France

Provence

Region

The Provence in southeastern France stretches from the Rhône Valley into the Pre-Alps and to the coast near Marseille.

The Provence in southeastern France stretches from the Rhône Valley into the Pre-Alps and to the coast near Marseille. Here you'll find Roman structures, medieval hilltop villages, lavender fields on the plateaus, the Verdon Gorges, and lively cities like Marseille, Avignon, and Aix-en-Provence. Additionally, there are markets, wine, and a cuisine rich in vegetables, olive oil, and herbs.

Provence, located in southeastern France, is characterized by its iconic lavender fields, historic hilltop villages, and mild Mediterranean climate. Here you'll discover Roman monuments in Arles, vibrant markets in Aix-en-Provence, and the spectacular Gorges du Verdon. The region is also renowned for its excellent wines, aromatic herbs, and authentic regional cuisine. Picturesque towns like Gordes or Roussillon in the Luberon invite you to linger with their art galleries, artisan boutiques, and cafés. The famous lavender bloom reaches its peak from mid-June to mid-July, but for a more relaxed trip with fewer tourists, spring is recommended.

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Briançon

Briançon, at around 1,300 metres in the Hautes-Alpes, is considered France's highest city. Its Vauban-designed fortifications (old town and surrounding forts) became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008.

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Moustiers

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is situated on a rock face at the western end of the Gorges du Verdon and is one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France".

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Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence, the former capital of Provence, welcomes you with an elegant atmosphere, shaped by historic buildings and shade-giving plane trees.

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Arles

Arles is a city with a deep-rooted history, shaped by its Roman heritage and the artistic presence of Vincent van Gogh.

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More places in Provence

Avignon

Historical Avignon in Provence is inextricably linked to its time as a papal seat in the 14th century. Its imposing city walls enclose an Old Town that is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will be particularly impressed by the Palais des Papes, Europe's largest Gothic palace, and the famous Pont Saint-Bénézet bridge, known as the Pont d'Avignon. Stroll through the narrow streets and bustling squares to experience the city's authentic flair. From the Rocher des Doms rock, you can also enjoy a wide view over the city and the Rhône. For a more relaxed experience, a visit in spring or autumn is recommended to avoid the summer heat and peak tourist crowds.

Gorges du Verdon

The Gorges du Verdon are considered one of Europe's largest canyons. The Verdon river has carved up to 700 meters deep into the limestone, its water shimmering from green to turquoise.Here you can go kayaking, rafting, or embark on challenging hikes. At its western end lies the Lac de Sainte-Croix, a lake dammed in 1974, perfect for swimming and boat trips.The panoramic road Corniche Sublime runs along the southern rim, while the Route des Crêtes follows the northern side near La Palud-sur-Verdon. Close to the gorge is Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, renowned for its Fayence pottery and the star suspended between two cliffs.The classic path through the gorge is the Sentier Blanc-Martel, a challenging day hike featuring tunnels and ladders. May, June, September, and October are the best times to visit; in mid-summer, paths may be closed due to wildfire risk.

Marseille

Marseille is considered France's oldest city and is now a vibrant port metropolis. Its heart is the Vieux Port with its fish market and restaurants. Perched above the city is the Basilica Notre-Dame de la Garde, offering panoramic views over the city and sea. In the Le Panier district, the oldest part of the city, you'll find narrow streets, artisan studios, and small shops. The Mucem, located at the harbor entrance, showcases exhibitions on Mediterranean cultures. To the south of the city, the Calanques National Park features rocky inlets with clear water. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant times to visit. Bouillabaisse, the city's most famous dish, often needs to be ordered a day in advance at reputable restaurants.

Gordes

Gordes, a Luberon hill village, is among the "Plus Beaux Villages de France". Its stone houses rise on a rocky spur around the Renaissance castle. From the top, you overlook the valley to the Luberon mountains. Nearby are the Village des Bories and Sénanque Abbey with its lavender field.

Sights in Provence

Discover the most important sights and attractions

Basilique Saint-Pierre

The Basilique Saint-Pierre in Avignon's Old Town began construction in 1358 on the site of one of the city's first churches. Its late Gothic facade already features early Renaissance motifs, alongside which stands an octagonal tower, typical of Avignon's medieval churches. Famous are the approximately four-meter-high walnut wood doors carved by sculptor Antoine Volard in 1551; they depict, among other things, the Annunciation. Since 2012, the church has held the title of a basilica. Our tip: Take your time to admire the doors; the small square in front of them is still empty in the early morning.

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Papstpalast

The Palace of the Popes in Avignon, Provence, stands as a monumental testament to European history and architecture. In the 14th century, it served as the Popes' residence during the Avignon Papacy and is now one of Europe's largest and most significant Gothic structures. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it reflects the political and religious power of that era.Upon entering, you will be struck by its sheer scale and fortress-like appearance. Explore the sprawling courtyards, the magnificent audience halls, and the Popes' private chambers, which are often adorned with impressive frescoes, for instance by Matteo Giovannetti. The sheer dimension of the complex conveys a sense of its former significance.Our Tip: To avoid the crowds and enjoy the atmosphere in peace, ideally visit the Palace right after opening in the morning or in the late afternoon. For an unparalleled panoramic view of the Palace and the city of Avignon, head to the nearby Rocher des Doms.

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Musée Calvet

The Musée Calvet in Avignon, Provence, is housed in a magnificent 18th-century private mansion, the Hôtel de Villeneuve-Martignan. It was founded by the physician and collector Esprit Calvet and houses an impressive variety of art and archaeological collections. Here you'll find a rich selection, ranging from ancient Egyptian artifacts and Roman finds from the region to medieval sculptures. The painting collections, spanning from the 16th to the 20th century, include works by French, Italian, and Dutch masters. The architecture of the building itself is an integral part of the visitor experience and reflects the elegance of the era. Our Tip: Take your time for the decorative arts department, which is often overlooked but showcases exquisite ceramics and furniture. To avoid the crowds and enjoy the art in peace, a morning visit shortly after opening is recommended.

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Musée Lapidaire

The Musée Lapidaire in Avignon is part of the Musée Calvet and is housed in the Baroque chapel of the former 17th-century Jesuit college on Rue de la République. The archaeological collection includes sculptures, reliefs, funerary stelae, inscriptions, and sarcophagi from Egypt, Greece, Etruria, and Rome, as well as from Roman and early Christian Gaul. The most famous piece is the Tarasque of Noves, a Celtic stone sculpture of a man-eating monster. The high-ceilinged church setting lends the museum a unique atmosphere. Our tip: Mornings are the quietest time to visit.

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The Hill of Mourgues

The Colline des Mourgues is a hill park of around seven hectares in the historic center of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, on the right Rhône bank opposite Avignon. Walking paths lead to the remains of the Petite Chartreuse, a hermitage with the rock-cut tomb of the city's last Carthusian, and up to the Notre-Dame de Consolation Chapel. From above, you look out over Villeneuve, the Rhône, and Avignon. There is a playground, picnic areas, and an open-air theater. Our Tip: The park is open year-round during the day, and in the late afternoon, the light over Avignon is most beautiful.

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Dining & Drinks

Le Palais Royal

Bar in 10 Rue de la Peyrolerie.

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MAISON ORSINI

Stilvolles B&B in einem Gebäude aus dem 14. Jahrhundert mit Garten, Restaurant und Außenpool.

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Rossini Sandwicherie

Restaurant in 4 Rue Félix Gras.

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La Fourchette

Restaurant in 17 Rue Racine.

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Restaurant L'Épicerie

Einfache, traditionelle französische Küche in einem urigen Bistro mit Terrasse auf einem ruhigen Platz.

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Dining & Drinks

Provençal cuisine is based on olive oil, vegetables, garlic, and herbs. Meat plays a smaller role than in Northern France; fish, only on the coast.

Olive oil and Tapenade

Several mills in the region hold a Protected Designation of Origin. The paste Tapenade is made from black olives, capers, and anchovies.

Vegetable Meals

Ratatouille, stuffed vegetables, and dishes with artichokes or zucchini flowers are on every menu in summer.

Herbs and Lavender

Thyme, rosemary, and savory grow wild on the limestone slopes. Lavender yields honey, syrup, and essential oil.

Wines of the Rhône and Provence

Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas stand for robust red wines, the Côtes de Provence for pale, dry rosé.

Pastis

The anise spirit is diluted with cold water, drunk as an aperitif, and belongs on every terrace.

Cultural Heritage of Provence

The history of Provence dates back to Greek foundations such as Massalia, modern-day Marseille, around 600 BC. Roman rule from the late 2nd century BC was formative, giving the region its name (Provincia). Evidence of this can be found in the amphitheater and ancient theater in Arles or the theater of Orange, and in nearby Languedoc, also the Arena of Nîmes and the Pont du Gard.In the Middle Ages, Romanesque churches and the simple Cistercian abbeys of Sénanque, Silvacane, and Le Thoronet emerged. In the 14th century, Avignon became the seat of the popes; the Palais des Papes is considered the largest Gothic palace in Europe. This period significantly shaped the region.The light and landscape of Provence later attracted numerous painters: Vincent van Gogh worked in Arles and Saint-Rémy, Paul Cézanne in Aix-en-Provence. Traditions such as the handmade nativity figures, the Santons, and the Provençal language, nurtured in songs and festivals, remain vibrant today.

Exploring locally

Rail along the AxisThe high-speed line connects Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, and Marseille with Paris, and also links them to each other with frequent services. Between Avignon, Arles, Nîmes, and Marseille, you can travel reliably by regional train without a car. Important: Avignon and Aix each have two train stations – one in the city centre and a TGV station outside.To the VillagesThe mountain villages of the Luberon, the Alpilles, and the Verdon Gorges are only partially accessible by bus, and the timetable thins out considerably outside of school hours. For these destinations, a car is practically indispensable. The roads are narrow and winding, and in high season, parking spaces in Gordes, Roussillon, or Moustiers are already full by late morning.Wind and SeasonThe Mistral wind primarily blows down the Rhône Valley in winter and spring, and can blow strongly for days. It clears the air but noticeably complicates cycling and boat trips.

Round trips through this region

Provence & Côte d'Azur

From Avignon, you drive into the Luberon to Gordes and on to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie on the edge of the Verdon Gorge. After that, it's down to the coast to Saint-Tropez, Cannes, and finally Nice; no leg takes longer than about two and a half hours.

13 Days

6 stops

Route des Grandes Alpes

From Annecy, you drive to Albertville and the next day over the Col de l'Iseran at 2,764 meters to Briançon. The last stage leads over the Col de la Bonette down to Nice and takes a full day with breaks. The high passes are usually only open from June or July until October.

9 Days

4 stops

Right Through Southern France

From Vallon-Pont-d'Arc in the Gorges de l'Ardèche, you drive to Avignon and then westwards via Carcassonne and Toulouse to Bordeaux. Finally, you reach Arcachon on the Atlantic coast; for the approximately 700 kilometres, you should plan several longer driving days.

14 Days

6 stops

Nearby

Avignon

Pont du Gard

The Pont du Gard is one of the best-preserved Roman aqueducts and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985. The approximately 49-meter-high bridge spans the Gardon and was part of a roughly 50-kilometer-long aqueduct system that brought spring water from Uzès to Nîmes in the 1st century AD. You can admire the three superimposed rows of arches up close and cross the river via the lower level. A museum and visitor center explain its construction and history. In the late afternoon, the light is warm and the crowds are smaller. In summer, you can swim in the Gardon below the bridge; a walk along the banks offers additional perspectives.

Gordes

Arles

Arles is a city with a deep-rooted history, shaped by its Roman heritage and the artistic presence of Vincent van Gogh. Here, you can explore impressive Roman structures such as the well-preserved amphitheater Arènes d'Arles and the ancient theater, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Roman cryptoporticus and the Alyscamps burial ground also bear witness to the city's former importance. The city significantly inspired Vincent van Gogh, whose traces can be found at places like Café la Nuit or in the garden of the Hôtel-Dieu. The Fondation Vincent van Gogh Arles presents his work in the context of contemporary art. For an authentic experience, a visit to the lively Saturday market is worthwhile. The best time to visit is spring or autumn, to enjoy the city with mild temperatures and fewer crowds.

Saint-Gilles

Saint-Gilles is a small town on the edge of the Petite Camargue in the Gard département, about 20 kilometres south of Nîmes. It is known for its abbey church, whose Romanesque west facade from the 12th century counts among the most important sculptural works of Romanesque art in France and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela. There are also a small old town, a harbour on the Canal du Rhône à Sète and the bull and rice culture of the Camargue.