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 perfect locations in Provence to go to year-round.
Truthfully, Provence has a little bit one thing for each sort of traveller. From beautiful little communes; like Gordes, centuries of historical past and essentially the most lovely vistas and mountain ranges; Provence is completely wonderful to go to.
So, to make your journey run easily, we’ve jotted down a number of the high locations in Provence you must see and discover when in France. This fashion, you may deal with travelling round Provence, with none of the added stress of researching on the go!
Anyway, ramble over! Check out a number of the greatest locations in Provence to go to when in France. Have essentially the most great time!
1.) Avignon
The very first thing you might want to go to in Avignon is the Palais de Papes, a UNESCO Heritage and Europe’s largest Gothic palace.
It’s truthfully gorgeous and the frescos are lovely. Plus, Palais de Papes has been the house of 9 Popes between 1309 and 1403. It’s nicely price a gander when you arrive.
Except for the Palais de Papes, different beautiful spots in Avignon are Musée du Petit Palais, the place you may 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.
After all, 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 season day.
Afterwards, head to Grand Café Baretta which we cherished! Simply make sure to e-book a desk when you’re heading right here on a weekend; it does refill quick.
Oh yeah, and when you fancy a little bit gander away from the town streets of Avignon, you may take a look at the medieval village Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Villeneuve-lez-Avignon. The previous is considered one of our favorite wine areas in all of France.
Heading additional away from Avignon? Be sure that to take a look at the city of Orange. Right here, you’ll discover the traditional 1st-century AD Théâtre Vintage, which is among the greatest locations in Provence to go to.
Right here, you’ll get to observe performances, comedies, and acrobatics throughout 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 you might want to take a look at the Mosaique des Centaures.
Learn extra: Finest 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 seems unimaginable and is definitely 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, you must head over to Château des Baux. It’s a shocking fortress, albeit, in ruins that’s nicely price 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 searching 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 way more well-known over the previous few a long time. Although, that isn’t a detrimental. 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 very beautiful spot to go to in Summer time, 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 distant.
Not solely that, Cassis is world-renowned for its winemaking and also you’ll be capable of strive a tipple (or two) in a great deal of the little bars and eating places that line its shorefront.
We popped into Le Grand Giant and cherished it. They serve up heaps of contemporary seafood and their scallops are all the things. Plus, you may often discover bouillabaisse (a form 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 may’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 couple of). Belief me, you’ll see why if 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 price 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 be capable of drive to Village des Bories to see a number 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 distant in any respect.
Lastly, an excellent place to remain within the centre of Gordes is Airelles Gordes. The rooms are beautiful they usually 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 may have some stopovers like within the Abbaye de Sénanque all alongside the way in which.
It’s a very scenic abbey and a spot to stretch your legs the place you’ll see all that stunning (seasonally blooming) lavender. Simply an FYI, the height occasions for lavender blooms are mid-July.
Learn extra: Finest 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 pretty to go to and is a small commune that’s steeped in historical past.
You see, Uzes has gone by means of a number of durations, being a former Jewish enclave, a dukedom, a settlement of Romans, and a hamlet. Due to this combine, you may 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 fortress 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 neglect the Sunday market if you go to. You’ll go away with baggage of native treats.
6.) Venasque
Not solely identified for its cherries and grapes which are seasonally grown on this area of Provence, Venasque can be house to the pre-Romanesque Baptistère de Venasque. It’s considered one of 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 couple 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 lovely to see. Plus, you’ll see one of the vital notable gadgets in Venasque, the Crucifixion portray. One can find it in Notre Dame de Venasque and is nicely price seeing while within the city.
For a tasty chew to eat in summer season, take a look at Plein Air that’s not too distant by automotive. It’s an natural restaurant set on a farm which is so pretty. Plus, you get to eat exterior and revel in this lovely area within the sunshine. We adore it.
7.) L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
A paradise for Vintage hunters and market lovers, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is among the greatest locations in Provence to go to. Just a little larger than spots like Gordes, you may simply spend a couple of days wandering the world and testing this Provence island city that’s completely distinctive.
Speaking about stalls, there are greater than 300 stalls you may discover throughout 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 offered 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 you must go to.
Kown by some because the spot the place Vincent van Gogh spent a 12 months in The Monastère Saint-Paul de Mausole. These days, you may go to his room and take a look at the copies of work he created while within the space.
Plus, if you wish to know extra about Van Gogh, you may head to the Musée Estrine the place Van Gogh was given the Heart 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 adore it. As soon as right here, you may take pleasure in mingling with the locals on Wednesday mornings, when the Grand Marché Provençal, which is a big market, spreads all through the previous city’s principal squares.
Lastly, you too can go to the Collégiale Saint-Martin or the Glanum Excavation Web site.
In terms of meals, strive 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 selection.
9.) Arles
One other place the place Van Gogh resided in Provence is Arles. In truth, you may stroll the Van Gogh Circuit and see a number of the spots the place Van Gogh painted some 300 work round Arles.
To this present day, you may go to Langlois Bridge is considered one of his well-known portray spots that also stands proudly.
Van Gogh apart, Arles can be a UNESCO-protected web site and has heaps of historic spots you may’t miss. After all, you must 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 good 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 may’t miss. In truth, it’s among the finest locations in Provence to go to for its tradition and historical past.
You should definitely stroll by means of the boulevard of Cours Mirabeau the place you may then meander by means of the smaller streets that be 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 very walkable metropolis they usually’re all straightforward to identify alongside your meander by means of Aix-en-Provence.
11.) Menton
Nestled proper on the border with Italy, Menton is among the greatest locations in Provence to go to as you observe the shoreline. Now, you may simply spend a couple of days in Menton, so be sure you 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 gorgeous and completely price seeing in your stroll across the space.
Additionally, don’t neglect about Marché des Halles for its historic market you could’t miss. You’ll simply seize a couple of treats while you’re right here.
Lastly, though it’s not Provence, you may 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 among 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 pretty winery that’s simply exterior the commune itself.
Now, though you gained’t spend days in Roussillon, it’s nicely price visiting for a couple of hours in your wider Provence itinerary. We cherished it.
Learn extra: What to do in Gordes and Roussillon
13.) Séguret
Though small, Séguret is nicely price a little bit gander to discover. As soon as right here, make sure to stroll across the space of Le Sentier des Ocres. Stuffed with yellow and crimson cliffs, there are marked hikes and walkways the place you may discover this lovely space.
Better of all, Séguret is on the footings of Dentelles de Montmirail, a wonderful mountain vary that’s good for mountain climbing. This makes it straightforward to associate up a keep in Séguret with a wider exploration of the good open air.
Additionally, not too distant from Séguret is Les Gorges du Toulourenc. It’s an excellent mountain climbing and kayaking spot that’s completely lovely in summer season.
14.) Dentelles de Montmirail
The mountain ranges in Provence are iconic and may’t be missed as you head across the bigger area. In truth, I’d say that the Dentelles de Montmirail chain is among the greatest locations in Provence to go to when you love the good open air.
Fashioned hundreds of thousands of years in the past, throughout the Jurassic Interval, the spiked and jagged towering mountains are so unimaginable to see. Better of all, there are lots of of mountain climbing trails that run throughout the Dentelles de Montmirail that swimsuit all various kinds of talents.
Simply make sure to pack loads of water and put on some good mountain climbing sneakers. Belief me, you’ll undoubtedly want each of those as a naked minimal.
That being mentioned, when you don’t fancy mountain climbing, drive to the highest of Mont Ventoux. It’s the very best mountain in Provence and is usually referred to as the Large of Provence by locals!
The views are breathtaking, however make sure to take heat garments with you – the peak makes it actually chilly if you’re on the high.
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