Delightful Avignon & the Pope's Palace

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Discover the art of traditional soap making in the former shipbuilding village La Ciotat and cap off the experience with a bouillabaisse dinner. The maritime heritage will still be evident as you meander along the waterfront on the way to the artisanal soap factory Le Savonnier des Calanques. Owner Phillipe Stettler strictly follows the rules for soap-making in the 1688 Edict of Colbert, which mandates that soaps must be made with pure olive oil. The resulting products are organic, chemical-free and fully retain the oil’s moisturizing and regenerative virtues. The soaps are typically infused with essential oils such as lavender, peppermint and citrus. Afterwards – most likely at La Ferme Auberge de la Baie des Anges – you will dine on bouillabaisse, a tomato-based fish stew that supposedly originated just up the coast in Marseille. Versions vary from place to place and seasonally depending on what local fish, shellfish and vegetables are available.

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.