Provence is many things - with fragrant lavender fields, cobbled streets and sizzling coastlines - its endless charms have inspired writers, painters and travellers galore. Located in Southern France bordered by the River Rhone and west to Languedoc and east to Italy. It’s picturesque villages that are some of the prettiest France has to offer. The diverse region offers old Roman ruins, medieval monuments and gorgeous scenery from the Mediterranean to the Luberon. Provence is a definite yes on any bucket list!
TOP 8 PLACES TO VISIT
1.CASSIS
This little fishing port with its cliffs and inlets is located just east of Marseille on the Mediterranean. It is famous for its white stone that was used to build lighthouses and docks on both sides of the Mediterranean. But it is the cliffs - Cap Canaille (one of the highest coastal bluffs in Europe) and the sheltered inlets that give Cassis its picturesque reputation. Cassis is also known for its rose and white wines which is made in Burgundy.
2.AVIGNON
Avignon was the seat of Roman Catholicism from 1309 until 1377. Located on the leafy banks of the Rhone was for several decades in the 14th century the capital of Christendom. The fortress-like Palais des Papas surrounded by medieval stone ramparts can be found in the old town, also home to a cathedral and other medieval monuments. The city is well known for its Festival d’Avignon, an annual arts festival that is the largest in France. Any time of the year, though, is a good time to explore this picturesque city.
3.GORDES
Home to many movie stars and artists the odd village is located on the edge of the plateau of Vaucluse. The white and gray stone houses rise up in a spiral around the rock where the village is set with a church and castle on top facing into the hills of Luberon. While strolling around in the tiny streets which climb up between the tall houses, you will discover beautiful doorways, arcades and walls of flat stone perfectly restored. The Pol Mara museum (Flemish contemporary painter can be seen close to the city hall. Also don’t miss the Abbey of Senaque hidden in the green valley where Cistercian manks still live there producing honey, lavender essence and liqueurs. The village is without a doubt worth seeing.
4.GORGE DU VERDON
It is considered as one of the prettiest river canyons in Europe with stunning scenery. The best place to view it is between Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and Castellane where the gorge where, at almost 700 meters is the deepest. You can kayak down the turquoise blue Verdun River, hike through the gorge, or, if you have advanced climbing skills, do some rock climbing on the limestone formations or choose a scenic drive along the rims.
5.ARLES
The Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh created around 300 paintings and drawings of the city and countryside when he lived here in 1888 and 1889. Visit the Roman ruins such as the amphitheatre that is still in use today and the Elysian Fields where the Romans are buried. You can climb to the top of the ancient arena for great views of the old town or walk the Van Gogh trail to see some of the scenes he painted. The weekly market is considered one of the best in Provence.
6.MARSEILLE
The second-largest city in France located on the South Coast of France is a dynamic edgy, bustling city. The big, gritty and rough exterior of the city sometimes discourage you for a visit. Visit the Vieux Port are where you will find market stalls filled with Provencal products, Moroccan-like souks, and a centuries-old fish market with its wares coming straight off the boats behind it. In the narrow, winding streets of Vieux Port’s Le Panier neighborhood, you will authentic shops. You can visit the Basilique Nortre-Dame-de-la-Garde a Romanesque-Byzantine church, modern landmarks include Le Corbusier’s influential Cite Radieuse comples and the Zaha Hadid’s CMA CGM Tower.
7.CANNES
The city is located on the French Riviera. The city is well known for its association with the rich and famous. With its natural beauty, the couture shops and palaces of La Croisette, the harbour, the bay, the beaches, the clutch of islands off the coast and the old quarter, Le Suquet, makes it worth while to visit the city.
8.NIMES
The city is located on the border between Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon. The city is home to some impressive remains such as the well preserved Les Arenes, the 1st century Roman arena, the Maison Carree temple built in the 5th century and the recent building like the glass, concrete and steel Carree d’Art. You can explore the many museum and market lining the palm-tree-lined streets as well as the high-profile festivals throughout the year. The city is well known for the hard-wearing twill fabric know as “serge de Nimes’, universally know as denim.
OTHER PLACES TO VISIT
- The French Rivera
- Nice
- Saint-Tropez
- Antibes
- Menton
- Eze
- Aix-en-Provence
- Camargue
- Saint Paul de Vence
- Hyeres
- Les Baux-de-Provence
- Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Ecrins National Park
- Roussillon
- Frejus
- Toulon
- Saint-Raphael
- Briancon
- Grimaud
- Jan-les-Pins
- Old Port of Marseille
The best times to visit Aix-en-Provence are from March to May and September through November, when the weather is as moderate as the crowds. The summer months see an influx of Parisians and international travelers escaping to the south ofFrance, so hotel and restaurant availability is scant and prices soar.
If the weather is fine the best way to get around is by bike. Other transport recommended is by car, taxi or public transport.
