The South of France is one of the country’s loveliest areas. Bordered by the sea, the region has a mild climate, gorgeous landscapes, a mix of cities and small villages, and fantastic food and wine. Are you wondering what to do in Provence? You’ve come to the right place!
Planning a trip to this region of France promises a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere with friendly people and many things to see and do. This blog will highlight places to visit in Provence and the best things to do in Provence France.
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Best Provence Tours: Click here to check out the top Provence tours
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Best Provence Transport: Click here to book a bus, ferry, or train in Provence
Where to Go in Provence
Aix-En-Provence
One of the best things to do in Provence is visit Aix-En-Provence. The Old Town is mainly pedestrian, and the wide boulevards, open green spaces, and many fountains provide a serene but upscale atmosphere.
Many people come here for the numerous designer stores along the cobblestone streets. You will see women and men leisurely strolling the streets with shopping bags. Afterward, they love to sit in the cafes under the plane trees and enjoy a coffee or wine. Aix is about taking a break and enjoying a relaxing afternoon or evening.
If you are up for some sightseeing, there is plenty to do. This small city has the beautiful Aix Cathedral dating to the 12th century, and it is interesting to see its many styles of architecture, including Baroque, Gothic, and Romanesque.
The Granet Museum, an impressive art museum highlighting artists from the region, is one of the best places to visit in Provence. Here, there is a focus on Impressionism and the works of Paul Cezanne, who was born and lived in Aix. His stamp is prevalent throughout the city, and you can even walk in his footsteps by following a trail of his life there, presented by the Tourist Office. His art was often inspired by the Sainte Victoire mountain, located far from Aix-En-Provence.
Additionally, Aix has a very famous market each day that expands significantly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Local producers sell fresh produce from the area, and it is a beautiful place to pick up snacks or, if you are staying in a location with facilities, to make a perfect Provencal meal.
Just wandering the streets of Aix is a lovely way to spend the day. The city’s architecture is beautiful, and the elaborate fountains (there are said to be over 100) are interesting to look at. Be sure to stop in for a cheese and wine tasting or to try some of the sweet treats, such as calisson, which are specialties of the region. There is something to please everyone in this beautiful city, making it one of my favorite places to visit in Provence.
Arles
Are you looking for things to do in Provence France? Arles is one of the best places to visit in the region. It offers fantastic Roman sites, a city full of artistic history, and fabulous museums to explore.
The incredible number of Roman landmarks in this area of Southern France is impressive, particularly in Arles, where the collection has been designated a UNESCO Heritage Site. The city has done an excellent job of preserving and highlighting these structures and providing insight into the way of life during that time.
History buffs can wander the tunnels and storage areas in the central part of town and see what are thought to have been cellars and catacombs. Two locations give you an idea of life 2000 years ago: the Roman bath ruins, where residents went for exercise and hygiene, and the Theatre, where performances and presentations would have been part of their entertainment.
But by far, the most incredible sight here is the Roman Amphitheatre. This is considered one of the best preserved next to the Colosseum in Rome. At this fabulous structure, you can climb to the top, sit on the stone seats, and imagine Gladiator fights taking place to amuse the city residents while the rulers of the time looked on.
The arena held over 21,000 people and had 60 arches on two levels. The structure is largely intact and has impressive ramparts for entry, where the classes were kept separate. In the 19th century, people were housed inside the amphitheater for protection. There has been a long-standing tradition of bullfights being held here, and these can be seen twice a year, along with other types of presentations and festivals.
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Art lovers looking for the best places to visit in Provence will be interested to know that Vincent Van Gogh spent the last couple of years before committing himself to an asylum in Arles. It is said that this was the most productive period of his life as he created many masterpieces and upwards of 200 pieces of work while living there.
The Vincent Van Gogh Foundation is where you can learn about this incredible artist, who was mostly misunderstood during his life. His art, along with that of other contemporary artists, is on display here.
There are also many locations within the city where you can see what Van Gogh took inspiration from – and there is a trail on a map provided if you want to follow along with this iconic artist’s passion.
The city is laid back and offers outdoor art exhibits and beautiful sights along the Rhone River for an easygoing stroll. Be sure to explore the ancient history and fantastic art in one of the most popular places in Provence.
Did You Get Travel Insurance Yet?
The Insurance companies I recommend are Hey Mondo and Safety Wing
Hey Mondo is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single-trip cover, annual multi-trip cover, and long-term travel cover. Safety Wing is great value, with monthly coverage starting at $45.08. It’s super easy to use, and it just renews each month. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy.
Read my full travel insurance post here, where I go into detail about all companies.
Avignon
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One of the most significant cities in the Provence region is Avignon. Here, you can visit the famous Palais de Papes. It’s one of the best-preserved palaces of its time, dating to the 14th century, and one of the best things to do in Provence France.
The Palace was initially built for protection when the people of France became unhappy with the church. The Pope of the time fled to Avignon and resided in the cathedral. Over time, it was expanded into a Palace, and each Pope added to the space, making it more and more elaborate.
Many rooms of the Palace are open to the public, so you can explore and see how people lived in those times, with splendid halls and beautiful courtyards. The site has created an interactive tablet system that provides insight into how the rooms would have been decorated when inhabited.
Around the Palace is a gorgeous garden called Parc Rocher des Doms. This English-style garden has many plants, trees, ponds, and statues with stunning countryside views. It’s a beautiful place to spend some quiet time and one of the best places for sweeping views of the Rhone River. Also, from the terraces of the gardens, you can see another well-known site, the Pont d’Avignon. If you’re unsure what to do in Provence, visit the beautiful ruins of a famous bridge from the 12th century.
Aside from the impressive Palais, Avignon also has an imposing basilica—Saint Pierre’s, which dates back to the same time as the Pope’s Palace and is an excellent example of traditional Gothic style.
Of course, Avignon has a traditional Halle, or covered market, which is prevalent in many French cities. This is a fantastic spot for shopping or enjoying a snack or meal of local products. Visit Avignon on a weekend, and you will see the locals here enjoying social time with friends after their morning shopping.
The streets of Avignon are quaint, and some districts are quite old. You can see original textile mills that thrived in the 14th century. The city is fortified within 4 km of walls (with a moat), which all surrounds some pretty cobblestone passages with shops and cafes that can certainly fill up a worthwhile afternoon.
This is a beautiful city in France and worth your time to visit.
Where to Stay in Provence
Are you wondering where to stay in Provence? It’s a relatively small region, so many cities are close to each other. You can easily stay in any of these three cities and take day trips to the others. Traveling between cities and towns is very easy with the well-connected train network in France. Each one offers accommodations and dining options that allow you to easily explore the distinctly different cities within the region from one home base.
Wondering where to stay in Provence? Check out these options!
Villa Hirondelles 35
Maison Douce Arles
Auberge Sainte Marguerite
Provence Travel Guide Planning
🧳 Any recommendations on what I should pack for Provence?
Yes! I have created a whole packing guide to Provence which you can read here and you can also check out my packing list for Provence on Amazon here.
🚗 Where can I book bus or private transportation while I’m in Provence?
I strongly recommend using Bookaway. You can book almost all transport in the major tourist destinations through them online. They don’t just cover buses they also cover shuttles, ferries, and private drivers.
🎫 Where can I buy tickets for museums, attractions, and tours in Provence?
I recommend either Viator or GetYourGuide. They have a lot of options!
👩⚕️ What is the best insurance to have while traveling?
I recommend using Heymondo for a great value policy. The app also offers you 24/7 Dr Chat. For Digital Nomads check out SafetyWing digital nomad insurance.
I have also written a blog post covering all my recommended travel insurance here.
✈️ Any flight recommendations?
WayAWay offers you cheap flights with cashback. You can use this code CLAIRE22 to get 10% off. Otherwise Skyscanner or Expedia are my go-to flight searching platforms.
📱What do you use for internet connection while traveling?
I’m a big fan of personal WiFi devices and they have saved my ass so many times when traveling. I wrote a full review of the top travel WiFi devices you can read here. I personally use GlocalMe as I can either pop in a physical sim card or use their local carrier.
With regards to my phone connection, I use e-sims while traveling, so rather than having to swap out my regular sim card I can download the app and buy a virtual sim card. I recommend using either Airhub or Alosim. Both have great coverage of multiple countries and are very easy to use.
🛏️ What is the best platform to use for booking accommodation?
The 3 best platforms that I normally use are Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia. They offer great deals and multiple options. I always check all three to be sure of the best deals.
🛅 Do you have any luggage recommendations for traveling?
I do have a complete list of the best packing and luggage products that I recommend, you can check the list here. I’m currently traveling with this suitcase and this backpack.
Best Places to Visit in Provence: Final Thoughts
When planning your trip to France, consider towns with character, incredible sights, and welcoming people rather than only visiting a larger city like Paris. Make your way to the South of France—specifically, to Provence. It’s one of the best regions in the country and offers a much more authentic French experience. Hopefully, this guide to where to go in Provence helps you plan the trip of a lifetime.
Author’s Bio
Kim has been traveling since childhood and is on a mission to visit 100 countries. As an independent Travel Advisor, she enjoys sharing her travels with clients to provide memorable experiences. Her three favorite places are the Galapagos, Tanzania, and New Zealand. She is known to research a destination to its fullest in search of exciting activities, historical and cultural learning, unique dining options, and, usually, wine!
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