There are such a lot of attractive 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, nevertheless it additionally has a heap of one of the best locations in Provence to go to year-round.
Actually, Provence has slightly one thing for each kind of traveller. From attractive little communes; like Gordes, centuries of historical past and essentially the most stunning vistas and mountain ranges; Provence is completely superb to go to.
So, to make your journey run easily, we’ve jotted down a few of the high locations in Provence you must see and discover when in France. This fashion, you may give attention to travelling round Provence, with none of the added stress of researching on the go!
Anyway, ramble over! Check out a few of the finest locations in Provence to go to when in France. Have essentially the most fantastic time!
1.) Avignon
The very first thing that you must go to in Avignon is the Palais de Papes, a UNESCO Heritage and Europe’s largest Gothic palace.
It’s actually gorgeous and the frescos are stunning. Plus, Palais de Papes has been the house of 9 Popes between 1309 and 1403. It’s effectively value a gander when you arrive.
Apart from the Palais de Papes, different attractive 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 time day.
Afterwards, head to Grand Café Baretta which we cherished! Simply be sure you e book a desk should you’re heading right here on a weekend; it does refill quick.
Oh yeah, and should you fancy slightly 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 one in every of our favorite wine areas in all of France.
Heading additional away from Avignon? Ensure that to take a look at the city of Orange. Right here, you’ll discover the traditional 1st-century AD Théâtre Vintage, which is likely one of the finest locations in Provence to go to.
Right here, you’ll get to look at 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 that you must 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 appears to be like 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 need to head over to Château des Baux. It’s a surprising fort, albeit, in ruins that’s effectively value 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-about a hidden gem, Cassis has turn out to be rather more well-known over the previous couple of many years. 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 completely attractive spot to go to in Summer time, particularly when the climate is scorching. We love the little coves and bays round this space, particularly; Calanque de Port Pin and Calanque d’En-vau which aren’t too far-off.
Not solely that, Cassis is world-renowned for its winemaking and also you’ll be capable to 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 every little thing. Plus, you may often discover bouillabaisse (a kind 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. Actually, 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 number of). Belief me, you’ll see why while you go to.
After arriving, be sure you cease off at Château de Gordes and head contained in the Les Caves du Palais Saint-Firmin that are effectively value seeing. Oh, and for some nice views of Gordes, head to Level de vue sur Gordes. It’s straightforward to cease within the automobile and take within the views from right here.
Close by, you’ll be capable to drive to Village des Bories to see a few 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 far-off in any respect.
Lastly, a terrific place to remain within the centre of Gordes is Airelles Gordes. The rooms are attractive they usually simply make among the finest scorching 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 best way.
It’s a completely scenic abbey and a spot to stretch your legs the place you’ll see all that lovely (seasonally blooming) lavender. Simply an FYI, the height instances 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 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 fort 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 overlook the Sunday market while you go to. You’ll depart with baggage of native treats.
6.) Venasque
Not solely recognized for its cherries and grapes which are seasonally grown on this area of Provence, Venasque can be dwelling to the pre-Romanesque Baptistère de Venasque. It’s one in every of France’s oldest shrines and among the finest locations in Provence to go to should you love historical past.
Perched within the Venasque, you’ll solely spend a number of hours in Venasque because it’s fairly small. This makes it an ideal stopping level as a part of a wider Provence highway journey.
As soon as right here, you’ll get to see the Roman partitions, historical ramparts, and the Baptistery that are stunning to see. Plus, you’ll see one of the vital notable gadgets in Venasque, the Crucifixion portray. You will see it in Notre Dame de Venasque and is effectively value seeing while within the city.
For a tasty chunk to eat in summer time, take a look at Plein Air that’s not too far-off by automobile. It’s an natural restaurant set on a farm which is so pretty. Plus, you get to eat outdoors and revel in this stunning area within the sunshine. We find it irresistible.
7.) L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
A paradise for Vintage hunters and market lovers, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is likely one of the finest locations in Provence to go to. Somewhat larger than spots like Gordes, you may simply spend a number 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, should you occur to have your journey on the primary Sunday of August, be sure you take a look at the gloating market the place wines and wares are bought by the locals.
The historic watermills, boats and riverbank cafés give L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue that charming environment 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 need to 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 have 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 find it irresistible. As soon as right here, you may get pleasure from mingling with the locals on Wednesday mornings, when the Grand Marché Provençal, which is a big market, spreads all through the outdated city’s principal squares.
Lastly, you too can go to the Collégiale Saint-Martin or the Glanum Excavation Website.
In the case 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 few of the spots the place Van Gogh painted some 300 work round Arles.
To this present day, you may go to Langlois Bridge is one in every of his well-known portray spots that also stands proudly.
Van Gogh apart, Arles can be a UNESCO-protected website and has heaps of historic spots you may’t miss. After all, you need to 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 excellent should 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’ll want to stroll by the boulevard of Cours Mirabeau the place you may then meander by the smaller streets that be part of it.
After taking a stroll, be sure you 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 completely walkable metropolis they usually’re all straightforward to identify alongside your meander by Aix-en-Provence.
11.) Menton
Nestled proper on the border with Italy, Menton is likely one of the finest locations in Provence to go to as you observe the shoreline. Now, you may simply spend a number of days in Menton, so ensure you plan your time properly.
As soon as right here, be sure you take a look at the completely attractive Jardins Biovès that are proper within the coronary heart of Menton. The gardens are gorgeous and completely value seeing in your stroll across the space.
Additionally, don’t overlook about Marché des Halles for its historic market you could’t miss. You’ll simply seize a number 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 likely one of the finest 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 outdoors the commune itself.
Now, though you received’t spend days in Roussillon, it’s effectively value visiting for a number 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 effectively value slightly gander to discover. As soon as right here, be sure you stroll across the space of Le Sentier des Ocres. Crammed with yellow and purple cliffs, there are marked hikes and walkways the place you may discover this stunning space.
Better of all, Séguret is on the footings of Dentelles de Montmirail, an excellent mountain vary that’s excellent for mountain climbing. This makes it straightforward to companion up a keep in Séguret with a wider exploration of the nice outside.
Additionally, not too far-off from Séguret is Les Gorges du Toulourenc. It’s a terrific mountain climbing and kayaking spot that’s completely stunning in summer time.
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 likely one of the finest locations in Provence to go to should you love the nice outside.
Shaped 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 a whole lot of mountain climbing trails that run throughout the Dentelles de Montmirail that swimsuit all several types of skills.
Simply be sure you pack loads of water and put on some good mountain climbing footwear. Belief me, you’ll positively want each of those as a naked minimal.
That being mentioned, should you don’t fancy mountain climbing, drive to the highest of Mont Ventoux. It’s the best mountain in Provence and is usually known as the Large of Provence by locals!
The views are breathtaking, however be sure you take heat garments with you – the peak makes it actually chilly while you’re on the high.
Learn extra: Finest cities in France to go to
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