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NORTH
| Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Uzès | Small Town |
| Pont du Gard | Landmark |
| Avignon | City |
| Orange | Town |
| Vaison-la-Romaine | Town |
| Isle-sur-la-Sorgue | Town |
| Gordes | Village |
| Ménerbes | Village |
| Roussillon | Village |
| Colorado Provençal | Ochre Forest |
Uzès
Type Small Town
Uzès is one of the most elegant and best preserved towns in the south of France. With its remarkably well preserved historic center, its shaded squares, and its grand townhouses, it perfectly captures the atmosphere of southern towns where history blends with the Provençal art of living.
The heart of the town is organized around a maze of cobbled streets lined with old houses, Renaissance façades, and small artisan shops. When you wander through Uzès, you’re basically walking through several centuries of history, the architectural heritage there is incredibly rich. The town has a remarkable collection of medieval and classical buildings, reminders of its past prosperity.
Among the most iconic landmarks you’ll find the Duchy of Uzès, an imposing fortified complex whose towers rise above the town. This aristocratic residence, still inhabited by the same family for centuries, reminds you that Uzès was the first duchy in France. Not far from there, Saint Théodorit Cathedral stands out with its famous Fenestrelle Tower, a circular bell tower that’s unique in the region.
Local life centers around the Place aux Herbes, the lively heart of the town. Surrounded by arcades and old houses, the square regularly hosts one of the most famous markets in the south, where local produce, the smell of spices, and regional specialties all mix together. The atmosphere feels typically southern, especially on market days when locals and visitors gather in the shade of the plane trees.
Beyond its monuments, Uzès also charms you with its peaceful atmosphere and its authentic character. Café terraces, grand townhouses turned into art galleries, small flower filled streets, and old fountains create a setting that invites you to wander. This gentle way of life, combined with exceptional heritage, makes Uzès one of the most beautiful historic towns you can discover right at the gateway to Provence.
Pont du Gard
Type Landmark
The Pont du Gard is one of the most impressive ancient monuments in Provence, and when you see it, you’re looking at a spectacular example of Roman engineering. It was built in ancient times to carry water to the city of Nîmes, and this huge aqueduct crosses the Gardon valley with remarkable elegance and strength, which is why it has survived so exceptionally well up to today.
This structure was part of a vast Roman water system designed to bring water over dozens of kilometers to the ancient city. Here, Roman engineers came up with a monumental design made of three levels of stacked arches, allowing the aqueduct to cross the Gardon while keeping an extremely steady slope so the water could keep flowing. This technical achievement shows just how well the Romans had mastered architecture and hydraulics.
The bridge also stands in a remarkable natural setting. Its light stone arches rise above the river and the surrounding scrubland, creating a scene that feels both monumental and perfectly in tune with the Provençal landscape. That setting is a big part of why the site makes such a strong impression on you when you discover it.
Over the centuries, the Pont du Gard went through different phases of use and transformation, but today it remains one of the best preserved Roman aqueducts. Because of its size, its multi level structure, and its state of preservation, it is one of the major surviving pieces of ancient heritage in the region, comparable to the many Gallo Roman remains you find across Provence, such as theatres, baths, and monumental arches.
Today, the site attracts visitors from all over the world who come to admire this masterpiece of architecture and to understand the essential role water played in the organization of Roman cities. The Pont du Gard stands out as one of the strongest symbols of Provence’s ancient heritage.
Avignon
Type City
Population 90 000
The city is world famous because of its papal past. Between 1309 and 1376, seven popes followed one another in Avignon after leaving Rome, which was then shaken by major political and religious unrest. The arrival of the papal court completely transformed the city, and Avignon became one of the main religious and political centres of medieval Europe. It was during this period that work began on the first papal palace, with construction starting in 1335 under the third pope.
That time was Avignon’s golden age. Around the papal court, you would have found cardinals, diplomats, artists, and merchants. The city grew richer and richer, with many buildings, palaces, and grand townhouses going up, all reflecting the power and prestige of the Church at the time. On the opposite bank of the Rhône, in Villeneuve lès Avignon, wealthy cardinals also settled in large residences known as cardinal palaces, another clear sign of the influence of the papal court.
Even today, Avignon still carries the mark of that exceptional past. Its historic centre, enclosed by ramparts, overlooks the Rhône and is organised around the famous Palace of the Popes.
The city is also known for its lively cultural atmosphere, especially during the famous theatre festival in July, which attracts thousands of visitors and artists every year.
With its monumental heritage, lively little streets, and Provençal way of life, Avignon remains one of the most emblematic cities in the region. For you, it is a place where the historical greatness of Provence meets the energy of its cultural life today.
Orange
Type Town
Orange is a Provençal town shaped by an exceptional Roman heritage and a history closely tied to the Principality of Orange. For a long time, people saw it as a slightly sleepy town, but it has gradually come back to life thanks to the renovation of its houses and the creation of pedestrian areas that have brought new energy to its old center. Today, Orange draws you in just as much for its historic atmosphere as for its famous cultural events.
Orange is best known first of all for its ancient Roman theatre, one of the most impressive Roman monuments in Provence. What makes this theatre especially remarkable is that it has kept its stage wall, something unique among the ancient theatres known today. This architectural legacy shows just how rich the Roman presence in the region was, leaving behind many monuments such as amphitheatres, baths, and monumental arches.
Another major symbol of the town is the Arc de Triomphe of Orange, considered one of the finest monuments of Roman Gaul. Built in the 1st century AD, probably in honor of Emperor Augustus, it originally stood outside the city walls on the Agrippa road. In the Middle Ages, the arch was transformed and used as an inhabited tower before being restored. Today, it welcomes visitors at the entrance to the town and reminds you of Orange’s strategic and political importance in Roman times.
Orange is also well known for its cultural events. Every summer, the famous Chorégies take place there, an opera and music festival held in the ancient theatre, whose exceptional acoustics create a unique experience. Other musical and festive events also fill the summer season, such as concerts, jazz evenings, or wine tastings accompanied by music.
Thanks to this combination of Roman history, architectural heritage, and prestigious cultural events, Orange is now an essential stop if you want to discover the ancient heritage and lively atmosphere of Provence.
Vaison-la-Romaine
Type Town
Situated at the foot of Mont Ventoux and crossed by the Ouvèze River, Vaison-la-Romaine is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in Provence. The town stands out for the exceptional richness of its ancient and medieval heritage, which shows a continuous history from the Gallo Roman period through the Middle Ages.
The origin of the name reflects the importance of the Roman city that prospered here as early as Antiquity. The first archaeological excavations, started in 1907, uncovered a particularly large and well preserved urban area. Today you can discover a complete panorama of Roman architecture, mainly from the 1st and 2nd centuries, including baths, patrician villas, commercial districts and an ancient theatre. The scale of these remains shows just how prosperous Vaison was during the Roman period.
The religious heritage also shows how historically important the town was. In the 5th and 6th centuries, Vaison hosted important church councils in the history of the Church. In the 12th century, the Counts of Toulouse took control of the city and started building a castle that still dominates the town from the left bank of the Ouvèze. That castle marks the development of the hilltop medieval village, with its narrow streets, old houses and defensive walls.
The modern town gradually expanded onto the other side of the river in the 19th century, as the population grew. Even though it is a popular tourist destination, the town has managed to keep a certain balance and avoid overly intrusive development. Because of that, you can still freely admire the traces of history while enjoying a truly authentic Provençal atmosphere.
Between its ancient ruins, its medieval old village and the landscapes of Mont Ventoux surrounding it, Vaison-la-Romaine offers a unique immersion in several centuries of Provençal history. The layering of these different periods, visible in the architecture and the urban layout of the town, makes this place one of the most impressive examples of the region’s heritage.
Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Type Town
Set right in the heart of the Sorgues region, L’Isle sur la Sorgue is now best known for its antique dealers and second hand sellers. The town is actually home to the second biggest flea market in France, just after Saint Ouen in Paris. That reputation goes back to 1978, when a large antiques village was opened in a former spinning mill, a reminder of the town’s industrial past. Since then, the number of dealers has kept growing. Today, there are more than three hundred of them, offering an amazing range of items, from eighteenth century art to industrial furniture, along with curiosities, antique linens, and garden decor.
The area around the station has become one of the main hubs for this activity, with spaces where antique dealers and enthusiasts meet in a lively atmosphere that welcomes visitors. The idea then spread to other parts of town, like L’Île aux Brocantes, set on a piece of land surrounded by one branch of the Sorgue, and Le Quai de la Gare, which has a more intimate feel. This commercial energy grew alongside the rise of second homes in the nearby Luberon, attracting customers looking for rare objects and that distinctive Provençal charm.
The town also lives to the rhythm of its markets and its many festivals. You can find a traditional market on Thursday mornings and a Provençal market on Sunday mornings, which is considered one of the liveliest in the region. One of the standout events is the floating market, held once a year in summer on one branch of the Sorgue, where goods are sold from decorated boats. All year round, L’Isle sur la Sorgue also hosts popular events, including two major international antiques fairs at Easter and All Saints’ Day, the Festival of Lights in December, and various summer traditions such as Nègo Chin boat races, with their typical local boats, and the flower parade.
Thanks to this unique mix of canals, lively markets, and a commercial heritage devoted to antiques, L’Isle sur la Sorgue has become one of the most distinctive and vibrant destinations in Provence.
Gordes
Type Village
Altitude 350m (1,150ft)
You’re perched up in the hills of the Luberon, Gordes is one of the most famous villages in Provence. Clinging to the side of a hill, this dry stone village overlooks the valley and gives you an amazing panorama over the landscapes of the Vaucluse. The houses, built with pale stones taken from local quarries, rise in terraces around the rock, creating a spectacular silhouette that’s one of the iconic images of the region. This dramatic setting explains a lot of the village’s tourist appeal, especially in summer.
The village is organized around a network of narrow, winding streets that weave between old houses. As you walk through them, you discover typically Provençal heritage, sun-worn façades, shaded little squares, and terraces looking out over the valley.
With its spectacular panorama, stone architecture, and still-vibrant rural traditions, Gordes perfectly captures the image of a hilltop Provençal village in the heart of the Luberon.
Ménerbes
Type Village
Perched on a steep rocky outcrop in the Luberon, Ménerbes looks like a long fortress village overlooking the Provençal landscape. It stretches along the top of the hill, with a distinctive silhouette you can spot from far away. Before the peak tourist season arrives, the village feels almost sleepy, wrapped in the peaceful atmosphere that’s so typical of inland Provence. But as soon as the weather turns nice, it draws plenty of visitors who come to admire one of the loveliest villages in the Luberon.
What really wins you over in Ménerbes is taking the time to wander through its little streets. The old houses, packed tightly along the ridge, reflect its defensive past and long history. As you make your way through the narrow lanes, you come across spectacular views over the surrounding countryside, with vineyards, olive groves, and rolling hills. The view is especially stunning from the old château, where you can take in the whole Luberon region at a glance.
Over time, the village also attracted a lot of artists. Famous visitors included painters like Nicolas de Staël and Pablo Picasso. Picasso even had a special connection to Ménerbes, he gave a beautiful house there to his lover and muse Dora Maar as a parting gift when they split up. That story says a lot about the village’s role as a haven for artists and intellectuals drawn in by the light and the quiet of Provence.
Even today, Ménerbes has kept its authentic feel. Between its historic heritage, its wide open views over the Luberon, and the traces left by the artists who stayed there, the village gives you a truly Provençal experience. Out of season, when the streets are quiet again, it fully reveals its understated charm and timeless character.
Roussillon
Type Village
Nestled in the heart of the Luberon, the village of Roussillon is one of the most unusual places in Provence. Here, the landscape and the architecture blend into one, the village really looks like it rises straight out of the coloured earth it was built on. The houses show off a whole range of warm shades, red, orange, ochre and pink, all coming directly from the natural pigments taken from the nearby quarries since the end of the 18th century. This presence of ochre gives the whole place an almost unreal atmosphere, made even more striking by the Provençal light, which makes the facades glow all day long.
Your visit usually starts with a stroll through the centre of the village. If you take the time to come at a quieter hour, because Roussillon gets very busy, you can really enjoy the charm of the little streets and the view that opens up near the church. From there, several streets lead down towards the Val des Fées, where spectacular red cliffs appear, standing out against the surrounding vegetation.
But the most memorable part of the experience is only a few minutes away on foot, the famous Ochre Trail. Set out through former quarries, this path takes you past cliffs and landscapes shaped by erosion, revealing every shade of the natural pigments. It is easy to walk and lets you get a close look at these amazing formations, the ones that made the site famous and explain the village’s very special identity.
Between colourful architecture, mineral landscapes and Provençal light, Roussillon offers one of the most iconic images of the Luberon. It is a place where nature, history and colour come together to create a setting unlike anywhere else in Provence.
Colorado Provençal
Type Ochre Forest
Full Names
Colorado Provençal
Colorado de Rustrel
near the village of Rustrel, where the Colorado Provençal is one of the most surprising landscapes in Provence. This spectacular natural site is best known for its former ochre quarries, whose colorful formations have created an almost unreal setting.
The landscape you see today comes from both erosion and human activity. The ochre quarries have been worked since the French Revolution, and that activity deeply shaped the terrain. Strange shaped valleys, rugged reliefs, and fairy chimneys create an almost fantastical scenery. The colors are especially striking. Even though the word ochre literally means “yellow earth” in Greek, the site’s palette actually ranges from pale yellow to bright red, with many shades of orange, sometimes crossed by purple veins and dotted with the green of pine trees.
Today, the Colorado Provençal is a private site managed by the Colorado de Rustrel Association. You can explore this unique landscape by following two marked trails. The Sahara trail, which takes about forty five minutes, lets you quickly see the main rock formations and the spectacular shades of ochre. The Belvédère trail is longer, around one hour and forty five minutes. It crosses the old quarries and leads you to several viewpoints overlooking the reliefs, including the famous fairy chimneys.
The walk gives you a real immersion in a surprising mineral world, where nature and industrial history are closely intertwined. One small warning though, ochre is highly pigmented and stains clothes and shoes very easily, something visitors often discover the hard way.
With its spectacular scenery and colors that are unique in Provence, the Provençal Colorado remains one of the most distinctive and memorable sites in the Luberon.
There are two possible routes. They pass through ochre areas, and the rest is forest.
Check the official website (especially in summer) to see if a reservation is required or if the site is closed due to fire risk.
SOUTH
| Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Nîmes | City |
| Arles | City |
| Camargue | Wetland |
| Baux-de-Provence | Village |
| St-Rémy-de-Provence | Small Town |
| Aix-en-Provence | City |
| Marseille | City |
| Calanques | Rocky Inlets |
| Cassis | Small Town |
| Cap Canaille | Cliff |
| Le Castellet | Village |
Nîmes
Type City
Population 150 000
Set right on the edge of Provence and Languedoc, Nîmes is one of those French cities where the Roman past really hits you. It used to be a wealthy Roman colony, and it has kept an exceptional group of monuments that show just how important it was in Roman Gaul. Even today, the city fully embraces that historical heritage, while still feeling lively and pleasant to walk around.
The city’s most iconic monument is probably the Arenas of Nîmes, one of the best preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. Built at the end of the 1st century, they could hold thousands of spectators who came to watch gladiator fights and public shows. Their elliptical shape and beautifully preserved seating still give you a very clear sense of how grand Roman entertainment used to be. The building is still at the heart of the city’s cultural life, with shows and events taking place there on a regular basis.
Another ancient gem is the Maison Carrée, one of the best preserved Roman temples anywhere. Built at the beginning of the 1st century, it stands out for the harmony of its proportions and the elegance of its Corinthian columns. This temple, dedicated to the heirs of Emperor Augustus, shows the prestige the city enjoyed in Roman times and remains a masterpiece of ancient architecture.
You can also see the Tour Magne there, a surviving part of the Roman fortifications that overlooks the city and gives you a beautiful view of Nîmes and the surrounding area.
Beyond its monuments, Nîmes also has that unmistakable southern atmosphere, with lively squares, café terraces, markets, and local traditions. With its rich ancient past, the city is a must see if you want to understand Roman history in Provence and in the south of France.
Arles
Type City
Population 50 000
Set right at the gateway to the Camargue and along the Rhône river, Arles is a city deeply shaped by its history and by that very special Provençal light. Beaten by the mistral wind, warmed by the sun, and weathered by the centuries, it still has a remarkably beautiful old center where pale stone and terracotta rooftops stand out everywhere. As you wander through its narrow streets, quiet little squares, and elegant facades, the city can sometimes feel a bit like Rome, but above all, it makes you want to slow down and just stroll around.
Arles goes all the way back to Antiquity, when the city, then known as Arelate, supported Julius Caesar during the civil war against Pompey. As a reward, it was granted a vast territory and privileged access to the sea, and the city quickly became one of the great Roman ones in the region. Emperors such as Augustus and Constantine helped it grow, and the remains you can still see today, especially the arena and the forum, are clear signs of that ancient prosperity. Its strategic position meant it could control access to the Rhône Valley and serve as a key hub for trade and movement.
Arles was also an important religious center very early in Christian history. According to tradition, the city was evangelized as early as the 3rd century by Saint Trophimus. Archaeological discoveries, especially those of one of the city’s earliest churches from the 4th century in the Hauture district, show just how old that Christian presence is. The city even became the seat of the Primate of Gaul and hosted several church councils, which encouraged the building of many churches and gave rise to a rich religious heritage.
Even today, Arles still charms you with its unique atmosphere and with the harmony between its ancient monuments, its medieval heritage, and its old neighborhoods. Walking through the city means moving from one history filled place to another, from the arena to the town hall, past 17th century mansions and the cloister of Saint Trophime. Together, they create a city with a very distinctive character, where the past is everywhere and where you really enjoy getting lost in the streets.
Camargue
Type Wetland
The Camargue is one of the most unique parts of Provence. It’s the second largest delta in the Mediterranean, right after the Nile Delta. This huge area was shaped over thousands of years by the silt carried down by the Rhône, the most powerful river in France. When the Rhône was finally fully embanked at the end of the 19th century, it made it possible for the island of Camargue, often called the Grande Camargue, to take shape between the Petit Rhône in the west and the Grand Rhône in the east. The whole region forms a wide triangle between Arles, Le Grau du Roi, and Fos sur Mer.
The Camargue landscape is mostly a vast, low lying plain, and some people think it looks a bit monotonous if they do not take the time to notice its finer details. But in reality, the light playing over the green rice fields, the pink salt marshes, and the wide stretches of water creates some really striking views. The area is crossed by irrigation canals called roubines, which are especially important for growing Camargue rice. Still, this kind of farming is now under threat because of rising water levels linked to climate change.
Above all, the Camargue is an animal kingdom. Birds, bulls, and horses all live there in an environment shaped by water and wind. The famous pink flamingos are one of the most iconic images of the delta, but they are only one part of the remarkable wildlife living in these marshes. Herons, egrets, lapwings, curlews, ducks, and many other water birds put on a constant show for you when you visit.
Another symbol of the region is the Camargue horse. It is small, tough, and perfectly suited to wet ground, and it works alongside the gardians, the local herdsmen, in their everyday tasks. Beside it, you also find the Camargue bull, which you can recognize by its slim shape and its lyre shaped horns. This bull is not used for the classic Spanish corrida, but for the course camarguaise, a local tradition where the animal is not killed.
So the Camargue is far from being some completely untouched wild land. It is more like a remarkable balance between people and nature. Over the centuries, the people living there learned how to manage floods and marshland through drainage, canal maintenance, and river control. These developments now make it possible to grow rice and fruit trees, and to keep up traditional livestock farming.
To protect this exceptional environment, the Camargue Regional Natural Park was created in 1970. It protects a unique ecosystem where rice fields, lagoons, marshes, dikes, and wet grasslands all come together. Exploring this land by bike or on horseback, with binoculars in your hand, is still one of the best ways for you to discover how rich it really is, and to understand how deeply the locals are attached to this harsh, bright, and intensely living land.
Baux-de-Provence
Type Village
Altitude 200m (650ft)
Situated in the heart of the Alpilles mountains, Les Baux de Provence is a spectacular village perched on a rocky spur. With only a few hundred residents, it still overlooks one of the most iconic landscapes in Provence, a sea of vineyards, olive trees, and limestone rocks swept by the mistral wind. The village is literally built into the stone, so the houses seem to rise straight out of the rock, creating a unique mineral landscape.
The site first impresses you with its steep relief and with the presence of the citadel of Les Baux, a real eagle’s nest dominating the valley. From the ruins of the castle, you can see far across Provence, and on a clear day you can even glimpse the Mediterranean. This strategic position explains why the village used to have such strong military and political importance. Even today, the outline of the fortifications and the remains of the castle remind you of the major defensive role of this rocky promontory.
The narrow cobbled streets invite you to wander around. As you walk through the village, you discover remarkable architecture, old houses, vaulted passages, and small squares that show the rich history of Les Baux. Even though the village is small, it feels monumental, partly because of the pale stone that is typical of the Alpilles.
Les Baux de Provence is therefore both a spectacular natural site and a village of history. This mix of landscape, heritage, and local culture explains why this small village in the Alpilles has become one of the most emblematic places in all of Provence.
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Type Small Town
Right in the heart of the Alpilles mountains, Saint Rémy de Provence is one of the most iconic towns in the region. When you walk around here, you really feel the mix of history, Provençal culture, and those bright landscapes the area is famous for. The town sits in a beautiful natural setting surrounded by the limestone hills of the Alpilles, and it’s also a perfect starting point if you want to explore the area, with its garrigue scrubland, olive groves, and vineyards. If you like hiking or cycling, you’ll find plenty of great routes around here.
When you wander through the old town, you notice that typical Provençal charm right away. There are lively squares, historic buildings, and several museums to explore. The Saint Martin collegiate church stands out above the town, its bell tower dating back to the 14th century. Inside, you can see a remarkable polychrome organ case that’s still used during the Organa festival, which takes place in summer.
The town also has a strong artistic side. At the Estrine Museum, located in an 18th century mansion, you can visit an interpretation center dedicated to Vincent van Gogh, and you’ll often find exhibitions of modern and contemporary art there.
Just outside the town, you’ll find the archaeological site of Glanum itself, which was discovered in the early 20th century. The city was originally founded in the 4th century BC around a sacred spring by a Celto Ligurian population. Later, it was influenced by Greek culture before becoming a prosperous Roman town under Emperor Augustus. Today, the ruins lie in the beautiful natural setting of the Alpilles and tell the story of this ancient city, which eventually disappeared at the end of the 3rd century.
At the entrance to the site, you’ll see the Antiques, a remarkably well preserved triumphal arch and the Mausoleum of the Julii. In Roman times, these monuments marked the entrance to the city, and today they are among the most famous historical symbols of Saint Rémy de Provence.
With its ancient heritage, its Provençal culture, and those bright landscapes that inspired so many artists, Saint Rémy de Provence gives you a perfect glimpse of the spirit of the Alpilles and is definitely one of the must see stops when you travel through Provence.
Aix-en-Provence
Type City
Population 150 000
Aix en Provence, the elegant historic capital of Provence, draws you in with its refined atmosphere and rich heritage. The city goes all the way back to Antiquity, it was founded by the Romans, who set up a thermal town there. That tradition of hot springs is still alive today with the Thermes Sextius, fed by a natural spring at around 34°C, and built on the site of former Roman baths dating from the 1st century BC.
Over the centuries, Aix established itself as a city of culture and power. Under the rule of King René in the 15th century, the city became an important artistic and intellectual centre, the court attracted many artists and helped spread the city’s influence across Provence.
Even today, the old town reflects that prestigious history. As you walk through it, you find a maze of old streets lined with magnificent mansions, among them some fine examples of aristocratic architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Aix en Provence is not only focused on its past, though. The city has also modernised itself with the development of the Sextius Mirabeau district, which links the old town to a contemporary urban area filled with shops and cultural spaces. This transformation shows Aix’s determination to stay lively while still highlighting its historic heritage.
So, between its ancient heritage, elegant mansions, museums, and modern districts, Aix en Provence gives you the image of a city where history and culture are closely intertwined, while still keeping a truly Provençal atmosphere.
Marseille
Type City
Population 850 000
Founded around 600 BC by Greek sailors from Phocaea, Marseille, then called Massalia, quickly became a city shaped by the sea and by trade. Its port soon turned into the symbol of that maritime and commercial identity, open to the whole Mediterranean.
In the 2nd century BC, the Romans stepped into the region at the request of the people of Marseille, to protect them from raids by Celto Ligurian groups. They then founded Aquae Sextiae, present day Aix en Provence, which marked the beginning of a lasting Roman presence. But during the civil war between Caesar and Pompey, Marseille sided with Pompey. After his defeat, the city was forced to submit to Rome, which absorbed it into Transalpine Gaul, then into Gallia Narbonensis under Emperor Augustus.
At the beginning of the 5th century, the monk John Cassian founded two monastic communities, including Saint Victor, which played a major spiritual role. In spite of the unrest of the early Middle Ages, with invasions and periods of insecurity, Marseille experienced a revival around the year 1000 thanks to the influence of this abbey. The port became active again, taking part in Mediterranean trade and also in the Crusades.
The city still kept its reputation for being independent and unruly. In the 13th century, popular revolts even led religious authorities to place Marseille under interdict, and during a second uprising they went as far as excommunicating its population. The viscounts of Marseille held on for a long time to a high degree of autonomy from the counts of Provence. It was only in the middle of the 15th century, that the city’s strategic importance as a naval base was fully recognized.
When Provence was attached to the Kingdom of France in 1481, Aix was chosen as the regional capital. Marseille then remained on the edge of provincial power and saw itself above all as a Mediterranean city, more focused on the sea than on the inland areas.
Even today, that maritime and cosmopolitan identity still deeply shapes the city. The Old Port, Marseille’s historic and symbolic heart, remains a lively place to walk around, where a fish market is held every morning.
Not far from there, the Panier district, a real village in the middle of the city, shows the mix of people that has defined Marseille for centuries. Its narrow streets, squares, and historic buildings reflect a rich urban heritage, despite the destruction it suffered during the Second World War.
The city also shows strong cultural energy. Modern institutions like the Mucem, with its openwork concrete architecture overlooking the harbor, symbolize Marseille’s ability to renew itself while still highlighting its Mediterranean heritage. Facing it, the reconstruction of Cosquer Cave, the famous prehistoric site discovered off the Calanques, reminds you that human history in the region goes back thousands of years.
Between ancient heritage, popular traditions, and cultural renewal, Marseille stands out as one of Provence’s main gateways to the Mediterranean, a city whose history and identity remain inseparable from the sea and from exchange.
Calanques
Type Rocky Inlets
Full Name
Parc National des Calanques
Between Marseille and Cassis, you get one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in Provence, the Calanques. This rugged stretch of coastline, shaped by deep limestone inlets and turquoise water, forms a one of a kind natural setting where white rock drops straight down into the Mediterranean. The high, steep cliffs that define these places sometimes fall vertically into the sea, creating dramatic, untamed views that are among the most striking on the French Mediterranean coast.
These spectacular landscapes also continue below the surface of the sea. Underwater, the cliffs turn into dizzying drop offs, home to especially rich marine life. The seabed in the calanques is considered one of the most beautiful in the French Mediterranean and has played an important role in the history of scuba diving. The area is closely linked to the explorations of Jacques Yves Cousteau and Henri Cosquer, who were pioneers in underwater archaeology.
Today, the whole area is protected as part of Calanques National Park. You mainly discover this natural territory on foot, through a network of trails winding between cliffs, pine woods, and limestone valleys. The park’s main crossing follows a path of about 28 kilometres linking Marseille to Cassis and giving you spectacular views over the sea and the wild inlets.
Hiking is still the best way to explore this landscape. A lot of the coves are isolated and can only be reached after a sometimes demanding walk, which helps preserve their wild character. As a walker, you can discover remarkable spots, enjoy a swim in crystal clear water, or follow the many marked trails running through the park.
You can also take in the calanques from the sea, thanks to boat trips leaving from Marseille, Cassis, or La Ciotat. These cruises let you admire the vertiginous cliffs, the narrow coves, and the impressive rock formations that make up this exceptional landscape, while still respecting the rules put in place to protect this fragile environment.
Because of the beauty of their landscapes, the richness of their seabed, and the authenticity of their wild coves, the Calanques are one of Provence’s greatest natural treasures and a must see destination if you love nature and hiking.
Cassis
Type Small Town
Tucked between the Mediterranean Sea and the tall limestone cliffs of the Calanques massif, Cassis is one of the most iconic places on the Provençal coast. This small fishing port, just east of Marseille, grabs your attention right away with its spectacular natural setting, on one side the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, on the other the steep relief dominated by Cap Canaille and the wild landscapes of the calanques.
The heart of the village is built around its charming harbor, lined with lively quays, café terraces, and restaurants. This is where you really feel the Mediterranean atmosphere of Cassis, colorful fishing boats, pastel facades, and that relaxed Provençal way of life. The harbor is also the starting point for many excursions to the calanques, those deep rocky inlets that are among the most spectacular landscapes on the Mediterranean coast.
Nature plays a central role in Cassis’ identity. The calanques plunge straight down into the sea and are home to impressive cliffs and particularly rich underwater ecosystems. This rugged coastline is considered one of the birthplaces of modern scuba diving, and it is also where underwater archaeology began to develop, especially through the explorations of Jacques Yves Cousteau and his companions.
Beyond its exceptional maritime setting, Cassis also has a long winemaking tradition. The vineyards surrounding the village have been producing renowned wines for generations, especially Cassis white wine, appreciated for its freshness and Mediterranean character. Some winegrowing families have worked these lands for several generations, their plots overlooking the sea and climbing the slopes around Cap Canaille.
Between sea, cliffs, and vineyards, Cassis perfectly captures the spirit of coastal Provence. At the same time a seaside resort, a village full of character, and the gateway to the calanques, it offers you a unique blend of grand landscapes, local heritage, and Mediterranean art de vivre.
Cap Canaille
Type Cliff
Full Names
Cap Canaille
Falaises de Cassis
Falaises Soubeyrannes
Route des Crêtes
Overlooking the coast between Cassis and La Ciotat, Cap Canaille is one of the most spectacular landscapes on the Provençal shoreline. This rocky headland rises about 363 metres above the sea and gives you an outstanding view over the Mediterranean, the islands off Marseille, and the Calanques National Park.
The best way to discover the site is to take the Route des Crêtes, the D141, which winds along the top of the cliffs between Cassis and La Ciotat. This dramatic road looks out over the sea and, from its many viewpoints, reveals dizzying views of steep cliffs dropping straight into the water. Along the way, you reach the Soubeyranes cliffs, in the commune of La Ciotat, whose highest point, Grande Tête, rises to about 394 metres, making them the highest sea cliffs in France.
What really strikes you is the sheer vertical drop. Even though there are safety railings, the cliff faces plunge almost straight down into the sea, which can be unsettling if you are prone to vertigo.
After about ten kilometres, a small road takes you to the semaphore at Bec de l’Aigle, a remarkable lookout point with a wide view over the whole coastline. There is also an orientation table to help you identify the surrounding headlands and reliefs.
Access to the Route des Crêtes is regulated, though. During the summer period, especially between June and September, traffic can be restricted depending on the weather conditions and the fire risk.
If you enjoy walking, several trails also let you explore the area. Starting from Cassis, a marked route takes you up to the top of the Soubeyranes cliffs and then to the semaphore, before heading down towards La Ciotat after several hours of hiking, with striking views all along the way over the sea and the limestone ridges of the coast.
So, with its vertiginous cliffs, panoramic roads, and trails hanging above the Mediterranean, Cap Canaille is one of the most spectacular and iconic viewpoints on the Provençal coast.
Le Castellet
Type Village
Altitude 240m (790ft)
Le Castellet is a hilltop gem tucked away in the Var region, and as soon as you get there, you’ll be taken in by its perfectly preserved medieval vibe. Surrounded by old stone ramparts, the village center is packed with character, there’s a 12th-century church, a château, and a tangle of narrow cobbled streets winding between stone houses.
Sure, there are a few art galleries and plenty of touristy little shops nowadays, but the place still feels totally authentic. Fun fact: Marcel Pagnol shot the classic film The Baker’s Wife here which forever tied the village to the golden age of Provençal cinema.
From up there, you’ve got an incredible 360-degree view, to the north, the rugged peaks of the Sainte-Baume range, and to the south, the shimmering blues of the Mediterranean. That sea-and-mountain contrast makes every walk around here feel a bit magical. Just grab a seat at a local café terrace, sip a glass of Bandol wine, the vineyards are all around the village, and let yourself sink into that easy Provençal lifestyle.
Right nearby, you’ve also got the famous Paul-Ricard racetrack, which draws motorsport fans from all over every year. It’s perched on the Castellet plateau and adds another layer to the village’s reputation.
Basically, it’s got everything you imagine when you think of a picture-perfect Provençal village.
EAST
| Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Sisteron | Village |
| Lavender Fields | Fields |
| Verdon | Canyon |
| Moustiers-Se-Marie | Village |
| Bargème | Village |
| Seillans | Village |
| Tourtour | Village |
| Cotignac | Small Town |
Sisteron
Type Village
With its spectacular citadel towering above it, and tucked between the mountain and the river, Sisteron gives you the striking picture of an old town clinging to its natural landscape. What you notice first is a tight maze of rooftops and a real labyrinth of narrow streets, typical of medieval Provençal towns, spreading out at the foot of the huge fortress overlooking the Durance valley. Facing the town, you also see the remarkable Baume rock, a massive limestone cliff that makes the whole setting even more dramatic.
Even though the area was hit by heavy bombing in August 1944, Sisteron has managed to preserve most of its historic heritage. Today, the old town, the cathedral, and above all the citadel are its main attractions. These monuments remind you of its historic role as a stronghold controlling access to the Alpine valleys and to Provence.
At the foot of the town, the banks of the Durance give you a relaxing spot to unwind, with a leisure lake set up for summer swimming and outdoor activities, all while enjoying a lovely view of Sisteron’s silhouette and its citadel.
Sisteron is also a lively town, with plenty of cultural and festive events. One of the best known is the Nuits de la Citadelle, a summer festival mixing theatre, dance, and music in the spectacular setting of the ramparts. Other events, like medieval festivals, historical reenactments, and street entertainment, help bring the town to life during the summer and keep its rich past alive.
Lastly, the town proudly claims a tasty nickname, the “capital of lamb”, a reminder of the importance of sheep farming in the landscapes and cuisine of the Alpes de Haute Provence.
So, with its spectacular citadel, old winding streets, and strategic position between the Alps and Provence, Sisteron remains one of the most historic and picturesque gateways to Haute Provence.
Lavender Fields
Type Fields
Lavender fields are one of the most iconic sights in Provence. This aromatic plant was already being grown in Roman times to perfume laundry and baths, but it only really became an agricultural crop in the 19th century. Its growth sped up even more at the start of the 20th century, especially because it was so close to the perfume houses of Grasse, which used its essential oil to make perfumes.
Even today, those purple fields spreading across the Provençal plateaus attract visitors and photographers, even though traditional lavender production has changed a lot. The main growing areas are still concentrated in a few emblematic places: the Albion plateau, the Lure mountain, the Sault valley, and the Valensole plateau. Since the 1970s, farming there has become largely mechanized to make harvesting and processing easier.
It is important to tell apart two plants that people often confuse: true lavender and lavandin. True lavender usually grows at altitudes between 600 and 1,600 meters, and its essential oil is known for its high quality. Lavandin, which is a more productive hybrid, is grown at lower altitudes and now dominates the fields of Provence, because it produces a larger quantity of essential oil.
The harvest takes place at the beginning of summer, when strong heat helps concentrate the essence in the flowers. Traditionally, the plants were distilled directly in the fields using mobile stills. That handmade process has become much rarer, and distillation is now usually done in specialized facilities where steam is used to extract the plant’s essential oil.
Beyond their agricultural value, lavender fields are also a big part of the cultural and visual identity of Provence. With their intoxicating scents, rolling purple landscapes, and traditions linked to distillation, they represent the blend of nature, know how, and rural heritage that defines this region in the south of France.
Verdon
Type Canyon
Full Names
Gorges du Verdon
Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon
The Verdon Gorge is one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in Provence. It does not claim to compete with the Grand Canyon in Colorado, but it is still considered the most impressive gorge in Europe.
The scenery is breathtaking, with sheer cliffs rising 300 to 600 meters above the river, rocky chaos, wild banks, and dramatic views. This grand setting is a perfect playground for anyone who loves nature and adventure. If you enjoy hiking or climbing, you are in paradise here, and the roads running along the gorge give you incredible views over the canyon.
To protect this exceptional area, a regional natural park was created in 1997. It covers about 180,000 hectares and brings together 45 towns and villages. The park’s mission is to balance environmental protection with local development, while preserving the Verdon’s remarkable landscapes.
The wildlife and plant life are also rich. Reintroduction programs have made it possible for the griffon vulture, which had disappeared from Provence in the 19th century, to return. If you pay close attention, you might also spot golden eagles soaring above the cliffs. Along the discovery trails, signs introduce you to the trees, shrubs, and aromatic plants that make up the local vegetation, helping you understand the canyon’s unique ecosystem.
The Verdon Gorge is also part of the Haute Provence geological reserve, which means minerals and fossils are strictly protected. Even so, the region is ideal for many outdoor activities, including hiking, climbing, wildlife watching, and fishing in the Verdon and its tributaries, where trout, pike, and carp live.
Beyond the natural spectacle, the Verdon is also a lived in land full of history. Hilltop villages, Gallo Roman remains, old churches, and rural heritage all show that people have lived here for a very long time. So when you explore the Verdon, you are discovering not just a spectacular canyon, but also a land shaped by traditions, landscapes, and customs that sometimes go back hundreds of years.
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Type Village
Altitude 640m (2,100ft)
You’re right in the heart of the Verdon when you arrive in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, one of the most iconic villages in Provence. The village clings to the mountainside and sits beneath the chapel of Notre Dame de Beauvoir, looking almost suspended between the sky and the rock, with a spectacular setting that perfectly reflects the Alpine landscapes of Provence.
As you walk through the village, you move along a maze of cobbled streets, small shaded squares, and old washhouses that quietly tell the story of its past and the gentle rhythm of local life. The Adou river runs through the village and is crossed by several small humpback bridges, adding even more charm to the picturesque scenery. The atmosphere feels authentic and almost timeless, which is exactly why so many visitors fall in love with the place.
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is also famous for its long tradition of faience pottery, an art that has shaped the village’s identity for centuries. Workshops and small boutiques still keep this craft alive today, producing decorative pieces and fine tableware that have become one of the symbols of the region.
Because the village lies right next to the Verdon Gorges and the Sainte Croix lake, it’s also a perfect base for exploring the spectacular landscapes of the Verdon Regional Natural Park. Around the village, you can head out on marked hiking trails or enjoy boat trips through the Verdon canyon.
Between heritage, craftsmanship, and dramatic nature, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie perfectly captures the spirit of inland Provence, where centuries old traditions blend with some of the most impressive landscapes in southern France.
Bargème
Type Village
Altitude 1070m (3510ft)
Bargème is the highest village in the Var, tiny and stunning, perched high up in the Verdon hills. From its natural cliffside, it looks like it’s reaching for the sky. Surrounded by a wall with two 16th-century gates, the village reveals itself as you weave through narrow lanes, mossy stairways, beautifully restored old houses, and a quiet Romanesque church.
Watching over it all is the striking ruin of the Château des Pontevès, giving Bargème a dramatic medieval silhouette. This fortress castle shows just how strategic the village once was, sitting on a rocky spur with jaw-dropping views of the Bruis mountain and the Canjuers plateau.
Remote, peaceful, and deeply authentic, Bargème feels like a place made of silence and sky, where you float somewhere between history and the vastness of nature. It’s a true haven for anyone who loves heritage and big, breathtaking landscapes.
Seillans
Type Village
Altitude 400m (1310ft)
Perched up in the hills, Seillans looks like something straight off a postcard, a real maze of narrow winding alleys with vaulted passages, old washhouses, trickling fountains, shady little squares, and bits of ancient ramparts here and there. You enter the village through a 12th-century gate that sets the tone, and every corner feels like it’s telling a quiet story of Provence.
Artists have always been drawn to Seillans. The surrealist painter Max Ernst and his partner Dorothea Tanning spent their final years here, leaving behind a lasting artistic imprint on the place.
Culture is alive and well too. There’s the well-known pottery market in mid-August, one of the region’s most respected, where local traditions take center stage in a warm, friendly atmosphere.
Seillans really captures the soul of a Provençal village, peaceful, picturesque, rich in history and natural beauty, with that extra artistic spark that makes it stand out.
Tourtour
Type Village
Altitude 640m (2100ft)
Tourtour sits high above a landscape of wooded hills scented with thyme and rosemary. The place draws in both visitors and artists, with several galleries dotted around the village.
The approach alone is stunning, you arrive via a panoramic road that already gives you a taste of what’s to come. Once you’re in the village, it’s all about wandering through Renaissance-style houses with carved facades, cobbled lanes, shady little squares, and softly murmuring fountains.
The old 12th-century castle reminds you of its feudal roots, while the 11th-century Saint-Denis chapel, outside the village, offers an incredible view all the way to the Maures mountains, Sainte-Victoire, and Sainte-Baume.
With its heritage, artistic vibe, and jaw-dropping views, Tourtour strikes a rare balance, perched in altitude, full of inspiration, and wrapped in that soft Provençal charm.
Cotignac
Type Small Town
Altitude 240m (790ft)
Tucked at the bottom of a valley beneath a dramatic tuff cliff, the town center of Cotignac feels like a dream of a southern village. Surrounded by vineyards, pines, and olive trees, it charms you with its easygoing vibe, shady squares, old fountains, and warm-colored facades. The village stretches along the base of a huge rock dotted with troglodyte caves.
It stayed off the radar for a long time, the road didn’t even reach it until the 19th century, and that helped Cotignac hold onto a rare sense of authenticity. Its name comes from the quince fruit.
The heart of the village beats around cours Gambetta, lined with centuries-old plane trees and centered around a fountain. On Tuesdays, when the market is on, it’s full of life. It’s also the cultural hotspot of the village. The old chapel of the White Penitents has been turned into La Falaise art center, hosting modern art shows every summer.
Over on Place de la Mairie square, topped by a lovely little bell tower, you’ll see arcaded houses, old facades, and artists’ studios. And if you head down the Grande-Rue, keep an eye out for the 17th-century caryatids, stone statues that once showed off the social status of the families who lived there.
Cotignac is truly one of a kind, a place where nature, history, and modern life all come together in harmony.