Provence is the France of lavender fields, sun-bleached hilltop villages, and slow afternoons at outdoor markets. Tucked in the country's south-east, it's less about ticking off landmarks and more about soaking in the scenery — making it one of the most rewarding regions to add to a France itinerary. Here are the best places to visit in Provence.
1. Avignon — The Gateway to Provence
Once home to the medieval papacy, Avignon's walled old town and the striking Palais des Papes make it the natural starting point for exploring the region. The famous half-bridge, Pont d'Avignon, sits right on the Rhône River.
Must-do: Palais des Papes tour and a walk along the Pont d'Avignon. Ideal stay: 1 day
2. Gordes — The Postcard Village
Perched on a hillside with stone houses stacked above the Luberon valley, Gordes is one of the most photographed villages in France. Nearby, the Sénanque Abbey is famous for its lavender fields blooming right up to the abbey walls.
Must-do: Village viewpoint photos and a visit to Sénanque Abbey in lavender season. Ideal stay: Half-day
3. Roussillon — The Red-Ochre Village
Built into a hillside of natural ochre deposits, Roussillon's buildings glow in shades of red, orange, and pink. The Sentier des Ocres (Ochre Trail) walking path winds through the surrounding cliffs.
Must-do: Walk the Sentier des Ocres and explore the village's colourful streets. Ideal stay: Half-day
4. Valensole Plateau — Lavender Fields
The most famous lavender fields in Provence, stretching across a wide plateau near Valensole village. This is the spot behind most of the lavender photos you'll have seen of Provence.
Must-do: Photography among the lavender rows, best between late June and late July. Ideal stay: Half-day trip
5. Aix-en-Provence — Elegant and Artistic
Once home to painter Paul Cézanne, Aix-en-Provence combines elegant boulevards, fountains, and a lively market culture. The Cours Mirabeau is the city's grand tree-lined avenue, lined with cafés.
Must-do: Cours Mirabeau walk and the Saturday morning market. Ideal stay: 1 day
6. Marseille — Provence's Coastal City
France's oldest city and Provence's largest, Marseille offers a grittier, more local energy along with access to the Calanques National Park's dramatic limestone cliffs and turquoise coves.
Must-do: Old Port (Vieux-Port) walk and a boat trip to the Calanques. Ideal stay: 1–2 days
7. Les Baux-de-Provence — Clifftop Ruins
A hilltop village built into the rock itself, with a ruined medieval castle offering panoramic views over the Alpilles countryside. The nearby Carrières de Lumières light show, projected inside a former quarry, is a popular add-on.
Must-do: Château des Baux ruins and the Carrières de Lumières immersive art show. Ideal stay: Half-day
8. Arles — Van Gogh's Provence
Van Gogh painted over 300 works during his time in Arles, and the town's Roman amphitheatre and café-lined squares still carry the same light and atmosphere that inspired him.
Must-do: Roman Amphitheatre and a self-guided Van Gogh walking trail. Ideal stay: Half-day to 1 day
9. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence — Quiet Market Town
A relaxed base near the Alpilles hills, known for its Wednesday market, Roman ruins at Glanum, and the Saint-Paul de Mausole monastery where Van Gogh spent a year of his life.
Must-do: Wednesday market and the Glanum archaeological site. Ideal stay: Half-day
10. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie — Village by the Gorge
Set at the entrance to the dramatic Verdon Gorge, this village is known for its hand-painted ceramics and a chapel perched dramatically on the cliffside above.
Must-do: Chapel hike and browsing local ceramic workshops. Ideal stay: Half-day, or a base for exploring the Gorges du Verdon
Best Time to Visit Provence
- Late June–July: Lavender fields in full bloom — the most popular (and crowded) time to visit.
- April–May: Mild weather, blooming countryside, fewer crowds.
- September–October: Grape and lavender harvest season, warm days, thinner crowds.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Quiet and budget-friendly, though many rural attractions have reduced hours.
Full best time to visit Provence guide →
Sample 4-Day Provence Itinerary
- Day 1: Avignon (Palais des Papes) → Les Baux-de-Provence
- Day 2: Gordes → Sénanque Abbey → Roussillon
- Day 3: Valensole lavender fields (seasonal) → Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
- Day 4: Aix-en-Provence → Arles
Getting Around Provence
Provence is best explored by car, since many hilltop villages and lavender fields aren't well connected by train. Renting a car from Avignon or Marseille gives the most flexibility for covering multiple villages in a day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gordes is often considered the most iconic, with its hilltop stone houses and nearby Sénanque Abbey, though Roussillon’s ochre-coloured streets are equally striking.
Lavender typically blooms from late June to late July, peaking in the first two weeks of July, especially around the Valensole plateau.
4–5 days allows enough time to cover the main villages, lavender fields (in season), and at least one city like Avignon or Aix-en-Provence without rushing.
By car — most of Provence’s hilltop villages and lavender fields are not accessible by train, so a rental car offers far more flexibility than public transport.