Discover our favorite places and things to do in Provence for your South of France trip
Provence is one of our favorite regions in France, with its rolling hills, green mountain ranges, picturesque hilltop villages, and delicious food. It is what Tuscany is to Italy, a region where life is good and the scenery is like a new postcard after every corner you take.
I am pretty sure you will fall in love with Provence just like we did. We’ve been here multiple times but we keep coming back for the lovely little towns, vibrant markets, sun-soaked lavender and sunflower fields, roads meandering in between the vineyards and olive trees, turquoise rivers going through scenic canyons, and of course, the Mediterranean Sea. You can never go wrong with a road trip through Provence.
In this article, we’ll show you the best things to do in Provence, France, from the most beautiful places to some unforgettable experiences you can’t miss on your trip through the South of France.
How to get to Provence
Being located in the South of France, there are many ways to get to Provence. First of all, if you are coming from abroad, you can fly directly into Provence to Marseille or Nice International Airport (depending on which area you will be visiting). But it will probably be cheaper to fly to Paris and get to Provence from there.
Read more: 9 of the nicest areas in Paris to visit and stay
One of our favorite ways to reach Provence is by train. If you are coming from Paris or other places in France, you can take the TGV (high-speed train) to Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, or Nice. But also from Belgium, the Netherlands, or Germany, you can go by train. Coming from Italy, there are some high-speed trains, or you could take the slower but beautiful tourist route following the Côte-d’Azur into Provence. Compare train tickets to find the best one for you.
If you are road-tripping through France or Italy, you can easily come overland. There are many great highways leading to the big cities of Provence.
TIP: Be aware you often need to pay toll in France on the major highways. If you want to avoid that and you have time, you can to take the local and more scenic roads, as we usually do.
How to travel through Provence
Whether you are coming by plane or train, we advise you to rent a car to explore Provence (or rent one in Paris and drive to Provence). This will be the best way to truly discover the small villages and beautiful scenery. Prices to rent cars here are usually not that expensive.
You can try to use public transport, but a lot of the remote villages are only accessible by bus. And those buses only come only a few times a day. Another way is by taxi or private transport, but this will be more expensive. Or you can focus on the major cities and travel by train or bus between them.
The best time to visit Provence
Provence has a nice climate year-round. That being said, spring and autumn are the best time to visit Provence. Temperatures are very pleasant (not too hot) and there are way fewer people than in the summer.
In the winter, don’t expect beach weather, but there still will be a lot of great days with some sunshine. Prices are a lot lower since it’s not crowded at all. In summer, the weather gets hot and the streets are filled with people (especially in the famous spots). But, it’s the time when Provence is truly alive with festivals and markets. It is also a great time to discover the canyons and rivers.
Things to do in Provence, France
Discover Avignon, the city of popes
Avignon is located at the border of Provence and is known for its famous history. During the 14th century, this (and not the Vatican) was the seat of the Catholic popes, who lived in the ‘Palais du Pape‘, the largest gothic palace in the world. Don’t forget to visit the palace on the inside (book a tour with a guide if you want to learn more about its history). But you have probably also heard about the ‘Pont d’Avignon‘, the bridge featured in the famous song.
Although you definitely need to visit both of these highlights, what we loved the most about Avignon is its typical Southern France vibe. In the city center, you can walk from one cozy square to the other, have a drink on a terrace, or cool down at one of the fountains. Take your time to stroll around, walk along the city ramparts, and the Rhône river, and enjoy the real atmosphere of Avignon.
TIP: If you are visiting Avignon in July, you have to attend the Festival d’Avignon, one of the biggest theatre festivals in the world! The city is alive with street theatre and many performances scattered all over.
Be amazed by the lavender fields of Provence
Provence is mainly known for its lavender fields. From mid-June to mid-August (depending on the region), you can see them in full bloom, with their deep purple flowers. A true sight you can not miss when being in Provence during summer.
Take your time to explore them all and take some beautiful pictures. However, always be respectful of the fields. Don’t pick lavender or damage the plants, they are somebody’s income.
TIP: There are usually a lot of bees around the lavender. Don’t be afraid of them, they won’t sting you or attack you. They are far too busy working in the lavender fields.
Here are some of the best places to see the lavender fields in Provence:
- Abbaye Notre-Dame de Senanque: when you drive up to this abbey, close to Gordes, it feels as if you walk right into a postcard. Purple lavender fields line up in front of this lovely ancient Abbey. You might see some monks as it is still active to this day. You can visit the inside of the Abbey or just enjoy the views from the outside.
- Valensole: this is probably the most known and most picturesque place to see the rolling lavender fields in Provence. Almost all the images you’ll see in books or online will come from the fields around this lovely little town. The best time to come here is from mid-June to mid-July. But even when the fields aren’t blooming, the village of Valensole is worth a visit.
- Sault: located near the Mont-Ventoux, these lavender fields are not as well-known as the ones in Valensole, but still, the region has a lot of them. Because they grow at higher altitudes, you can visit them a bit later than the ones more in the south, from mid-July to mid-August.
- The road between Montélimar en Nyons: a beautiful scenic road to see the lavender fields. Try to come in July, when it is the Couleur Lavande festival in Montélimar.
TIP: If you have rented a car, you’ll have all the freedom to explore as many fields as you want. Try to come in the morning or the evening to catch the most beautiful light. If you don’t have a car, you could book a guided tour.
Road trip for a day through the Luberon
The Luberon is a mountain range known for its beautiful nature and picturesque villages. Driving through this region will be one of the highlights of your Provence trip, with its lavender fields and Mediterranean landscapes.
You can come here to do one of the many bicycle trails or hikes in the area, for example to the top of the Mourre Nègre, the highest mountain of the Luberon, giving you stunning views over the Natural Regional Park of the Luberon.
But most people come to visit the typical small villages, often built against or on top of the hills, offering breathtaking views. Some of the most famous ones are Gordes, Roussillon, and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, which we highlight further in this article. Other lovely villages worth a visit are Bonnieux, Menerbes, Oppede-Les-Vieux, and Apt, all with their own distinctive charm.
TIP: Most of these villages are rather small, and usually, you only need 30 minutes to an hour to visit them. Ideally, you stay for two days in Luberon, staying here for one night, for example in Gordes. If you don’t have a car or a lot of time, you can book a tour around Luberon from Avignon or Aix-en-Provence.
Admire the ochres cliffs and houses of Roussillon
Roussillon is one of the most beautiful villages in France and a unique thing to do in Provence. The village lies on top of a hill surrounded by a green landscape, next to old ochre mines. The local people used this ochre to dye their houses, making Roussillon famous for its colors.
Take your time strolling through the village and enjoying its lovely atmosphere. Admire the red, orange, and yellow houses (and anything in between), or have a delicious drink at one of the terraces looking over the Luberon mountains.
But what you definitely can not miss, is exploring the ochre canyons in the old mines, on ‘Le Sentiers des Ocres‘ (Ochre Path). They call this sight the Colorado of Provence for a reason. Especially around sunset, the light is fantastic and there are almost no tourists. It takes about 45 – 60 minutes to walk the big tour.
Explore the hilltop village of Gordes
Gordes is also located in the Luberon, only 10 kilometers from Rousillion but is equally as picturesque, in its own typical way. This small village is located on a hilltop with houses built against the cliffs, overlooking the scenic valley. No wonder it has been featured in many movies.
It’s home to ancient old caves, artists and galleries, and many delicious restaurants. Although it will only take about an hour to visit the village, you can easily spend more time here shopping in the galleries, enjoying a delicious meal, or sipping a cold wine overlooking the valley.
Try to be here in the evening, when the sun is setting and Gordes lights up. Be aware that Gordes can be very busy in summer, so try to be here in the morning or evening during the high season or come in the spring or autumn.
TIP: Close to Gordes, there are two other great things to do in Provence. The first one is the Abbaye de Senanque (check our ‘Explore the lavender fields’ section for more info). The second one is Villages des Bories, a historic site with stone structures built without using any mortar.
Go kayak in the Gorges du Verdon
Probably one of the most beautiful canyons in Southern Europe, the Gorges du Verdon (also called the Grand Canyon of Europe) is not to be missed on a Provence road trip. The sight of the crystal blue water surrounded by towering cliffs is spectacular.
The best way to explore the Gorges du Verdon is to rent a kayak (or canoe) and peddle your way through the Gorges. That way, you get to really feel the majesty of the place. However, there are also many great hikes, giving you epic views from above, or watersports to be done around the canyon. Maybe you even spot the rare vulture. In the summer months, the water is warm enough for a swim. Come in late spring or early autumn if you want to avoid the crowds and the heat.
If you have a car, you can drive over the many bridges and mountain roads looping around the Gorges du Verdon, offering you breathtaking views and stunning pictures. If you don’t have a car, you can always book a tour to Gorges du Verdon.
TIP: Close to the Gorges du Verdon, you can find the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, a hidden gem located in the Verdon National Park and listed as one of the most beautiful villages of France. Besides its stunning location, you can come here for the many ceramic shops and workshops.
Stroll around a local Provencal market
The smell of olives and sausages, the sight of hundreds of herbs, the colors of the soap and ceramic, etc. Walking around a Provencal market truly is one of the best things to do in Provence, France. It will stimulate all of your senses and you won’t leave hungry. Not only can you taste the most delicious food and drinks, but it is also the best place to buy some souvenirs. Furthermore, it allows you to explore some villages when they are most alive.
Here’s a list of some of the best Provencal markets:
- Aix-en-Provence: as one of the biggest cities in the region, you can find a market in Aix-en-Provence every day. The biggest ones are on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Every square has its own theme, so take your time to walk around.
- Vaison la Romaine: on Tuesday, you can find one of the biggest Provencal markets in this lovely town. Stroll along the hundreds of stalls, lined up in the small streets. TIP: While you are here, also visit the ancient Roman sites.
- Avignon: in the covered market ‘Les Halles’, you can find a food market every day, with almost 40 stalls selling the best Provence has to offer when it comes to food.
- Apt: a huge market on Saturday morning, one of the most local ones in the region, with not a lot of products for tourists. Here you come to walk between the locals who come and get their groceries on the market.
- Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: this town is home to another one of the biggest markets of the region on Wednesday. You can find literally everything on the market, from woven baskets and soap to fresh products to stimulate your senses. TIP: Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is also known for Vincent Van Gogh, who lived here for a while. Be aware that it can become very crowded with tourists in the summer though.
Spot wildlife in the Camargue
The Camargue National Park, located around the Rhône delta by the Mediterranean Sea, is a unique region, known for its salt flats, forests, swamps, and vast landscape.
A lot of people come here to see the famous inhabitants of the Camargues, the pink flamingos, black bulls, and white horses, who have been living here for centuries. Book a jeep tour or go on a boat to spot the wildlife and admire this stunning region.
Visit the lovely L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Located close to Gordes, Roussillon, and Fountaine-de-Vaucluse, is the beautiful village of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. It is one of our favorite places in Provence and is often called the Venice of Southern France. And you’ll immediately notice why. The river Sorgue flows through the city in different channels, giving the village its unique sight with its crystal clear and refreshing water.
But L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is also known for its art and antique shops. Take your time to discover some hidden gems while strolling through the streets. On Sunday, there’s a great market, where vendors sell everything from antiques and food to other local products.
Search for the source in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
The river Sorgue, floating through L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, has its source in Fountaine-de-Vaucluse, where the water comes out of the ground in a deep cave. It is the largest spring in France and produces an incredible amount of water per minute.
You can walk up to the spring, but most of the time (especially in summer), you can only see the cave with a lake. Sometimes, when it rains a lot, the water level rises and the spring flows over rocks, creating beautiful cascades.
Along the way to the source and in the medieval village there are many nice restaurants and terraces to enjoy the views and a delicious meal or drink. Look up to the old castle ruin, built upon a cliff, and visit the ancient paper mill.
Hike the Calanques National Park
If you are looking for a spectacular coastline, you should explore the Calanques National Park, with its impressive cliffs and turquoise water. Calanque means inlet, referring to the many steep-walled inlets in this region, leading up to pebble beaches.
The Calanques National Park stretches from the beach town of Cassis to the city of Marseille and is one of the most beautiful regions in Provence. And Calanque d’En Vau is the most beautiful of them all!
The best way to explore the Calanques is by hiking through the National Park. There is a great hike that starts in Cassis, taking you on an 8-kilometer round trip to Calanque d’En Vau. On your way, you’ll have some scenic viewpoints and places to swim. You can park your car here to start the hike or start the walk from town (an hour extra).
TIP: Another great way to explore this region is from the water, by booking a boat trip either from Marseille or Cassis. Especially in July and August, when the trails are sometimes closed to the risk for fires. This also allows you to swim and snorkel in the crystal blue waters.
Swim under the Pont-du-Gard
The iconic Pont-du-Gard, one of the best-preserved Roman structures, is located near Nîmes and crosses the Gardon River. This aqueduct was used to bring water from the spring in Uzès to Nîmes and is a masterpiece of Roman engineering. No wonder it is one of the most famous sights in France and a top spot for photography lovers.
You can walk over the bridge on the first level, visit the museum, or enjoy the views. But one of the best things to do is bring your swimsuit and picnic to spend a few hours at the banks of the river, enjoying a swim under the bridge. If you come in summer, be prepared it can get very busy here so try to come in the morning or the evening.
TIP: Do you really want to enjoy the area around Pont-du-Gard? Rent a kayak to go down the river, and float beneath this epic Roman aquaduct.
Discover the charm of Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence is, without a doubt, one of the prettiest cities in Provence. It’s located in the heart of Provence, but also pretty close to the Mediterranean Sea, making it a perfect location if you want to explore both regions.
The city is known for its many fountains and squares, where the locals are enjoying their morning coffee on the terraces, in the shade of the huge trees. Life is good in Aix-en-Provence and the city is happy to let you take part in this joy. But also the surrounding area is a must-see, with many lavender and sunflower fields.
In Aix-en-Provence, you can also visit some of the very interesting museums, such as Cézanne’s Atelier, the home of the famous French artist. Or come here on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday, when the city gets even more alive with its huge Provencal market.
Hike, bike, or drive to the top of the Mont Ventoux
The Mont Ventoux is the highest mountain in Provence, surrounded by a UNESCO nature park that features wild plants and animals. You might have heard of this famous mountain, as it is often featured in on one of the stages of the Tour de France. It is an iconic place you can’t miss when road-tripping through Provence.
The Mont Ventoux (also called the ‘Giant of Provence’) towers above the landscape, with its recognizable white structure on top. It is very popular among cyclists and hikers but is also worth a visit for its surrounding nature with lavender fields and vineyards.
Come here to ride your bike to the top (only if you are an experienced cyclist), hike to the summit, or go by car. You have a stunning view over the region from the top. If the weather is clear, you can even see Mont Blanc (the highest mountain in Europe) in the distance.
Different roads go up, starting from the villages of Malaucène, Sault, or Bédoin. If you want to walk up to the summit, like we did, there are 5 different routes, starting at various altitudes. 3 of those start from the villages lying against the flanks of this majestic mountain.
Explore history in Arles
Arles is known for its Roman ruins, scattered around the city. One of the most famous ones is the Roman amphitheater, but in total there are 6 different ancient sites to explore.
Another famous visitor to Arles is the Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh, who lived here for more than a year, painting different scenes of the city. You can ask for a map of the self-guided walking tour at the tourism office to walk in his footsteps.
On Saturday you can enjoy the weekly Provencal market, perfect for shopping for groceries, trying local specialties, and finding some typical souvenirs.
Go back in time in Les-Baux-de-Provence
Les-Baux-de-Provence is located on top of a hill, northeast of Arles, in the Alpilles Mountain Range. Its history dates back over 8000 years ago, but the main highlight is now the medieval fortress ruins, built over and against the rockstone walls.
Take your time to visit the ruins and enjoy the breathtaking view over the southern landscape, towards Arles and Aix-en-Provence. The village itself is also charming to walk around, with its cobblestone small streets and lovely shops.
Taste some wine in Châteauneuf du Pape
Provence is also known for its numerous vineyards, scattered all over the landscape. Tasting some of the local wine is a must-do in Provence. There are many places to do so, but Châteauneuf du Pape is probably one of the most renowned wine regions of Provence, especially known for its delicious red wine.
Book a wine tour to get the best experience or independently visit one of the caves offering wine tastings. If you have a car, it is an amazing ride to just drive through the rolling hills with endless vineyards soaking up the sun.
Discover the beauty of Nîmes
Although Nîmes is technically not Provence, we wanted to add it to our article about the best things to do in Provence. It lies very close to some of Provence’s major highlights such as the Pont du Gard and Avignon and is a city that can’t be missed.
Back in the Roman empire, Nîmes was an important city, attracting many rich Romans. You can still admire the legacy of Roman engineering, with the most known structures being the Roman Amphitheater (Les Arenas), still used for concerts and bullfighting, and the Maison de Carrée, a stunning Roman temple.
But you also come to Nîmes to stroll the streets and take in the typical vibe you can only find in this region. Being a student city, there is something to do around every corner, making Nîmes a must-visit when you are traveling through the South of France.
Discover the beauty of Marseille
Marseille, the capital of Provence, is worth a visit when you are around. Although it is a huge harbor city, Marseille has a lot of charm to offer.
First of all, there is the old harbor, known as the center of Marseille, where the many small streets are filled with cozy restaurants and cafés, perfect to taste some of the fresh seafood the fishermen bring in every day.
Another thing to visit in Marseille is Le Panier, the only authentic neighborhood that’s left. This area is known for its old and colorful houses, filled with lovely boutiques, shops, and bars.
And last but not least, Marseille lies by the sea, so you can’t miss one of the many beaches in and around Marseille, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring.
TIP: Go to the Notre-Dame de la Garde for a beautiful view of the city. Built upon a hill, you can see the city roll into the sea from this basilica.
Enjoy the charm of Cassis
The small fishing village of Cassis is maybe not as famous as its big neighbor Saint-Tropez, but as much worth a visit. Here you get the Mediterranean vibe mixed with some Provence atmosphere, without the hordes of tourists you can find at the Côte d’Azur.
Cassis is picture-perfect, with its small harbor and many local fishing boats, colorful houses, and cozy streets. Come here to have a beach day. Plage de la Grande Mer is one of the most popular. Walk to the Calanque National Park or eat amazing seafood and fresh fish while the sun is setting.
Our favorite places to eat in Provence
Everywhere you look in Provence, you’ll see locals eating, producing, or selling delicious food and wine. They are very proud of their local products and will happily tell you how everything is made. You can explore wineries to do some tasting or visit local farmers to understand the process. And taste some delicious Provencal meals in the evening sun on a terrace.
Here are some of our favorite restaurants in Provence:
- Le Pont de l’Orme (Malaucène): a simple but charming restaurant with a pretty terrace overlooking the garden. You come here for delicious Provencal dishes, with Mediterranean influences.
- La Bastide de Pierres (Gordes): if you fancy an Italian meal bit in a typical Provence setting, this is your place to be. Located in the center of Gordes, they serve the best pizzas and pasta in the region.
- L’Agape, Avignon: a nice restaurant in a casual setting, where the chef serves French traditional dishes. You can even pick a menu where the courses are all a surprise.
- Le Boîte à Sardine (Marseille): one of the best fish restaurants in Provence to eat a seafood lunch or dinner. They are known for their fantastic but simple dishes, such as the catch of the day, presented on ice, or grilled shrimp with lemon.
- La Grappe de Raisin (Roussillon): situated in the center of Roussillon, this lovely restaurant features the best meals, served on a nice terrace. Perfect after a walk through the Sentiers des Ocres.
- Chez Thomé, (Aix-en-Provence): sit under the shade of the trees while you enjoy some delicious French classics, such as chèvre with onions and confit peppers or entrecôte. Definitely try the lavender crème brûlée for dessert.
- Auberge du Petit Bistrot (Vinsobres): very charming and local little restaurant, in the beautiful small town of Vinsobres. Friendly owners and the most delicious food, in a typical Provencal setting.
Our favorite places to stay in Provence
Depending on the highlights you want to see during your Provence road trip, you can choose different locations for your accommodations. You can pick one central location and drive around from there, or change your location every few nights.
Here are some of our favorite hotels in Provence:
- Gordes: close to the center of Gordes is Les Milles Roches (Gordes): a stunning property with lovely rooms and a fantastic pool. The delicious breakfast is included in the price. For a family, check out Gîte Aux Bons Voisins, a beautiful vacation home only a few kilometers away from Gordes.
- Aix-en-Provence: this city offers many fantastic apartments in the city center. For example, this one-bedroom Les Jardines de Mistral apartment or this two-bedroom Le Cardinale apartment for a family.
- Roussillon: right in the charming center of Roussillon you can find La Maison des Ocres. This fantastic hotel with a pool is perfect to cool down after a walk through the ochre mines in the heat.
- Gorges du Verdon: half an hour away from the Gorges du Verdon is Bastide Du Calalou. This lovely hotel with a pool and nice rooms overlooking the surrounding area.
- Avignon: L’îlot Bambou is a great place across the bridge, featuring a garden and beautiful rooms. La Banasterie is a beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of Avignon, with a delicious breakfast and friendly staff.
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