An Insider’s Guide to the 20+ Best Things to do in Provence

Last Updated on 16th April 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

Every fan of France should make a point of adding Provence to their bucket list at some point or another. And not just because it’s home to some of the best local food in the country, endless coastal stretches, and the purplest fields of scented lavender you could ever imagine. Instead, it’s also filled with typically French towns, friendly locals, and oodles of history. Here are the very best things to do in Provence!

Provence is a land of sea and mountains. It’s a land of wine and food, culture and history. In the summer months, the fields are filled with lavender and sunflowers.

Come autumn, vineyards and olive trees are harvested. It’s a top tourist destination and arguably one of the most beautiful regions of France (as if you already needed more reasons to visit Provence)…

I have visited Provence so many times over the years (with my family, with friends, and on my own), that I have actually lost count of the number of times I’ve been! It’s one of my favourite places to visit in the world, and in this article, I’m sharing all of my experience from visits which span over the course of 25 years!

Where is Provence?

Provence is a former administrative region of France that has since been incorporated into  Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, one of the 13 regions of metropolitan France which were last determined in 2016.

Though Provence is no longer an administrative region in of itself, its cultural significance means that it remains its own area distinctly different from the rest of France.

Though the exact definition of the boundaries of Provence will change depending on who you’re speaking to, it’s widely agreed that Provence begins in the Mediterranean in the South of France and stretches from the bank of the Rhône river in the west and the Italian border in the east.

When is the best time of the year to visit Provence?

Despite boasting a sunny reputation of sun-kissed days and endless lavender fields, you may well be surprised to learn that Provence can get pretty cold and chilly in the winter. This is particularly true of Avignon, a city prone to weather to the point that it is nicknamed ‘the windy city’.

Of course, the best time of the year to visit Provence also depends entirely on what you want to see and do. After all, the only time of the year to see the lavender fields is at the end of June, whereas the best time to relax on the beaches of Provence is during the summer.

If you want to avoid too many crowds, yet experience good weather, and lower prices, I personally would recommend visiting Provence during the European shoulder season. This means visiting the French area in the late spring or early fall.

What is the weather like in Provence?

Provençal weather is known for being good. There is far less rainfall in the region than in many other parts of France, largely due to its’ mountainous and coastal geography. With this being said, please note that winter in Provence can still get a little chilly!

The climate is, for the most part, typically Mediterranean. This means that while visiting, you won’t just pick up a tan, but may even get the opportunity to make a photographic sunstar or two…

What is Provence famous for?

If you’ve ever seen postcards from France, then no doubt you’ll have seen photos of the lavender fields. Provence is most famous for its lavender fields, though it is also pretty well-known for its medieval hill-top towns, the city of Marseille (one of the largest regions in France), and its many vineyards.

Indeed, the most famous rosé from France originates from the vineyards of Provence. Provence also encompasses parts of the glittering French Riviera, which is globally famous for its star studded events, breathtaking coastline, and incredible cities. For a sample itinerary on how to enjoy the best of the region, I highly recommend following our week in Provence travel guide.

I think that there’s a pretty unfounded misconception that ‘French people are rude‘. Although this is clearly just my personal opinion, I found the majority of people in Provence I met were incredibly helpful and polite. This was especially the case when I made an effort to speak a little French with them!

Best things to do in Provence

#1 See the original Arc de Triomphe

You’ve heard of the Arc de Triomphes in Paris (yes, there are two triumphal arches in the City of Love, in case you hadn’t already realised!), but did you know that the real and original Arc de Triomphe is located in Orange, Provence?

Built during the Roman era to commemorate a string of battle successes, the arc is so well preserved, that it has since been designated a UNESCO world heritage site. Constructed between 10 and 26/27 CE, the Triumphal Arc of Orange was incorporated into a medieval town wall during the middle ages, that has since been demolished.

#2 Visit the hundred fountains of Aix-en-Provence

A university city in the very heart of the region, and lying under the high peak of Montagne Sainte-Victoire, Aix-en-Provence is pretty, historic, and well worth your time. Birthplace of impressionist painter, Paul Cezanne, Aix is often dubbed ‘the city of a hundred fountains’ thanks to its abundance of water features.

Elsewhere in town, there’s beautiful architecture to be seen, cafés to enjoy local cuisine within, and plenty of museums on the off chance that the weather is a little rainy. Aix’s popularity likely lies in its proximity to fast rail links, its abundance of culture and it sunny disposition. For more inspiration, be sure to check out our guide to the best hidden gems of Aix-en-Provence.

#3 Be amazed by the lavender fields of Provence

If Provence could be characterised by one scent, it would be that of ‘lavande.’ Soaps, food products, and even skincare all incorporate the provençal flower. Endless seas of lavender fields can be found throughout the Provençal region and are best seen in mid-summer when the blooms are at their best and the sweet smell is at its strongest.

Indeed one of the most visited monuments in Provence is L’Abbaye de Senanque, a stunning abbey made famous by its outlying lines of lavender. These rows must be visited at sun-up or during sundown for the best lighting in photos, and to ensure the fewest number of tourists around.

In other parts of Provence, Sault is the capital of lavender, and the Luberon region also offers plenty of locations to enjoy the lavender fields. For more information, be sure to check out our ultimate guide to lavender in Provence.

#4 Hike the Calanques de Cassis

The salty sea breeze will whip your hair into knots, and the limestone coves will stretch out before your eyes should you choose to make the journey to the Massif des Calanques. Hiking the Calanques de Cassis was something of a dream come true for me, and it likely will be for you too if you enjoy adventure travel.

If you’ve never heard of the term ‘calanque’ before, then it’s probably because this stretch of coastline, characterised by inlets, coves, and secluded beaches, is a unique geographical feature, confined to this part of the world. Stretching between Cassis and Marseille, this area of outstanding natural beauty is now a designated world heritage site- and rightly so!

#5 Be amazed by the sunflower fields

Provence may well be most famous for its lovely lavender fields, but it’s also full of sunflowers come the summertime and these are certainly one of the best reasons to head to Provence!

Visit Provence in mid-summer to enjoy the sunflowers at their very best. Think endless stretches of sunny yellow under a warm sun, all in the heart of one of France’s most beautiful regions, that of Provence.

#6 Visit the ancient port city of Marseille

Inhabited for millennia, the port town of Marseille is one of the largest cities in France (the second largest, after Paris, to be precise). As a result, Marseille has seen its fair share of history over the years and there are plenty of things to do in the Southern French city.

Highlights of the city include hiking up to the church which crowns the highest hill of the town, a chapel dedicated to Notre Dame de la Garde. Another is visiting the old port (an area used for imports for over two millennia), as well as wandering around Le Panier neighbourhood.

#7 Visit the ancient town of Saint Paul de Vence

Often cited as the ‘prettiest village in Provence,‘ Saint Paul de Vence is one of the oldest medieval towns along the French Riviera and offers picture-perfect views onto many earthy vineyards, as well as breathtaking panoramas across the Provençal region.

Since the 10th-century, a community has built itself around the Saint-Michel-du-Puy church, and a medieval castle nearby. Both historic attractions are well worth a visit, as are the oodles of cobbled lanes worth walking along and the impressive architecture worth snapping photos of in the lower part of town.

#8 Enjoy the many quaint villages and towns of Provence

Elsewhere in the South of France, there are plenty of other towns and villages to explore. Many of which, unlike Saint Paul de Vence, haven’t been ‘discovered’ by tourists yet.

As a result, these hidden Provençal gems are filled with authentic eateries, local history and none of the tourist traps you would expect to find in more popular places.

I don’t think I have to tell you all how beautiful French architecture is! One of the top reasons to visit Provence has got to be the architecture. Narrow cobblestoned roads are lined with brasseries, cafés and boutiques.

You’d be hard pressed not to find a street where you can’t pick up a croissant and espresso in a café for a reasonable price and watch the world go by for a few hours with a good book.

Unlike Paris, which was largely demolished under the rule of Napoleon and the supervision of Haussmann, the villages and towns of Provence have developed over time.

The architecture is rich in architectural quirks and subtle oddities. Plus, the warm tones of many of the region’s buildings make photos look bright, even on cloudier days.

#9 Visit the iconic bridge and Pope’s Palace in Avignon

The children’s French nursery rhyme of ‘Sur le Pont d’Avignon’ finds its roots in real historical events, notably the fact that the town’s once impressive bridge was often washed away whenever the River Rhône flooded during the middle ages.

Today, what’s left of the bridge has since become a tourist attraction, and perhaps the most famous thing to see in this part of Provence. Elsewhere in Avignon, the impressive Papal Palace dominates above the city and remains one of the most important medieval Gothic buildings of Europe.

Known in French as the ‘Palais des Papes,’ construction of this world-famous palace began in the 13th century. Today, the former residence of popes is now a designated UNESCO world heritage site and can be visited for a small fee.

For more inspiration, check out our guide to the best of secret spots in Avignon. Otherwise, check out our guide to spending one day in Avignon if you want some more France inspiration.

#10 Sample local food and drink!

Of all the reasons to visit Provence, this is probably my favourite! I mean, who doesn’t like good food? Olives, goats cheese, lemons, sunflowers- the list is endless! And with multiple various markets in towns/ cities/ villages across the region every week, there’s no excuse not to eat fresh.

One of the very best things to do in Provence is to enjoy its Mediterranean cuisine fused with French tradition. The result of this marriage of foods comes together to form a beautiful blend of sea-inspired cuisine. And, of course, some of the best rosé in the world originates in Provence!

Head to Provence and you can expect to find plenty of olive-based dishes and all the fish plates. For those who don’t eat meat, then there’s plenty of sweet treats on offer (don’t leave without sampling lavender flavoured ice cream!). When it comes to beverages, wine aside, pastis, an anise flavoured spirit, also originates in the region.

The scent of lavender filling the air and the chance to sample produce from across the region, coupled with the fact that this all takes place in open-air markets is pretty heavenly if you ask me! Some of the best foods to try in Provence include the Navette de Marseille and one of the many lavender products on offer.

#11 See Roman ruins in Arles

Arles is an ancient city dating back to the Gallo-Roman period, and perhaps even before. A city on the fringes of the Rhône River, Arles has seen its fair share of changes over the years… And I’m not just talking about the geographical meandering of the river over the centuries!

Visit this southern French must-see, and inside the city limits you’ll find the well-preserved ruins of a Roman arena, plenty of museums, and the ruins of a Roman aqueduct. For those interested in more modern history, there’s the chance to follow in Van Gogh’s footsteps, as well as those of Gaugin.

#12 Soak up some history in La Ciotat

A pretty port town with little by way of your traditional tourist attractions, La Ciotat is a place to visit if you want to sample some local cuisine and experience a slower pace of life first-hand. Like many towns in the region, La Ciotat also offers an old town which is filled with narrow winding lanes, ancient churches, and plenty of authentic eateries.

Fun fact: La Ciotat is also said to have been the birthplace of Petanque, a popular French pastime similar to our game of ‘Boules’. The town also happens to be the place where one of the oldest known film reels was created.

#13 Hike Montagne Sainte Victoire

Not only does Provence have a quirky coastline, but it’s also home to some impressive mountains. This makes it the perfect region for hiking, view spotting and snapping a quick holiday shot or two…

Imposing and mighty, as well as towering above the city of Aix-en-Provence, the mountain of Sainte-Victoire has inspired plenty of writers, artists, and other creatives over the years. Also known in the language of Provençal Occitan as ‘Santa Venturi,‘ this limestone mountain ridge is located in the very heart of Provence and stretches for 18km.

Although the mountain is mainly closed during the summer months (the risk of fire is very great during periods of intense heat), the rest of the year offers incredible hiking opportunities across the mountain slopes. To the base of Sainte Victoire, the rich mountainous soil offers plenty of grape growing opportunities to local vintners.

#14 Visit the prettiest village in Provence, Cassis

While many maintain that Saint Paul de Vence is the prettiest commune of Provence, others insist that it’s the village of Cassis (whose name also translates to the English word for ‘blackcurrant’). Either way; both French settlements are stunning in their own way and should be visited on any visit to the region.

Saint Paul de Vence is the perfect place to visit if you want to experience the countryside, whereas Cassis is the place to go if you’re looking for some sea-inspired living. Head to Cassis to see an ancient castle, wander around a two millennia old port, and find the perfect base from which to head out to hike the Calanques de Cassis.

#15 See the famous Senaque Abbey at Gordes

In the summer months, the Senanque Abbey of Gordes is simply awash wish tourists- a victim of its own popularity, and no doubt thanks to its apparent ‘instagrammability’. This means that if you want to visit the ecclesiastical building with fewer tourists around, then you should head there in the shoulder seasons (late spring/ early autumn).

#16 Walk around a vineyard (and taste some wine on the slopes!)

Do you enjoy wine? Have you ever wondered how it’s made? Well, in Provence there’s a chance to visit vineyard upon vineyard and all the wineries. ‘Taste tests’ are largely available at many of the regional vineyards and it’s incredibly interesting to see the grapes still in situ on the vine.

Lavender aside, the Provence region is best known for its rosé wine. And besides, there’s no denying that wine tastes its best when sipped in situ among the very vines where the grapes were grown.

Provence is largely a wine growing region, and has been so for some time- with conservative estimates placing wine production in Provence as having taken place for at least 2,500 years! 

Filled with vineyards, Provence is largely known for its’ Rosé varieties- which make up over half of the region’s wine production. You can easily pick up a sizeable glass of wine for only a few euro in most cafés and bars.

Head to Provence if you want to stroll around a vineyard for yourself, and try some of the best rosé wines in the world. If you’re not a fan of rosé, then the region also offers some lesser-known sweet white wines and spicy red wines.

#17 Discover the Luberon of Peter Mayle

Of all the books about France, Peter Mayle’s ‘A Year in Provence’ may well be the most famous of them all. The best selling book has since been transformed into a well-loved TV series and humorously documents Mayle’s first year of living in the Luberon. If you head to Provence, then you can track down locations from the book and experience culture and life in the Luberon for yourself!

#18 Enjoy world-famous beaches and relax by the sea

A sparkling sea and plenty of great weather: together with sandy beaches and the promise of all-year-round tanning opportunities, Provence offers some of the most famous and iconic beaches in the world.

There’s nothing quite like being by the sea. Well, almost. What’s better than being by the sea? Well, being by the Mediterranean sea, of course! From hiking along the breathtakingly beautiful Calanques de Cassis to lazing around on sandy beaches, there’s no better place to be beside the seaside.

The crystal blue water, perfect bathing temperatures and sandy beaches make for some of the most picturesque beaches I’ve ever seen! Some of the best beaches in Provence France include the Grande Plage of La Ciotat and the Grande Mer beach of Cassis. Not to mention the stunning sand of Arles’ beach, which also happens to be the longest natural stretch of beach in the entire Mediterranean.

#19 Shop for some Provençal Pottery

If you allow yourself to make one purchase while in Provence, then make it some local Provençal pottery. Wares have been thrown here for millennia, and the blue and white ceramics found here are as synonymous to the Provençal way of life as the lavender which grows in the region’s fields, and the seafaring ways of the Provence’s people.

One of the best places to purchase local Provençal pottery is in the delightful town of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, which is situated not far away from Les Gorges du Verdon. The speciality of the town is faïence ceramics, which are a hand painted, glazed variety.

#20 Go antiquing in Provence

And while we’re on the subject of finding great local souvenirs to take home with you as a reminder of your travels, it’s well worth noting that one of the best places in France to search for second-hand wares and goods in France is in Provence, where brocantes are regularly held across the spring, summer, and autumn months.

Hands down, one of the best places to go for antiques in Provence is the market town of Isle sur La Sorgue, which also happens to have a great local market all across the town every Sunday. For more about antiquing in France, check out our French brocantes guide.

#21 Follow in the footsteps of great artists

When you visit Provence for the first time, it’s not hard to see why so many people have fallen in love with the region. SOOO many people have been inspired to write books, make films and even fall in love in Provence.

Picasso, Cezanne and Monet, among many others, were inspired by the streets of Provence, the azure blue coastline of the French Riviera, and the rich rosé wines that are grown on the slopes throughout the region.

As such, it’s easy to follow in the footsteps of many of the great artists themselves, admiring where they painted their works and stepping back in time through their objets d’art.

One of the places where you can best enjoy following in the footsteps of a great artists is in Aix en Provence, where there’s a Cezanne trail looping its way through the heart of the historic city. Fancy some more Provençal inspiration prior to your trip? Here’s a quick guide to the best books about Provence…

#22 Visit the Provençal Colorado

Of all the unusual things to do in Provence that are a little off the beaten path but remain well worth a visit, the Provençal Colorado is certainly near the top of the list.

So-called thanks to its resemblance of the American deserts of Colorado, this weird and mystical landscape offers stunning vistas and is one of the most Instagrammable spots in the entire region.

#23 Visit Les Gorges du Verdon

One of the most beautiful and relaxing spots in all of Provence is Les Gorges du Verdon, which is situated to the East of the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. The Verdon gorge features an aquamarine lake which offers up all sorts of water-sports activities including kayaking and paddle-boarding. If you love adventure, then this is the location in Provence you must visit!

#24 Sage fields of Provence

As well as lavender fields and sunflower fields, there’s another type of flower field that shouldn’t be missed off from any Provence bucket list. You’ll likely smell the sage fields of Provence before you see them.

They are a little pungent in odour and most certainly not to everyone’s taste. With this being said, the purple colour is simply stunning and is wonderful for taking photos of. Wear lighter colours if you want portraits in the sage field so that your outfit truly stands out!

#25 Admire Sillans la Cascade

If you thought that the landscape of Provence was purely flower fields and Mediterranean coastline, then you’d be wrong. One of the best hidden gems of the region is the waterfall of Sillans la Cascade. Best visited during the warm summer months, the town is located on the edge of Verdon Natural Park.

#26 Learn about Provence’s rich ancient history

Occupied since time immemorial, evidence of primitive tools dating back over a million years have been found in the area.

The changing sea nature in the region means that cave drawings dating back over 20,000 years were discovered, quite by chance, by a diver in the mid 1980s. The Romans called Provence ‘Provincia Romana‘- hence its’ present name. Provence has a pretty rich and diverse history!

#27 Old Mirabeau Suspension Bridge

One of the more impressive feats of architecture that can simply be spied from the car window when driving through the Provençal countryside is that of the old Miarbeau suspension bridge, which is known in French as the ancient pont suspendu Mirabeau.

Now listed as a historic monument and replaced by a new and modern bridge, today all that remains of the old suspension bridge are the end pieces. The old bridge was constructed in 1845, though people have traversed the river Durance since Roman times.

There has been some form of a bridge or another since the 15th-century, with four iterations having been constructed before the one that is used today. Centuries ago, the bridge was continuously rebuilt as the toll fee to cross the Pont de Mirabeau proved to be rather lucrative.

Enjoyed reading about the best things to do in Provence? Pin it now, read it again later!

Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

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