Best things to do in Provence

Looking for peace, authenticity and a journey to the heart of unspoiled Provence? There’s no need to cross distant borders to immerse yourself in a land with such a distinctive character, where history weaves seamlessly with nature and centuries-old traditions. Tucked away in the southeast of France, the Provence region stretches generously between the rugged hills of the Luberon, the gentle slopes of the Alpilles and the pristine sources of the Durance. Here, the landscape forms a living canvas, its colours shifting with the hours and the seasons. This land of light and contrasts offers an absolute escape, where ancient hilltop villages, lavender fields swaying in the breeze, century-old olive groves and vibrant market squares create a setting designed to awaken the senses.

No image of France would be complete without its beloved Provence. This mythical region captures a part of the country’s emotional and sensory heritage like no other. From its sweeping landscapes and unique golden light tinged with amber, to the heady scents of wild thyme, rosemary and lavender, every experience here leaves a lasting impression. Its authentic flavours, intoxicating fragrances and rich cultural tapestry have long enchanted travellers and artists alike. It was here that Vincent van Gogh found a light unlike anywhere else for his feverish canvases, Albert Camus sought solace in words, and local-born poet Frédéric Mistral gave voice to the very soul of the region.

But Provence is far more than a postcard-perfect backdrop — it’s a way of life. A culture deeply rooted in the land, its traditions and its villages, where every stone, every fountain and every winding alleyway holds a story. Time here follows its own gentle rhythm. There’s a quiet joy in pausing on a shaded café terrace to listen to the song of the cicadas, getting lost in the cobbled streets of villages with lyrical names like Lourmarin, Gordes, Ménerbes and Les Baux-de-Provence, or breathing in the warm, sun-drenched air of a morning market where stalls overflow with ripe, honeyed fruits and silky olive oil.

Thanks to its generous Mediterranean climate, with more than 300 days of sunshine each year, life in Provence is lived outdoors. Every season brings its own distinct charm: spring bursts with wildflowers and blossoming cherry trees, summer hums with the warmth of golden stone and violet lavender fields, autumn gilds the vineyards and evergreen forests, while winter quietly reveals misty mornings clinging to the hills and the glow of fires crackling in stone farmhouses. Nature is celebrated here in every moment, with village fêtes, night markets and rambling walks through sun-drenched scrubland.

A stay in Provence is an invitation to rediscover life’s simple, precious pleasures. Whether you choose a honey-coloured bastide hidden under flowering wisteria, a traditional stone farmhouse surrounded by ancient olive trees, or a lovingly restored village home, every accommodation promises a serene retreat where time seems to stand still. Travellers come here to escape the demands of modern life and reconnect with the gentle, unhurried rhythm of the South. As evening falls and the sun sinks behind the hills, setting village walls ablaze with coppery light and crickets begin their nocturnal chorus, the moment calls for a chilled glass of rosé on the terrace, while the air carries notes of lavender, ripe figs and sun-warmed pine.

The region also fascinates with its remarkable heritage. From ancient Roman ruins and fortified medieval villages to remote chapels and Romanesque abbeys tucked into the hills, Provence is rich with the footprints of its past. Every stone whispers a story, every landscape opens a window onto history and folklore. In some villages, Provençal is still spoken, and culinary and artisanal traditions remain proudly preserved. Local crafts, from the famed faience pottery of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie to fragrant soaps infused with wild herbs and olive oils from nearby mills, are all part of a living heritage passed down through generations.

Choosing to discover this discreet, authentic Provence means stepping away from conventional tourist routes in favour of a more intimate, human, and precious experience. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a keen hiker, a curious epicurean or a seeker of tranquillity and natural beauty, Provence promises to exceed expectations. Between dramatic hills and fertile plains, oak forests and winding gorges, it reveals a rich diversity to those willing to venture beyond the obvious.

This guide invites you to explore this exceptional territory — opening the doors to its secret villages, gourmet addresses and breathtaking viewpoints. Along the way, you’ll uncover charming anecdotes and age-old traditions, ensuring your stay in Provence becomes more than a simple trip: a celebration of a way of life, a lasting fragrance of eternity, and an unforgettable memory bathed in the golden light of the South.