Curator’s statement
Southern France is a masterclass in the art of the ‘slow-burn.’ I’ve curated this guide to move beyond the tourist-cluttered ports and into the quiet heart of the Camargue and the hidden ateliers of Aix. This is an invitation to reclaim your own pace in the land where light meets salt and stone.
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Things to do in the South of France
MDS
In the Mardensa philosophy, “doing” is about connection, not just sightseeing. We prioritize the artisan’s studio over the gift shop.
The private Calanques sail
Skip the public ferries from Marseille. I arrange private boat charters from Cassis at dawn, allowing you to swim in the hidden, electric-blue Calanque d'En-Vau before the world wakes up.
The living atelier in Aix
Trace the footsteps of Cézanne through the limestone streets of Aix-en-Provence. I recommend a private scent workshop at a family-run perfumery to truly "bottle" the essence of the South.
Wild solitude in the Camargue
Spend an afternoon on the salt flats of the Camargue. Between the white horses and pink flamingos, there is a profound stillness that serves as the ultimate mental detox.
The olive grove table in Les Baux
Journey to the base of the Alpilles mountains for a private harvest experience. I arrange for you to meet a local producer in their centuries-old grove to learn the art of olive oil pressing before an unhurried, farm-to-terrace lunch in the heart of the orchard.
The golden hour in Gordes
Most visit this hilltop village at midday; we arrive when the crowds depart. Experience a private, after-hours tour of a hidden 12th-century cellar or an artisan’s studio, followed by a quiet glass of Rosé as the limestone buildings turn a brilliant ocher in the setting sun.
Places to eat & drink in the South of France
The Vineyard Table in the Alpilles: Indulge in an unhurried, farm-to-terrace lunch at a private wine estate where the menu is dictated entirely by the morning’s harvest.
Sunset Aperitifs on the Cassis Cliffs: Sip a crisp, local Blanc de Cassis from a private limestone ledge as the Mediterranean turns a deep, cinematic indigo below you.
The Truffle Hunter’s Lunch: Join a local producer and their hounds in the Luberon for a private forage, followed by an intimate, truffle-centric meal in a hidden stone mas.
Artisan Pairings in an Aix Courtyard: Discover the "un-Googleable" flavors of Provence through a curated tasting of small-batch goat cheeses and honey in a centuries-old private garden.
Seafood Sophistication in Marseille: Skip the tourist traps for a seat at a salt-dusted table in the Vallon des Auffes, where the daily catch arrives by wooden boat at your feet.
The Michelin Garden at Baumanière: Experience the height of "Intentional Gastronomy" with a vegetable-forward tasting menu served under the stars in a legendary rock-carved valley.
Need to know
The “Mistral” factor: Be prepared for the Mistral is a powerful, cool wind that clears the sky to a brilliant, "Cézanne blue" but can drop temperatures unexpectedly. I always advise my clients to pack a high-quality linen wrap or a light cashmere layer, even in the height of summer, for those breezy terrace dinners.
The art of the “lunch lock-out": In the smaller villages of Provence, time truly stands still between 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm. Most boutiques and ateliers will close for a proper lunch. Rather than fighting the pace, I suggest leaning into it. Book a long, shaded table and make lunch the main event of your day.
Navigate with a driver: While the train connects the coastal cities beautifully, the soul of the South is found in the “backcountry” hills of the Luberon and the marshes of the Camargue. I highly recommend a private driver-guide for at least two days of your journey to navigate the narrow limestone roads and ensure you can enjoy the local Rosé without a care.
Sustainable souvenirs: Instead of mass-produced lavender sachets, look for Savon de Marseille from the few remaining traditional factories or a hand-thrown ceramic from a workshop in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. These aren’t just gifts—they are pieces of the region's living heritage.
The "Mardensa" Tip: If you are visiting the popular hilltop villages like Gordes or Roussillon, go at sunrise. Watching the first light hit the stone buildings in total silence, before the tour buses arrive, is a spiritual experience that defines the difference between "sightseeing" and "intentional" travel.
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