Provence is full of beautiful scenery and culture. From mountains to the sea, it’s a region that will leave you breathless. This guide will show you some of the best things to do in Provence so you can experience everything this region has to offer.
Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or you want to explore the unknown, Provence is perfect.
From exploring medieval villages and horseback riding through lavender fields, this guide has something for every traveler.
Getting There and Getting Around
There are regular high-speed trains that travel into this region every day. And unless you love driving, these will get you there relaxed and stress free.
Check out the Rail Europe website for further details.
Once you’re there however, the car is the bet for exploring this region. Whilst there is local public transport, the car will give you much more flexibility.
Countryside Exploration
In Provence, you’ll find a mix of pastoral countryside and majestic hills. The stunning landscape is dotted with medieval villages. In the medieval villages, you’ll discover narrow cobbled streets and stunning architecture. Explore the famous villages of Lourmarin, Gordes, and Roussillon. These beautiful villages are a must-see for travelers.
In these villages, you can find a variety of boutiques and restaurants—perfect for sampling the local cuisine. The architecture is a mix of medieval and modern architecture. You’ll find quaint cafes and world-renowned restaurants as well as world-renowned art galleries.
On your way through the region, explore the many natural wonders. Whether you want to explore the coast or the mountains, you’ll find the perfect place to explore. Head to the coast for pristine beaches and crystal-clear water or explore the mountains for lush forests and stunning views.
Explore the Beautiful Towns
Provence is home to some of the most beautiful towns in all of France. From Tarascon to Aix-en-Provence, you’re sure to find the perfect town for you.
Tarascon is a town that has history and culture at every turn. Whether you’re exploring the medieval architecture or taking in the views of the Rhone, Tarascon is one of the best towns to visit.
Arles, Nimes and Avignon are three towns worthy of mention. The Roman influences here are unmistakable. You will even find huge Roman amphitheaters here that are still in use today.
Aix-en-Provence is another town worth exploring. The town is abundant with art and culture, making it a perfect destination for travelers looking for culture. You’ll find plenty of museums, galleries, and theaters. And if you enjoy shopping, you’ll love this town. It’s full of boutique shops and every souvenir you could hope for.
On one trip we stayed in Saint-Remy-de-Provence. With little understanding of how good it would be. Vincent Van Gogh has been a patient there in the asylum for about a year in the late 1880’s.
He was well behaved, so they let him out each day to paint. On a walk through the town today, there are plaques which show his painting, in the spot that it was painted.
You can see exactly what he was painting. Sure, some of the trees are a bit bigger. But the link to history and art is right in front of you.
Each town has something different to offer. There’s no shortage of things to do in Provence.
Culinary Experiences
One of the best parts of travel is the food! And Provence has amazing food. From the delicious croissants and fresh fruit to the simple pleasures of a cheese and wine picnic, you don’t want to miss it all.
The Provencal cuisine is rich in flavors and textures with a focus on simplicity. The cuisine uses olive oil, garlic, herbes de Provence, and full-bodied red wines. This is what sets Provence apart from other regions in France as well as other countries’ cuisine.
The best way to experience the regional cuisine is to try it yourself. You can find bakeries and cafés throughout Provence. And you can’t miss out on a visit to a lavender farm.
And if you’re looking to try something different, there are plenty of restaurants that serve traditional Provençal dishes as well as international cuisine.
Hiking, Cycling and Horseback Riding
One of the best ways to explore this region is by foot or on horseback. You’ll see the beautiful countryside in a way you never could in a car. Whether you’re looking for a casual stroll through the woods or a rigorous hike along the coast, there are plenty of options in Provence.
One of the best ways to experience Provence is by cycling through the region’s small towns. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop at local eateries for a quick bite or enjoy a more formal meal in one of the region’s best restaurants. You can’t go wrong with anything you choose!
Sea and Sun
Provence is a region that is a mix of mountain and sea. The sea is a huge part of what makes Provence so beautiful. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the beaches, relax at a spa, or just have a drink at a beach bar, the Mediterranean Sea has something for everyone. In addition to the sea, Provence is known for its sunshine. In the summer the daylight hours are gloriously long, and the weather is balmy.
Markets and Shopping
Markets are a great way to interact with locals and get a taste of the region. There are markets all over Provence, so you’ll never run out of options for fresh produce, breads, cheeses, and more. Markets are also a great way to find food that’s uncharacteristic to your home country.
If you’re looking for a souvenir, markets are the place to go. One of the most popular souvenirs in Provence is lavender. Vendors will cut up lavender and sell it as a bundle of fragrant flowers or as dried bundles of flowers. You can also find soaps, candles, and other products made from lavender, like lavender honey.
Another popular souvenir is pottery from Provence. There are pottery shops all over the region and some towns specialize in certain types of pottery. For example, the town of Apt has a reputation for its fine pottery and each year it has an Apt’s Pottery Festival where visitors can see ceramic art and purchase handcrafted pieces.
Music festivals in Provence
Music festivals are also a major part of Provence’s culture and history. The region is home to the oldest music festival in the world, Nimes’ Feria de classical music, which is held in July.
Another popular music festival in the region is Les Francofolies de Montpellier, which is a week-long celebration of music that takes place in July. This event is known for bringing together international stars and up and coming musicians in one location.
Aside from music festivals, Provence is also home to smaller events throughout the year, such as the Sorges Blues Festival, which takes place every August.
Whether you’re looking for a larger festival or a smaller event, Provence offers a variety of festivals to choose from.
Cultural events in Provence
Provence is known for its cultural events such as the Festival of Provencal Towns and the Carnival of Arles. These events celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the region and are a must-see for any traveler.
The Provencal Carnival is a festival that takes place in Arles and lasts for two days. It features music, dance, theatre, and a parade. You’ll find a lot of festivity throughout the streets of Arles as people celebrate the end of Carnival.
Another must-see event is the Fete de Pignerol, a medieval festival held in Pignerol. This festival lasts for three days and includes a tournament, a feast, and a medieval market where you can buy artisanal gifts.
Course Camarguaise
There is a curious type of bullfighting that goes on in this region. Now, generally speaking, I want nothing to do with bullfighting.
But, what about if the bulls were never harmed. They had big fan clubs and retired on nice green pastures. If that sounds better to you, then Course Camarguaise might be your thing.
A string is tied between the bulls’ horns, and several ribbons are attached to it. The contestants are not armed, and their job is to try to get a ribbon from the large Camargue bull.
In these shows the bull is the star, and they are respected.
Final Thoughts
Provence is full of wonderful places to visit and things to do, but it can be difficult to plan your trip. With this guide, you’ll be able to start planning you’re journey. But don’t forget to just get lost occasionally and see where life takes you.
Here’s some posts that will help you get where you want to go.
How to pack for overseas travel
Cheers and happy travels