In my put up about the place to journey in France after Paris, one of many areas I like to recommend is Provence — an space I’ve now visited (together with the neighbouring Gard) 9 instances.
Provence was the primary area I explored past Paris on my very first journey to France with my household. We stayed within the hilltop village of Gordes, the place household mates had a house constructed instantly into the stone partitions of the village — an unforgettable introduction to a spot that’s now listed as considered one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France.
You’ll usually hear folks point out the Luberon and the Vaucluse when speaking about Provence. The Vaucluse is a division throughout the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur area, and the Luberon is an space inside that division. That is the place you’ll discover villages corresponding to Gordes, Ménerbes, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, and Bonnieux.
Why Go to Provence After Paris?
In case you want a cause to go to Provence, I’d recommend studying considered one of Peter Mayle’s novels. He wrote a number of books about his life there, together with A 12 months in Provence. After it was revealed, locals weren’t thrilled when giant numbers of vacationers started arriving in beforehand quiet villages.
His books had been later tailored for tv, and considered one of them, A Good 12 months, grew to become a movie starring Russell Crowe and Marion Cotillard. One of many villages featured was Gordes, which is likely one of the locations I return to time and again. I feel it’s the most lovely hilltop village in Provence (you may examine it right here).
You rapidly see why folks fall in love with Provence. It’s a spot the place villages perch on hilltops, markets spill into city squares, and meals are constructed round native produce. Alongside Roman ruins and historic websites, there are many experiences you gained’t wish to miss:
- out of doors markets promoting recent produce and native merchandise corresponding to linens and pottery
- the distinctive flavours of Provençal delicacies
- various surroundings, from lavender fields to the ochre quarries of Roussillon
- seeing the areas that impressed Van Gogh’s work
- many out of doors actions corresponding to biking, kayaking, and climbing
- seasonal festivals celebrating native traditions
And naturally, there are the cicadas — the loud, chirping bugs that fill the air on sizzling summer time days.
Summer season, particularly July and August, may be very popular, which is why afternoon siestas are frequent (usually accompanied by a glass of rosé). The Mistral wind can supply some aid, however it can be surprisingly sturdy — one thing I realized on my first journey in late August.
1. Markets In Provence
There may be nothing like sitting on the terrace at nightfall sipping Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine. And much more satisfying is wandering by the weekly markets which might be held in so many villages in Provence. Some are simply farmers markets (ie. with native fruit and veggies, meats, breads, cheese, and flowers) and a few additionally carry Provencal objects (ie. materials, clothes and dishes). The very giant ones usually have areas put aside for flea markets.
The listing of markets is simply too lengthy to incorporate each one and the times they run, so listed here are a few of my favorite markets that I like to recommend visiting. Be sure you present up early (ie. 8:30 am) not simply to seize a parking area however to offer you time to take a look at all of the merchandise and have time for a espresso afterwards. Most markets shut up by 12:30 pm as a result of by that point the stalls have run out of merchandise.
Monday
- Cavaillon (not the prettiest market, however actually well-known for the Cavaillon melons)-(Mondays)
Tuesday
- Aix-en-Provence (nearly every single day of the week, however Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday are the times with the largest markets)
- Gordes-small however in case you’re within the space, a pleasant one to go to
Wednesday
- St. Rémy-de-Provence-nice market with native, artisan crafts
- Coustellet (night farmer’s market)
Thursday
- Menerbes-I feel this has one of many prettiest markets
- Aix-en-Provence
- L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue-famous for the antiques and meals markets
- Lourmarin-large, upscale market that is a little more costly with artisan merchandise and linens
Friday
- Bonnieux-small however value visiting
Saturday
- Apt-this is one large market that has every part. I actually loved wandering by it
- Aix-en-Provence
- Arles (Saturday has the bigger market)
- Avignon-quite giant with a piece that’s extra like a flea market (nearly every single day of the week however Saturday’s is the largest)
Sunday
- L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue-famous for the antiques and meals markets (Sunday’s market is far greater than the Thursday market)
- Coustellet (farmer’s market)
To be sincere there are such a lot of markets all through the area that they’ll be onerous to overlook.
2. Inventive Explorations In Provence
(a) Carrières des Lumières
My absolute favorite place to go to is in Les Baux-de-Provence. It’s known as Les Carrières des Lumières and the immersive digital artwork present is projected on the partitions of the previous limestone quarry. It’s mind-blowing and even when you’re not into artwork, you’ll admire the “present” introduced to you. Learn extra in regards to the expertise right here: The three Greatest Immersive Artwork Exhibitions In France.
(b) Van Gogh
Van Gogh cherished Provence due to the sunshine. In case you’re fascinated with his life and artwork you should definitely go to Arles and St. Rémy-de-Provence. On this put up, Following The Van Gogh Route (In Arles And Saint Remy) I share what you may see in every city. In Arles, there’s a strolling route and see reproductions of his artwork in entrance of the particular areas; and in Saint-Remy-de-Provence, you’re taking a stroll from the centre of city to the Saint-Paul asylum (hospital) the place Van Gogh admitted himself.
(c) Fashionable Artwork
For these desirous to see fashionable artwork, don’t miss:
- Fondation Maeght (in Saint-Paul-de-Vence): to see some distinctive fashionable artwork and sculptures by artists corresponding to Chagall, Miro, and Giacometti. Examine this museum right here: Fondation Maeght.
- Fondation Vasarely: Victor Vasarely is the daddy of Op Artwork—optical illusions. Examine this museum right here: Fondation Vasarely
3. Outside Actions In Provence
For individuals who are searching for some out of doors exploration take into account these excursions:
4. Cultural Actions In Provence
- Les Baux-de-Provence: Go to Le Chateau des Baux de Provence is a commanding fortress that ought to be visited for the views, the reveals, and demonstrations of the medieval weapons.
- Saint-Remy-de-Provence: in case you time it proper in June, you would see the Fête de la Transhumance: Tons of of sheep make their approach by city on their option to the mountain pastures.
- Orange, Arles, and Nimes: Try the Roman amphitheatres in these cities. There are sometimes festivals which might be value attending.
- Arles-attending a Provençal bull combat and pageant: La Course Camarguaise And The Cocarde d’Or
5. Previous Journeys To Provence
When visiting the Vaucluse division, I’ve stayed in varied villages and cities or generally simply down a rustic street from Gordes. I loved having a spot in Murs, Bonnieux, and Cassis (though additional south than the opposite, it was nonetheless shut sufficient to do day journeys within the Luberon). You possibly can examine my varied stays (journey reviews) right here:
- Journey #1: Paris, Provence, Côte d’Azur
- Journey #2: Provence, Côte d’Azur, Burgundy, Chantilly
- Journey #4: Paris, Loire Valley, Burgundy, French Alps, Provence
- Journey #5: Provence (first time renting a home for 2 weeks)
- Journey #12: Gordes, Dordgone, Paris
- Journey #24: Loire Valley, Paris, Provence
- Journey #28: Brittany and Provence
- Journey # 31: Ardèche, Provence, Paris, Etretat, Normandy
- Journey #33: Two Months In France (2 weeks in Provence)
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