Best Travel Guide Provence | ArrivalGuides.com

ProvenceGuide was updated: 2024-05-30

Located in the southeast of France, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is a charming region celebrated for its beautiful coastline, with popular destinations like Nice and Saint-Tropez, as well as its spectacular natural scenery, ranging from the majestic French Alps to the awe-inspiring lavender fields. The region boasts numerous historical landmarks, such as the ancient Roman city of Arles and the Palais des Papes in Avignon. Provence is also a hotspot for outdoor activities, such as skiing and hiking, and hosts renowned festivals, such as the Cannes Film Festival.

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From exploring its stunning lavender fields to skiing in the French Alps to wandering through its picturesque hilltop towns to rubbing elbows with the rich and famous in the French Riviera, there's definitely something for everyone in Provence. The Mediterranean climate is ideal for growing grapes, and wine enthusiasts will be delighted by the region's vineyards, which produce some of the finest wines in France. Visitors can also explore the region's ancient olive groves, learn about the history and production of olive oil, and even participate in tastings to discover the diverse flavours of this culinary treasure. The Côte d'Azur's beautiful coastline is another major draw, with glamorous cities such as Nice and Saint-Tropez offering sun, sea, and sand in abundance. Culture vultures will love exploring the region's historic landmarks and fascinating museums, such as Cézanne's Studio and the Vincent van Gogh Foundation.

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Provence's Lavender Fields

Immerse yourself in the captivating aroma of Provence by visiting its famous lavender fields. While the duration of the lavender season varies across different areas of Provence, it generally takes place from the last week of June to the beginning of August when the flowers are harvested. This is the perfect time to capture stunning photographs and witness the biggest variety of shades of blue and purple. If you're looking for the best areas to see lavender fields in Provence, the Plateau de Valensole and Luberon are both popular choices. Sault, located just off the city of Avignon, is also a celebrated destination for lavender enthusiasts, as it's home to one of the most spectacular lavender fields in France and hosts the yearly Lavender Festival every August. And if you want to learn more about the interesting history and uses of lavender, be sure to visit the Lavender Museum. Here, you can discover everything there is to know about Provence's number one export and the beloved flower that is the soul of this beautiful region.

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Arles Amphitheatre (Arles)

The Arles Amphitheatre (Arènes d'Arles) is the most prominent tourist attraction in the town. It was constructed in 90 AD and could seat up to 20,000 people. The design of the amphitheatre was influenced by the famous Coliseum in Rome and it features 120 arches, galleries, staircases, and two levels of seating. The venue hosted a range of entertainment events such as gladiatorial contests, chariot races, and plays for over four centuries.

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Palais des Papes (Avignon)

The Palais des Papes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a magnificent historical palace located in Avignon and one of the most grandiose medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. It once served as a fortress and palace and housed 9 Popes throughout the 14th century. Visitors can explore the palace and gain an insight into its rich history by visiting more than 20 rooms, including the Papal apartments adorned with frescoes painted by the renowned Italian artist Matteo Giovannetti.

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Vincent van Gogh Foundation (Arles)

The Vincent van Gogh Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to celebrating the works of this prolific artist whose creativity blossomed during his stay in Arles between 1888 and 1889. But the Vincent van Gogh Foundation is more than just a museum showcasing the artist's works; it is a platform that explores the impact of van Gogh's art on the contemporary world. The foundation achieves this by presenting his original works alongside those of contemporary artists paying tribute to the Dutch master through temporary exhibitions renewed once or twice a year.

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Pont du Gard

The Pont du Gard is a remarkable ancient Roman aqueduct bridge located near the town of Vers-Pont-du-Gard, less than 40 min from Avignon. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited attractions in the country. The bridge is renowned for its impressive engineering, stunning beauty, and historical significance, serving as a testament to the advanced engineering and architectural capabilities of the Roman Empire.

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Calanques National Park

Located between the communes of Marseille and Cassis, the Calanques National Park is a sequence of stunning inlets boasting breathtaking landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and a plethora of outdoor activities. The Park includes coastal mountain ranges, a vast expanse of the Mediterranean Sea, several islands, and one of the world's most bountiful submarine canyons. One of the most enjoyable ways to experience the Calanques is by hiking along one of the numerous trails within the park. However, if trekking is not your thing, don't miss out on the Calanques' splendour by embarking on a sailboat or a catamaran to explore this wondrous area from the water.

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