Climate
More than 300 sunny days a year, mild winters and hot summers. Mistral - the famous Provençal wind
Wine region · France
Provence
A land of lavender fields, Mediterranean sun, fine wines and a rich cultural heritage in the south of France
31,400 km²area
5 millionpopulation
6departments
Marseillecapital
Region
About the region
Provence is a region in southeastern France where the Mediterranean climate creates ideal conditions for vineyards, olive groves and lavender fields. Here the ancient heritage is intertwined with Provençal traditions.
From the Roman amphitheaters of Arles and Nîmes to the medieval villages of the Luberon, from bustling Marseille to tranquil lavender valleys, Provence offers a unique combination of history, nature and gastronomy.
Nature
Lavender fields of Valensole, ocher cliffs of Roussillon, calanques of Marseille and mountains of the Luberon
Winemaking
Famous rosé wines from the Côtes du Rhône, Bandol, Cassis and Chateauneuf-du-Pape appellations
Art
The land that inspired Van Gogh, Cezanne and Picasso. Museums, galleries and art workshops
What to see
Main attractions
From ancient monuments to natural wonders, discover the most iconic places in Provence
Click a marker or card: they are linked.
NatureLavender fields of Valensole
Endless purple fields blooming from mid-June to early August
- Flowering June-August
- Lavender fields
- Lavender farms
HistoryRoman amphitheater in Arles
One of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres, built in the 1st century AD.
- UNESCO Monument
- Bullfight
- Night excursions
NatureCalanques of Marseille
Picturesque rocky coves with turquoise water between Marseille and Cassis
- National Park
- Walking routes
- Boat trips
ArchitecturePalais des Papes in Avignon
The largest Gothic palace in the world, the residence of the popes in the 14th century
- UNESCO Monument
- Museum
- Theater Festival
CultureAix-en-Provence
The elegant city of fountains, birthplace of the artist Paul Cézanne
- Cézanne’s studio
- Fountains
- Markets
NatureOcher cliffs of Roussillon
Unique rocks of all shades of ocher - from yellow to red
- Ocher Trail
- Artist Village
- Sunsets
HistoryPont du Gard
Majestic 1st century Roman aqueduct, a masterpiece of ancient engineering
- UNESCO Monument
- Museum
- Swimming in the river
CultureSaint-Rémy-de-Provence
Charming town where Van Gogh created his famous paintings
- Van Gogh Clinic
- Ancient Glanum
- Markets
ArchitectureVillages of the Luberon
Picturesque medieval villages on the slopes of the Luberon mountains
- Gordes
- Roussillon
- Bonnieux
Towns and villages
Towns and villages of Provence
From vibrant cities to picturesque mountainside villages, each location has its own unique history
Town
Marseille
The largest port in France, a city with a rich history and multicultural atmosphere.
775 km from Paris
- Old Port
- Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde
- Calanques
- MuCEM Museum
Town
Aix-en-Provence
An elegant city of fountains, a university center and the birthplace of Paul Cézanne.
750 km from Paris
- Cours Mirabeau
- Cézanne’s studio
- Saint-Sauveur Cathedral
- Markets
Town
Avignon
City of the Popes with a majestic palace and the famous Saint-Bénézet bridge.
680 km from Paris
- Papal Palace
- Avignon Bridge
- Theater Festival
- Fortress walls
Village
Gordes
One of the most beautiful villages in France, stone houses on the mountainside.
720 km from Paris
- Panoramic views
- Sénanque Abbey
- Stone houses
- Galleries
Village
Roussillon
An ocher village with houses in all shades of red and orange.
730 km from Paris
- Ocher Rocks
- Ocher Trail
- Art galleries
- Sunsets
Town
Arles
City of Roman heritage and Van Gogh with a magnificent amphitheater.
720 km from Paris
- Roman amphitheater
- Van Gogh Places
- Photography Festival
- Camargue
Traditions
Traditions and culture
Provence carefully preserves its traditions, passing them on from generation to generation
Lavender Festival
Summer festivals celebrating the lavender harvest and essential oil production.
- Festivals in July-August
- Lavender honey tasting
- Distillation Workshops
- Craft Fairs
Christmas Traditions
Unique Provençal Christmas customs with santons and 13 desserts.
- Santons - clay figurines
- 13 Christmas desserts
- Christmas Markets
- Midnight Mass
Petanque
A traditional Provençal boules game that unites generations.
- Games in the town squares
- Tournaments and Championships
- Social tradition
- Aperitif with pastis
Corso - flower parades
Colorful parades with floats decorated with flowers in the cities of Provence.
- Parades in Nice and Menton
- Flower arrangements
- Music and dance
- February-March
Bullfighting and Camargue traditions
Camargue traditions with bulls, horses and gardian herdsmen.
- Camargue races
- Course camarguaise
- Ferrades: sorting bulls
- Gardian traditions
Provençal markets
Weekly markets are the heart of Provençal life and gastronomy.
- Fresh food
- Local artisans
- Antiques
- Social Meetings
Gastronomy
Gastronomy of Provence
Discover the richness of Provencal cuisine - from famous bouillabaisse to exquisite rosé wines
Producers
Producers and workshops
Visit Provence’s traditional producers and discover the secrets behind its legendary products
Winery
Château de Berne
Prestigious estate with organic vineyards and tasting room.
WhereLorguesExcursionsDaily 10:00-18:00PriceFrom 15€
Lavender Farm
Distillerie de Valensole
Family farm with lavender fields and traditional distillation of essential oils.
WhereValensoleExcursionsJune-August, dailyPriceFrom 8€
Olive oil mill
Moulin du Calanquet
Traditional oil mill producing cold-pressed olive oil.
WhereSaint-Rémy-de-ProvenceExcursionsYear-roundPriceFrom 10€
Confectionery factory
Confiserie du Roy René
Producing the famous calissons according to traditional recipes since 1454.
WhereAix-en-ProvenceExcursionsMon-Sat 9:00-18:00PriceFrom 7€
Winery
Domaine de la Citadelle
Luberon winery with corkscrew museum and panoramic views.
WhereMénerbesExcursionsApril–OctoberPriceFrom 12€
Lavender Museum
Musée de la Lavande
A museum of lavender history with a collection of antique stills and a shop.
WhereCoustelletExcursionsDaily 9:00-19:00PriceFrom 6€
Useful information
Lavender fields flower from mid-June to early August Olive harvest and oil production take place in November–December Wineries open all year, but the grape harvest is in September Advance bookings are recommended in high season
What to bring home
What to bring from Provence
The best souvenirs and gifts that will preserve the memory of your trip
Cosmetics · From €12
Lavender oil
Lavender essential oil from Valensole
Tip: Choose oil labelled AOC Haute-Provence
Lavender farms, pharmacies
Food · From €15
Calissons
Almond sweets from Aix-en-Provence
Tip: Look for calissons by Roy René or Léonard Parli
Confectionery shops, souvenir shops
Food · From €18
Olive oil
Cold pressed Provençal olive oil
Tip: Choose oil labelled AOP Provence
Oil mills, markets
Crafts · From €8
Santons
Traditional clay figures for nativity scene
Tip: The best santons are handmade in Aubagne
Santon-makers’ workshops and markets
Home · From €25
Provençal fabrics
Tablecloths and napkins with traditional patterns
Tip: Les Olivades and Souleiado are the best brands
Textile shops, markets
Cosmetics · From €5
Marseille soap
Traditional olive oil soap
Tip: Genuine soap contains 72% vegetable oils
Soap factories, pharmacies
Food · From €6
Herbs of Provence
Blend of aromatic herbs: thyme, rosemary, oregano
Tip: Buy at markets for freshness
Markets, specialty stores
For the home · From €20
Moustiers ceramics
Handmade painted earthenware
Tip: Look for the maker’s mark on the base
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie Workshops
Food · From €10
Rosé wine
Famous Provencal rosé
Tip: Côtes de Provence is a classic choice
Wineries, supermarkets
Cosmetics · From €15
L'Occitane Cosmetics
Natural cosmetics from Provence
Tip: Visit the factory in Manosque
L'Occitane boutiques, airports
Crafts · From €10
Cicadas
Ceramic figurines of cicadas - a symbol of Provence
Tip: Traditionally hung at the entrance for luck
Souvenir shops, markets
Food · From €8
Tapenade
Black Olive, Caper and Anchovy Paste
Tip: Refrigerate after opening
Markets, delicatessen shops
·
The best places are Provençal markets, producers’ workshops and specialist shops in historic centres Markets open in the mornings 2–3 times a week. Buy lavender products in summer and olive oil in autumn Look for AOP, AOC and IGP labels, guaranteeing authenticity and product quality. Avoid tourist traps
Where to stay
Where to stay in Provence
The region's best hotels - from historic castles to modern boutique hotels
Luxury · Monte Carlo ★★★★★
Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo
Legendary palace on Casino Square overlooking the Mediterranean Sea
- Michelin starred restaurant
- SPA Metropole
- Casino
- Pool
From 500€4.9 · 1, 245 reviews
Château · Lorgues ★★★★★
Château de Berne
Wine estate with vineyards and spa
- Winery
- SPA Vinothérapie
- Restaurant
- Pool
From 350€4.8 · 567 reviews
Boutique · Crillon-le-Brave ★★★★★
Hôtel Crillon le Brave
Boutique hotel in a medieval village overlooking Mont Ventoux
- Panoramic views
- Pool
- Restaurant
- Terrace
From 280€4.9 · 423 reviews
Countryside · Gordes ★★★★★
La Bastide de Gordes
Luxury hotel in the most beautiful village of the Luberon
- Valley View
- SPA Sisley
- Michelin starred restaurant
- 2 swimming pools
From 400€4.8 · 678 reviews
Boutique · Aix-en-Provence ★★★★
Hôtel Le Pigonnet
Elegant hotel in a park overlooking Mount Sainte-Victoire
- Garden 2 hectares
- Pool
- Restaurant
- Terrace
From 220€4.7 · 534 reviews
Luxury · Marseille ★★★★★
InterContinental Marseille
Modern hotel in a historical building on the Old Port
- Port view
- SPA
- Restaurant
- Roof terrace
From 300€4.6 ·892 reviews
Countryside · Lauris ★★★★★
Domaine de Fontenille
Wine estate in the heart of the Luberon
- Winery
- Organic Garden
- Pool
- Bicycles
From 320€4.9 · 345 reviews
Château · Aix-en-Provence ★★★★★
Château de la Gaude
17th-century castle with modern art and vineyards
- Art Gallery
- Winery
- SPA
- Restaurant
From 380€4.8 ·234 reviews
Boutique · Avignon ★★★★★
La Mirande
Exquisite hotel in an 18th-century mansion near the Palais des Papes
- Historical interiors
- Cooking school
- Garden
- Restaurant
From 350€4.9 · 456 reviews
·
Book two to three months ahead for the best prices, or six months ahead for July's lavender season Aix-en-Provence for culture, the Luberon for nature, Marseille for sea and city Average €150–300 per night; châteaux cost more (€350–500). Low-season discounts up to 40%
· reviews
Route Examples
Route Examples
Ready-made routes for independent travel around Provence. Select the duration and follow our recommendations.
- Day 1
Aix-en-Provence
Arrival in Aix-en-Provence, a walk along Cours Mirabeau, a visit to Cézanne’s studio, lunch on a café terrace and an evening walk among the fountains.
- Day 2
Villages of the Luberon
Trip to Gordes - one of the most beautiful villages in France, visit to Sénanque Abbey with lavender fields, lunch in Roussillon among ocher rocks.
- Day 3
Avignon
Visit the Palais des Papes, walk on Pont Saint-Bénézet, lunch in the historic centre and return.
Don't want to plan it yourself?
Join our organized tour with an expert guide, comfortable transportation and a thoughtful program.
Provence wine tourExperiences
Experiences and activities
Choose experiences that will make your trip unforgettable
Gastronomy
Rosé wine tasting
Visit the best wineries in Provence and discover the secrets behind the production of the region's famous rosé wines.
Duration4 hoursPricefrom 95€
Nature
Lavender fields of Valensole
Visit to a lavender farm and distillation of essential oils.
Duration5 hoursPricefrom 85€
Culture
In the footsteps of Van Gogh
Excursion to the places where Vincent Van Gogh lived and worked: Arles, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Saint-Paul Clinic.
Duration6 hoursPricefrom 110€
Nature
Calanques on a boat
Boat trip along the picturesque calanques between Marseille and Cassis with swimming in turquoise bays.
Duration4 hoursPricefrom 75€
Gastronomy
Cooking class
Learn to cook traditional Provençal dishes with a local chef.
Duration4 hoursPricefrom 120€
Culture
Avignon and Palais des Papes
Tour of medieval Avignon, visiting the Palais des Papes and the famous bridge.
Duration3 hoursPricefrom 65€
Signature tour
Provence wine tour
5 days · from €1,100 per day
Provence wine tour
Rosé, Bandol, Cassis and gastronomy in the southern sunshine
Tour programmeFAQ
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Provence?
The best time to visit Provence is from April to October. The ideal period for lavender fields is from mid-June to early August. Spring (April-May) is wonderful for poppies and irises to bloom. Autumn (September-October) is grape harvest time and fewer tourists.
How many days does it take to explore Provence?
Minimum 3-4 days for main attractions: Aix-en-Provence, Luberon, Avignon. To fully explore the region, including the lavender fields, the Camargue and the coast, we recommend 5-7 days.
How to get to Provence?
From Paris to Provence you can travel by TGV (3 hours to Marseille or Avignon), by plane (1 hour to Marseille) or by rental car (7-8 hours). We offer a comfortable transfer with a English-speaking guide.
What is included in the tour price?
Tastings, visits and additional services are agreed when preparing your personal proposal. Accommodation is not included.
When does lavender bloom in Provence?
Lavender blooms from mid-June to early August. Peak flowering usually occurs at the end of June - mid-July. The Valensole plateau is the best place for photo sessions. We recommend arriving early in the morning for better light and fewer tourists.
What dining experiences are included?
Tastings, visits and additional services are agreed when preparing your personal proposal. Accommodation is not included.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, our tours are suitable for families with children aged 8 years and older. Children are especially interested in the lavender fields, the Camargue with horses and flamingos, and the calanques with swimming. The program is quite intense, but we make regular rest stops.
Is it possible to change the tour program?
Yes, especially on private tours. We can adapt the programme to your interests, adding wineries, art museums or nature trails. Contact us to discuss a personal programme.
What's the weather like in Provence?
Provence has a Mediterranean climate with more than 300 days of sunshine per year. In summer the temperature is +25-35°C, it can be hot. The mistral - a strong north wind - can blow at any time of the year. We recommend light clothing, sunscreen and a hat.
Cancellation Policy?
More than 30 days before: a 100% refund, including the deposit; 15–30 days before: 50% of the amount actually paid; less than 15 days before: no refund. Non-refundable supplier expenses for the order may be deducted. If the organiser cancels, another date or a full refund of the amount paid is offered if the alternatives are unsuitable. Processing takes up to fourteen calendar days after the amount is confirmed. Force majeure terms and the full policy: /refund.
Art Wine Guide
Ready to discover Provence?
Book your tour now and enjoy an unforgettable travel experience in one of the most beautiful regions of France
- Professional guiding500+ guests
- 24/7 supportAlways in touch during the tour
- Flexible cancellationMore than 30 days before: a 100% refund, including the deposit; 15–30 days before: 50% of the amount actually paid; less than 15 days before: no refund. Non-refundable supplier expenses for the order may be deducted. If the organiser cancels, another date or a full refund of the amount paid is offered if the alternatives are unsuitable. Processing takes up to fourteen calendar days after the amount is confirmed. Force majeure terms and the full policy: /refund.