North and Northwest of Aix: The Luberon and Les Alpilles

Like miniature mountain ranges, the rugged limestone outcroppings of the Luberon and the Alpilles dominate the area between Aix and Avignon. A drive through either area will uncover a multitude of picturesque villages where visitors can stop for lunch on plane-tree shaded squares and shop for lavender-scented gifts, Provençal fabrics, and santons (figures of artisans, village people, and farmers that populate a Christmas nativity scene). The medieval village of Les Baux has been transformed in the past forty years from a hill top ruin to a thriving artists' colony. The Christmas Eve mass in the local church celebrates the shepherds with a midnight procession. St Rémy is known for its excavations of Roman ruins and the nearby asylum where Van Gogh had himself committed. He painted one of his most memorable landscapes, Starry Night, while residing in the area.

South of Aix: Les Calanques

The limestone peaks of the Provençal interior descend sharply to the shimmering waters of the Mediterranean forming a craggy shoreline accessible in most places only by boat or on foot. Boat trips from Cassis or La Ciotat explore this fjord-like coastline called les calanques. Divers can discover underwater caves and walkers can reach the beaches of the calanques on footpaths that lead from the interior. Marseille, the second largest city in France and home to a large North African immigrant population, is on the western end of the calanques area. The Vieux Port (Old Port) is a colorful collection of leisure and fishing boats with a fish market held here daily. It is the perfect place to dine on one of the signature dishes of Provence, bouillabaise, a hearty fish stew.

West of Aix: La Camargue

Here, the delta of the Rhone River extends over several hundred square miles much of it in protected nature preserves. Come here to see flamingos, wild horses, and the famous black bulls that are raised for Provençal bull fights (the bulls aren't killed in this version). In Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, European gypsies come in May and October to honor their saint, a servant of two Marys who supposedly arrived on these shores from Palestine following the death of Christ.

Northeast of Aix: Gorges du Verdon

Also known as the Grand Canyon of the Verdon, this is one of the most spectacular and nerve-racking drives in France. There is a north rim and south rim option but neither are for the faint-hearted. Because a full drive around the canyon takes a day, this should be an overnight trip from Aix. Hiking and rafting are other possibilities for visitors who want more activity and a closer view of the canyon.