MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES IN PROVENCE TO VISIT
Are you wondering about the best places to visit in Provence, France? And are you also looking for some more travel tips for your trip? Then this post is perfect for you as it covers your questions.
Everyone knows about the lavender fields in Provence but I admit, my knowledge about other places to visit in Provence was minimal.
Since going to see the lavender fields had been on my list for so long, I finally visited Provence, accompanied by my dog Puppygak. I seized the opportunity while on my annual Swiss road trip and drove to Provence for about a week. You will also find some recommendations from my fellow travel bloggers.
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USEFUL TIPS FOR YOUR PROVENCE TRIP
Here are my travel tips for Provence.
I am a very spontaneous person and do not like to plan my days. However, it turned out to be a bit problematic in Provence, and maybe that was the reason why I did not fall head over heels in love with Provence.
Please don’t make the same mistake that I made and try to be spontaneous – as it wasn’t the best approach for my trip to Provence!
Provence Road Trip: How to Get Around
In Provence, you have to road trip. My main issue in Provence was that it is almost impossible to get around without your own car. You can either rent or travel in your own car.
If you take the highways, you will need to pay tolls and to be honest, the prices are ridiculously high.
Overall it was a little bit disappointing with Provence’s scenery not competing well against other scenery that I have been lucky enough to see in Switzerland. Since it is very mountainous, driving can also take a long time to get you from A to B.
With the French people sometimes driving a little carelessly, combined with the narrow streets, it made it all the more difficult.
If you want to instead get around via public transport, I’m afraid you’ll have to think again! In Provence public transport is almost non-existent and where it does exist it is highly infrequent – apart from the bigger towns and cities.
This was very limiting to my plans, eliminated any flexibility, and was very disappointing.
When I was thinking about getting the train to Nice, I held back after being told about the train ticket prices, and taking my own car was not an alternative to those toll prices. In particular, I was warned about the parking situation in Nice. These travel considerations are important to know before you go!
Where to Stay in Provence
I stayed at a lovely Airbnb accommodation in Bras, and though it was a cute place, it was located very far from the main tourist spots in Provence.
If you enjoy driving and do not mind very quiet places, you can basically stay anywhere in Provence.
However, if you prefer places where you can also use public transportation and be closer to the main points of interest in Provence, I would book a hotel in one of the “bigger” towns (like Gordes) or cities close by.
BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN PROVENCE
Here are my tips for things to do and places to visit in Provence.
Lavender Fields
If you have looked at my logo, it will come as no surprise to you that I like the color purple, so seeing endless fields of lavender was very appealing to me. Although lavender fields can actually be found everywhere globally, the ones in Provence are the best known.
The minute I got out of my car to see the lavender fields, I was overwhelmed by the scent and the heat (it can be boiling in summer). Also, because I am very sensitive to scent (even though lavender has a nice scent) with such a vast expanse of lavender, the smell is extreme!
It is a rule here that you are not allowed to pick any lavender, and instead, it is sold in shops though many people I saw there didn’t stick to this, and I saw more than a few people picking at least a little bit of lavender.
On a positive note, the lavender fields are not overrun. This is probably because many parts of Provence are hard to access without a car or a guided tour. This means that you will have many parts of the lavender fields almost to yourself.
Lavender season in Provence starts at the end of June, and it is harvested at the beginning of August, so the time frame to see them is quite limited. Click here to read more about the best time to see the lavender.
You will find lavender fields throughout Provence, but there are many famous spots, including the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque near Gordes.
Besides the lavender fields, there are also some wonderful sunflower fields.
Gordes
Gordes was actually one of my highlights of the Provence trip. I knew that I could expect a pretty uphill town, but somehow, Gordes is just extremely cute.
You’ll find the best lavender fields around Gordes so if you are visiting in Lavender season, this is another great reason to stay here. The town itself is tiny, and you can see everything within a few hours.
It is lovely just getting lost in the cobbled streets – even the houses are cobblestoned, and it’s completely charming and utterly adorable.
- Find out about more cute towns to visit in France.
I would have enjoyed my stay in Provence more had my accommodation been situated in Gordes. So even though the town was small this is actually the place where I would stay next time I am here.
It is an uphill town – this might make getting around a bit more time-consuming, but it is close to many lavender fields, and Gordes itself is a beauty!
- Le Jas de Gordes looks like a perfect place to stay. Check out rates here.
Mont Faron
One of the things that I do first when I visit a new destination is to hunt for the best view, and I found my favorite view in Provence at Mont Faron.
Mont Faron is a mountain overlooking the city of Toulon. At about 584 meters, there are different ways to get to the top to enjoy the amazing views. You can get there by bus or car and then have a couple of options.
- If you like the excitement of a challenging car trip, you can drive up a very narrow and steep road to get to the top
- You can hike up – it seems doable if the weather is not too hot
- The most comfortable way is to take the cable car
I opted for the latter.
You should schedule in at least a few hours for your trip as even though the cable car takes just a few minutes to get you to the top, it will allow you the time to walk around or even have a picnic or a drink at the restaurant up there.
- Ticket prices for adults are around 7€ (return tickets).
- Check out the website for more information.
Verdon Gorge
The most beautiful scenery in Provence can be found around the Verdon Gorge, or as it is called in French, Gorges du Verdon which is a river canyon about twenty–five kilometers long and up to 700 meters deep.
The most popular spot to see it from is probably the bridge where the river flows into the artificial lake of Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon.
The color of the river is such an intense turquoise that it is almost unreal.
While the limestone walls between which the river flows are popular amongst rock climbers, I preferred to spend my time chilling by the lake of Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon. Here you can rent pedal boats or swim in the pristine water. Standing at the bridge, you will see lots of pedal boats, and it really looks quite busy, but though I visited in July (which is the high season), the beach area wasn’t really very crowded.
It was actually quite empty, most likely since it is not easily accessible without a car.
The Gorges du Verdon area is probably the most scenic for those road-tripping, especially compared to other places in Provence.
Also, I would recommend driving carefully in the mountains of Provence to stay safe.
Uzes
Recommended by Lena from Happily Ever Adventures
Uzes is a small medieval town with white-washed walls and plenty of twisting alleyways to explore.
It’s incredibly well preserved with so much beautiful Renaissance architecture. It’s a relatively local and quiet town that’s not overrun with tourists as much as the other Provencal towns and is very safe.
Head on over to the center of Uzès’ old town and explore from there.
The main square is full of shops, markets, and busy cafes.
If you’re looking to visit attractions, several castles and towers may pique your interest: the Bermond Tower, the King’s Tower, the Bishop’s Tower, and the Fenestrelle Tower.
If at all possible, try to visit Uzès on Saturday or Wednesday so that you can catch the local market, centered at Place aux Herbes. Many restaurants do their shopping at the local market and plan their menu for the day based on what they purchased; a total treat for foodies!
If you have any extra time, check out Musee d’ Uzès to learn about the town’s history and archeology.
Uzès is about 25 miles west of Avignon and 15 miles north of Nimes. Consider adding a visit to Uzès if you will be in either of those cities! You can get there by car or by train.
- If you want to stay in Uzes overnight, check out this hotel which seems like a great pick.
Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
Recommended by Sherrie from Travel by a Sherrie Affair
In the Provence France area is the peaceful and serene commune Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. You will notice as you enter the village you are just outside the Avignon walls.
Camargue National Park
Recommended by Fanfan from Live Less Ordinary
If anywhere shares the sheer diversity of landscapes in Provence, it is most definitely Camargue National Park, a vast stretch of wetlands found on France’s southern coastline.
There are the usual sights of vineyards and rice and salt fields, brine lagoons, and the iconic wild horses and pink flamingos, which the region is famous for.
The main attraction in Camargue is undoubtedly the pink Flamingos, which can be found dotted throughout the region. Still, most will be concentrated on the large UNESCO reserve and Ornithological Park called ‘Pont de Gau.’ It is the perfect day trip to explore the maze of wetlands that host a whole load of birds and wildlife, such as egrets, herons, and of course, the thousands of pink flamingos.
It really is a birder’s paradise here. Otherwise, the entire area is fascinating to explore, and the wild white horses and Camargue bulls are never far on the landscape.
Getting here by car would be the ideal mode of travel for many of the attractions in Provence, as the Camargue region, in particular, is still wild and somewhat untouched.
But there are otherwise many tours to the region, which are found in the ancient town of Arles, for example, which is just a short distance north. But they also set out from most towns and cities in this region, including Avignon, which would be the big city in this part of Provence.
- Tip: If you want to enjoy a catamaran cruise, cruise along the creeks and archipelagos of the Calanques National Park, and have lunch. Check out prices and tours here.
Calanques of Cassis
Recommended by Nadine from Le Long Weekend
The rugged coast between Marseille and Cassis is lined with Calanques. These natural inlets are surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and are home to the most beautiful teal-colored waters the Mediterranean is famous for.
Three of the most stunning Calanques – Port Miou, Port Pin, and En Vau – are just a short walk from the charming port side town of Cassis.
Port Miou is the most accessible and doubles as a natural marina for the hundreds of boats moored to its banks. But the real, untouched beauty of the Calanques lies over the hill at Port Pin and En Vau.
To route to Port Pin from Port Miou is well signposted and is fairly easy to navigate. Despite the uneven ground and slippery stone surfaces, people of all ages and abilities tackle this short walk to reach the pebbled beach at Port Pin. It’s a popular swimming spot during the warmer months, and the views on the way are well worth the hike!
Calanque d’En-Vau is the most famous and undoubtedly the most breathtaking calanque of the three. You can only admire the beauty from above – after trekking straight up through the bush or navigating the longer route around the coast. But to reach the hidden oasis at the bottom, you’re faced with a more daunting descent!
The Calanques can only be accessed by foot during certain months of the year, with limited access during the summer months due to fire risk, so be sure to plan your trip with this in mind.
Alternatively, you can take a boat tour or even kayak out to the hidden beaches to get a different perspective!
Ménerbes
Recommended by Carolyn from Holidays to Europe
The Provencal hilltop village of Ménerbes is classified as one of France’s most beautiful villages – and it’s not hard to see why.
Perched above flat, fertile plains planted with olives and grapes, the village’s location is a winner. It’s when you explore the village itself, though, when the real charm hits you.
Inside the sturdy town walls that date back centuries, narrow, cobblestone streets lined with pale stone buildings wind their way through the village.
The beautifully tidy streets today house lovingly restored 18th-century mansions, cafes, restaurants, and shops, with the commercial buildings mainly in the lower part of the village.
As you wander the streets to the top of the village, you’ll arrive at Place de l’Horloge (Clocktower Square). This is home to two attractive buildings – the Mairie (Town Hall) with its clock tower featuring a 17th-century wrought-iron campanile and a magnificently restored townhouse that’s now a truffle and wine center.
Peek through the arch beside the Mairie for stunning views out across the Luberon plains. You’ll also notice a few other hilltop villages in the distance, including Gordes. At the top of the village are a 14th-century church, a cemetery, and Le Castelet, a small chateau built on an ancient fortress’s ruins (not open to the public).
As you depart Ménerbes, why not visit the Corkscrew Museum (Musee du Tire-Bouchon), where over 1,000 corkscrews are on display? It’s located at Domaine de la Citadelle, two kilometers outside the village.
- Ménerbes is located 40 kilometers from Avignon and is best reached by car. The nearest railway station is at Isle Sur la Sorgue, 18 kilometers away.
- If you don’t have a car, you can visit Ménerbes on a day tour from Avignon.
- If you want to stay in Menerbes overnight, check out this little Bed & Breakfast.
Roussillon
Recommended by Rashmi & Chalukya from Go Beyond Bounds
Roussillon is a small village amidst lush countryside in Southern France.
Roussillon is well known for the rich deposits of Ochre in magnificent red-orange cliffs around the village.
Sauntering through the village’s cobblestone alleys is a delightful experience, for each of the houses in the village is painted in vivid shades of ochre ranging from bright red to orange and yellow and is a wonderful sight to behold.
You can also choose to hike through one of the numerous walking trails exploring the ochre deposits and the red cliffs of the region backed by information boards all along the route.
There are several restaurants and cafes in the village where you can taste the local delicacies prepared from locally grown farm products. When you are here, do not miss to taste the delicious gelatos, especially the lavender flavor with a sweet aroma.
A small shop in the village sells a wide range of colors in unique shades that you can take back as a souvenir or gift.
The pay and park option is available in the village if you are looking to drive independently.
FINAL THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BEST TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN PROVENCE
I hope you have a wonderful time in Provence, and this post has helped you see some of the most beautiful places in Provence.