In summer and winter, Provence is a preferred destination for tourists from around the world; this is largely due to the charm of its towns and villages, its temperate climate, and its warm atmosphere, typical of the south. If you wish to discover where to go in Provence, we invite you to read this article in which we will take you on a journey through the most charming villages and the massifs that make up the Provençal landscape, then we will give you some practical advice for your getaway to the land of Marcel Pagnol!
The Most Charming Cities and Places to Go in Provence
Provence is a magical region where thyme and lavender add character to the various landscapes that give such unique charm to the southwest of French territory. If you plan to travel there, here are some places you absolutely must visit if you have decided to visit Provence:
the Luberon
The Luberon massif is a mountain range located between the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Vaucluse; with a length of over 60 kilometers and including different mountains, such as those of the Grand and Petit Luberon, it is the ideal place for hikers and nature lovers, where to go in Provence for total immersion. Within it, you can explore must-see tourist sites, such as the Provençal Colorado of Rustrel, a place where ochre is the dominant color, due to the former quarries that now form fairy chimneys and impressive reliefs.
If you prefer hiking and want to learn more about the Provençal Colorado, we recommend taking the Ochre Trail: it is the most visited tourist site in Vaucluse, easily accessible from the heart of the village of Roussillon. Moreover, know that by taking this trail, you will be walking on the largest ochre deposit in the world! As you can understand, if you like colorful places, the Luberon represents the perfect place to go in Provence.
Vacation Rentals in the Luberon
Vacation rental Luberon CABRIERES D'AVIGNON LS2-2
From 79.00€ per night
Vacation rental house with pool GARGAS LS2-15
From 128.00€ per night
Vacation rental house with pool MAUBEC LS2-188
From 85.00€ per night
Vacation rental house with pool MERINDOL LS2-153
From 108.00€ per night
The Alpilles
With its limestone massif sculpted by nature, the Alpilles massif is perfect if you want to immerse yourself in a calm and wild environment; know that the massif is perfectly suited for hiking or mountain biking, and some trails are worth the detour if you want to discover original and charming places. During your escapade in the Alpilles, don’t hesitate to make a stop near Lake Peiroou, a lake renowned for its tranquility and initially formed by the Romans using an ancient dam that was intended to supply water to the thermal baths. From this place, there are numerous trails that allow you to reach the vicinity of the dam.
If you want to gain some height and admire the lake as well as the Alpilles, join the Rocher des Deux Trous starting from the village of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence for a hike of about 2 hours. From there, you will have the opportunity to observe the Crau plain and the surrounding mountains.
Vacation Rentals in the Alpilles
Vacation rental house with pool AUREILLE LS2-287
From 172.00€ per night
Vacation rental villa pool Orgon LS1-117
From 113.00€ per night
Vacation rental with heated pool Mouries LS1-140
From 158.00€ per night
Vacation rental house with pool MOURIES LS1-174
From 215.00€ per night
Mont Ventoux
The Mont Ventoux is a summit located in the Vaucluse mountains in Provence. Nicknamed the Giant of Provence or the Bald Mountain, it is the highest point of these mountains at 1910 meters above sea level, making it a true paradise for hikers and climbing enthusiasts.
It represents a real challenge for those who wish to climb it due to its demanding ascent and weather conditions that can sometimes become hellish if you don’t prepare in advance. If you want to take on the challenge, know that there are three possible ascents to reach its summit: for the most experienced hikers, you can start from the village of Bédoin: from there, 21 kilometers of trails await you, with 1590 meters of elevation gain. For an equally demanding challenge, you can take the route that starts from Malaucène, on the western slope; from this starting point, you’ll face more irregular slopes and steeper inclines. Finally, if you prefer a gentler route, start from the eastern slope at Sault, where you’ll take a long 26-kilometer trail. If you’re wondering where to go in Provence for an exceptional hiking experience, Mont Ventoux is a must-visit choice.
Even though its ascent is difficult, Mont Ventoux promises, once at the summit, an exceptional panorama of Provence, in addition to giving you a real sense of accomplishment!
Vacation Rentals in the Ventoux
Avignon
If you’re looking for the perfect getaway in the heart of Provence, you absolutely must visit Avignon! The City of Popes, in addition to its world-famous bridge, is steeped in history and culture, and offers a wide range of activities of all kinds that will delight you during your stay in Provence.
Avignon is an ideal place to visit in Provence for those who wish to combine history, culture, and nature.
In addition to its UNESCO World Heritage sites, Avignon is a city where art reigns supreme, thanks in particular to museums that are full of medieval, Renaissance, modern, and contemporary art collections. Moreover, nature lovers will find satisfaction wandering through the Jardins des Doms or on Barthelasse Island.
Finally, Avignon offers tourists unparalleled local cuisine: head to one of the region’s typical restaurants to discover all that Provençal cuisine has to offer. In short, Avignon has it all!
Vacation Rentals in Avignon
Vacation rental house with pool AVIGNON LS6-284.
From 143.00€ per night
Vacation rental with pool BARBENTANE LS6-255
From 143.00€ per night
Vacation rental CAUMONT SUR DURANCE LS6-409.
From 286.00€ per night
Holiday rental CAUMONT SUR DURANCE LS6-248
From 215.00€ per night
Practical Tips for Planning Your Stay in Provence
Before setting off to discover the Provençal landscapes, we advise you to follow these tips to make the most of your activities, whether in nature or in the city:
- Book your accommodation in advance: before choosing the activities you want to do, it’s important to find where you’re going to stay: if you’re staying in Avignon, it’s better to make a list of activities based on what the place offers, and book in advance those you want to do. Also, to help you know where to go in Provence, we provide on our website a whole range of accommodations which, we are convinced, will allow you to make the right choice.
- Bring appropriate clothing: needless to say, you should bring clothes suitable for the activities you’ve chosen: for those who want to go for a walk in the Luberon or hike on Mont Ventoux, plan for good shoes as well as appropriate clothing depending on the weather and season. This advice applies just as well if you’re taking a trip to the cities that make up Provence.
It's up to you to choose where to go in Provence for an unforgettable experience!
Provence is a beautiful region that is full of activities and natural wonders of all kinds; whether you like wide open green spaces or the buzz of big cities, or even both, you’ll be delighted!
To make your stay easier, Provence Plaisir offers accommodations tailored to your needs and close to the various activities we’ve suggested. Visit our website to search for your ideal accommodation and have an unparalleled summer vacation!
