From Marseille: Aix en Provence Wine and Cheese Tour

Thinking about spending a day exploring the flavors of Provence? This full-day wine and cheese tour from Marseille offers a wonderful mix of local wine tasting, cheese sampling, and a dash of sightseeing in Aix en Provence. Designed for those who love good food, scenic views, and learning about French wine, it’s a solid choice for a relaxed, immersive experience.

What really draws us to this tour are visits to small, family-run wineries—you get a personal feel that big tours often lack—and the chance to sample a variety of wines and goat cheeses in authentic settings. Plus, the guide’s expertise can really enhance the experience, making it both educational and enjoyable.

That said, one thing to keep in mind is the schedule and pace of the day. If you’re not a fan of long summer days or walking on uneven paths, some parts—like the goat farm visit—might be less comfortable. Still, for anyone eager to taste and see the best of Provence’s local produce, this tour hits a lot of the right notes.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate wines and cheeses, want a taste of Provence’s countryside, and enjoy small-group experiences with knowledgeable guides. If you’re after a laid-back day with plenty of tasting opportunities, it’s probably right up your alley.

Key Points

• Authentic Locations: Visits to two family-owned wineries and a traditional goat farm give a genuine feel of Provence’s local production.
• Expert Guidance: The guide’s knowledge enriches the experience, offering insights into wine classification, winemaking, and local grape varieties.
• Variety of Wines: You’ll taste a good selection of rosés, reds, and whites—perfect for discovering what Provence has to offer.
• Flexible Itinerary: Time in Aix en Provence allows for free exploration and lunch at your own pace.
• Scenic Journey: The trip showcases stunning countryside views and the charm of small vineyards.
• Value for Money: With visits, tastings, transportation, and a guide included, most reviews agree it’s a worthwhile experience for the price.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience Breakdown

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off at Place du Mazeau in Marseille, where you’ll meet your guide holding a “Provence Wine Tours” sign. From there, you’ll hop into an air-conditioned minivan for the roughly 45-minute drive into the Provençal countryside.

This early part of the day sets a relaxed tone, and the transport ensures you can comfortably settle in while enjoying the scenery. The small group size—limited to 8 participants—means you won’t be lost in a crowd, and there’s room for questions and personalized attention.

The First Winery and Goat Farm

Your first destination is a small, family-run winery. The guided tour here is about 30 minutes, during which you’ll learn about their specific grape varieties and the winemaking process. Expect to see traditional methods and hear stories about the estate’s history—these personal touches make all the difference.

Next, you’ll visit a traditional goat farm—a highlight for many. The farm is accessible on foot via a small dirt path, so comfortable shoes are a must. Here, you’ll learn about cheese-making and sample a selection of goat cheeses. Reviewers rave about the cheese, describing it as “delicious,” and appreciate the authentic, hands-on approach.

Wine and Cheese Tasting

After the farm visit, you’ll have about an hour for a combined tasting. At the goat farm, you’ll sample cheeses paired with local wines, though some guests suggest adding grapes could elevate the pairing. The experience is relaxed, and you’ll learn how to identify different wine styles and aromas.

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Lunch and Free Time in Aix-en-Provence

Following the morning’s tastings, you’ll have about 1 hour and 45 minutes free in Aix-en-Provence. This is your chance to explore at your own pace—stroll through the charming streets, visit shops, or find a cozy spot for lunch. The guide doesn’t provide a structured visit here, so it’s a flexible time for personal exploration.

Many travelers find this break worthwhile, especially if they want to soak in the atmosphere or grab a local specialty. Just be aware that some reviews mention the visit to Aix being “too long” or not tailored enough, so if you’re after a guided tour of the town’s key points, you might find this part a bit lacking.

Afternoon Vineyard Visit

Back in the van, you’ll head to a second family-run winery for a 75-minute guided tour and tasting session. This visit offers a wider variety of wines, including oak-matured reds, and the outdoor setting is often praised for its relaxed, picturesque ambiance.

This part of the day gives you a more in-depth look at Provençal wines, and many guests mention that the guide’s insights about winemaking processes enhance the tasting experience.

Return to Marseille

After the second winery, the journey back takes about 45 minutes, and you’ll arrive at Place du Mazeau around 4:30 pm. The closing of the day is gentle, leaving you with a good understanding of Provence’s rich wine and cheese traditions.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Knowledgeable Guides: Several reviews praise the guides, especially Eric and Jean Gabriel, for their friendliness and expertise. They share fun facts and local insights that really bring the experience to life.

Authentic Locations: Visiting small, family-run wineries and a goat farm means you’re not just tasting in a commercial setting—these are real producers with genuine stories.

Diverse Tasting Options: The tour balances wine types—from rosés and whites to reds—and includes cheese tasting, giving a full flavor profile of Provence.

Flexibility & Free Time: The stop in Aix allows you to decide whether to relax, shop, or explore, offering a nice balance between guided and independent activities.

Considerations and Caveats

While the overall experience receives high praise, there are some points worth considering. The visit to Aix-en-Provence can seem a bit long or unstructured for travelers wanting a guided walk. If you’re not keen on wandering solo or if you prefer a detailed tour of the town’s highlights, this might be a downside.

The goat farm visit involves walking on a dirt path, which might be uncomfortable for those with mobility issues or unsuitable footwear. Weather can also impact the visit—if it’s rainy or windy, the farm visit might be replaced with an additional vineyard stop.

Lastly, the tour is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or those with animal or lactose allergies, as the cheese farm involves animal contact and cheese tasting.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $176 a person, the tour includes transport, visits, and tastings, which many consider good value given the quality and authenticity of the experiences. The personal attention from guides and visits to small estates often make it feel more special than a large, generic wine tour.

If you’re genuinely interested in learning about local wines and cheeses, and enjoy a relaxed pace with scenic views, this tour offers a fulfilling day out. Keep in mind that you’ll want to budget for your own lunch in Aix, as that’s not included.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for wine lovers, cheese enthusiasts, and curious travelers who appreciate authentic, small-scale productions. It suits those who enjoy a relaxed, educational day with a friendly guide and don’t mind walking or a flexible schedule. If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, the small group size makes it easy to connect with others.

It’s less suitable for families with young children, pregnant women, or travelers with mobility issues, due to the walking involved and the nature of the visits. Also, if you’re after a structured tour of Aix, this one offers more free time than guided sightseeing.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
This tour isn’t suitable for vegans and vegans, as it involves cheese tasting and animal farm visits. Vegetarians might enjoy it, but check if they’re comfortable with cheese and farm visits.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle are recommended, especially since part of the experience involves walking outdoors.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, transportation in an air-conditioned minivan is included, starting and ending at Place du Mazeau in Marseille.

How long is the free time in Aix-en-Provence?
You’ll get about 1 hour and 45 minutes to explore at your own pace, shop, or find lunch.

What wines will I taste?
You’ll sample a selection of Provence wines, including rosés, reds, and whites, with some reviews mentioning the reds are particularly powerful.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Not really—it’s designed for adults 18 and over, due to alcohol tasting and the farm visit.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Are there options for different languages?
The tour is conducted in English and French, often simultaneously.

What if it rains?
If weather disrupts the farm visit, it will be replaced with an additional vineyard stop.

How large are the groups?
Limited to 8 participants, making for an intimate experience.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a relaxed, authentic taste of Provence’s wines and cheeses, this tour provides a well-rounded snapshot. The guiding, visits to small family estates, and chance to sample local products make it worthwhile. It’s especially good for those who appreciate a personal touch and want to learn a bit about the region’s unique grape varieties and cheese traditions.

While it might not satisfy travelers craving more guided sightseeing in Aix, the free time does allow for exploring at your own pace. The value for money is generally high, considering the inclusions and quality of the experience.

Overall, for wine and cheese lovers or curious explorers, this tour from Marseille hits just the right notes—informative, scenic, and delicious.

You can check availability for your dates here: