12 Top Things to Do
Provence Overall Appeal ★★★★★
| Name | Appeal | Type | Visit | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | ➡️ Marseille | ★★★★★ | City | - | - |
| 02 | Calanques Park | ★★★★★ | Hiking | Self | Free |
| 03 | Cassis Cliffs | ★★★★☆ | Hiking | Self | Free |
| 04 | ➡️ Avignon | ★★★★☆ | Town | - | - |
| 05 | ➡️ Arles | ★★★★☆ | Town | - | - |
| 06 | ➡️ Aix-en-Provence | ★★★★☆ | City | - | - |
| 07 | ➡️ Baux-de-Provence | ★★★★☆ | Village | - | - |
| 08 | ➡️ St-Rémy-de-Provence | ★★★★☆ | Town | - | - |
| 09 | ➡️ Gordes | ★★★★☆ | Village | - | - |
| 10 | Provence Vineyards | ★★★★☆ | Vineyards & Tastings | Tour | Paid |
| 11 | ➡️ Camargue | ★★★☆☆ | Natural Park/Wetland | - | - |
| 12 | Luberon Massif | ★★★☆☆ | Hiking ; Biking | Self | Free |
01. Marseille City
Overall Appeal ★★★★★
Marseille, France’s second-largest city, boasts a rich blend of history, culture, and Mediterranean charm.
Founded by Greek sailors around 600 BC, Marseille is one of Europe’s oldest cities. In the 19th century, it flourished as an industrial and commercial hub. More recently, it has undergone significant urban renewal, cementing its status as a cultural metropolis.
02. Calanques Park
Overall Appeal ★★★★★
Type Hiking
Visit Self
Cost Free
Calanques National Park, stretching from Marseille to Cassis town, is renowned for its stunning limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and secluded beaches. This natural paradise offers hikers an array of trails with breathtaking views over the Mediterranean Sea.
The most renowned areas are those near the town of Cassis, the Calanque de Port-Pin, and the Calanque d’En-Vau.
The trails vary from easy walks to challenging climbs, ensuring something for every hiker.
03. Cassis Cliffs
Appeal ★★★★★
Type Hiking
Visit Self
Cost Free
These cliffs are located on the other side of the town of Cassis. They are sometimes also called the Soubeyranes Cliffs or Cap Canaille.
They offer a hike along the ridge with an exceptional panorama of the bay of Cassis and the surrounding rock formations.
The hike is sloped, with access points at the top or bottom. Therefore, you will need to choose whether you want to go uphill or downhill for the outward or return journey. You can also start from Cassis town.
It is a hike of medium to difficult level.
These cliffs are administratively part of the Calanques National Park.
04. Avignon Town
Overall Appeal ★★★★☆
Avignon, known as the City of Popes, is famed for its historical and architectural treasures. The medieval city is encircled by well-preserved walls and boasts the majestic Palais des Papes, a testament to its rich papal history.
In the 14th century, Avignon became the residence of the popes, significantly enhancing its political and cultural status.
Today, Avignon is a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its annual arts festival.
On the other side of the river lies another town, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, less well-known but home to several tourist attractions.
05. Arles Town
Overall Appeal ★★★★☆
Arles, a town rich in Roman heritage, is renowned for its ancient monuments and its influence on the artist Vincent van Gogh. The town’s amphitheater, baths, and necropolis are some of the best-preserved Roman sites in Provence.
Van Gogh spent a prolific period here, creating over 300 works inspired by the town and its surroundings.
06. Aix-en-Provence City
Overall Appeal ★★★★★
Aix-en-Provence, a city of fountains and charming squares, exudes an air of elegance and cultural richness. Known for its vibrant arts scene, it has been a favorite of artists, scholars, and writers throughout history.
Founded by the Romans in 2nd century BC, Aix became the capital of Provence in the Middle Ages. The city flourished during the Renaissance, attracting artists like Paul Cézanne, who was born here. The 19th and 20th centuries saw Aix become a center for education and culture.
07. Baux-de-Provence Village
Overall Appeal ★★★★☆
Baux-de-Provence is a picturesque village perched atop a rocky outcrop, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Known for its medieval architecture and narrow, winding streets, it is a quintessential Provençal village. The village’s history dates back to antiquity, but it gained prominence in the medieval period.
The place is also known for its Carrières de Lumières, an art and light show set in a former quarry.
08. St-Rémy-de-Provence Town
Overall Appeal ★★★★☆
St-Rémy-de-Provence is a charming village known for its Roman heritage and association with Vincent van Gogh. Its quaint streets and vibrant market make it a popular destination for visitors seeking an authentic Provençal experience.
Historically, St-Rémy is famous for the ancient Roman site of Glanum, which dates back to the 6th century BC. Van Gogh spent a year here in the 19th century, producing some of his most famous works.
09. Gordes Village
Overall Appeal ★★★★☆
Gordes is one of the most beautiful villages in Provence, perched on the southern edge of the Plateau de Vaucluse. Its stone buildings and cobblestone streets offer a quintessential Provençal experience.
Historically, Gordes has seen occupation since Roman times, but it flourished in the Middle Ages as a fortified hilltop village.
The village is also known for the nearby Sénanque Abbey, surrounded by lavender fields that bloom in July.
10. Provence Vineyards
Appeal ★★★★☆
Type Vineyards & Tastings
Visit Tour
Cost Paid
The vineyards of Provence are known for producing some of the world’s finest rosé wines.
Provence’s wine-making tradition dates back to the Phoenicians, who introduced viticulture around 600 BC. The Romans expanded the vineyards, and by the Middle Ages, monastic orders were cultivating the land. The region’s wines gained prominence in the 19th century, with rosé becoming particularly popular.
Many vineyards offer tours and tastings, allowing visitors to sample and learn about the wine-making process.
11. Camargue Park
Overall Appeal ★★★☆☆
The Camargue is a unique natural region known for its vast wetlands, wild horses, and rich biodiversity. Located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Rhône River, it offers a striking contrast to the typical Provençal landscape.
Notable elements include the iconic white Camargue horses and the region’s black bulls, both of which are integral to local culture. The Parc Ornithologique de Pont de Gau is a haven for bird watchers, featuring flamingos and other species.
12. Luberon Massif
Overall Appeal ★★★☆☆
The Luberon Mountain Range offers scenic trails perfect for hiking and biking. Outdoor activities are complemented by the area’s rich cultural heritage, mostly known for its picturesque villages.
The peaks reach around 1100m – 3600ft.
