There are such a lot of beautiful areas in France to go to; with Provence being no exception. Not solely is it one of many extra iconic locations in France to go to, but it surely additionally has a heap of the very best locations in Provence to go to year-round.
Truthfully, Provence has slightly one thing for each sort of traveller. From beautiful little communes; like Gordes, centuries of historical past and essentially the most stunning vistas and mountain ranges; Provence is completely wonderful to go to.
So, to make your journey run easily, we’ve jotted down a few of the prime locations in Provence it is best to see and discover when in France. This manner, you’ll be able to concentrate on travelling round Provence, with none of the added strain of researching on the go!
Anyway, ramble over! Check out a few of the greatest locations in Provence to go to when in France. Have essentially the most great time!
1.) Avignon
The very first thing it is advisable to go to in Avignon is the Palais de Papes, a UNESCO Heritage and Europe’s largest Gothic palace.
It’s actually beautiful and the frescos are stunning. Plus, Palais de Papes has been the house of 9 Popes between 1309 and 1403. It’s nicely value a gander when you arrive.
Other than the Palais de Papes, different beautiful spots in Avignon are Musée du Petit Palais, the place you’ll be able to see well-known works of Giovanni Bellini Sandro Botticelli, amongst others, and spiritual landmarks just like the Provençal Romanesque Eglise Saint-Didier and the Twelfth-century Cathédrale Notre-Dame-des-Doms.
In fact, you’ve obtained to walk throughout the Medieval bridge of Pont d’Avignon and take a gander at Jardin des Doms on a sunny summer time day.
Afterwards, head to Grand Café Baretta which we liked! Simply make sure to ebook a desk when you’re heading right here on a weekend; it does replenish quick.
Oh yeah, and when you fancy slightly gander away from the town streets of Avignon, you’ll be able to take a look at the medieval village Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Villeneuve-lez-Avignon. The previous is one in all our favorite wine areas in all of France.
Heading additional away from Avignon? Make certain to take a look at the city of Orange. Right here, you’ll discover the traditional 1st-century AD Théâtre Vintage, which is likely one of the greatest locations in Provence to go to.
Right here, you’ll get to observe performances, comedies, and acrobatics in the course of the Roman period. Within the current time, the theatre is used for cultural occasions like Les Chorégies d’Orange.
Different must-see spots in Orange are the Arc de Triomphe, the Hémicycle, and the Musée d’Artwork et d’Histoire, the place it is advisable to take a look at the Mosaique des Centaures.
Learn extra: Greatest locations in Avignon to go to
2.) Les Baux de Provence
Les Baux de Provence is sort of a heading again in time. It completely appears to be like unimaginable and is well among the finest locations in Provence to go to as you head across the area.
Right here, you’ll get to expertise a glimpse of the Center Ages by visiting Les Baux-de-Provence by strolling its streets. It’s so picturesque, particularly with all its stone buildings, flower-filled terraces, quaint galleries, and cobblestone streets.
After arriving, it’s important to head over to Château des Baux. It’s a shocking citadel, albeit, in ruins that’s nicely value taking a gander at. Then, pop over to Eglise Saint-Vincent and the Musée Yves, too. The latter is nice if the climate takes a flip and also you’re on the lookout for some epic locations indoors.
Getting peckish? Seize a yummy lunch at Le Bouchon Rouge. Their crepes and pates are so good.
3.) Cassis
As soon as thought of a hidden gem, Cassis has change into rather more well-known over the previous couple of a long time. Although, that isn’t a damaging. In truth, it’s nonetheless among the finest locations in Provence to go to that’s proper on the coast and a stone’s throw from the close by metropolis of Marseille.
With its white cliffs, Cassis is a completely beautiful spot to go to in Summer season, particularly when the climate is sizzling. We love the little coves and bays round this space, particularly; Calanque de Port Pin and Calanque d’En-vau which aren’t too far-off.
Not solely that, Cassis is world-renowned for its winemaking and also you’ll have the ability to attempt a tipple (or two) in a great deal of the little bars and eating places that line its shorefront.
We popped into Le Grand Massive and liked it. They serve up heaps of recent seafood and their scallops are all the things. Plus, you’ll be able to normally discover bouillabaisse (a type of fish stew) that’s so tasty.
4.) Gordes
Okay, for me, Gordes is idyllic and simply among the finest locations in Provence to go to. Truthfully, it’s a spot you’ll be able to’t miss.
Perched within the area round Luberon Pure Regional Park, Gordes and its environment have been an inspiration to well-known artists for his or her work for hundreds of years (Marc Chagall and Victor Vasarély, to call a number of). Belief me, you’ll see why whenever you go to.
After arriving, make sure to cease off at Château de Gordes and head contained in the Les Caves du Palais Saint-Firmin that are nicely value seeing. Oh, and for some nice views of Gordes, head to Level de vue sur Gordes. It’s straightforward to cease within the automotive and take within the views from right here.
Close by, you’ll have the ability to drive to Village des Bories to see a few of the UNESCO-protected stone ruins surrounding the world. There’s additionally a beautiful property to remain at, Les Bories & Spa, that’s not too far-off in any respect.
Lastly, an ideal place to remain within the centre of Gordes is Airelles Gordes. The rooms are beautiful and so they simply make among the finest sizzling chocolate drinks I’ve ever had!
Since Gordes is round a 17-kilometre drive from Cavaillon and 40 kilometres away from Avignon, you’ll be able to have some stopovers like within the Abbaye de Sénanque all alongside the best way.
It’s a completely scenic abbey and a spot to stretch your legs the place you’ll see all that lovely (seasonally blooming) lavender. Simply an FYI, the height instances for lavender blooms are mid-July.
Learn extra: Greatest locations to see in Gordes
5.) Uzes
For an genuine gem in Provence, don’t forget to discover the village of Uzes. It’s completely beautiful to go to and is a small commune that’s steeped in historical past.
You see, Uzes has gone by way of a number of intervals, being a former Jewish enclave, a dukedom, a settlement of Romans, and a hamlet. Due to this combine, you’ll be able to see an enormous array of cultures and architectural influences, that make Uzes so particular.
As soon as right here, take a look at Pont du Gard and a citadel within the city centre the place a duke nonetheless resides and go to the Uzès Medieval Backyard that’s completely quaint.
Oh, and don’t overlook the Sunday market whenever you go to. You’ll go away with baggage of native treats.
6.) Venasque
Not solely recognized for its cherries and grapes which can be seasonally grown on this area of Provence, Venasque can be residence to the pre-Romanesque Baptistère de Venasque. It’s one in all France’s oldest shrines and among the finest locations in Provence to go to when you love historical past.
Perched within the Venasque, you’ll solely spend a number of hours in Venasque because it’s fairly small. This makes it an ideal stopping level as a part of a wider Provence street journey.
As soon as right here, you’ll get to see the Roman partitions, historical ramparts, and the Baptistery that are stunning to see. Plus, you’ll see one of the notable gadgets in Venasque, the Crucifixion portray. You will see it in Notre Dame de Venasque and is nicely value seeing while within the city.
For a tasty chunk to eat in summer time, take a look at Plein Air that’s not too far-off by automotive. It’s an natural restaurant set on a farm which is so beautiful. Plus, you get to eat outdoors and luxuriate in this stunning area within the sunshine. We find it irresistible.
7.) L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
A paradise for Vintage hunters and market lovers, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is likely one of the greatest locations in Provence to go to. Slightly larger than spots like Gordes, you’ll be able to simply spend a number of days wandering the world and trying out this Provence island city that’s completely distinctive.
Speaking about stalls, there are greater than 300 stalls you’ll be able to discover in the course of the Sunday market. Plus, when you occur to have your journey on the primary Sunday of August, make sure to take a look at the gloating market the place wines and wares are bought by the locals.
The historic watermills, boats and riverbank cafés give L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue that charming ambiance that makes Provence so particular.
8.) Saint-Rémy de Provence
Present in Alpilles Mountains’ northern foothills, Saint-Rémy de Provence is a peaceable place it’s important to go to.
Kown by some because the spot the place Vincent van Gogh spent a yr in The Monastère Saint-Paul de Mausole. These days, you’ll be able to go to his room and have a look at the copies of work he created while within the space.
Plus, if you wish to know extra about Van Gogh, you’ll be able to head to the Musée Estrine the place Van Gogh was given the Middle of Interpretation.
Haven’t seen an open market but?
Then, Saint-Rémy de Provence is the place for you. It’s among the finest locations in Provence for markets and we find it irresistible. As soon as right here, you’ll be able to take pleasure in mingling with the locals on Wednesday mornings, when the Grand Marché Provençal, which is a big market, spreads all through the outdated city’s major squares.
Lastly, you can even go to the Collégiale Saint-Martin or the Glanum Excavation Website.
In terms of meals, attempt the specialities of the area in La Roma (33 Boulevard Marceau), Chocolaterie Joël Durand (3 Boulevard Victor Hugo), Le Petit Duc, and a well-known spot amongst locals, Le Bistro du Paradou. There’s a heap of yummy spots and also you’ll be spoilt for alternative.
9.) Arles
One other place the place Van Gogh resided in Provence is Arles. In truth, you’ll be able to stroll the Van Gogh Circuit and see a few of the spots the place Van Gogh painted some 300 work round Arles.
To today, you’ll be able to go to Langlois Bridge is one in all his well-known portray spots that also stands proudly.
Van Gogh apart, Arles can be a UNESCO-protected website and has heaps of historic spots you’ll be able to’t miss. In fact, it’s important to discover the Roman Arles Amphitheatre which dates again millennia.
Additionally, take a look at Alyscamps which leads over to a historic Roman cemetery in Arles.
10.) Aix-en-Provence
Having Southern France’s heat and Paris’ class, Aix-en-Provence is a must-see within the Provence Area. It’s obtained that metropolis really feel that’s excellent when you’re preferring extra of a metropolis break in Provence.
All through this space, you’ll see heaps of historic spots and iconic locations you’ll be able to’t miss. In truth, it’s among the finest locations in Provence to go to for its tradition and historical past.
Remember to stroll by way of the boulevard of Cours Mirabeau the place you’ll be able to then meander by way of the smaller streets that be a part of it.
After taking a stroll, make sure to e Musée Granet, the Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, the Atelier de Cézanne (studio), and marketplaces like Place des Prêcheurs for farmers’ merchandise and Place de la Mairie for flowers. It’s a completely walkable metropolis and so they’re all straightforward to identify alongside your meander by way of Aix-en-Provence.
11.) Menton
Nestled proper on the border with Italy, Menton is likely one of the greatest locations in Provence to go to as you comply with the shoreline. Now, you’ll be able to simply spend a number of days in Menton, so be sure to plan your time correctly.
As soon as right here, make sure to take a look at the completely beautiful Jardins Biovès that are proper within the coronary heart of Menton. The gardens are beautiful and completely value seeing in your stroll across the space.
Additionally, don’t overlook about Marché des Halles for its historic market that you could’t miss. You’ll simply seize a number of treats while you’re right here.
Lastly, though it’s not Provence, you’ll be able to simply go to the tiny nation of Monaco while you’re right here. It’s solely round quarter-hour away and is the second-smallest nation in the entire world.
12.) Roussillon
Not too removed from Gordes, Roussillon is likely one of the greatest locations in Provence to go to while you drive additional east from Avignon.
Though small, Roussillon has heaps of little artwork galleries and the most beautiful winery that’s simply outdoors the commune itself.
Now, though you received’t spend days in Roussillon, it’s nicely value visiting for a number of hours in your wider Provence itinerary. We liked it.
Learn extra: What to do in Gordes and Roussillon
13.) Séguret
Though small, Séguret is nicely value slightly gander to discover. As soon as right here, make sure to stroll across the space of Le Sentier des Ocres. Crammed with yellow and pink cliffs, there are marked hikes and walkways the place you’ll be able to discover this stunning space.
Better of all, Séguret is on the footings of Dentelles de Montmirail, a wonderful mountain vary that’s excellent for climbing. This makes it straightforward to associate up a keep in Séguret with a wider exploration of the good open air.
Additionally, not too far-off from Séguret is Les Gorges du Toulourenc. It’s an ideal climbing and kayaking spot that’s completely stunning in summer time.
14.) Dentelles de Montmirail
The mountain ranges in Provence are iconic and might’t be missed as you head across the bigger area. In truth, I’d say that the Dentelles de Montmirail chain is likely one of the greatest locations in Provence to go to when you love the good open air.
Fashioned thousands and thousands of years in the past, in the course of the Jurassic Interval, the spiked and jagged towering mountains are so unimaginable to see. Better of all, there are lots of of climbing trails that run throughout the Dentelles de Montmirail that go well with all various kinds of talents.
Simply make sure to pack loads of water and put on some good climbing footwear. Belief me, you’ll undoubtedly want each of those as a naked minimal.
That being mentioned, when you don’t fancy climbing, drive to the highest of Mont Ventoux. It’s the best mountain in Provence and is commonly referred to as the Big of Provence by locals!
The views are breathtaking, however make sure to take heat garments with you – the peak makes it actually chilly whenever you’re on the prime.
Learn extra: Greatest cities in France to go to
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