
I%26#39;ve been following a couple of threads re Pont du Gard, lots of interesting views! Does anyone have a view about the %26quot;view by canoe%26quot; option?
Very encouraged to hear that the crowds may be subsiding by then, thank you, we are so looking forward to this trip!
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Yes, it will be much less crowded when you will be there, and the weather maybe not so scorching. We are back in UK for the summer - it%26#39;s too hot for us just now!
About canoeing; I think you will find there is too little water for canoeing in parts of the gardon then. We often get a lot of rain later in Sept which helps to replenish it. I only know it from the Collias direction; somebody might be able to chip in from other places.
Have a lovely time, Jo
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Hi
It is a long walk UP to Bormes-les-Mimosas. So as you have a car just drive up there. You will find a very large car park up there to park the car and then wander around. The driving in this area, although busy in August, is nothing compared to the crawl from Ste Maxime to St Tropez or along the coast from Ste Maxime to the border with Italy!
If you go to Porquerolles I would suggest either hiking or cycling to Plage de Notre Dame which is in the East of the island (20 mins cycle, 50 mins walk)but take water and a picnic as there is nothing there. If you go in the other direction you reach Plage d%26#39;Argent which is more crowded as it is closer to the port plus it has a snack-bar/restaurant so more commercial.
I hope that helps.
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Maybe you could email a local canoe rental company and ask them the direct question (location@canoe-le-tourbillon.com) or ring them: 00 33 4 66 22 85 54. If you Google them you can have a look at their site. (I have absolutely no connection with them - I just love the area!)
Jo
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Thank you both, for those very helpful suggestions.
Any favourite cafes/restaurants we should look out for in either area? - that%26#39;s another big part of any holiday in France for us!
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I would echo what another responder said about getting UP to Bormes-Les-Mimosas, don%26#39;t attempt it on foot, you will need your energy for exploring the steep little streets! There are some modern (and free) carparks just around the bend from the main centre - if you drive up you will not miss them.
I%26#39;d heartily recommend La Terasse, one of the main restaurants that you pass (wide red carpeted steps)for a most pleasant lunch with a great view; hope you visit BLM on a day when it%26#39;s not too crowded - we found Saturday mornings/lunchtime were not too bad. South of there, on the coast around Cabassson there are some nice beaches tucked away, with views of the French Presidents%26#39; summer island retreat just offshore. (Fort de Bregancon) Nice cycling around there too, through the vineyards and coastal hills.
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You can get the 67 bus from the centre of Hyeres to tour Fondue and leave the car behind. See www.sodetrav.fr/horaires.asp
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Thank you all so much for your advice and tips.
One more question if I may - we will be spending some time in the Mt Ventoux area, as I said, I know my husband will want do that particular cycle trip, but we would also like to do some walking (as in hiking)- can anyone advise on any particular routes - I will walk or climb anywhere in pursuit of a beautiful view!
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We picked up a leaflet of walks from Gigondas tourist information office, which detailed some scenic walks around the Dentelles de Montmirail. It was good walking, with lovely views all round, including Mont Ventoux.
gigondas-dm.fr/officetourisme/Anglais/actspo…
I would guess there will be similar info available in TICs in other places, depending where you decide to stay - there are loads of links on provenceguide.co.uk/home/vaucluse-in-provenc…
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