"May means doing what you want"

top 5 outdoor activities

And what if our pretty month of May meant newfound freedom? It’s the ideal opportunity for an outing with the family or friends. And to make the most of your walk, you can save time with our selection of outdoor activities.

Published on 17 May 2021

For the artistically-minded in 2021

Open air sculpture

In May, discover artistic creation in places which are actually open-air museums. Come to Marseille and combine a wander around the Mediterranean city and a cultural tour. A living exhibition stretches along the streets of Marseille from the Cours Julien to the charming quarter of Le Panier. Whether you’re new to it or already a fan, come and find out all about street art, its codes and its subtlety: an activity to do as you wish in Marseille! You love wine as much as you love art? The vineyard of the Château La Coste on the Coteaux d’Aix will charm you. The contemporary works of art dotted among the vines and almond trees are signed by Franck Gehry or Tony Berlant. Enjoy the visit and end it with a tasting of the estate’s vintages.

Voir cette publication sur Instagram

Une publication partagée par Chinouk (@chinouk35)

For those of you who never say no to an invitation

Original wanderings

The mix of a walk and gourmet pleasures is what makes these open-air activities interesting. Looking for an original outing in the Vaucluse? Head for Beaumes-de-Venise, the starting point of your vineyard wanderings. In the heart of the Ventoux, at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail, make your way through the vines and admire the magnificent view of La Roque Alric. After a good meal on the itinerary, the walk ends with a tasting in a wine-cellar. Another pleasant outing will take you to Saint-Martin de Brômes. At La Safr’Ânerie, donkeys accompany walkers on the paths through the Verdon. After a lovely walk with the animals, discover saffron and its carefully-prepared by-products. Delightful!

For heritage enthusiasts

Old stones and history

In the region, there are castles everywhere which bear witness to ancient occupation of the territories. In the Massif de la Sainte-Baume, stop off for an activity in the Var which will please all those who wish to discover remains of the past. The Castrum Saint-Jean looks down over the village of Rougiers from 600 metres. Throughout the Middle Ages, men occupied the area. Listen to the stones of the village’s old houses tell their story, the story of the people who lived there at the time. And a wander around the Château de Sannes will also leave you with some lovely memories. The tranquillity of the Luberon goes well with the vibrant walls of the castle. The beauty and charm of this historic monument will fill you with wonder.

Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Une publication partagée par Château de Sannes (@chateaudesannes)

Voir cette publication sur Instagram

Une publication partagée par Domaine du Rayol (@domainedurayol)

For collectors of cool moments

Relaxing in the great outdoors

The very varied landscapes of Provence and the Côte d’Azur are bedecked in their most beautiful spring colours. Make the most of them and be swept away. You can choose an electric boat for an effortless activity in the Gorges du Verdon. Just jump on board one in Quinson for a stressless trip downstream in an amazing setting. See if you can make out the caves on the way on an afternoon or full-day trip. Prefer the seaside? Come and see the acacia trees in bloom in the Jardin des Méditerranées. At the Domaine du Rayol, facing the sea, Gilles Clément looks after some of the most surprising species of plants. A magnificent family outing in the Var.

For athletes itching for wide open spaces

Alpine itineraries

Restless? Wide open spaces resonate with you? The Southern French Alps are the most magnificent playground! For an athletic outing in an enchanting setting, jump on your bike and ride off on the circuits of the Espace Cyclo Sport des Vallées du Gapençais. This is the ultimate outdoor activity. On the banks of the Lake of Serre-Ponçon or the River Durance, the water close by will give some welcome coolness. Another lake to discover: Lake Autier. To get to it, you set off on a hike in the Parc national du Mercantour at the foot of Mont Basto and Le Grand Capelet. The hike will take you about 4 hours, including a cool break beside the lake to admire the surrounding mountains.