Why Go to Provence
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Provence is the south of France of your dreams: lavender fields, hilltop villages, olive groves, Roman ruins and a golden light that has inspired painters like Van Gogh and Cezanne for centuries.
The region is full of beauty and variety. Visit the ancient Roman arena and the Van Gogh landmarks of Arles, the Palais des Papes in Avignon and the remarkable Pont du Gard aqueduct. Stroll the elegant boulevards and markets of Aix-en-Provence, and wander the perched villages of the Luberon, like Gordes, Roussillon and Bonnieux. In early summer, the lavender fields around the Valensole Plateau and the Senanque Abbey bloom in waves of purple. Drive the dramatic Gorges du Verdon, Europe's Grand Canyon, and enjoy long lunches with local rose and Provencal cuisine at village markets.
Fly into Marseille or Nice and explore by car, or take a Rhone River cruise through the region. I'll time your trip for lavender season or market days and plan a route with charming countryside stays.
BEST FOR
Couples, foodies, wine lovers, artists and road-trippers
BEST MONTHS
May to June or September
EXPLORE
- Avignon: The papal city.
- Aix-en-Provence: Markets and Cézanne.
- Luberon: Hilltop villages.
- Arles & the Camargue: Roman history and wetlands.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Provence
Europe › Western Europe › France › Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur
Lavender fields, hilltop villages and the golden light that inspired Van Gogh.
Historical & Heritage
Lavender
Art
Scenic
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Time your trip for late June to mid-July to see the lavender in bloom, and visit the fields early in the morning for soft light and fewer crowds.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Use the HistoPad tablet for an immersive tour.
Palais des Papes
The vast Gothic palace of the popes in Avignon.
Visit late June to mid-July.
Valensole Lavender Fields
Rolling fields of lavender on the Valensole Plateau.
Rent a pedal boat or kayak.
Gorges du Verdon
Europe's deepest canyon, with turquoise water.
Swim in the river below.
Pont du Gard
A spectacular Roman aqueduct.
Visit on Saturday.
Aix-en-Provence Markets
Colorful markets in Cézanne's hometown.
A luxurious hotel overlooking the Luberon.
La Bastide de Gordes
Gordes
Hotel Tags
A vineyard resort with a spa.
Coquillade Provence
Gargas
Hotel Tags
A legendary hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Baumanière
Les Baux-de-Provence
Hotel Tags
A historic mansion facing the Palais des Papes.
La Mirande
Avignon
Hotel Tags
A design-forward boutique hotel.
Hôtel Le Cloître
Arles
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Provence
High 59°F · Low 43°F · Rain 3 in
Olive harvest season.
The best times to visit Provence are May through June and September. Late June to mid-July is lavender season, while July and August are hot and busy.
Best Times to Visit Provence
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Provençal cuisine celebrates olive oil, herbs, vegetables and rosé.
- Markets: Shop for local produce and cheese.
- Provençal dishes: Try ratatouille and daube.
- Must-try: Ratatouille, tapenade, calissons, bouillabaisse and rosé.
06
Walking
Villages and towns are best explored on foot.
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Tours
Guided tours explore lavender fields and villages.
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Buses
Regional buses connect towns.
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Rental Cars
A car is the best way to explore villages.
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Trains
TGV trains connect Paris with Avignon and Aix-en-Provence.
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Flying In
Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) and Nice Côte d'Azur (NCE) are the main airports.
Most travelers fly into Marseille or arrive by TGV. Once you're here, a rental car is the best way to explore.
Getting Around Provence
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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