The Region
Carry-le-Rouet
is a charming seaside resort only 30 km. from Marseilles and set at the
foot of pine covered hills. It is the heart of "la Côte
Bleue"
which goes from Marseilles to Martigues. There is a picturesque little
fishing port as well as many beautiful walks along the seaside. The
quaint outdoor market of Carry takes place each Tuesday and
Friday.
The lovely beaches of Carry are well known for their clear waters. Each year, from December to February, Carry hosts the famous "le mois de l'oursin" (sea urchin festival) which includes a tasting of sea urchins and various shellfish which are ultra fresh, plentiful, and delicious.
Carry-le-Rouet More about Carry-le-Rouet Carry-le-Rouet 3
La Côte Bleue (The Blue Coast) includes about 40km of
Mediterranean coastline between Marseille and Martigues. Less exposed
to tourism than the French Riviera (la Côte d'Azur), La
Côte Bleue preserves a wild character where magnificent
cliffs meet the beautiful sea. A train (SNCF) connects the several
quaint seaside villages that line the coast.
More about
La Côte Bleue
The Camargue was formed by the
delta of the Rhône River. It consists of 360.000 acres of
wetlands, pastures, dunes, and salt flats. The region hosts a unique
collection
of flora and fauna including pink flamingoes and ibises. The
pastures provide grazing for sheep, bulls, and white horses which are
ridden by the "gardians" (cowboys) who traditionally lived in thatched
huts and still play a part in keeping the Camargue traditions
alive.
The Alpilles - This
chain of limestone hills running east-west is where bauxite was first
discovered (named after the village of Baux-de-Provence). The Alpilles
are an extension of the Luberon mountains, which stretch out to the
east. 
Although
the ridge along the top
seems white and barren, the
Alpilles have been rich in almonds, apricot, olives and grain since the
middle ages. The steep slopes were terraced, and the trees and grains
were planted because of their adaptability to the arid conditions.
Windmills were constructed along the higher part of the hills,
to catch the mistral to power the grinding of grain to flour. A few of
the old windmills can still be seen.
More about the
Alpilles
The
Luberon is
a beautiful region for 
visiting, by car, foot,
bicycle or horse. The mountains and forests are beautiful. There are
scores of lovely, ancient villages, many with castles, forts, ruins,
towers, and other geographical and historical sites.
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