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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.

panorama

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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Sélection

  • Ambiances Provence

    Ambiances Provence

    Luxury villa Ambiances Provence is the epitome of French rustic chic. This Provence country manor house features traditional stone walls and wooden beams, set in the relaxing surroundings of wonderful landscaped grounds with a swimming pool.

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  • Authentic Luxury Provence

    Authentic Luxury Provence

    This large luxury holiday villa with a swimming pool in the South of France is great for groups. Authentic Luxury Provence is a beautiful old stone building in the middle of scenic countryside with the space, layout and facilities to switch off in style. Close to the Luberon valley and the Languedoc, this fabulous property is everything you imagine Provence to be.

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  • Beach Paradise Cote d Azur

    Beach Paradise Cote d Azur

    One of the best things about Beach Paradise Côte d’Azur is its location. This luxury holiday property is surrounded by greenery, has easy access to the beach and is less than 3km from La Croix Valmer. It has four bedrooms and can sleep eight guests. Come with friends for a fabulous holiday in the sun!

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  • Chateau Classic SouthWest

    Chateau Classic SouthWest

    Relax and recharge at this elegant French castle rental where slow living and effortless style go hand in hand. Green open spaces and endless hilltop views create an idyllic backdrop for sunny days by the pool and balmy al fresco evenings with friends. Six stylish suites make it ideal for a holiday with up to 12 guests.

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  • Chateau Esprit Sud

    Chateau Esprit Sud

    This 18th-century Renaissance chateau combines the romanticism of a Spanish palace with the indulgence of luxury amenities and is ideally situated near the sea. Welcome to Château Esprit Sud, for a very special stay!

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  • Chateau Grand Sud

    Chateau Grand Sud

    Château Grand Sud is a fabulous property to rent in the Languedoc-Roussillon region in the south of France, between the Cevennes natural park and the Mediterranean Sea. With space for 16 guests, luxury facilities and services, and a dream location, it’s perfect for a group getaway!

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  • 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.

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  • Dream of Languedoc

    Dream of Languedoc

    Dream of Languedoc is an exceptionnal property for rent with a pool. Rent a chateau for a holiday end enjoy an authentic naturel and quiet setting near Carcassonne.

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  • Elegance Languedoc

    Elegance Languedoc

    Stay in a remarkable Languedoc house near Carcassonne, surrounded by vineyards and nature. A refined retreat with two pools, 11 bedrooms and a private park for an unforgettable stay in the South of France.

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  • Entre Plage et Village Cote d Azur

    Entre Plage et Village Cote d Azur

    Entre Plage et Village Côte d'Azur is a beautiful rental villa with a private pool in Provence Côte d'Azur, just five kilometres from the beaches of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. All on one level and fully air-conditioned, it offers four bedrooms and can accommodate up to eight people. Enjoy the very quiet garden and surroundings, just a stone's throw from the hustle and bustle of the seaside.

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