Why You Want to Visit Provence

From the golden light that inspired Van Gogh and Cézanne to the breezy charm of the Côte d’Azur, Provence is a real feast for the senses. It truly is a dream for any traveler looking to soak up some of the best of what France has to offer. It’s no wonder that Peter Mayle’s book, A Year in Provence, was a best-seller and watching the movie reminds me how much I want to return!

How to Spend your Time in Provence

There are so many things you could do during your time in Provence, and time is (sadly!) almost always limited. So it’s a good idea to have a plan for how you would like to spend your time when you are there!

Spending time in Provence gives you a chance to really enjoy a nice mix of activities that highlight the area’s rich culture, landscapes, and cuisine. Here are some different ways to make the most of your time there:

Explore Charming Villages: Wander through picturesque villages like Gordes, Roussillon, and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, known for their narrow streets, historic architecture, and vibrant markets.

Visit Lavender Fields: Depending on the season (typically June to August), witness the beautiful lavender fields in full bloom, especially around the Plateau de Valensole.

Wine Tasting: Discover the region’s renowned wines by visiting local vineyards and participating in wine tastings. Areas like Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Côtes de Provence offer excellent choices. We especially love Châteauneuf-du-Pape which typically blends Grenache with Syrah and Mourvèdre to produce a fantastic full-bodied red wine. And on a hot summer day there really is nothing like a Provence rosé.

Cultural Sites: Explore historical sites such as the Palais des Papes in Avignon, the Roman theater in Orange, and the Pont du Gard, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Outdoor Activities: Enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking in the Luberon Regional Park, cycling through vineyards, or kayaking in the Verdon Gorge.

Art and History: Immerse yourself in art at the Fondation Vasarely in Aix-en-Provence, visit Paul Cézanne’s studio to see how he worked and lived, visit the Carrieres de Lumières, and/or follow a self-guided path the some of the scenic spots where Vincent van Gogh lived and created many of his masterpieces. You can also delve into history at the Roman ruins of Glanum near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence or in Vaison-la-Romaine.

Provencal Cuisine: Indulge in Provencal cuisine with its emphasis on fresh produce, olive oil, herbs like thyme and rosemary, and dishes like ratatouille, bouillabaisse, and tarte tropézienne.

Relaxation: Take time to relax in the tranquil surroundings of Provence, whether it’s lounging by a pool, visiting a spa, or simply enjoying a leisurely meal at a local café.

You’ll have to pick and choose what you want to do, but Provence offers a great blend of relaxation, culture, and natural beauty that can be tailored to suit your personal interests, and those of your travel companion(s).

A Week in Provence Travel Itinerary

A Road Trip through Provence is a wonderful way to see a great deal of what this region has to offer, and you can do a lot in about a week. Traveling by car offers a fantastic way to discover the area’s diverse landscapes, charming villages, vineyards, and historical sites. It will also give you the most flexibility to go where you want and explore to your heart’s content. It’s nice to have a home base and take day trips to many of the places you will want to visit in Provence. Having a plan will help you make the most of your time there.

We find that most of our custom itinerary clients have a better time if they stay longer in fewer places. Although you could travel through the region and stay in multiple places, it’s nice to find great accommodations that you love, and take short trips from there. That way you can really settle in to a place. So here we have a suggested itinerary for a memorable trip to Provence, using Avignon as a home base and taking days trips from there. It doesn’t include everything in the list above on how to spend your time in the area, but it will give you a great taste of the region and you can pick and choose the things you want to do most. Then, plan to return another time and see even more!