Provence is slow France: morning markets, hill villages, olive oil, and the light that drew Van Gogh and Cézanne. A car is the most useful way to link the Luberon, Valensole, and the Pont du Gard without racing the clock.
Things to Do in Provence
Lavender fields, hilltop villages, markets, wine, and the Calanques.
Best Time to Visit Provence
Late May–June and September for weather; late June–July for lavender.
Places to Visit in Provence
Avignon, Gordes, Roussillon, Valensole lavender, Aix, Marseille, and the Verdon.
Provence Itineraries
3- and 5-night slow routes, plus a Paris or Riviera combine.
Provence Travel Tips
Why you want a car, where to sleep, and how not to miss markets.
Lavender and villages
From late June to early August, the Luberon and Valensole plateau turn purple with flowering lavender. Base yourself in Gordes, Roussillon, or Les Baux-de-Provence for markets, herbes de Provence, and easy field access. Converted mas farmhouses and bastide manor houses are the classic stay.
Beyond the fields
Add the Roman Pont du Gard aqueduct and, if you like landscapes, the Gorges du Verdon. Pair Provence with Paris on a 10-day trip, or continue south to the Riviera if you have two weeks.
More hidden corners of France →
Provence Travel FAQs
Yes for the Luberon, Valensole, and Pont du Gard without racing buses. Markets and hill villages are poorly linked compared with the Riviera’s TER line.
Late June to early August on the Luberon and Valensole plateau. Peak colour is usually early July, weather depending.
Gordes, Roussillon, or Les Baux-de-Provence for village character. Converted mas farmhouses and bastide manor houses are the classic stay.
Three nights is the minimum for markets, one village cluster, and Pont du Gard. Five nights adds Verdon or a slower second valley.
Yes on a 10–14 day France trip: Provence first (car), then drop the car in Aix or Marseille and continue to Nice by train.