There are so many attractive areas in France to go to; with Provence being no exception. Not solely is it one of many extra iconic locations in France to go to, however it additionally has a heap of one of the best locations in Provence to go to year-round.
Honestly, Provence has somewhat one thing for each sort of traveller. From attractive little communes; like Gordes, centuries of historical past and essentially the most lovely vistas and mountain ranges; Provence is completely superb to go to.
So, to make your journey run easily, we’ve jotted down among the prime locations in Provence it’s best to see and discover when in France. This manner, you may deal with travelling round Provence, with none of the added strain of researching on the go!
Anyway, ramble over! Take a have a look at among the finest locations in Provence to go to when in France. Have essentially the most great time!
1.) Avignon
The very first thing you’ll want to go to in Avignon is the Palais de Papes, a UNESCO Heritage and Europe’s largest Gothic palace.
It’s truthfully gorgeous and the frescos are lovely. Plus, Palais de Papes has been the house of 9 Popes between 1309 and 1403. It’s nicely value a gander when you arrive.
Aside from the Palais de Papes, different attractive spots in Avignon are Musée du Petit Palais, the place you may see well-known works of Giovanni Bellini Sandro Botticelli, amongst others, and spiritual landmarks just like the Provençal Romanesque Eglise Saint-Didier and the Twelfth-century Cathédrale Notre-Dame-des-Doms.
Of course, you’ve received to walk throughout the Medieval bridge of Pont d’Avignon and take a gander at Jardin des Doms on a sunny summer time day.
Afterwards, head to Grand Café Baretta which we cherished! Just make sure you e-book a desk should you’re heading right here on a weekend; it does refill quick.
Oh yeah, and should you fancy somewhat gander away from the town streets of Avignon, you may take a look at the medieval village Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Villeneuve-lez-Avignon. The former is considered one of our favorite wine areas in all of France.
Heading additional away from Avignon? Make positive to take a look at the city of Orange. Here, you’ll discover the traditional 1st-century AD Théâtre Antique, which is without doubt one of the finest locations in Provence to go to.
Here, you’ll get to look at performances, comedies, and acrobatics throughout the Roman period. In the current time, the theatre is used for cultural occasions like Les Chorégies d’Orange.
Other must-see spots in Orange are the Arc de Triomphe, the Hémicycle, and the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire, the place you’ll want to take a look at the Mosaique des Centaures.
Read extra: Best locations in Avignon to go to
2.) Les Baux de Provence
Les Baux de Provence is sort of a heading again in time. It completely seems unimaginable and is definitely top-of-the-line locations in Provence to go to as you head across the area.
Here, you’ll get to expertise a glimpse of the Middle Ages by visiting Les Baux-de-Provence by strolling its streets. It’s so picturesque, particularly with all its stone buildings, flower-filled terraces, quaint galleries, and cobblestone streets.
After arriving, it’s important to head over to Château des Baux. It’s a surprising fort, albeit, in ruins that’s nicely value taking a gander at. Then, pop over to Eglise Saint-Vincent and the Musée Yves, too. The latter is nice if the climate takes a flip and also you’re searching for some epic locations indoors.
Getting peckish? Grab a yummy lunch at Le Bouchon Rouge. Their crepes and pates are so good.
3.) Cassis
Once thought-about a hidden gem, Cassis has grow to be way more well-known over the previous couple of many years. Though, that isn’t a damaging. In truth, it’s nonetheless top-of-the-line locations in Provence to go to that’s proper on the coast and a stone’s throw from the close by metropolis of Marseille.
With its white cliffs, Cassis is a completely attractive spot to go to in Summer, particularly when the climate is sizzling. We love the little coves and bays round this space, particularly; Calanque de Port Pin and Calanque d’En-vau which aren’t too far-off.
Not solely that, Cassis is world-renowned for its winemaking and also you’ll have the ability to strive a tipple (or two) in a great deal of the little bars and eating places that line its shorefront.
We popped into Le Grand Large and cherished it. They serve up heaps of recent seafood and their scallops are all the pieces. Plus, you may often discover bouillabaisse (a form of fish stew) that’s so tasty.
4.) Gordes
Okay, for me, Gordes is idyllic and simply top-of-the-line locations in Provence to go to. Honestly, it’s a spot you may’t miss.
Perched within the area round Luberon Natural Regional Park, Gordes and its environment have been an inspiration to well-known artists for his or her work for hundreds of years (Marc Chagall and Victor Vasarély, to call just a few). Trust me, you’ll see why if you go to.
After arriving, make sure you cease off at Château de Gordes and head contained in the Les Caves du Palais Saint-Firmin that are nicely value seeing. Oh, and for some nice views of Gordes, head to Point de vue sur Gordes. It’s straightforward to cease within the automotive and take within the views from right here.
Nearby, you’ll have the ability to drive to Village des Bories to see among the UNESCO-protected stone ruins surrounding the realm. There’s additionally a beautiful property to remain at, Les Bories & Spa, that’s not too far-off in any respect.
Finally, an excellent place to remain within the centre of Gordes is Airelles Gordes. The rooms are attractive and so they simply make top-of-the-line sizzling chocolate drinks I’ve ever had!
Since Gordes is round a 17-kilometre drive from Cavaillon and 40 kilometres away from Avignon, you may have some stopovers like within the Abbaye de Sénanque all alongside the best way.
It’s a completely scenic abbey and a spot to stretch your legs the place you’ll see all that lovely (seasonally blooming) lavender. Just an FYI, the height occasions for lavender blooms are mid-July.
Read extra: Best locations to see in Gordes
5.) Uzes
For an genuine gem in Provence, don’t forget to discover the village of Uzes. It’s completely pretty to go to and is a small commune that’s steeped in historical past.
You see, Uzes has gone by way of a number of durations, being a former Jewish enclave, a dukedom, a settlement of Romans, and a hamlet. Because of this combine, you may see an enormous array of cultures and architectural influences, that make Uzes so particular.
Once right here, take a look at Pont du Gard and a fort within the city centre the place a duke nonetheless resides and go to the Uzès Medieval Garden that’s completely quaint.
Oh, and don’t neglect the Sunday market if you go to. You’ll go away with luggage of native treats.
6.) Venasque
Not solely identified for its cherries and grapes which can be seasonally grown on this area of Provence, Venasque can also be house to the pre-Romanesque Baptistère de Venasque. It’s considered one of France’s oldest shrines and top-of-the-line locations in Provence to go to should you love historical past.
Perched within the Venasque, you’ll solely spend just a few hours in Venasque because it’s fairly small. This makes it an ideal stopping level as a part of a wider Provence highway journey.
Once right here, you’ll get to see the Roman partitions, historic ramparts, and the Baptistery that are lovely to see. Plus, you’ll see some of the notable gadgets in Venasque, the Crucifixion portray. You will discover it in Notre Dame de Venasque and is nicely value seeing while within the city.
For a tasty chew to eat in summer time, take a look at Plein Air that’s not too far-off by automotive. It’s an natural restaurant set on a farm which is so pretty. Plus, you get to eat outdoors and luxuriate in this lovely area within the sunshine. We adore it.
7.) L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
A paradise for Antique hunters and market lovers, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is without doubt one of the finest locations in Provence to go to. Just a little larger than spots like Gordes, you may simply spend just a few days wandering the realm and trying out this Provence island city that’s completely distinctive.
Talking about stalls, there are greater than 300 stalls you may discover throughout the Sunday market. Plus, should you occur to have your journey on the primary Sunday of August, make sure you take a look at the gloating market the place wines and wares are bought by the locals.
The historic watermills, boats and riverbank cafés give L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue that charming environment that makes Provence so particular.
8.) Saint-Rémy de Provence
Found in Alpilles Mountains’ northern foothills, Saint-Rémy de Provence is a peaceable place it’s important to go to.
Kown by some because the spot the place Vincent van Gogh spent a yr in The Monastère Saint-Paul de Mausole. Nowadays, you may go to his room and have a look at the copies of work he created while within the space.
Plus, if you wish to know extra about Van Gogh, you may head to the Musée Estrine the place Van Gogh was given the Center of Interpretation.
Haven’t seen an open market but?
Then, Saint-Rémy de Provence is the place for you. It’s top-of-the-line locations in Provence for markets and we adore it. Once right here, you may get pleasure from mingling with the locals on Wednesday mornings, when the Grand Marché Provençal, which is a big market, spreads all through the outdated city’s important squares.
Finally, you can even go to the Collégiale Saint-Martin or the Glanum Excavation Site.
When it involves meals, strive the specialities of the area in La Roma (33 Boulevard Marceau), Chocolaterie Joël Durand (3 Boulevard Victor Hugo), Le Petit Duc, and a well-known spot amongst locals, Le Bistro du Paradou. There’s a heap of yummy spots and also you’ll be spoilt for alternative.
9.) Arles
Another place the place Van Gogh resided in Provence is Arles. In truth, you may stroll the Van Gogh Circuit and see among the spots the place Van Gogh painted some 300 work round Arles.
To today, you may go to Langlois Bridge is considered one of his well-known portray spots that also stands proudly.
Van Gogh apart, Arles can also be a UNESCO-protected website and has heaps of historic spots you may’t miss. Of course, it’s important to discover the Roman Arles Amphitheatre which dates again millennia.
Also, take a look at Alyscamps which leads over to a historic Roman cemetery in Arles.
10.) Aix-en-Provence
Having Southern France’s heat and Paris’ class, Aix-en-Provence is a must-see within the Provence Region. It’s received that metropolis really feel that’s good should you’re preferring extra of a metropolis break in Provence.
Throughout this space, you’ll see heaps of historic spots and iconic locations you may’t miss. In truth, it’s top-of-the-line locations in Provence to go to for its tradition and historical past.
Be positive to walk by way of the boulevard of Cours Mirabeau the place you may then meander by way of the smaller streets that be part of it.
After taking a stroll, make sure you e Musée Granet, the Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, the Atelier de Cézanne (studio), and marketplaces like Place des Prêcheurs for farmers’ merchandise and Place de la Mairie for flowers. It’s a completely walkable metropolis and so they’re all straightforward to identify alongside your meander by way of Aix-en-Provence.
11.) Menton
Nestled proper on the border with Italy, Menton is without doubt one of the finest locations in Provence to go to as you comply with the shoreline. Now, you may simply spend just a few days in Menton, so ensure you plan your time correctly.
Once right here, make sure you take a look at the completely attractive Jardins Biovès that are proper within the coronary heart of Menton. The gardens are gorgeous and completely value seeing in your stroll across the space.
Also, don’t neglect about Marché des Halles for its historic market that you may’t miss. You’ll simply seize just a few treats while you’re right here.
Finally, though it’s not Provence, you may simply go to the tiny nation of Monaco while you’re right here. It’s solely round quarter-hour away and is the second-smallest nation in the entire world.
12.) Roussillon
Not too removed from Gordes, Roussillon is without doubt one of the finest locations in Provence to go to while you drive additional east from Avignon.
Although small, Roussillon has heaps of little artwork galleries and the most pretty winery that’s simply outdoors the commune itself.
Now, though you received’t spend days in Roussillon, it’s nicely value visiting for just a few hours in your wider Provence itinerary. We cherished it.
Read extra: What to do in Gordes and Roussillon
13.) Séguret
Although small, Séguret is nicely value somewhat gander to discover. Once right here, make sure you stroll across the space of Le Sentier des Ocres. Filled with yellow and pink cliffs, there are marked hikes and walkways the place you may discover this lovely space.
Best of all, Séguret is on the footings of Dentelles de Montmirail, a wonderful mountain vary that’s good for mountaineering. This makes it straightforward to companion up a keep in Séguret with a wider exploration of the nice open air.
Also, not too far-off from Séguret is Les Gorges du Toulourenc. It’s an excellent mountaineering and kayaking spot that’s completely lovely in summer time.
14.) Dentelles de Montmirail
The mountain ranges in Provence are iconic and might’t be missed as you head across the bigger area. In truth, I’d say that the Dentelles de Montmirail chain is without doubt one of the finest locations in Provence to go to should you love the nice open air.
Formed hundreds of thousands of years in the past, throughout the Jurassic Period, the spiked and jagged towering mountains are so unimaginable to see. Best of all, there are lots of of mountaineering trails that run throughout the Dentelles de Montmirail that swimsuit all several types of skills.
Just make sure you pack loads of water and put on some good mountaineering footwear. Trust me, you’ll positively want each of those as a naked minimal.
That being stated, should you don’t fancy mountaineering, drive to the highest of Mont Ventoux. It’s the best mountain in Provence and is usually known as the Giant of Provence by locals!
The views are breathtaking, however make sure you take heat garments with you – the peak makes it actually chilly if you’re on the prime.
Read extra: Best cities in France to go to
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