Aix-en-Provence to Cassis
A Classic Journey through art-filled cities, layered landscapes, and the Blue Coast’s iconic Calanques.
From the refined streets of Aix-en-Provence to the dramatic limestone cliffs of Cassis, this journey reveals Provence at its most expressive: art-filled cities, vineyard-lined hills, pine-covered mountains, and a coastline where rock meets deep Mediterranean blue.
All versions of this multi-adventure journey blend hiking and biking across varied terrain, creative encounters rooted in Cézanne’s world, coastal exploration by boat and paddle, and unhurried moments that invite you to live like a local — moving, exploring, and slowing down as Provence unfolds from inland hills to open sea.
Your only decision is how deep you want to go: a Classic Journey shaped around layered experiences, or an In-Depth Escape that extends the storyline, allowing more time to drift deeper into Provençal landscapes, culture, and coastal rhythm.
Classic Journey
HIGHLIGHTS :
• Wander historic ports and harbours shaped by centuries of maritime life, art, and Mediterranean trade
• Move between vineyards, ridges, and coastal paths by foot and bike, linking inland Provence to open sea
• Navigate the Mediterranean by boat, kayak, and paddleboard, moving through island-dotted waters, limestone inlets, and the iconic Calanques coastline
• Explore coastlines from every angle, combining clifftop routes, panoramic via ferrata, and immersive time on and above the sea
• Taste Provence through regional wines, fresh waterfront lunches, and sunset apéros shared like a local
At a Glance
Start / End
Aix-en-Provence or Marseille
Season
Mid-April → Mid-October
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Comfort
From €3,250
Signature
From €4,850
ITINERARY
DAY 1 & 2 :
Explore the fountain-lined streets and lively markets of Aix-en-Provence, meeting artisans and tasting Provençal delicacies — Hike the pine forests and panoramic trails of Montagne Sainte-Victoire, discovering fragrant ridges and quiet hamlets — Step into Cézanne’s world through his atelier, house, and favourite viewpoints — Wander historic estates and creative workshops in the warm Provençal light — Bike through vineyard lanes and olive groves along gentle country roads, stopping at family-run domains for local tastings — Move between rolling hills, stone chapels, and timeless landscapes where history, art, culture, and nature blend seamlessly.
DAY 3
Move south toward the shimmering Blue Coast and its Mediterranean coves — Ride the iconic coastal train along cliffs and turquoise bays as you approach Marseille, the millennia-old harbour and soul of the Mediterranean — Wander the steep lanes of Le Panier, the city’s oldest and most authentic quartier, before enjoying a fresh local lunch on the port — Set off on a coastal cruise along islands, limestone cliffs, and the hidden inlets of the Calanques, ending in legendary Cassis and its deep-blue sea light.
DAY 4 - 6
Wander Cassis and its vibrant port framed by colourful façades and fishing boats — Hike the dramatic paths leading into the legendary Calanques — Play pétanque with a pastis in a lively square — Follow coastal cliffs on a panoramic via ferrata with wide Mediterranean views — Discover the mythical harbours of La Ciotat and enjoy a fresh lunch on the waterfront — Bike seaside routes between coves, pine forests, and open viewpoints — Explore the blue waters by kayak or paddleboard along cliffs and clear inlets — Close your days with a sunset apéro and dinner facing the surreal walls of Cap Canaille.
In-Depth Escape
Builds on our Classic Journey with added days for deeper exploration and stronger connection.
This modular extension takes you beyond what you have already explored, opening the door to a nearby area with its own character and highlights, continuing your South of France journey in a natural flow.
Enhance your experience by adding one of our compatible Long Weekend trips, each naturally pairing with the Classic Journey to create a cohesive 9-day experience that feels like one continuous storyline — not a separate trip.
Comfort from €4,800 — Signature from €6,950
Final pricing varies depending on the selected Classic Journey and compatible Long Weekend combination.
Compatible Long Weekend Trips
What’s Included
• Expert Blue Dune trip hosts for all daily activities and hosted meals
• Daily breakfasts, curated lunches, selected dinners, snacks & beverages
• Luxury boutique accommodations (final hotels confirmed with your dates)
• All multi-adventure activities with equipment and professional guides
• Special visits, tastings, and cultural experiences as outlined in your Trip Doc
• All local transport during the trip — shuttles, ferries, trains, and boat travel
• Park and reserve fees
• Baggage transfers
• Comprehensive Trip Doc with practical information and daily guidance
• All gratuities for hotels, restaurants, guides, and activity partners
What’s Not Included
• International flights and travel to/from trip start or end locations
• Additional alcoholic beverages and personal purchases
• Explore Meals
• Personal travel insurance
FAQ
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We select small, character-driven hotels and guesthouses that reflect the region.
Comfort focuses on charm, location, and simplicity
Signature elevates the experience with standout properties, stronger design, and a more refined atmosphere
Both prioritize warmth, cleanliness, and sense of place. Your Trip Doc will confirm exact properties once dates are finalized.
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Blue Dune trips are designed for active travelers of all levels.
By choosing your trip level—Easy-Going, Dynamic, or Adventurous—you already set the overall rhythm and intensity of the experience. Within that framework, daily activities remain adaptable, with pacing options, terrain variations, and built-in flexibility.
Beginners, families, and mixed-ability groups are welcome on many trips. Your host will help shape each day so everyone feels engaged, supported, and comfortable.
Your Trip Doc will explain activity levels and daily expectations in detail before departure.
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No. Participation is always optional.
Each day has a core experience, but lighter alternatives, rest time, or cultural exploration are always available. Blue Dune is about engagement, not obligation.
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Explore Meals are meals intentionally left open so you can discover local food at your own pace, usually one lunch on Long Weekend, one lunch and one dinner on Casual Journeys, two lunches and one dinner on In-Depth escapes.
Your Blue Dune host will always share recommendations and may join when it fits the flow.
Explore Meals are meals intentionally left open so you can discover local food at your own pace.
Outside of Explore Meals, your Blue Dune host will be with you throughout shared dining experiences to ensure everything runs smoothly and to enjoy those moments together. These meals are an important part of the trip rhythm—time to slow down, connect, and share the experience as a group.
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Yes. A Blue Dune host travels with the group for the full journey.
Your host manages logistics, activities, and daily flow, while also sharing key moments with the group—including lunches and dinners—creating a balanced, social, and relaxed experience.
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Trips are private by default.
If a departure is opened to other travelers, it will be clearly listed on our Open Trips page, allowing others to join the same dates.
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Group size depends on whether the trip is private or open.
Private trips have no fixed minimum or maximum. For the best overall experience, we generally recommend keeping groups under 16 guests. For very small private groups (under 4 guests), a small-group premium may apply to cover fixed logistics and staffing costs.
Open trips are intentionally capped at around 16 guests, ensuring smooth logistics, strong group dynamics, and a more personal experience.
Any group-size considerations will be clearly confirmed during the planning process and detailed in your Trip Doc.
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What happens after I send my Trip Request?
We contact you within 48 hours to review your details, clarify any questions, and discuss your vision for the trip if needed.
Once your dates and preferences are confirmed, we prepare your Trip Doc — a detailed itinerary outlining your proposed journey.
You review it, refine it with us, and once it feels perfect, we finalize your trip.