Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
6. INTER-CITY BUS
Inter-city buses supplement trains between major cities. Numerous companies op-
erate from long-distance bus stations
(gares routières)
in cities and larger towns.
Smaller villages and rural towns are poorly served by buses, many villages having no
service at all.
7. CYCLING
Cycling is a great way to explore Provence. Mountainous regions may be only for the
super-fit, but there are gentler rides in the lowlands, along the coast and in the dead-
flat Camargue.
Mountain bikes
(velos tous terrains
or
VTT)
can be hired in all ma-
jor towns and resorts (tourist offices have lists) and marked cycle trails range from
demanding to totally relaxed. Eco-friendly free cycle schemes, like Vélo in Marseille,
are springing up in towns across the region. Tourist offices have up-to-date details.
8. WALKING TRAILS
Provence is superb walking country, offering guided or marked walks through his-
toric cities and coastal paths,
sentiers balisés
(local trails) and
sentiers de grande
randonnée
(long-distance hiking tracks), part of a network that crosses France. Main
long distance trails are the GR5, GR51 GR6 and GR9. Maps and guides are available
from tourist offices (for further details see
Top 10 Walks
).
9. ON HORSEBACK
Horses can be hired by the day or for longer, with or without a guide, on gentle or
more demanding trails.
The Camargue
is ideal riding country.
10. YACHTS AND CRUISERS
The Riviera is prime sailing country and every kind of vessel, from small yachts and
catamarans to fully crewed motor- cruisers, can be chartered out of marinas includ-
ing Nice, Cannes, St-Tropez, Antibes and St-Jean.
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