A beautiful region in the south of France, between the Rhone River, Arles and Avignon in the West, the Italian border on the East, the Mediterranean Sea in the South, and the snow-capped mountains of the Southern French Alps in the North. Formally Provence also includes the glamorous French Riviera (Cote d’Azur) on the Eastern Mediterranean coast. The largest city and the capital of Provence is Marseille on the Southern Mediterranean coast. Provence is a highly popular tourist destination combining stunning rural landscapes with hilltop villages, charming Medieval towns, Roman monuments, and glamorous beach resorts.
Enjoy vineyards, sunflower and lavender fields, and admire overwhelming natural jewels of canyons, marshlands, and mountain ranges. The sunlight and the beautiful rural landscapes have attracted many renown artists who lived in Provence such as Cezanne in Aix-en-Provence, Van Gogh in Arles, and Matisse, Chagall, and Picasso in the French Riviera, who’s paintings can be admired in many of the region’s museums. The numerous local summer festivals and cultural events, the lively street markets, the marvellous cuisine, and the famous local red and white wines, all makes the Provence visit a wonderful cultural experience.
Provence is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with its numerous outdoor activities’ opportunities. Enjoy hiking and cycling trails through overwhelming landscapes, swimming in the French Riviera, kayaking and canoeing in the Verdon Gorge, Horseback riding in the Camargue National Park, Rock climbing in the Calanques, Paragliding, and much more.
Planning a trip to Provence, TheTjoy.com recommends to consider visiting and enjoying various destinations and attractions including;
- Visit the charming medieval town of Avignon in Northern Provence, the center of Christianity in the 14th century. Visit the impressive Palais des Papes, the famous Pont d’Avignon bridge, the beautiful 19th century architecture, Medieval churches, and the beautiful surrounding villages and attractions. Enjoy the July Festival d’Avignon, and the August Jazz Festival, and take a vineyard tour or a boat cruise on the Rhone River. Avignon would be a perfect hub for a central Provence visit;
- Exploring the Chateauneuf du Pape wine region.
- The La Caverne du Pont-d’Arc Paleolithic cave paintings.
- The charming and popular villages of Les Baux-de-Provence, Saint Remy de Provence, the Pont du Gard Aqueduct, and the Renaissance town of Uzes.
- East of Avignon, visit the beautiful rural Luberon region famous for its outstanding natural beauty and the traditional picturesque Medieval hilltop villages of Roussillon, Gordes, and the famous Provence blue lavender fields.
- South of Avignon, travel to explore the towns of Nimes and Arles, with their highly preserved and magnificent Roman monuments.
- Take a 1-2 days trip from Arles to the beautiful Camargue National Park admiring the Pink Flamingo, the local horses and Bulls, the lagoons, the Pink Salt fields, and its beaches.
Calanques National Park
Marseille
Roussillon
- In the Southeastern part of Provence visit Aix-en-Provence (Aix), a magnificent town referred to as mini Paris, with its picturesque old town, the 17th century Mazarin quarter, and the famous Mirabeau boulevard. The sites and landscapes of the town and its surroundings inspired Cezanne, who was born and lived in the town. Visit the impressive Granet Museum and the Atelier Cezanne where the famous French post-Impressionist painter worked in his last years.
- From Aix-en-Provence drive to the stunning Verdon Gorge where you will enjoy kayaking, rock climbing, and overwhelming landscapes of the “European Grand Canyon”. From there, you can continue to the chic and glamourous French Riviera (Cote d’Azur) and its beautiful beach resorts.
- On the coast of the Mediterranean Sea visit Marseille, Provence’s largest city and capital with its beautiful beaches, the picturesque old town, and the old port. The numerous museums and art galleries, cinemas and theatres, restaurants, cafes, and night clubs, makes Marseille a nice place to visit and a hub and starting point for an enjoyable travel and vacation in Southern Provence and the beautiful French Riviera beach resorts.
Families will enjoy the theme and adventure parks in the region, a relaxed day in the sun in one of Marseille’s beaches, and a boat tour to the Frioul archipelago, off the city coast to the famous Chateau d’If island.
From Marseille take a 1-2 days trip to the Calanques National Park, the beautiful coastal area with high cliffs and small fjords between the city and the fishing village of Cassis with its beautiful harbor and beaches.
Verdon Gorge
Nimes
Arles
Provence and the French Riviera has everything for everyone. The best time to travel in Provence are the months of March through October, when it’s a warm or hot weather.
Traveling too and in Provence can be done by car, by the TGV train from Paris, by flight to Marseilles or Nice, or by the Rhone River boat cruises. The various river cruises are available all the way to the Netherlands in the north, or within Provence while stopping in major destinations.
Traveling Provence will take 7-18 days depending on your preferences, and can be carried for example in a circular route from Marseille to Arles and Nimes, all the way to Avignon. From Avignon start your way back through the Luberon Region to Aix-en-Provence, and to Marseille (or vice versa). You can also combine a visit to the impressive Verdon Gorge and further east to the French Riviera (Cote d’Azur) and its major destinations of Nice, Cannes and Monaco.
