Provence is one of the best places to spend your summer vacation in Europe.
I get asked all the time if you can go on a day trip from Paris? Definitely not! It's an 8 hour drive (one way!) assuming you don't stop at all. Even if you flew, it's a 1 hour and 30 minute flight from Paris to Marseille airport plus you have to get to the airport a few hours before (and that's just to go one way)!
How to Get There
- By Air: Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) is the region’s main international airport. Nice and Avignon also offer regional access.
- By Train: The TGV (high-speed train) connects Paris to Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, and Marseille in under 4 hours.
- By Car: You will need to rent a car so be sure to put that in your travel budget. You can only reach the villages, vineyards, and rural areas if you have a car.
Where to Stay
- Le Mas de la Rose (near Eygalières) in the Alpilles.
- La Mirande (Avignon).
- Hotel de l’Image (Saint-Rémy-de-Provence)
Best Things to Do in Provence
1. Some things you definitely need to know about visiting Provence
Although Provence is expensive to visit, especially in the summer, you can find some basic, affordable accommodations for around $130 per night.
Provence is all about relaxation and enjoyment so plan to slow down your pace just a little :).
But let's dive right in. Here are my favorite things to do and places to visit in Provence.
2. Go to a cafe in The Old Fishing District of St Tropez, La Ponche
I find that St. Tropez usually needs no introduction since it's frequently in the news as the playground of rich and famous, glamorous and trendy.
Just northeast of the Vieux Port, you have to visit La Ponche! It's an old St. Tropez fishing village that makes you feel like you've gone back to the 18th century. Like those movies where the hero skips back in time!
The village grew around small, 40-meter long beach. Today, you can see cottages around it. La Ponche starts at the Vieux Port harbor, with fishing boats and luxury yachts alongside each other.
I was there in the summer so I couldn't find any affordable places to stay in St Tropez. But just nearby, close to Port Grimaud, I found Hôtel La Pierrerie for $140. After spending the night, it was just a 10-minute drive to the beaches of St Tropez. Port Grimaud beaches are actually fantastic! You should visit before the secret gets out!
3. Take the perfect holiday photo at The Calanques, France’s Natural Wonder
About half way between Marseille and Cassis you will find the Calanques. I think it's one of the most beautiful spots on the French coast of the Mediterranean Sea.
High above the sea you can observe a series of colorful limestone cliffs. They tower above incredibly charming little coves that hide small white beaches. The rocks create unique ecosystem you can't help but to admire. After all, plants are sprouting between the rocks, with no soil and constantly battered by the winds and salty air!
I was glad to learn that the whole incredibly beautiful area is protected within the Parc National des Calanques! In the summer, seek out little beaches that are perfect for swimming and kayaking.
Trust me, the view of the brightly colored rocks from the sea is spectacular!
4. Step back in time at The Roman Ruins of Cimiez, Nice
Drive about two kilometers from the downtown Nice to the Colline de Cimiez, a small hill where Romans built the city in 14BC.
You will find the well preserved ruins of arenas and thermal baths. Visit the archeological museum surrounded by a beautiful public garden Le Jardin des Arènes de Cimiez.
Even today the arenas are used for local events that you can attend on vacation.
If you are traveling with kids:
5. Plan a hike to The Montagne Sainte-Victoire
For a bit of a challenge, head to Montagne Sainte-Victoire. It's a mountain that overlooks the city of Aix-en-Provence and an unique geological feature.
I was interested to learn that it's part of the limestone chain formed during the Jurassic Period. It's in constant movement to this day, rising by seven millimeters a year.
If you have better memory than I do, you may remember this place from the paintings by Paul Cézanne.
Follow a network of trails that all offer spectacular views. One of the most popular is Blue Trail, rocky and exposed, that will take you up to the Sainte-Victoire Priory and refuge.
6. See the iconic The Pope’s Palace, Avignon
Visit The Pope’s Palace in Avignon, the largest Gothic palace in the world.
The palace has a rich and turbulent history that you can learn about on your visit.
In short, built as a fortress and palace, it became the papal residence and the heart of Western Christianity in the 14th century when the papacy moved from Rome to Avignon.
The palace held six papal conclaves, leading to the elections of six popes. Each pope left his mark and the palace came to symbolize the powerful influence of the Catholic Church.
7. Admire fantastic Lavender Fields
I'm sure you've seen fields and hills covered in fragrant purple lavender that are an iconic picture of Provence. The best time you should plan to experience the magic of Lavender Fields is from mid-June to mid-August, when they are in full bloom.
While you can see lavender planted all over Provence, there are areas where they put especially magnificent show. Plateau de Valensole between the valley of Durane and the Gorges of Verdon is one of the must visit spots. Luberon, the area around Mont Bentoux and Senanque Abbey near the Gordes in Luberon are also spectacularly beautiful when tiny purple flowers open up and make the visit to Provence a magnificent experience for all senses.
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
8. Wander through The Streets and Fountains of Aix en Provence
You've probably read that the ancient town of Aix en Provence is called the City of a Thousand Fountains. That's because there are fountains of all shapes and sizes, built by many famous sculptors in different centuries. Enjoy them as you stroll up and down this charming town’s narrow cobblestoned streets lined by cafes, artisanal shops and restaurants.
Start your exploration from the Cours Mirabeau. At the bottom of this magnificent boulevard, on the great Rotonde square, you will see the city's most imposing fountain, dating back to 1860.
I also like the Fountain of the Nine Cannons created by Laurent Vallon was used by herds of cows to drink while migrating.
The famous moss-covered Fountain of Hot Water runs hot waters from the local Bagniers spring. You may want to know that the Fountain of the Four Dolphins created Jean-Claude Rambot in 1667 in the Mazarin quarter is one of the oldest so you should definitely look for it!
9. Check out the charming Hillside Village of Bonnieux
Perched on the hill above Luberon Valley, tiny village of Bonnieux is probably one of the most beautiful in France.
Ivy-covered houses cover the hillside, separated by narrow cobblestoned streets and alleys heading up the hill, where ancient 12th century church, the ‘old church’ and the 19th century ‘new church’ guard their domain.
Visit the charming bakery museum and stock up with the delicious pastries in the attached boulangerie, and with the lavender and honey next door.
The village was established by Romans and you can still see some remnants of their structures, the most spectacular being the 3 BC Roman bridge, Pont St Julien.
All around the village are fields of olives, grapes and lavender, adding to the incredibly beautiful mosaic that is very much Provence.
10. Take a day trip to The Picturesque Fishing Port of Cassis
Cassis is a picturesque little seaport established by Romans in 1st century BC, snuggled between the steep cliffs the Calanques and Cap Canaille.
With its pastel colored houses, narrow streets, a perfect little beach and quai lined with cafes and restaurants, Cassis is today a popular tourist destination.
Stroll up the hill and check lovely little shops selling local fine linens and other artisanal creations.
Sit at the café at the quai and watch the fine yachts and much smaller fishing boats in the port, or people strolling by. The surrounding hills are covered in rows of ancient vines producing the famous wines of the region. Naturally you'll want to sample the wine!
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Gordes – Stunning hilltop village with stone houses, narrow lanes, and sweeping valley views.
- Abbaye de Sénanque – Picturesque 12th-century abbey surrounded by blooming lavender fields in summer.
- Les Baux-de-Provence – Dramatic medieval village set on a rocky plateau, with castle ruins and panoramic views.
- Avignon – Explore the Palais des Papes, historic bridge, and charming old town streets.
- Lavender Routes of the Luberon – Drive or bike past colorful fields, local distilleries, and scenic vistas from mid-June to late July.
Where to Eat
- La Table de Xavier Mathieu (Joucas) – Michelin-starred fine dining with seasonal Provençal flavors and vineyard views.
- L’Oustau de Baumanière (Les Baux) – Iconic restaurant in a luxury inn serving elegant regional cuisine with a wine cellar to match.
- Le Café de France (L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue) – Lively bistro on a bustling square, great for people-watching and enjoying local fare.
If you are interested in local events:
- Lavender Festival (Valensole, July) – Celebrate peak bloom with parades, products, and demonstrations in the heart of lavender country.
- Festival d’Avignon (July) – World-renowned performing arts festival with indoor and outdoor shows across the city.
- Camargue Feria (Arles, Spring/Fall) – Experience traditional bull games, music, dancing, and horse parades in a unique Provençal setting.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30–60 Minutes of Provence towns:
- Roussillon – Walk the Ochre Trail through vibrant red and gold cliffs and browse artisan shops in this colorful village.
- Arles – Explore Roman ruins, Van Gogh sites, and Provençal markets in this culturally rich town.
- L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue – Antique lover’s paradise with canals, Sunday markets, and riverside cafés.
- Pont du Gard – Visit a remarkably preserved Roman aqueduct and enjoy swimming, kayaking, and hiking nearby.
- Cassis & Calanques National Park – Drive south for dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise coves, and seaside charm.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is Provence located?
- Provence is a region in southeastern France, situated between Italy and the Mediterranean Sea.
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What kind of landscapes can be found in Provence?
- The region is known for its magnificent landscapes, ranging from the Southern Alps and pine forests to the Camargue plains, rich vineyards, ancient olive groves, and fragrant lavender fields.
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What is special about Côte d'Azur?
- The Côte d'Azur is world-famous for its elegant and glamorous cities such as Nice and trendy resort towns like Saint-Tropez and Cannes.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming lavender fields.
Hotel Crillon le Brave – A luxurious countryside retreat.
Visit the Luberon villages – Explore picturesque hilltop towns like Gordes and Roussillon.
Summer (June-August) – Peak season with warm weather and vibrant landscapes.
La Bastide de Gordes – A stunning hotel with breathtaking views.
Tour the lavender fields of Valensole – Experience the iconic purple landscapes of Provence.
Fall (September-November) – Pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
Le Mas de Chastelas – A charming and elegant stay in Saint-Tropez.
Enjoy wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape – Savor some of France’s finest wines in the Rhône Valley.
Map:
Plan Your Trip