Provence is one of the most enchanting and ancient provinces of France : it offers a pleasant climate all year round and is rich in history and unique works of art in the world. It is able to offer unique views not only maritime, but also glimpses that tell of its long past that welcomed the ancient Greeks, a long process of Romanization and that were the favorite destination of many French kings.
Its cities and emblematic places tell of a land that is unique in the world, so discover with us what to see in Provence : cities and attractions not to be missed!
Main cities and attractions
1 – Marseille
Also known as the “Naples of France”, Marseille was crowned European Capital of Culture in 2013 and is one of the best known cities in the region with a long history.
It is characterized by narrow streets and squares of the historic center and the Le Panier district, the famous Cathedral of Notre-Dame de La Garde from which you can admire a splendid view of the city and the Mediterranean, and the Church of the Vieille Charite, one of the most beautiful architectural ensembles of France and Europe. Do not miss the authentic atmosphere of the Porto Vecchio, with the famous fish markets, restaurants and typical cafes . Finally, do not miss the Cathedral de la Major, which fascinates and intrigues with its splendid white and green marble and its 146 meters high. It is recommended tovisit it in spring to fully enjoy the Provençal nature that blossoms in all its splendor.
SEE ALSO : What to see in Marseille
2 – Nice
Located on the sea, Nice is certainly a famous seaside resort that attracts many tourists every year. But not only that: here you will also find art and culture!
The main attraction is its splendid Promenade des Anglais: 7 kilometers long and very popular almost all year round by tourists, cyclists and joggers. Do not miss the vieux Nice, or its historic center with its narrow alleysoverlooking Cours Saleya, the most famous square in the city where you can see the historical and architectural details or buy typical products at the Market. Also very beautiful is the Saint-Reparate Cathedral (free), built during the second half of the 17th century and emblematic of Baroque architecture and inspired, inside, by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
SEE ALSO : What to see in Nice
3 – Avignon
In past centuries it was also known as the “City of the Popes” due to the presence of the famous palace built in the period of the “Avignonese captivity”. The construction of the Palazzo dei Papi (€ 10.50) represents the most important legacy, but don’t miss a view of the Piccolo Palazzo (€ 3.00) a museum not far from the Palazzo dei Papi which boasts works by great artists, including some of which by Botticelli. The Angladon Museum (€ 6.00) houses a gallery of works from 1700 to 1900, in particular works by Degas, Manet, Cezanne, Picasso, Van Gogh and Modigliani.
And if you have the opportunity to visit it in July you can enjoy the famous Avignon Festival ! Not everyone knows that Avignon is also a gastronomic capitalas well as a center for the production of Cotes du Rhone (Costa del Rhone), one of the best wines in Europe. Finally, a visit to the Place de l’Horloge, the most important square in Avignon, is not to be missed, with its famous old-style carousel of horses.
4 – Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence also has a strong link with the world of art: it was the city of Cezanne and of which it celebrates the most beautiful views in its famous paintings.
This city branches off from Corso Mirabeau, a long tree-lined avenue that divides the old part from the more recent one; always on Corso Mirabeau you will find La Rotonde, a large fountain built in 1860 and which immediately catches the eye for the majesty with its three statues, Justice, Art and Agriculture that elegantly decorate it and have made it famous. Nearby you can not miss a coffee to be enjoyed at the Cafe des Deux Garcons, a true Aix institution. Then visit the Cathedral of San Salvatore (free), the Hotel de la Ville with its Clock Tower and the surrounding streets that overlook the pretty squares characterized by fountains and markets where you can find all kinds of products.
5 – Arles and Camargue Natural Park
Arles is a city famous for being the home of Van Goghduring the last years of his life. The most important monuments are the Roman Amphitheater (€ 6.50) declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Roman Theater (€ 6.50), an ancient structure that housed about 10,000 spectators. Also absolutely worth discovering are the places that inspired the famous painter , the Van Gogh café in Place de Forum and the famous yellow house in Place Lamartine.
Arles is also the perfect starting point for visiting the Camargue , in particular the Regional Natural Park of the same name: it is an almost heavenly place that seems to be thousands of kilometers away from the inhabited center due to its extremely wild features. It is hectares of wild and unspoiled naturewhich lives in swamps, ponds and rice fields; you might come across pink flamingos standing undisturbed in the waters lit by the bright red sunset, or white horses that live almost in the wild, but also bulls grazing on the moor.
6 – Aigues Mortes
Aigues-Mortes was built in ancient times at the behest of King Louis IX with the aim of obtaining an outlet on the Mediterranean to organize a crusade in Palestine.
One of the most interesting attractions of this city is the Porte de La Gardette alongside the Tour de Costance, a tower used initially as a bread oven, later as an oratory and finally as a prison (Marie Durand was held prisoner here). And if you want to admire the panorama of Aiguesyou absolutely have to go to the top of the tower. Its famous salt marshes are also worth seeing : they are known as the oldest in France and in the whole Mediterranean and can be visited with a one-hour train ride (€ 8.20).
7 – Valensole and Lavender fields
Among the most interesting and typical attractions of this French area is the Valensole area: its splendid lavender fieldsthey extend for many kilometers and are famous throughout Europe. Until mid-July you can observe these splendid expanses ranging from lilac to the most intense purple, until the time when the climate will be extremely hot and dry. The growers allow the many visitors to enter for free and explore them, obviously without picking plants or damaging them.
Also not to be missed is the village of Valensole, very particular and unique with its small shops and distilleries where artisans sell, for example, lavender-scented bags for linen, lavender essential oil, but also beauty products. And if you want to get to the heart of the traditions linked to this fragrant plant, on the third Sunday of July the village of Valensole comes alive for theLavender Festival : the streets of the village are filled with stalls offering various typical products and the women wear the traditional clothes of the washerwomen distributing fragrant bouquets.
8 – Martigues and Calanques National Park
Photo by Airair. Martigues is one of the most fascinating places in Provence, known as the “town suspended over the water” because bathed by a large pond and on the opposite side by the Mediterranean Sea, the various areas of the city are therefore joined by bridges and canals (Canale di Caronte and Canale di San Sebastiano) among which the fishermen’s houses in soft pastel colors and the small boats moored along the famous Brescon Island also stand out.
40 km east of Martigues extends the famous Calanchi National Park, the only national park in Europe that gathers the terrestrial, marine and peri-urban ecosystem within it and for this reason it hosts an extraordinary biodiversity, as many as 140 terrestrial animal species and protected plants, and about 60 marine species. Venturing into the park means admiring the landscape from the paths scattered between the mountains that overlook the coast cut by the gullies, but also the underwater canyon and the islands. The most beautiful attraction are obviously the limestone gullies , among the most famous are that of Devenson, En-Vau, Morgiou, Sormiou or Sugiton.
9 – Orange
Photo of Gromelle Grand Angle. Orange is famous not only for itsits good gastronomy and pleasant climate , but also for the numerous testimonies that link it to the history of the ancient Romans .
For example, you will find the Arc de Triomphe (free) and the Ancient Theater (€ 9.50): these are two monuments declared heritage by UNESCO, the first was built to celebrate the Emperor Tiberius and the victory of the Second Gallic Legion that fund Orange. The Theater was built in the Christian Era and is a jewel of acoustics thanks to the niches and 76 columns that absorbed the sound. It is also worth taking a tour of the historic center of Orange, where you will find the Museum of Art and History and the Church of Our Lady of Nazareth. In Orange you absolutely must taste two extraordinary wines, the Cote du Rone and the Chateneuf du Pape, famous all over the world.
10 – Castle of Les-Baux-de-Provence
Photo by PierreSelim. Les Baus de Provence is a little known destination but which boasts a long and important history that sees this ancient French village contrast with its rival Barcelona.
Do not miss the Castle, built on the highest point of the whole village and from which you can admire a splendid view of the surrounding valley. On the path to the castle you will also find the King’s House (now a tourist office), the Chapel of the White Penitents, with Provençal pastoral scenes, the Santons Museum and the small church of St-Vincent. This town takes its name from the typical red colorof its land rich in bauxite, the mineral from which the name Les Baux de Provence derives.
11 – Gorges du Verdon
The roads of France have never been so exciting. Twenty-five km of landslide. Heights ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 meters.
Overhanging walls jutting out of sensational canyons. This and much more are the gorges of the Verdon River . And to think that until the early 1900s this whole spectacle was still unexplored, unknown, ignored. Forgot. Natural border between the Provence Alps, the Gorges du Verdon constitute one of the most extraordinary geological curiosities in Europe .
The Verdon Gorges, carved into the limestone plateau of Haut-Var, in the clear waters of the Verdon, represent a magical world. Originating from the path of the Verdon river, they make up the largest canyon in Europe and one of the most important in the world. Located in the southeastern province of France, Provence, they are a paradise for explorers and hikers, who visit this breathtaking place by camper, on foot or by motorbike.
Here we present the best known and most appreciated itineraries .
The main itineraries in Provence
Provence is a region so rich in attractions and landscapes that it can be visited far and wide, according to your preferences! For this reason it is also adaptable to different types of itineraries of different duration.
For those who love the seathere is to relax on the Riviera, those who prefer bucolic nature can opt for the unmissable lavender fields and finally, for wine lovers there is no shortage of places to savor the wine and historical Provençal tradition.
- Week-end on the Riviera : itinerary that starts from Cannes, continues to Nice and ends in Monaco and its surroundings, to enjoy a relaxing weekend along the French Riviera
- Lavender Route : four days to visit the most beautiful cities where you can get lost in the fields of Lavender and sunflower, starting from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, continuing to Valensole, Gordes and arriving in Sault
- La via dei Vini : a week to discover the wine production areas of Provence, starting in Toulon, then continuing on to Bandol, Cassis, Marseille, Aix-en-Proivence up to Bordeaux
What to do in Provence: excursions and tours
Travel informed: useful information and necessary documents
- Inhabitants : 4,935,576
- Capital : Marseille
- Languages : French
- Local currency : euro (€)
- Climate : Mediterranean climate, hot summers and mild winters; minimum winter temperature 4 °, maximum summer 33 °
- Distance from Italy : 900 km (1 hour and a half flight) from Rome to the capital
- Travel / health insurance : recommended. With us you get a 10% discount and you have full coverage, 24h medical insurance and unlimited telephone advice. Get
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Where it is and how to get there
Provence is located in the southern part of France , precisely in the South-East and is bordered by Italy to the east, while in the South it is bathed by the Mediterranean Sea; and also divided into 3 large areas: Haute Provence, crystalline Provence and Lower Provence.
From Italy there are several direct flights with landing at Nice airport or Marseille airport, the two airports serving the Provence region. The flight from Rome to Nice lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes, to Marseille it takes 1 hour and 25 min – compare flights
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