Welcome to Provence, the sun-soaked wonderland in the South of France!
Get ready to ditch the beaten path and delve into some of the best kept secrets of this dazzling region. Adventure awaits, shall we?
In this article…
1. Explore the Calanques National Park
Navigate the astonishing Calanques National Park, a natural paradise of dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters.
Best Time to Visit | What Not to Miss |
---|---|
Spring/Autumn | Calanque d’En Vau |
2. Wine Tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Tour the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the iconic wine village. Raise a glass to the good life!
Best Time to Visit | What Not to Miss |
---|---|
Spring/Autumn | Wine pairing experience |
3. Stroll Around Gordes
Wander the cobblestone streets of Gordes, one of France’s most beautiful villages. Stunning vistas at every corner.
Best Time to Visit | What Not to Miss |
---|---|
Spring/Summer | Sunset views |
4. Visit the Lavender Fields of Valensole
Get lost in the vibrant lavender fields of Valensole. Nothing quite like it.
Best Time to Visit | What Not to Miss |
---|---|
June/July | Lavender harvest |
5. Explore the Historic Avignon
Discover Avignon, the city of Popes. History and charm meet here.
Best Time to Visit | What Not to Miss |
---|---|
Anytime | Palais des Papes |
6. Visit the Arles Amphitheatre
Take a step back in time at the Arles Amphitheatre, a stunning Roman arena still in use today.
Best Time to Visit | What Not to Miss |
---|---|
Anytime | Gladiator reenactments |
7. Hike the Verdon Gorge
Embrace the great outdoors in the Verdon Gorge, Europe’s Grand Canyon. Breathtaking views guaranteed.
Best Time to Visit | What Not to Miss |
---|---|
Spring/Summer | Rafting experience |
8. Visit the Carrieres de Lumières
Step into a world of art at the Carrieres de Lumières, a digital art center inside an old quarry.
Best Time to Visit | What Not to Miss |
---|---|
Anytime | Current exhibitions |
9. Tour the Chateau d’If
Jump on a boat to the Chateau d’If, the island fortress that inspired The Count of Monte Cristo.
Best Time to Visit | What Not to Miss |
---|---|
Spring/Summer | The prison cells |
10. Visit the Aix-en-Provence
Stroll the streets of Aix-en-Provence, a vibrant university city full of culture and life.
Best Time to Visit | What Not to Miss |
---|---|
Anytime | Cours Mirabeau |
11. Taste the Flavours of Provence at a Local Market
Visit one of Provence’s vibrant local markets. Treat your taste buds to fresh produce, cheeses, and delicious local specialties.
Best Time to Visit | What Not to Miss |
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Morning | Fresh fruits and cheeses |
12. Discover Sainte-Victoire Mountain
Hike up the Sainte-Victoire Mountain, the muse of painter Paul Cézanne. The stunning views are worth the effort.
Best Time to Visit | What Not to Miss |
---|---|
Spring/Autumn | Sunrise or sunset views |
13. Visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde in Marseille
Get to the top of Notre-Dame de la Garde, Marseille’s iconic basilica. Stunning panoramas of the city and sea await.
Best Time to Visit | What Not to Miss |
---|---|
Anytime | 360-degree view of Marseille |
14. Explore the Village of Eze
Perched high above the Mediterranean, the picturesque village of Eze is a must-visit. It’s like stepping into a fairy tale.
Best Time to Visit | What Not to Miss |
---|---|
Spring/Summer | Exotic Garden of Eze |
15. Visit the Picasso Museum in Antibes
Art enthusiasts, make sure to visit the Picasso Museum, where the legendary artist himself once worked.
Best Time to Visit | What Not to Miss |
---|---|
Anytime | Picasso’s ceramics |
16. Experience the Glamour of Saint-Tropez
Hit the beaches of glamorous Saint-Tropez. This glitzy town is a hotspot for celebs, but anyone can enjoy its beauty.
Best Time to Visit | What Not to Miss |
---|---|
Summer | Pampelonne Beach |
17. Visit the Perfume Capital, Grasse
Indulge your senses in Grasse, the perfume capital of the world. Be sure to check out the Fragonard Perfume Factory.
Best Time to Visit | What Not to Miss |
---|---|
Anytime | Perfume-making workshop |
18. Explore the Villages of Luberon
Experience the charm of Provence in Luberon’s picturesque villages. Gordes, Roussillon, and Bonnieux are top picks.
Best Time to Visit | What Not to Miss |
---|---|
Spring/Summer | Roussillon’s ochre cliffs |
19. Visit the Abbey of Senanque
Get a glimpse of monastic life at the peaceful Abbey of Senanque. Bonus: It’s a perfect photo spot when the lavender is in bloom.
Best Time to Visit | What Not to Miss |
---|---|
June/July | Lavender fields |
20. Take a Boat Trip to the Lérins Islands
Just off the coast of Cannes, the Lérins Islands are a haven of peace and natural beauty. Ideal for a serene day trip.
Best Time to Visit | What Not to Miss |
---|---|
Spring/Summer | Saint-Honorat monastery |
💡 Tip: Buy travel health insurance before your trip.
Check out popular travel insurance plans and choose one that suits you.
Most plans only cost less than $20 a day.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’ve made it through the ultimate Provence bucket list!
These unique experiences are sure to make your trip unforgettable. So, dust off that beret, grab your camera, and get ready to discover the real Provence.
Bon voyage!
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