Travelling to Provence is one of those experiences that you have to do at least once in your life, because this territory, located in the southeast of the country, has a lot to offer. A region with a long history that and where some of its land is bathed by the waters of the Mediterranean.
A region that has been an ideal destination for artists and bon vivants, inspiring the most famous writers in history for many centuries. It is not unusual to know that its landscapes are muses for artists, as it has a combination of beaches on one side, and cliffs in the more inland areas, which create a spectacular scenery overall.
There are constant visits to the beaches, trips accompanied by the smell of lavender and views of the olive groves that make Provence a region with a lot of personality in which it is worth spending a few days.
What to see in Provence? Here are some of the must-see places for you to enjoy your trip.
The starting point is Marseille, which is the gateway to Provence and the second most populated city after the capital of France. It is a lively city where you can enjoy heritage and culture in places like the MuCEM. Strolling through Le Panier, the area where the oldest quarter is located, or contemplating the exclusivity of the yachts moored in the Vieux Port are things you simply have do in when visiting this region.
Another must is the town of Aix-en-Provenze, a place that has become known as Little Versailles due to its imposing and beautiful heritage. Among its streets you can discover everything from mansions to Renaissance palaces. A place that inspired Paul Cézanne to paint and which is an emblem of Aix-en-Provenze. For more art, head to the Musée Granet or visit Saint-Sauveur Cathedral.
Not the only artist to be inspired by Provence, the famous painter Van Gogh was also attracted by the Alpilles mountain range. A landscape that he depicted in his later works. This area is also a Regional Natural Park.
You cannot leave Provence without visiting the Palais des Papes in Avignon, one of the main attractions in the area for tourists. It is a very important building for religious people, but if you are looking for architecture, its Gothic tinges will also impress you. Next to it, you can visit the Rocher des Doms garden from where you will enjoy the best views.
But it's not all about visiting villages and monuments here. Provence has plenty of natural areas to explore. Mont Ventoux is one of them, as well as the Gorges du Verdon and the Sainte-Victoire mountain, from where you can enjoy a combination of sea and mountain views.
The Camargue Regional Nature Park is a real amusement park for nature lovers who will find numerous hiking trails along the marshes and lagoons.
A walk through the lavender fields is the perfect end to your trip in Provence, where you can relax in a unique and very typical Provençal landscape... Provençal fragrance at its purest!
