FR

Best things to do in Provence

 

Provence… The very name conjures up images of hilltop villages, lavender fields swaying in the breeze, colorful markets brimming with sun-drenched fruits, and intoxicating scents. But this legendary region in the southeast of France is far more than a simple postcard setting: it is a land of contrasts and character, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the rolling hills of the Luberon and the fragrant slopes of the Alpilles. Here, history and tradition intertwine seamlessly with unspoiled nature, shaping a living and sensitive heritage.

Provence offers visitors a truly sensory journey, where every element evokes memories and stirs the emotions. From the deep blue of the Mediterranean along the Côte d’Azur to the oak forests and garrigue of the hinterland, from secret coves to villages of blonde stone clinging to the hillsides, every landscape tells a story. Vincent van Gogh, Frédéric Mistral, Albert Camus, and countless other artists and writers found inspiration here, captivated by the region’s distinctive light and timeless scenery.

Blessed with over 300 days of sunshine a year, Provence seduces in every season. In spring, cherry blossoms and mimosas light up the hills and orchards; summer releases the heady scents of lavender, thyme, and rosemary, as villages come alive with night markets and traditional festivals. Autumn bathes the vineyards in gold and treats visitors to fiery sunsets over the Mediterranean, while winter mists cling to the hills and the snow-capped mountains of the hinterland offer a striking contrast to the shimmering blue sea.

provence

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of coastal swims and boat trips, a curious food-lover, or a nature and hiking aficionado, Provence caters to every desire. On the coast, the legendary resorts of the Côte d’Azur — Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Antibes, and Nice — vie with one another in elegance and refinement, boasting private beaches, casinos, and Belle Époque palaces. Inland, Provence reveals its secret villages, blonde-stone bastides, olive groves, and morning markets filled with the fragrances of lavender, ripe figs, and golden olive oil.

More than just a setting, Provence offers a genuine art of living. Here, time slows down for a glass of chilled rosé at sunset, the soothing song of cicadas, leisurely strolls through the cobbled lanes of medieval villages, and generous meals shared under ancient plane trees. The region cherishes its heritage, with ancient Roman remains in Fréjus and Cimiez, fortified medieval towns, Romanesque abbeys, and hidden chapels speaking of centuries past. Artisan crafts and culinary traditions are proudly passed down, from fine pottery and fragrant handmade soaps to ancestral recipes.

This guide invites you to explore Provence in all its diversity — from Mediterranean beaches to forested hills, Provençal markets to lively marinas, traditional festivals to gourmet hideaways. Along the way, you’ll uncover local anecdotes, living traditions, and breathtaking panoramas for a journey that’s far more than a holiday: it’s an immersion in a radiant, captivating, and eternal land.

About the Region

About the Region

Provence lies in the South West of France, bordered by the French Alps in the north, Italy in the east, the Mediterranean coast in the south and the Rhone river in the west and.

Read more
Food and Drink in Provence

Food and Drink in Provence

Provence is a vast region and each little corner has its own traditions and culinary specialities.

Read more
Leisure activities in Provence

Leisure activities in Provence

Whether on the coast or inland, there are plenty of opportunities to get out and about and have fun in Provence.

Read more
What's On in Provence - Dates for the diary

What's On in Provence - Dates for the diary

Festivals abound in Provence during the summer months, with outdoor music, dance and traditional fetes occurring regularly

Read more
Good to know

Good to know

The best way to discover the region is to rent a car and take your time wearing up and down hills on along the coast with the freedom to stop and take in the sights at your our pace

Read more

Sélection

  • Villa Sublimes Alpilles

    Villa Sublimes Alpilles

    Villa Sublimes Alpilles is a luxury rental villa in Provence that sleeps 12. This luxury air-conditioned villa is one of a kind, with breathtaking mountain views, a fabulous pool and six en-suite bedrooms. Soak up the sunshine and scenery by the pool or venture out to explore the Alpilles and Luberon countryside; this is slow living at its finest!

    Discover
  • Le Chateau Millenaire

    Le Chateau Millenaire

    Chateau with pool, luxury rental. At the heart of a small village in the Minervois, totally integrated into the "Causses" landscape, "Le Château Millénaire" has stood through ten centuries of history. It has survived assaults and fires, particularly in the 13th century during

    Discover
  • Les Hauts de Provence

    Les Hauts de Provence

    A former sheepfold restored by enthusiasts, the property "Les Hauts de Provence" offers a beautiful panoramic view over the hilltops of Haute Provence.

    Discover
  • Spirit of Provence

    Spirit of Provence

    The idyllic Spirit of Provence is a luxury rental villa in Provence. This beautiful old farmhouse exudes French country chic inside and out, with its honey-coloured walls, wooden shutters and an elegant pool. A boules pitch and shady spots under the leafy trees complete the picture-perfect setting. Welcome to life in the Luberon!

    Discover
  • Villa Provence Alpilles

    Villa Provence Alpilles

    Pack your bags and escape to Provence to stay at this beautiful holiday villa with a pool that sleeps 10. Chic Villas brings you Villa Provence Alpilles, an idyllic country home between the Alpilles mountains and the Luberon in the South of France. A wisteria-covered terrace and luxuriant garden complement its pale stone walls and arched windows. Situated between Avignon and Aix-en-Provence, it’s ideal for exploring Provence and the Mediterranean coast.

    Discover
  • Provence  ou Luberon

    Provence ou Luberon

    This fine property for rent in provnce combines everything you need for a successful stay.

    Discover
  • Provence ou Alpilles

    Provence ou Alpilles

    Provence ou Alpilles is a prestigious property standing in extensive wooded grounds between yew trees and olive groves. This superb rental property is situated near a charming village renowned for its authenticity, which is lively all year round... It enjoys an outstanding natural setting, with the Alpilles forming a fitting backdrop reaching out to the horizon

    Discover
  • Divine Provence

    Divine Provence

    Divine Provence is a luxury villa to rent in South of France at the doorstep of Provence. Is is the work of a passionate enthusiast whose outstanding renovation project has made this a property unique of its kind. Unstructured, extremely original and elegant, it offers seven luxurious and spacious suites, an underfloor cooling system and an outdoor private pool.

    Discover
  • Lavandes du Luberon

    Lavandes du Luberon

    Discover the beauty of the Luberon region in this lovely Provençal rental villa, Lavandes du Luberon. This holiday home with swimming pool has an authentic and stylishly decorated interior in a calm and well-preserved setting.

    Discover
  • Esprit Luberon

    Esprit Luberon

    Esprit Luberon is a lovely holiday villa for rent in Provence, situated opposite Mont Ventoux. Set amid beautiful countryside three kilometres outside the village, this villa offers excellent amenities.

    Discover