Much of our travel bucket lists tend to include places to see, museums to explore and neighborhoods to visit. It’s true that the region of Provence offers a wide array of enchanting experiences. From getting lost in lavender fields to hiking through the majestic calanques, Provence offers no shortage of dreamy activities. But southern France will also captivate your stomachs. Provence has plenty of local specialities that must be tasted while visiting. And Provence Tour also offers private cooking classes and culinary tours to taste the region to its fullest. Provence Tour is sharing some of its favorite local specialities to try in Provence.
Navette
It’s nearly impossible to visit Marseille, the second largest city in France, without stumbling upon its navettes. The French word navette means shuttle, but it also refers to the long biscuits with a hint of fleur d’oranger, or orange blossom water. These biscuits date back to the late 1700s, according to the city’s tourism site, and still can be found in many Marseillais bakeries.
Where to enjoy your navette in Provence
Indulge in a navette at La Four des Navettes in Marseille. Just steps away from this shop lies the Abbey of Saint Victor, which was founded during the 400s. You can snack on some navettes as you explore this abbey and visit the Saint Victor neighborhood with your guide. This navette shop is also just a stone’s throw from Vieux Port, or Marseille’s Old Harbor. For the true gourmands, dip your navettes in some Nutella. Or even better, enjoy these biscuits in ice cream form at Le Glacier du Roi with its Navettissimo flavor.
Lavender
Southern France is known for its idyllic lavender fields. And souvenir shops are full of all things lavender: soap, potpourri, essential oils, postcards, tea towels. But lavender isn’t just a fragrant decoration; it can also be consumed. One of the best ways to enjoy lavender is in an ice cream cone on a hot summer day. At least in our humble opinion!
Where to enjoy lavender in Provence
You can order a scoop of lavender-honey ice cream from The Marseiller located right on the Vieux Port. You can add in other regional flavors: honey-violet from the Alps or Provençal rose. After enjoying your sweet lavender treat, our guide will take you to the Vieux Port and Fort Saint Jean, both just steps away from this ice cream shop.
Taureau
Southern France is also known for its taureaux, or bulls, especially in the Camargue region. In July 1928, the tradition of la Cocarde d’Or, or a bull racing festival, began. And since then, Arles has hosted this event at the Arènes d’Arles in July. Not only do the taureaux contribute to the culture of the region but also its diet. While traveling, you must feast on some juicy bull, a local specialty of Provence.
Where to enjoy your taureau in Provence
At the Domaine de Méjanes, you can enjoy the beauty of the Camargue up close and personal. This domain offers horseback riding, train rides and bull shows. And its famed restaurant, La Bergerie de Méjanes, serves up taureau and has also welcomed names such as Pablo Picasso and Josephine Baker. Our travel specialists would be delighted to book a private dinner for your group at this quaint venue.
After your savory meal of taureau, you can stay in the Château de Méjanes, a residence dating back to the 1200s. You can kick back, enjoy the château’s private garden and play une manche de pétanque, or a round of this Provençal game.
Pastis
France may be known for its wine, but Provence is known for its pastis. This liqueur is anise-based and tastes similar to licorice. The drink finds its origins in the 1930s, not long after absinthe was banned in France, according to Taste France. Paul Ricard created this apéritif, and you will see his name and legacy all over the city of Marseille.
Where to enjoy pastis in Provence
Cool off with a glass of pastis over apéro in Le Panier, Marseille’s oldest neighborhood. Wander the narrow streets lined with greenery, art galleries and graffiti. You can explore the dozens of small restaurants and bars lining this historic quarter, whose roots go back to the 600s BC.
Southern France is certain to give you butterflies for its postcard-worthy sights and activities. But the region has a feast of local specialities in Provence to discover. Talk with one of our travel specialists today to set up a private cooking class or culinary tour.
Provence Tour offers unique and glamorous experiences as we showcase magnificent and rare highlights of the charming region of Provence.
Our private drivers have expert knowledge of the region and will happily guide you and answer any questions you may have about the area. Indulge in an authentic and customized guided day tour with an opportunity to see Provence’s hidden treasures, such as the lavish lavender fields, various picturesque villages, and significant historical sites.
