To go to Provence in southern France is to permit each single sense to be exhalted – from the scent of lavender to the bursting style of olives, or the sound of the cicadas to the breathtaking views.
What follows is a unusual Provence journey information, together with many day journeys, to locations and experiences that mirror that sensory overwhelm – dazzling perched villages, hikes alongside turquoise rivers or the contact of linens or produce in native markets.
You may discover a number of the excessive factors everybody needs to see, but in addition some extra off-the-beaten-path locations the place you possibly can keep away from the crowds and indulge in the fantastic thing about this land.
Go antiquing in l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
For those who love antiques and occur to be in Provence on a Sunday, there’s just one place to be: L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, a wonderful riverside village, replete with waterwheels and a tasty outside market.
It is all the pieces you’d anticipate from a market in Provence: shiny fruits and crisp greens, Provençal linens and scarves, mountains of olives and candies.
And antiques, one of many finest vintage markets in France.
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue has styled itself the Capital of Antiques, and you may see why as you rummage via a number of the 300 stalls that line the River Sorgue every week.
If looking out via bric-a-brac is not sufficient, the city has a dozen “vintage villages” stuffed with outlets run by skilled vintage sellers. The villages are grouped by such subjects as vintage books or Fifties design.
Twice a 12 months, it will get even higher because the village turns into Europe’s vintage hub. Two main vintage festivals happen annually, one at Easter and the opposite on 15 August, turning the city into paradise for lovers of outdated issues.
Because you occur to be in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, you may as properly push on to the Luberon…
Examine the hilltop villages of the Luberon
These magnificent villages are famend for a motive: they’re drop-dead beautiful, sitting majestically atop their hills, with sweeping panoramic views of the lavender fields under.
For those who’ve ever learn Peter Mayle’s A 12 months in Provence, then you definately already know the area, not less than via his eyes.
Situated within the “Little Alps”, les Alpilles, these pleasant villages are bursting with character and historical past and enveloped by age-old legends. Sure, a few of them are just a little touristy, like Mayle’s Ménerbes or Gordes or Roussillon, however that doesn’t matter.
Exit of season, go early or late, however go, as a result of these are a number of the most stunning villages in Provence (and France) and also you’ll spend hours shocked by the wonder that seems round each nook.
Down under, if the month is correct, the fields will likely be tinted blue and purple, the lavender bursting forth with the brightness that’s so recognized with this area of France.
Inhale the lavender whenever you go to Provence
For those who’re right here in early summer season, put together for a deal with: it is the very best time to go to Provence for its lavender.
The peak lavender season begins in mid-June and extends via mid-July, however lavender can nonetheless be discovered flowering via to the start of August in some areas.
When to go to Provence? Lavende is finest in the summertime months ©LeLongWeekendWithin the Luberon, a number of the most stunning lavender experiences are available on the Senanque Abbey, on the foot of Saignon, and close to the Cave de Bonnieux on the best way to Bonnieux. Go to on the finish of June, via to the second week of July to expertise these fields at their finest.
Close by, on the Valensole Plateau, you may discover sprawling lavender farms so far as the attention can see. To go to, drive down the D6 from Manosque in direction of Valensole, the place you may uncover a number of the most well-known fields in Provence.
After stopping in Valensole village for lavender-flavoured ice cream, you possibly can proceed alongside to Riez, right down to Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, and as much as Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, taking within the dramatic surroundings, flower fields (sage and sunflowers develop right here too), and roadside produce stalls as you go.
In case your Provence journey takes place from mid-July onwards, head north to the village of Sault, whose lavender fields flower later because of the elevated elevation.
Do not miss the Chemin des Lavandes – a signposted stroll via a number of the lavender farms, and when you’re round mid-August you’ll catch one of the well-liked lavender festivals that takes place in Sault village. It is a celebration of the 12 months’s crop, with parades, market stalls, and leisure.
—Contributed by Nadine Maffre of Le Lengthy Weekend
Delve into the markets of Provence
@Dream Plan ExpertiseEvery single day is market day someplace in Provence, and these are as iconic because the lavender that undulates throughout its fields.
Visiting a neighborhood market is among the finest methods to expertise life in Provence, and market day is a ritual throughout which locals meet up with a good friend or their favorite vendor.
Market stalls promote contemporary produce, after all, and cheese and bread. However markets in Provence additionally promote textiles, like conventional woven baskets and linens, together with lavender merchandise and ceramics. It’s a real feast for the senses to go to a city or village on their market day.
Many cities and villages of Provence have a day by day market, every providing one thing particular or distinctive. Some draw large crowds, whereas others are quiet and quaint.
Listed below are three beneficial ones to go to.
The hilltop village of Gordes, thought-about one of many most stunning villages in France, units up their Tuesday market on the foot of a fortress within the centre of city. Gordes is named having the very best market within the Luberon area of Provence.
Probably the greatest and most well-known markets in Provence is Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. This small, sleepy village comes alive on Wednesday mornings.
The largest Saturday market within the Luberon area is in Apt. Over 300 market stalls fill the city centre. Apt is named the world’s capital for candied fruit so why not purchase one thing authentically made in Apt whereas on the market.
—Contributed by Renee of Dream Plan Expertise
Uncover wineries to go to in Provence
Many individuals don’t notice there are vineyards to go to in Provence, and that the area is taken into account the oldest wine-producing area in France: the historic vineyards of Provence date again so far as 600 BCE.
Vineyards of Provence ©OneGirlOneWorldThe wines of Provence are dominated by rosé – in reality, it’s nearly 90% of the wine manufacturing within the area – however there are glorious whites and reds as properly.
The grape varietals right here embrace a handful of well-known names (Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon), however many lesser-known French vines as properly (Ugni Blanc, Clairette, Carignan, and extra). The brilliant, dry, and crisp model of rosé wine made in Provence is an ideal match for the area’s lighter Mediterranean delicacies.
The easiest way to expertise the wines of Provence is to go to a vineyard or two, and it’s easy to do since they’re scattered all through the area. You’ll be able to get pleasure from a self-guided go to or take a guided tour, which simplifies the consuming and driving logistics and vineyard preparations.
If you’re exploring by yourself via the winery areas, search for indicators that say “Degustation” (that means guests are welcome to come back in and style) and “Cave” (they might supply completely different vintages to style).
Just a few wineries price a go to embrace Château de Saint-Martin, Château d’Esclans (residence of the well-known Whispering Angel model), Jans d’Esclans, Château de Bellet, and Citadel Paquette.
There are additionally many smaller wineries to find, and it’s possible you’ll simply occur upon a captivating family-run vineyard as you drive round one of the underrated wine areas in France.
—Contributed by Jessica of One Lady, Entire World
Observe within the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh
One of many extra well-known artists to reside and work in Provence was none apart from van Gogh, the Dutch post-Impressionist typically recognized – along with his artwork – for slicing off his ear in a match of madness.
Even when you solely know his title, you’ve in all probability seen his work, the swirling skies and dazzling sunflowers and irises that redefine mild.
What it’s possible you’ll not know is that of his 900 or so work, 200 had been painted within the Provençal cities of Arles and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, within the quick house of 27 or so months.
Van Gogh left Paris, the place he then lived, due to his well being, however in Provence he discovered mild and inspiration.
Sadly, although, the psychological issues he had confronted since childhood solely turned worse as he threw himself into his work, till that fatidic night time he minimize his ear off in a match of absinthe-fueled pique.
One of many distinctive issues to do in Provence is to comply with in van Gogh’s footsteps in Arles and Saint Rémy.
Each cities have a path mapped out via cypresses and olive groves which you’ll comply with at your leisure, gazing on the surroundings and questioning whether or not, by some means, you may see what van Gogh was in a position to see. This is among the finest locations to go to in Provence when you love artwork, and you will find loads of issues to do in Arles.
Discover Roman Provence
For those who’re in Saint-Rémy studying all about van Gogh, your foremost cease will likely be Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, the monastery and asylum the place the artist spent a 12 months after leaving Arles.
Throughout the road from the monastery is the treasure that’s Glanum, a Roman metropolis constructed on the foundations of an excellent earlier metropolis devoted to a sacred spring with a fame for therapeutic.
When the Romans had been on the march throughout France, town caught their consideration and so they captured it, renaming it Glanum and erecting the numerous monuments we will visualize from the ruins – temples, baths, and a spiritual sanctuary celebrating the sacred waters.
Whereas Glanum was destroyed throughout by barbarian invasions in 260 CE, there stays close by what at the moment are known as The Antiques, the nearly-intact gate via which one entered Glanum.
Whereas Glanum is among the finest locations in Provence for roman ruins, half an hour’s drive away is the small city of Arles, so stuffed with monuments that almost all of them are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Website. Listed below are the prime ten must-see Roman ruins of Arles.
Stroll alongside Good’s Promenade des Anglais
Whereas Provence is stuffed with wonderful villages, a few of its cities are equally gorgeous.
Take Good, founded by Greek mariners round 350 BCE. As we speak, it’s the capital of the French Riviera, and its sweeping Promenade des Anglais is a Provence should see, bordered on one aspect by the sandy shores of the Mediterranean and on the opposite by elegant palace resorts like the Negresco, constructed throughout France’s Belle Époque.
A fowl’s eye view of the Promenade des Anglais, one of many pleasant city locations to see in ProvenceThe Promenade is a pedestrian walkway that stretches seven kilometers from the airport within the west to the headland within the east, excellent for a breath of contemporary air and a implausible exercise – strolling its size is considered one of the very best issues to do in Good.
Good has been wildly well-liked for a very long time, and within the 18th century turned a coveted winter vacation spot for the English aristocracy. A century later, town’s English neighborhood raised funds to construct the walkway and so the Promenade des Anglais was born.
Whereas strolling alongside the Promenade, with the ocean breeze whipping your face, cease for meals or drinks at considered one of many native bars and eating places. For those who’re uninterested in strolling, there are seats to take a break and luxuriate in individuals watching. Some elements of the Promenade des Anglais get pleasure from a cooling water mist: excellent in summer season!
After all, in any case that strolling and train, why not use the chance to step onto the seashore for a little bit of sunbathing or for a dip within the Mediterranean Sea?
—Contributed by Ophélie of Limitless Secrets and techniques
Browse the artwork galleries in Saint-Paul-de-Vence
To feed your internal artist, take a day journey from Good to Saint-Paul-de-Vence, with its gorgeous views cascading right down to the coastal areas of Provence to the Côte d’Azur.
It is no surprise the village was a magnet to so many well-known artists – Chagall, Picasso, Matisse, Braque, Modigliani, Miró… all fell in love with the village and left behind a little bit of themselves, from artworks with which they paid their payments at institutions just like the Colombe d’Or to much-loved public sculptures that dot the city. Marc Chagall is even buried right here.
Extra formally, the Maeght Basis – France’s first ever non-public artwork basis – has the most effective collections of recent European artwork. Within the streets of the village, all it’s a must to do is stroll round and you may discover each different store is an artwork gallery.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence can also be the most effective cities in Provence for strolling, with its outdated stone partitions and cobblestone streets. It has lengthy been a well-liked weekend getaway spot for the wealthy and well-known of France and past, and for on a regular basis lovers of fantastic artwork. It’s a place to calm down, heal and soak within the magnificent views and slower tempo of the hills of Provence.
Tempted? Simply hop a neighborhood bus from the primary bus space in Good and after half an hour, you too will likely be feasting your eyes on the fantastic thing about Saint Paul, each inside and out of doors its partitions.
—Contributed by Noel Morata of This Hawaii Life
Hike the well-known calanques
The Calanques ©TheUnknownEnthusiastVillages, cities and cities are a part of Provence’s DNA – however so are its pure areas.
The Mediterranean coast between Marseille and Cassis is dotted with pure inlets known as calanques, rugged inlets much like the fjords of Norway (however a lot, a lot smaller).
They’re a part of the Calanques Nationwide Park and their pure magnificence makes them a pleasure to hike, a straightforward day journey from Marseille.
One of the well-liked routes is from Port Miou in Cassis to the Calanque d’En Vau, simply essentially the most dramatic calanque, with towering white limestone partitions contrasted by turquoise water.
As you begin your hike from Port Miou, you’ll expertise your first calanque (the aptly named Calanque de Port Miou), small however stunning. In about 20 minutes, you’ll hit the Calanque de Port Pin. Right here, you possibly can comply with the path straight and inland, or maintain to the left and comply with an alternate path alongside the coast. The coastal path is longer, however it will provide you with the very best views as you strategy Calanque d’En Vau.
The descent right down to d’En Vau is steep and rocky, and generally you’ll have to make use of your fingers to ease your self down the rocks. It’s definitely worth the effort, nevertheless, as you enter the seashore of the calanque and see the white partitions stand up over you, with a slender passage out to sea!
Go swimming within the Mediterranean waters, however ensure you have some water footwear or sandals – the seashore is rocky. In any other case, carry a baguette, a hunk of cheese, and a few fruit, and luxuriate in a French picnic in one of the gorgeous pure wonders of Provence.
—Contributed by Stephanie Rytting of The Unknown Fanatic
Snorkel in Port Cros Nationwide Park
Additional down the coast is one other pristine hideaway, this time a Mediterranean island with no vehicles or bikes and distant views of untouched nature.
Port Cros Island has been a nationwide park since 1963 and is just a 30-60min ferry experience from Hyères or Le Lavandou.
Though you possibly can go to Port Cros as a day journey from the mainland, take into account staying in a single day and exploring the whole island.
Regardless of its isolation, the port and close by seashores can get busy through the excessive season in July and August, particularly the Plage du Sud and La Fausse Monnaie, essentially the most accessible.
The Plage de la Palud can also be highly regarded, although it’s a must to hike for half an hour to get there. It is well-known for a snorkelling path that explores the oldest marine park in Europe. Underwater indicators (in French however with photos) enable guests to study extra concerning the native biodiversity and what to search for.
The farther you go from the port, the less individuals you may see. There are not any outlets or eating places on the island as soon as you allow the port space, so ensure you pack water and snacks, seize your good strolling footwear, and head for a distant seashore.
—Contributed by Eloïse of My Favorite Escapes
Courageous the Gorges du Verdon
For those who head inland in Provence, simply two hours from Good, spend a day discovering the Verdon Gorges, well-known for the turquoise waters of the Verdon River.
Exploring the Gorges might be performed in a number of methods, every permitting you to expertise them in a different way.
Driving is the best to do, alongside the snaky highway which supplies a number of gorgeous viewpoints – and some vertiginous drops. Be careful to not fall!
Climbing is among the most well-liked Verdon River’s outside actions, with a number of trails across the gorge or down by the river.
The most well-liked are the Martel Path and the Imbut Path – this final path is difficult, with some steep areas and restricted security, higher reserved for knowledgeable hikers.
Come summer season, the highest attraction is kayaking alongside the turquoise waters of the Verdon River. Hire a kayak for an hour on Lac Sainte-Croix, and head for the gorge; it solely takes an hour to go to the part of the river accessible to kayaks.
—Contributed by Patricia Pagenel of Ze Wandering Frogs
Drive up Mont Ventoux
After which there’s Mont Ventoux, Provence’s iconic mountain and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve well-known by the Tour de France cyclists who huff and puff their method up just about yearly.
You are able to do it extra simply by driving up – there are three roads resulting in the highest. It’s fairly the journey, however price it to savour the breathtaking views.
Hold a couple of issues in thoughts as you ponder your climb.
First, be certain your car is in good situation and that you simply’re acquainted with its capabilities. You are about to begin a winding and treacherous climb, and there are not any guard rails.
Additionally know that the summit is 1,912 meters (6,273 ft) excessive, so there’s a threat of altitude illness. For those who’re not feeling properly, or you probably have every other issues, do not hesitate to show again.
Lastly, ensure you have loads of water and snacks. There is a café up there, however you by no means know if they will be closed simply the day you resolve to drive up.
There are those that assume the title Mont Ventoux means windy mountain – it doesn’t, however it ought to, given what blows up there, so remember a jacket or a windbreaker. And obtain your GPS or highway map earlier than you begin the climb, as a result of the connections is not all the time that good.
The actual that means of Mont Ventoux? “The mountain you possibly can see from wherever.”
—Contributed by Don of The Cash Saving Daddy
Provence FAQ
Is Provence price visiting?
Completely. It is among the most stunning areas of France, if not THE most stunning. Among the world’s most well-known artists got here to Provence to color – they could not get sufficient of its beautiful landscapes and good mild.
What’s the most stunning place in Provence?
Some individuals love the Luberon, within the Alpilles area, others really feel the Riviera is dreamy, with its turquoise waters and sleek inlets, and but others are taken with the wild expanses of the Camargue.
That are the very best cities in Provence?
There are such a lot of! And it relies upon what you imply by “finest”…
- Gordes and Lourmarin within the Luberon, for the setting and the fantastic thing about the cities
- L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, for its riverside setting and its Sunday markets
- Avignon, for its historic buildings
- Saint-Paul-de-Vence for its artists
- And any variety of cities alongside the Riviera…Villefranche-sur-Mer, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and so many extra
The best way to get to Provence
You’ll be able to drive to Provence from Paris in a couple of hours alongside the primary A7 autoroute.
You may as well fly into Provence into a number of airports, together with Good and Marseille, each of which have worldwide flights.
The best way to go to Provence by prepare
You’ll be able to take the prepare to Provence, the place there are a lot of stops for the high-speed TGV, together with Aix-en-Province, Avignon, Cannes, Marseille and Good.
When to go to Provence
The perfect time to go to Provence is in spring or autumn, with Might and September often the very best months. Nevertheless, the very best time to go to Provence for lavender is summer season, within the latter a part of June and the early a part of July.
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