4 organic and healthy holiday moments in Provence

When we are looking at a holiday destination we often picture beautiful views, long lazy meals, dipping one’s feet in a refreshing pool, delicious food at every turn and time spent with those nearest and dearest to us. But there are some moments when you might like to strike the harmonious balance between a fantastic holiday whilst also maintaining daily habits of nourishing and healthy food, with health giving activities thrown in as well! We thought we’d conjure up a dreamy Provencal holiday with some suggestions of where to look for organic activities but still maintaining the needed chic element that every Provencal holiday requires! Honey tasting Honey seems to be the buzzword for how to keep things deliciously sweet and yet keeping that sweetness as natural as possible, particularly if it’s organic and we can actually see where the honey has come from. So let’s start with a honey tasting session near the beautiful medieval town of Le Castellet. La Miellerie de l’Oratoire offers a dreamy experience wandering through the gardens, being able to see the hives where the magic happens, and the all-important tasting! Once hooked on Olivier and Virginie Paxé’s exquisite nectar you may wish to potter into the shop, snapping up some perfect Provencal presents for loved ones at home. Organic wine tasting Well… it wouldn’t be a holiday to the south of France without mentioning this most beloved tipple, and so we thought we’d suggest a beautiful organic vineyard to visit, sample the wines and enjoy the rolling views. This vineyard, established in 1963, produces 1100 hectolitres of AOC Bandol wine, making the most of the perfectly warm climate and the rich soil; developing an aromatic character, generous tannins, great finesse and length in all their wines. We highly recommend taking a few bottles home to transport you straight back to your holiday once returned. And if you’re feeling peckish, pop into the restaurant La Promesse, independent of the vineyard, but equally worth a visit! Local and artisan markets Around Provence are some of the best markets out there, with such a rich abundance of organic, locally sourced and freshly picked produce, you’ll feel spoilt for choice! It’s an experience just to spend a morning soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the French market culture. Pick up delicious fresh fish from the Sanary Sur Mer Market; given its proximity to the sea you’ll feel you’re being sold the freshest fish one can buy. If you’re wanting to buy the ingredients for a picnic these markets are the perfect spot, as well as an activity for the whole family, since you’ll be able to buy traditionally baked French bread (prepared that morning), a wide selection of cured meats and of course no French picnic would be the same without a fine selection of the ripest, gooeyist cheeses in France! Long walk on the beach Take your beautifully crafted picnic to a nearby beach (there are plenty to choose from) for a hearty and healthy meal with toes in the sand and a refreshing swim to round off your day beautifully. A long walk on the beach and the well-kept promenades will keep all amused with plenty to see and explore along the way. Stop off at the quintessential French cafés for a quick espresso or a more leisurely chilled glass of rosé before heading back for one final swim before home. Su Stephens is Owner of Olives & Vines. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.