We will be staying not too far from Saint Remy for 2 weeks the first part of June and would like to take a day trip or two down to the coast; maybe dip our toes into the water (not a priority) but would like a seaside location to walk around a bit then have a nice lunch. Nothing too big and bustling; we'll have a car so reasonably convenient parking is needed.
Suggestions appreciated!
looking on Google Earth - does Carry-le-Rouet and the nearby area offer a relaxing visit?
We too are staying in Provence (July) and are interested in putting our feet in the Mediterranean. I looked through my "Drives of a Lifetime" book from National Geographic and found one that looks good. Camargue is a natural region located south of Arles between the Mediterranean Sea and the two arms of the Rhône delta. From my book it says; "Long horned black bull and white horses run semi free through the wild marshland south of Arles. Here too congregate 300 species of birds including Pink Flamingos, eagles, hawks and harriers". End drive in Stes Maries de la mer which is on the Mediterranean and appears to have hotels, restaurants etc..... Depending on how our week unfolds, I would love to do this drive.....
Camargue in early June should be quite good!
You could drive to Saintes Maries de la Mer, walk around a bit (there's not a lot there but it has an end-of-world feel), visit the Parc Ornithologique nearby (flamingos!), and perhaps stop by Aigues Mortes too, which is quite a sight (walled town).
For completely different coast scenery (rocky), you could head to Carro, near Martigues, which has a cute little harbour and some restaurants. Nearby Ste Croix beach is quite pleasant too.
EDIT: I considered the Calanques, but did not mention them because they are quite a bit further from St Rémy. Still, even accounting for traffic around Marseille they are less than 2 hours away, so it is actually worth it given that you have 2 weeks.
The best way to go there would be to park at Luminy (plenty of universities there, reasonably secure parking) and hike 45-60 minutes one way to the Calanque de Sugiton. Aim for a weekday.
The Camargue area seems a good choice. Aigues-Mortes, though very touristy, is worth a wander. I will warn you that people complain a lot about mosquitoes in that area. They don't generally have much interest in me, so the fact that I never saw one may not mean anything.
Early June should still be OK for mosquitoes, and they won't bother you on the seaside. Do bring repellent in case.
How about Cassis on a weekday. It get very busy on weekends.
Will you have a car? If so, drive to the Calanques (1h 45m). According to Rick Steves the most famous stretch is between Marseille and Cassis.
Thanks for the location suggestions and other details; looks like I have some good options to explore further
We will have a car and will be sure to pack some mosquito repellent!
I totally agree with those who recommend Cassis and les Calanques. You won't regret it! Especially during a weekday!
Thanks! With a stay of 2 weeks in the area, we can hopefully avoid some of the weekend tourist crush.
The Calanques National Park has a great app with trail information!
Another vote for Cassis! I've spent time in that region and while I do love the Camargue, it's got absolutely NOTHING on the Calanques for stunning landscapes. If you can swing it, definitely stay overnight and experience the calm of having a coffee on the port in Cassis before the day really gets going. There's excellent, approachable hiking out of Cassis too--just pack plenty of water because it's pretty exposed without much shade.
