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Provence is a region of southeastern France stretching from the Rhone River toward the Alps and down to the Mediterranean. Romans left behind arenas, theaters and aqueducts, popes resided in Avignon in the fourteenth century, and painters such as Cezanne and Van Gogh found inspiration in its light. Hilltop villages, olive groves, vineyards and fields of lavender make up a landscape that has drawn visitors for generations.
Avignon is a natural base, with the vast Palais des Papes and the famous broken bridge over the Rhone. The Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct bridge, lies a short drive west, and the town of Orange has a remarkably preserved Roman theater close to the vineyards of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. In the Luberon, Gordes perches on a hillside above Senanque Abbey, known for the lavender rows in front of it in summer, while Roussillon glows with ochre cliffs explored on the Ochre Trail. L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is known for antiques and its riverside canals.
Further south, Saint-Remy-de-Provence is linked with Van Gogh, and the hilltop village of Les Baux sits nearby. Arles holds Roman monuments and leads to the wetlands of the Camargue, home to flamingos and white horses. Aix-en-Provence offers fountains, markets and elegant boulevards. A car makes exploring easiest, and village market days add character.
WiserMap travel guideProvence France Lavender Fields and Hilltop VillagesPlan Provence: Avignon, the Pont du Gard, Gordes, Roussillon, Arles, the Camargue, Aix and the Verdon gorge, with lavender timing, markets and practical tips.Read the guide
Avignon was the seat of the popes in the 14th century, and their vast Gothic palace still dominates the walled old town. Nearby is the famous half-ruined Pont Saint-Benezet bridge. A combined ticket covers both, with tablets that show the palace rooms as they once looked. In July the city hosts a huge theater festival.
A three-tiered Roman aqueduct bridge built in the first century to carry water across the Gardon River to Nimes, and one of the best preserved Roman structures anywhere. A museum explains how it was built, and in summer you can swim in the river below. Arrive early or late in the day for softer light.
Orange has one of the best preserved Roman theaters in the world, with its towering stage wall still standing, plus a Roman triumphal arch. A short drive south, the wine village of Chateauneuf-du-Pape has the ruins of a papal castle and many cellars offering tastings. Book tastings ahead at smaller estates.
Arles is a historic Rhone town with a Roman amphitheater that still hosts events, a Roman theater and other ancient monuments that are listed by UNESCO. Van Gogh painted hundreds of works here, and many sites he painted can be visited. The big Saturday market along the boulevard is a highlight of the week.
Gordes is a striking hilltop village of pale stone houses stacked above the Luberon valley. Nearby, the 12th-century Cistercian Senanque Abbey sits in a quiet valley with lavender fields in front that bloom from about late June to July. Monks still live there, so visitors should keep quiet and dress modestly.
A hilltop village in the Luberon where the houses are painted in warm shades of red and orange from local ochre. The Sentier des Ocres is a short walking trail through bright orange and red cliffs and hoodoos, taking 30 to 60 minutes. Wear shoes and clothes you do not mind getting stained with the fine dust.
A pretty market town surrounded by branches of the clear Sorgue River, with old water wheels turning along its canals. It is famous for its antique dealers and its large Sunday market, with an antiques fair on many Sundays. Nearby, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is the spring where the Sorgue rises from a cave at the foot of a cliff.
Saint-Remy is a lively town at the foot of the Alpilles, where Van Gogh stayed at the Saint-Paul de Mausole asylum and painted many works. The Roman ruins of Glanum are nearby. Les Baux-de-Provence is a dramatic village with castle ruins on a rocky spur, and the Carrieres des Lumieres shows immersive art in an old quarry.
The Camargue is the wild delta of the Rhone River, a land of lagoons, salt flats and marshes where white horses, black bulls and pink flamingos live. The Pont de Gau bird park offers easy trails among the flamingos. The seaside town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer has a fortified church. Bring insect repellent in summer.
A high, open plateau east of Manosque known for its long rows of lavender, often next to golden fields of wheat. The lavender usually blooms from mid-June to mid-July and is harvested soon after. Visit at sunrise or sunset for the best light, and stay on the edges so you do not damage the plants or bother farmers.
A deep limestone canyon with a turquoise river, one of the most spectacular gorges in Europe. Scenic roads such as the Route des Cretes run along the rim, and you can rent kayaks or pedal boats where the gorge meets Lac de Sainte-Croix. Nearby Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a cliffside village known for its fine painted pottery.
Aix-en-Provence is an elegant university town known for its fountains, honey-colored mansions and lively markets. The Cours Mirabeau is a grand avenue shaded by plane trees and lined with cafes. Visit Cezanne's studio on the hill north of the center, and look for views of Mont Sainte-Victoire, which he painted many times.
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