Provence Travel Guide – Lavender Fields, Cities, National Parks & Best Tours
Provence at a Glance
The Provence region of southeastern France stretches from the Rhône River to the Italian border and from the Alps down to the Mediterranean. It’s a land where lavender fields meet Roman amphitheaters, where fishing villages sit beside glamorous ports, and where vineyards stretch under endless sunshine.
Beloved by painters like Van Gogh and Cézanne, writers like Peter Mayle, and millions of visitors each year, embodies the very idea of la belle vie – the good life.
History and Culture of Provence
- Roman Provence: Towns like Arles, Orange, and Nîmes preserve extraordinary Roman arenas and aqueducts.
- Medieval Era: Avignon was home to the Papacy in the 14th century, leaving behind Gothic treasures.
- The Age of Artists: Van Gogh in Arles, Cézanne in Aix, Matisse in Nice – Provence’s light inspired a revolution in art.
- Modern Provence: Today, the region thrives on tourism, agriculture (wine, olives, lavender), and festivals that celebrate its heritage.
Major Cities
Marseille – The Mediterranean Metropolis
Marseille, France’s second-largest city, is a vibrant mix of history, cultures, and coastlines. Founded by the Greeks in 600 BC, it’s one of Europe’s oldest cities.
Top attractions in Marseille:
- Vieux-Port (Old Port): The heart of the city, where fishermen still sell their catch.
- Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde: Overlooking the city, with panoramic views of sea and mountains.
- Le Panier district: Narrow streets, colorful houses, street art, and trendy cafés.
- MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations): Stunning modern museum by the waterfront.
- The Calanques: Jagged limestone cliffs with turquoise waters, stretching between Marseille and Cassis.
Food in Marseille:
Don’t miss bouillabaisse, the city’s signature saffron-infused fish stew, served with rouille sauce and crusty bread.
Book a tour here:
Avignon – City of the Popes
Avignon boasts the Palais des Papes, a Gothic fortress that served as the papal seat in the 14th century. The famous Pont d’Avignon, once spanning the Rhône, is now a romantic ruin. In July, the Avignon Theatre Festival transforms the city into a giant stage.
Aix-en-Provence – Elegance and Art
Known for its fountains, leafy boulevards, and markets, Aix has a refined charm. Visit the Atelier Cézanne, the painter’s studio, and enjoy the lively student atmosphere. Aix is also famous for its calissons, almond-paste sweets.
Arles – Roman & Van Gogh
Arles is home to a Roman amphitheater and the Alyscamps necropolis. Van Gogh painted over 300 works here, including Starry Night Over the Rhône. The town also hosts the Rencontres d’Arles Photography Festival every summer.
Nîmes – French Rome
Though just outside the traditional Provence borders, Nîmes is usually included. Its Arena of Nîmes, Maison Carrée temple, and proximity to the Pont du Gard aqueduct make it unmissable.
Orange – Opera Among Ruins
Orange is famed for its Roman theatre, one of the best-preserved in the world, and still used for concerts and the Chorégies d’Orange opera festival.
Hilltop Villages – The Luberon & Beyond
- Gordes: Honey-colored stone houses cascading down a hillside.
- Roussillon: Famous for its red ochre cliffs.
- Ménerbes: Immortalized in A Year in Provence.
- Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: Roman ruins at Glanum, Van Gogh’s asylum, and lively markets.
- Cassis: A seaside gem near Marseille, gateway to the Calanques.
National Parks & Nature
The Calanques National Park
Between Marseille and Cassis lies one of France’s most spectacular coastlines: the Calanques, fjord-like inlets with turquoise water and white cliffs. Hiking trails, boat trips, and kayaking are the best ways to explore.
The Camargue
This delta near Arles is a unique ecosystem of salt marshes, lagoons, and rice paddies. Wild white horses, black bulls, and pink flamingos roam freely. The local culture includes gardians (cowboys) and bull games.
Gorges du Verdon
Europe’s “Grand Canyon,” the Gorges du Verdon offers hiking trails, rock climbing, and kayaking in its jade-green river. Villages like Moustiers-Sainte-Marie provide picture-perfect bases.
The Alpilles
A small mountain range near Saint-Rémy, dotted with olive groves and vineyards. Perfect for hiking and wine tasting.
The Luberon
Beyond its villages, the Luberon Regional Park is a patchwork of lavender fields, orchards, and rolling hills.
Mercantour National Park
In the Alps near Nice, Mercantour combines Mediterranean flora with Alpine peaks, plus prehistoric rock carvings in the Vallée des Merveilles.
Lavender Fields
The postcard image of Provence is endless purple fields of lavender, blooming from late June to mid-July.
- Valensole Plateau: Vast fields stretching to the horizon.
- Sault: Higher altitude, lavender blooms later (July–August).
- Luberon villages: Gordes and Bonnieux are surrounded by lavender fields.
Food & Wine
- Wines:
- Rosé: Light and refreshing, from Côtes de Provence.
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Legendary reds from the Rhône Valley.
- Bandol: Structured reds and rosés near the coast.
- Signature Dishes:
- Bouillabaisse (Marseille fish stew)
- Ratatouille (vegetable medley)
- Tapenade (olive spread)
- Aïoli (garlic mayonnaise dish)
- Daube Provençale (slow-cooked beef stew with red wine)
- Markets: Every town has a market day – the best way to taste olives, cheese, honey, lavender, and fresh produce.
Festivals & Events
- Avignon Theatre Festival (July): Global performing arts.
- Les Chorégies d’Orange: Opera in a Roman theatre.
- Lavender Festivals (July): Valensole and Sault.
- Arles Feria (Easter & September): Bull games, music, and street parties.
- Marseille Jazz Festival (July): Outdoor concerts across the city.
Suggested Itineraries
3 Days in Provence
- Day 1: Avignon & Pont du Gard
- Day 2: Aix-en-Provence & lavender fields
- Day 3: Arles & Camargue
5 Days in Provence
- Day 1: Avignon
- Day 2: Gordes, Roussillon & Luberon
- Day 3: Aix-en-Provence & lavender
- Day 4: Marseille & Calanques
- Day 5: Arles & Camargue
7 Days in Provence
- Day 1: Avignon
- Day 2: Pont du Gard & Nîmes
- Day 3: Aix-en-Provence
- Day 4: Lavender in Valensole
- Day 5: Gordes & Luberon villages
- Day 6: Marseille & Cassis
- Day 7: Arles & Camargue
10 Days in Provence
- Day 1: Avignon & Palais des Papes
- Day 2: Orange & wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape
- Day 3: Gordes, Roussillon & Ménerbes (Luberon)
- Day 4: Aix-en-Provence markets & Cézanne’s studio
- Day 5: Lavender fields of Valensole
- Day 6: Gorges du Verdon hike & kayaking
- Day 7: Marseille Old Port & MuCEM
- Day 8: Cassis & Calanques boat tour
- Day 9: Arles & Camargue safari
- Day 10: Nîmes & Pont du Gard
Tours & Excursions
Conclusion
Provence is a journey for the senses – from the fragrance of lavender to the taste of rosé, from Roman ruins to medieval hill towns, from wild horses in the Camargue to turquoise waters in the Calanques. Whether you spend a weekend in Avignon or two weeks exploring every corner, Provence will stay with you long after you leave.
It’s a region to slow down, savor, and let its timeless beauty sink in.