Best things to do in Provence

Les Gorges de Verdon – sheer drops, waterfalls and romantic coves carved into the cliffside. Hire a kayak and meander down the river, take out a paddle board, lounge on the lakeside beaches, or take the high road to snap some stunning scenery. The majestic landscape won’t leave you indifferent. 

Uzès – just a stone’s throw from the popular tourist site of Le Pont du Gard, Uzès has somehow managed to keep itself off the beaten track and is perhaps one of the region’s best-kept secrets. Mooch through cobbled streets, take in lavender fields as far as the eye can see and don’t miss the market if you’re there on a Sunday morning. 

Via Ferrata – not for the faint-hearted, but a great day out for outdoorsy thrill seekers. Via Ferrata courses are high-altitude adventure courses featuring iron ladders and rope bridges built into and onto cliff faces for a rock-climbing experience to remember. You’ll find them at several sites across the region including Cavaillon, Digne, Buis-les-Baronnies and Les Dentelles de Montmirail. The views and sense of accomplishment they offer are unequalled. 

Les Grottes de Thouzon – these fabulous limestone caves in Thouzon near Avignon offer great respite from the hot summer sun. 

Les Baux de Provence castle – so much more than your average historical monument, this castle (or rather its ruins) will keep kids and adults entertained for hours. It’s a sprawling playground of steps and rope ladders and is great fun to explore. The fact that it is near some of the most picturesque of Provencal villages is a bonus. Stay to watch the sun go down over Les Baux de Provence or St Rémy de Provence and you’ll understand why Van Gogh and friends made such a big deal of the place. 

The Labyrinthe Géant in La Roque d'Antheron – if you’re looking for something calmer and more discerning than a theme park to keep the family happy, then this giant maze near Aix should do the trick. It’s Europe’s biggest permanent hedge maze and kids will love following the trail to win a prize.