National Geographic Day Tour: The Story of Pastis
-
Port
Marseille (Provence), France
-
Activity Level
Moderate
-
Excursion Type
All
-
Wheelchair Accessible
No
-
Starting At
$189.95
-
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
-
Duration
Approximately 4¾ Hours
-
Meals Included
Meals not included
Long before Paul Ricard created "the true pastis of Marseille" in the early 1930s, the people of Provence had been creating their versions of pastis using wild Mediterranean herbs. In a pastis-making workshop conducted in the historic heart of Marseille, explore the story of Ricard and this favorite beverage.
Meet your National Geographic guide, Jean-Pierre L'Enfant, and transfer together to Les Docks. This recently refurbished warehouse district was built in the mid-1800s.
Your first destination is the Mx Experience — an interactive museum dedicated to star anise and pastis and their integral role in Provençal history and culture. Meaning "mixture" in the Provençal dialect, local pastis is made by macerating herbs that grow wild among the dry Mediterranean scrub, or garrigue. Aniseed and fennel are used in other Mediterranean spirits such as Italian sambuca and Greek ouzo, but pastis can also incorporate verbena, thyme, rosemary, and other native botanicals.
At the adjacent headquarters of Pernod Ricard, participate in a private pastisologie workshop. In an area usually off-limits to the public, you'll get acquainted with the properties of Provençal botanicals and learn to identify their scents and uses. Find out how distilling pastis has evolved over the decades, and sample three different varieties of pastis paired with appetizers.
You'll also hear the intriguing story of Paul Ricard — artist, environmentalist, and entrepreneur. Learn how he guided his "true pastis" through two world wars and the tumultuous events of 1968 before forming one of the world's largest spirits companies — Pernod Ricard.
Notes: Minimum age is 18 years. Minimum age to drink alcohol is 18 years, with a companion aged 21 years or older.