Impossibly beautiful, sophisticated, and suave, Provence is the France of your dreams. The region is awash with pristine and colorful countryside, interspersed with vineyards, elegant towns and villages, vineyards, and castles. Add in some vibrant cities, beaches, and incredible national parks, and it’s hard to imagine a more perfect destination to visit. To make the most of any visit to Provence, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to visit in Provence. So read on to find out what’s hot in France’s most spectacular region.
This once gritty and sprawling port city has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. The remodeling of the dock area and creation of a new marina have rejuvenated a city that, while charismatic, was in severe decay. However, the Marseille of today is flourishing and features stylish restaurants, museums, bars, and boutique shops. While the new areas and buildings sparkle brightly in the Provence sun, you don’t have to look far to find the old character of Marseille with its cosmopolitan mix of people, markets, and historic buildings. The Old Port, Nas Fort St Nicholas, Fort St Jean, and Cathédrale La Major are just some of the exceptional historical buildings to be seen in this reborn city.
The city of Arles, sitting on the banks of the Rhône River, is another stellar attraction in Provence. There are two major reasons to visit the city: firstly, its rich Roman architecture and history, and secondly, its connection with the painter Vincent Van Gogh. It was during the early years of the Roman Empire that the city first rose to prominence as an important port. During these golden years, some amazing buildings were constructed within the city, including a large amphitheater and theatre. Both still stand to this day and are in exceptional condition. Both count amongst the best attractions in the city. Arles’ second coming came with the arrival of Van Gogh in 1888. While the famous impressionist painter only stayed for 14 months, he created some of his finest works in the city. His legacy in the city is several museums and galleries celebrating his works and that of his contemporaries. If all of that isn’t enough to whet your appetite, Arles also has an excellent culinary scene that you must indulge in.
The highbrow town of Saint Remy de Provence is one of the most exclusive towns in Provence. Home to a host of fine restaurants, it’s not uncommon to see many of France’s celebrities dining out here. Of course, celebrities are nothing new to Saint Remy, which counts Nostradamus and Vincent Van Gogh amongst its previous residents. It’s not hard to see the town’s appeal with the historic center featuring many beautiful stone-built buildings. Off of the main thoroughfare are quiet lanes that are home to boutique shops and charismatic cafes. The town comes to life each Wednesday morning with a market featuring food, handcrafts, plants, art, and much more. There are also attractions outside of town with several fine vineyards. The rosé from these vineyards is especially good and comes highly recommended.
One of France’s and Provence’s most beautiful villages is Les Baux de Provence. This wonderful old village comprises traditional stone-built houses and narrow cobbled streets. All roads lead to the summit of the steep hill, where sitting atop a rocky outcrop stands the remains of the spectacular Chateau des Baux. This ancient castle was constructed in the 11th century and led a colorful existence as a medieval stronghold until its destruction in the 17th century. What remains today are plenty of the original towers and walls, giving you a great impression of what it would have been like in its heyday. The views from the top are sensational and almost as good as from the village below, which is an excellent spot to enjoy lunch or dinner.
Another of Provence’s historic cities is the magnificent walled city of Avignon. The city undertook a dramatic transformation during the 14th century when seven consecutive popes relocated and ruled from Avignon rather than Rome. During the 68 years of rule, significant efforts were made to construct several buildings befitting their illustrious guests. Undoubtedly, the pick of these buildings is the Palais des Papes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This immense building matches the grandeur, scale, and beauty of many of the buildings in the Vatican City in Roman. There are also plenty of other notable historical buildings within the city walls, including the famous Pont St. Benezet, a 12th-century bridge, and the 17th-century Cathedrale Notre Dame des Doms. There’s also a wealth of museums in town, making this an excellent destination to spend a few days.
The small town of Vaison la Romaine is about as perfect as you will ever find. It combines all the charm of a historic small town while having the attractions of a much larger town or city. The town’s rich Roman history is one of the big draws, with a beautiful amphitheater and the well-preserved remnants of a quarter of the ancient town. There’s also an excellent museum associated with the sites. Vaison la Romaine’s other big draw is its fine hilltop medieval town. In an area of many hilltop towns and ruins, this is one of the very best. Exploring its winding and cobbled streets is a hugely rewarding and atmospheric experience.
The modern-day town is a friendly and welcoming destination with a fine cathedral and a central square, which is surrounded by some excellent restaurants. There’s also an excellent Tuesday market if you’re lucky enough to be in town that day.
Mont Ventoux offers a different type of beauty when compared to the rest of Provence. This towering mountain rises from the surrounding areas and provides spectacular views across the surrounding countryside. Standing at 1912 meters, it is easily recognizable as one of the most iconic stages of the Tour de France. The mountains’ winding roads and lunar-like landscape provide excellent terrain for cyclists and hikers during the summer and skiers and snowboarders in the winter. If you have the time and energy to hike up (and down), it’s a great experience. If you’re a cyclist, the ascent and descent of Mont Ventoux is a bucket list ride, but be warned, it’s a seat-of-your-pants experience.
The spectacular Gorges du Verdon is Europe’s largest canyon and forms parts of the Parc Naturel Regional du Verdon. What makes the canyon so unique is that it is both very narrow and very deep, which, along with the turquoise mineral-rich waters that fill it, creates a very dramatic setting. Extending for around 25 kilometers in length, the area is a mecca for outdoor sports and activities. The surrounding roads, with their climbs and descents, not to mention their hairpin turns, are a big attraction for cyclists. Hikers are also drawn in by dozens of trails around the surrounding countryside, almost all providing sensational views. There’s also white water rafting during the summer months and more sedate activities such as kayaking and canoeing.
Upmarket Aix en Provence is classical France at its very best. Formerly the capital of Provence and the home of the Counts of Provence, the city is awash with classical buildings, fountains, and historic sites, including several aristocratic palaces. Should the Counts be alive today, they would also be delighted by the selection of fine dining restaurants and boutique shops and the museums and galleries on offer. The beating heart of the city is Cours Mirabeau, a beautiful avenue lined with boutiques, restaurants, and cafés alongside hundred-year-old trees. At one end is the Fontaine de la Rotonde, one of the city’s best sites, along with the Cathedrale St Sauveur. The Musée Granet, Musée du Calisson, and Arts Centre at the Hotel de Caumont all rank among the finest cultural sights to see within the city.
Moustiers Sainte Marie is another of the officially most beautiful villages in France. This hillside town occupies a spectacular location between two limestone outcrops, which tower over the village below. Surrounding the village are fields of lavender, creating the quintessential Provence landscape. Aside from the splendid setting, you’ll also discover a medieval town, that is home to many fine historic buildings. However, Moustiers Sainte Marie’s finest building is just above town, the 14th-century Notre Dame de Beauvoir, which clings to the cliff edge. It’s a 20-minute walk up the dusty path and steps to reach the quaint and attractive chapel, and suitable footwear is a must. The views are sensational and more than justify the effort of the climb.
The rugged and surprisingly remote Mercantour National Park might be Provence’s best-kept secret. Home to the snow-capped peaks of the Alps, impossibly green valleys, and deep blue glacial lakes, it’s a hikers paradise. The park covers six different valleys, each with its own character and identity. Popular activities in the area include hiking, of course, as well as horse riding, white water rafting, and mountain biking. In the winter months, it’s a popular destination to go skiing or snowshoeing. If you love the great outdoors, this is one destination in Provence you must see.
Provence is a region in the south of France located next to the Italian border and alongside the Mediterranean Sea. It is part of the administrative region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, which also includes the cities of Cannes and Nice. To the west of the region is the administrative region of Occitanie, while to the north lies the administrative region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. It’s around an 8-hour and 750-kilometer drive to Provence from Paris in the north.
While Provence enjoys a warm year-round climate, the best time to visit is the summer months or late spring / early autumn. This summer season is when the area is alive, with vibrant countryside colors, festivals, and cafes spilling out onto the surrounding streets. The months of June, July, and August are the peak of summer but also the peak tourist season, so a visit on either side of these months is perfect. If you can visit during these shoulder months, there will be fewer crowds, cheaper and more plentiful accommodation options, and still plenty of warm weather. Over recent years, the summer months have seen temperatures exceed 90°F regularly, making it hard to explore and making days at the beach a more appealing option.
A visit outside of the summer season is also a rewarding experience, but expect a quieter and slower pace of life. Many places close for part or all of the winter, and while still pretty, the countryside isn’t at its breathtaking best.
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