Article written by Elisa
This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur• Travel Inspiration
10+ Best Places to Visit in Provence, France
26/04/2025Where to Go in Provence
Provence is part of the French region Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur in the southeast of the country. It’s a beautiful area with amazing scenery, a history that goes back to Roman times, and adorable little villages. Whether you enjoy great food, sipping wine in sumptuous surroundings, or relaxing on the beach, you need to visit Provence!
Where to go in Provence? To help you get the most from your trip to this part of France, here are the 10 best places to visit in Provence, France, for every kind of traveler. Some of these best places in Provence are also included on my list of the best things to do in France!
If you are in a hurry, here’s the Provence best places to visit list:
Best Places in Provence to Visit
Where to visit in Provence for a weekend getaway or a longer trip? Here’s the best of Provence for active travelers, serious sightseers, or people just looking to relax:
ROAD TRIPS THAT COVER THE BEST PLACES TO SEE IN PROVENCE
Marseille
Marseille is the capital of Provence and the second largest after Paris. It’s a Mediterranean city with a busy harbor and the ideal place to experience authentic France. Well connected to Paris with fast trains, a weekend in Marseille is super easy to organize from the French capital.
Marseille’s historic district of Le Panier is a must-see in Provence, with its narrow streets, café terraces, and facades adorned with street art. You should also make sure to see the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, with its views of the bay from the terrace, and the Musée des Civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée (MuCEM) to learn more about the history of Mediterranean peoples.
TIP: The Marseille City Pass saves you time and money with free entry to Marseille’s top attractions and unlimited travel on public transport.
Hilltop Villages of the Luberon
The Luberon region is another of the most beautiful places in Provence. Located 70 km north of Marseille, it includes parts of the Vaucluse and the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence departments. This is an area of extreme landscapes, as well as small hill towns that guard sleepy valleys and vineyards.
The hilltop villages in Luberon are popular tourist attractions, and most of them are listed as Most Beautiful Villages in France. From Bonnieux to Gordes and Roussillon, each of them has its own distinct character and features, and they are easy to visit on a day trip from Avignon.
Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence is the quintessential Provençal city, with a unique blend of history, balmy weather, and elegance. The tree-lined boulevards, Roman monuments, and ornate fountains of this city are a must-see in Provence, and the city has a wonderful warmth that’s characteristic of Southern France.
Aix-en-Provence has numerous tourist attractions, welcoming cafes, some of the best markets in Provence, and a lively atmosphere. While you’re there, make sure you check out Les Deux Garçons, once a favorite hangout of Picasso and Edith Piaf, the architectural marvel that is Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, Cézanne’s workshop, and Musée Granet, where you can see fine arts created by the greatest masters in history.
TIP: Explore the famous markets of Aix-en-Provence with this Aix-en-Provence Market Tour
Calanques of Marseille-Cassis
The Calanques of Marseille-Cassis is one of the best places to go in Provence, France, for nature lovers. It’s a series of limestone cliffs and creeks located between the fishing town of Cassis and Marseille. Not all Calanques are easily accessible on foot, but there are plenty of inlets and bays that you can explore with a catamaran tour or on a kayak tour.
This is the perfect place for outdoor adventures in Southern France. The scenery is simply spectacular, and you can do everything here, from kayaking to swimming, hiking, or sunbathing.
Lavender Fields of Provence
The lavender fields of Provence are a must-see in Provence in summer. Located in the Luberon and near the towns of Valensole and Sault, the fields are seemingly endless seas of deep purple, complete with a heavenly scent under the balmy sun of Southern France.
The lavender season in Provence varies depending on where you go, so make sure you arrive before harvest time for the best views.
If you don’t have a car, there are many lavender tours available from Avignon. There are also lavender tours from Aix-en-Provence to Valensole.
The Camargue
The Camargue Regional Natural Park is another of the best places in Provence. This natural area, located south of Arles, is the largest wetland in France, covering an area of 100,000 hectares. The Camargue is famous worldwide for its stunning landscapes, lakes, and exceptional fauna.
The Camargue is designated as a Wetland of International Importance and Western Europe’s largest river delta. It’s a haven for wildlife and is home to more than 400 species of birds, countless insects, and larger animals, including Camargue horses and cattle.
The Camargue is also one of the best places in Provence to visit for a relaxing getaway in Southern France. Book a stay in one of these top-rated hotels offering unspoiled natural settings, great facilities, and delicious food.
The Colorado Provencal
If you’re looking for unique places to see in Provence, visit Rustrel for a total change of scenery. Rustrel is part of the region around Roussillon, famed for its dramatic, richly colored ochre landscapes.
Here, you can walk in the Colorado Provençal, a beautiful hike through cliffs and multicolored ocher rocks shaped over centuries by erosion and human activity. There are two walking trails available (1-2 hours), and both combine the pleasure of hiking with the discovery of industrial heritage.
Hyères Islands
This is the best place to visit in Provence for a relaxing vacation by the sea. The Hyères Islands are a group of French islands off the town of Hyères in the Var department of Southeastern France, consisting of three main islands (Porquerolles, Port-Cros, and Ile du Levant) and one smaller one. Transportation to the three biggest islands is limited, and the smallest island, Île du Bagaud, does not allow visitors.
The island of Porquerolles is the most popular, with beautiful turquoise water, sandy beaches, a sleepy little village, and several wineries. Port-Cros is mountainous and home to a bird refuge and rare flora. If you have the time, then you can also explore Île du Levant, with its naturist community and privately owned village.
With less time available, rent a boat in Hyères town, with or without a skipper, and sail around the islands on a day trip.
Avignon
Avignon is on the left bank of the Rhône River. One of the most beautiful walled cities in France, Avignon was the seat of the Catholic Popes from 1309 to 1377.
Avignon is most famous for its medieval Old Town and the Palais des Papes, Europe’s largest Gothic Palace and one of the most interesting places to visit in Provence. The Palais des Papes is a UNESCO-listed palace built in the 14th century, when the papal court relocated from Rome to Avignon.
The town of Avignon is filled with museums, such as the Musée du Petit Palais, which features artwork by Sandro Botticelli and Vittore Carpaccio. It also has beautiful churches and the famous Saint-Bénézet Bridge, also known as Pont d’Avignon, which partially spans the river. If you want to learn more, this Avignon walking tour is an excellent introduction to the city. This same guide also offers atypical night tours of Avignon, which are ideal in the hot summer months. Last June, I tried La Noctambule du Pape night tour and I can only recommend!
Gorges du Verdon
The Gorges du Verdon is the best place to visit in Provence for a relaxing day trip from Aix-en-Provence or Nice. Located in the beautiful Verdon Regional Park, the Gorges du Verdon is one of the largest canyons in Europe, reaching a depth of over 700 meters.
The water in the gorges is a stunning bright turquoise color, and you can see the gorge from your car or take a boat /kayak and stop for dips in the water as you go. This natural landscape is also famous for its hiking and climbing routes, so it’s ideal for an active vacation.
The best way to explore this area is by car (check out this Gorges du Verdon road trip itinerary). If you don’t have a car, you can join this Gorges du Verdon guided tour from Nice, and there are also guided tours from Aix-en-Provence.
Roman Provence
Provence is a region whose culture and charm have been influenced by thousands of years of history. Provence sounds like “province”. That’s because it was the first Roman province outside of what is now Italy, and the Romans called it “Provencia Romana.”
Under the Roman administration, the region’s economic and artistic life flourished. The towns of Orange, Arles, Nimes, Orange, Vaison la Romaine, and Fréjus are the best places in Provence to see Roman vestiges in the region, like magnificent remains of arenas, amphitheaters, spas, and villas. There’s also Glanum, the most complete ancient archeological complex in France, located outside Saint-Rémy.
If you don’t have a car, this Roman Provence history tour from Avignon is ideal for history lovers.
And there you have it, what to see in Provence for a memorable trip. Which ones do you have on your France Bucket List?