10 Best Places to Visit in Provence

Travel back to medieval architecture when you visit Avignon. The Pont Avignon bridge is particularly stunning with its beautiful arches. However, it will now only take you halfway across the Rhône today after flood damage in the 17th century. You’ll also be able to visit the Palais de Papes, a Gothic-inspired former residence of popes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Located in the southeast of France, Avignon is also a cultural hub with several museums, art galleries and Les Halles Avignon – an enormous, covered market selling Provencal delicacies and produce. If you’re visiting in July, make sure you check out le Festival d’Avignon, one of the largest performing arts festivals in the world featuring music, dance and drama.

Known for its incredible climate, beautiful beaches, architecture and luxurious feel, Nice is a true gem on the Cote d’Azur. The perfect place to start exploring this charming city is the Promenade des Anglais, the most iconic stretch of the Nice coastline. Here you can walk, cycle or skate, discovering the pink-domed Hôtel Negresco and the art-deco Palais de la Méditerranée as you go.

Located on the French Riviera, the Old Town is also incredibly picturesque, and the Italian influence is clear in both the architecture and the food. This area also knows how to party and is perfect for bar hopping in the evening. For a piece of Nice history, make sure you stop by the Marché aux Fleurs – Nice’s historic flower market.

Known for its elegance and culture, Aix-en-Provence has been inspiring artists for years, including Paul Cezanne who captured the famous peak of the Montage Sainte-Victoire. Today you can visit his workshop where he worked for the last 4 years of his life.

Although it’s in the south of France, Aix-en-Provence has been nicknamed Paris’ 21st arrondissement due to its chic boutiques dotted around the city. The Cours Mirabeau is also a must-see with several charming bistros and restaurants. It’s also home to 2 of Aix’s many fountains: La Rotonde, perhaps the most beautiful, and La Fountaine d’Eau Chaude which is fed by a hot spring.

France’s second city is both an industrial hub and a trendy but understated spot. This clash of worlds is one of the things that makes Marseille so captivating. On the cultural side, there is plenty of art to explore from prehistoric cave art at Cosquer Méditerranée, to street art, and modern art at MAMO which features a rooftop gallery.

Marseille is also the perfect location for a beach day or sailing. After a day relaxing, discover the cooler side of Marseille by visiting an urban rooftop club such as La Friche La Belle de Mai. If you’re looking for a quieter day, spend time exploring Le Panier, a warren of back alleys packed with charming shops and quaint cafes.

Explore Arles and retrace the footsteps of famous Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh, who found inspiration for several of his most famous works here, including Les Arènes and Starry Night Over the Rhône. Finished pieces of art can be viewed at the Musée Reattu, which is home to works by Picasso, La Croix fashion designs and Reattu himself.

Located in les Bouches-du-Rhône, the influence of Roman culture is still very easy to spot in Arles. The arena is regarded as one of the best Roman arenas and colosseums in the world. We recommend taking a guided tour to really understand its history and architecture. Continue your Roman tour underground at the Cryptoportiques for a spooky experience.

A patchwork of craggy limestone hills, olive groves and forested valleys, the mountaintop villages in Luberon are described as some of the most beautiful in France. The drive between villages will also give you views of the iconic image of Provence: miles and miles of lavender fields.

Located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of France, the villages in Luberon have stayed true to their traditional roots, offering traditional French delicacies and wines which have been perfected over the years. Most villages will host markets every week and are ideal for picking up local specialities such as honey, olive oil and, of course, lavender.

As seen with many of the towns in Provence, Orange has a strong Roman influence which has been well preserved over the years. The Ancient Theatre is the best conserved Roman monument in Orange and was designed to hold 10,000 people with perfect acoustics. The Arc de Triomphe is just north of the city centre and features ornate carvings recounting Augustus’ conquests.

A 30-minute drive from Avignon, you’ll find Colline Saint-Eutrope, the highest point in Orange and formerly a defensive position. After a short hike, you’ll be able to see views of the whole town and the surrounding countryside, including Mont Ventoux.

Imagine a picturesque village in the south of France… Gordes is likely to have everything you’re picturing. Perched on a hilltop, you’ll see houses built on every level of the hillside. The layout has acted as a refuge for those needing to escape war or rebellion over the years. Today, you can explore its charming, cobbled streets, home to cute shops, local galleries and handmade items.

A 1-hour drive from Aix-en-Provence, make sure you don’t miss the stunning views from Gordes. The viewpoint gives you the best vantage point to take in stunning sunsets. If you’re there on a Tuesday, don’t miss the Gordes market to enjoy local produce, including lavender-infused products.

With an old port, 16th-century ramparts and cobblestone streets, it’s easy to see why Antibes captured the hearts of writers and artists including Graham Greene, Max Ernst and Picasso. Many of Picasso’s works can be viewed at the Picasso Museum, including some sculpted pieces.

Just a 45-minute drive from Nice, the real beauty of Antibes is the beach and port area. On La Salis beach, you can take a dip and look across to the Garoupe lighthouse. A 2-hour coastal walk takes you along some of the most beautiful headlands in the Côte d’Azur, leading you to intimate coves and past stunning private properties. This protected tourist trail is accessible to all.

Less developed than some of the other Riviera resorts, in Menton you can see the natural beauty of the French Riviera. Plage des Sablettes is the best beach in the area, located beneath the city’s basilica. Here you look out on the horizon and spot Mortola Point, where France becomes Italy. It’s also ideal for water sports, with diving at wreck sites being a real highlight.

A 45-minute drive from Nice, Menton is full of natural beauty. The Val Rahmeh botanical gardens are a piece of paradise, featuring exotic fruits and toromiro trees which is extinct in the wild. Meanwhile, the Jardin Serre de Madone is the perfect place for a romantic walk with its sub-tropical gardens and reflecting pools.