Provence rewards a slower kind of travel — wandering hilltop villages, tasting local wine, and following lavender fields to the horizon. Here's a complete guide to the best things to do in Provence, organised by interest so you can build a trip around what matters most to you.
Scenic and Nature Experiences
1. Walk Through the Lavender Fields of Valensole
The most iconic Provence experience, best between late June and late July when the fields are in full bloom. The Valensole plateau and the Sault region are the two most photographed locations.
2. Hike the Sentier des Ocres in Roussillon
A walking trail through Roussillon's natural red and orange ochre cliffs, offering some of the most striking geology in the region.
3. Explore the Gorges du Verdon
Often called the “Grand Canyon of Europe,” this dramatic limestone canyon offers hiking, kayaking, and some of the most turquoise water in France.
4. Visit Sénanque Abbey
A 12th-century Cistercian abbey near Gordes, famous for the lavender fields that bloom right up to its walls in summer.
Villages and Architecture
5. Wander the Streets of Gordes
One of the most photographed villages in France, with stone houses stacked dramatically above the Luberon valley.
6. Explore Les Baux-de-Provence
A clifftop village built into the rock, with a ruined medieval castle offering panoramic views over the Alpilles countryside.
7. Visit the Carrières de Lumières
A former quarry near Les Baux transformed into an immersive digital art space, projecting famous artworks across its massive stone walls.
8. Discover Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Known for hand-painted ceramics and a chapel perched dramatically on the cliffside above the village.
Food, Wine, and Markets
9. Take a Wine Tour in the Luberon or Rhône Valley
Provence's vineyards produce some of France's best rosé. Many offer tastings and cellar tours, particularly around Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the Luberon.
10. Browse a Provençal Market
Markets like the Wednesday market in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence or the Saturday market in Aix-en-Provence are full of local cheese, olives, herbs, and handmade soap.
11. Take a Provençal Cooking Class
Learn to make regional dishes like ratatouille, tapenade, or bouillabaisse in hands-on classes offered in Aix-en-Provence and Avignon.
12. Visit an Olive Oil Farm
Provence has a long olive oil tradition, and many farms (moulins) around the Alpilles and Baux-de-Provence offer tastings and tours.
History and Culture
13. Follow the Van Gogh Trail in Arles
Van Gogh painted over 300 works during his time in Arles. A self-guided walking trail marks the exact spots that inspired paintings like Café Terrace at Night.
14. Tour the Palais des Papes in Avignon
The largest Gothic palace in the world, once home to the medieval papacy, and the centrepiece of Avignon's walled old town.
15. Explore Roman Ruins in Arles and Glanum
Arles' Roman amphitheatre is still used for events today, while the nearby Glanum archaeological site offers well-preserved ruins near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
Coastal Provence
16. Visit the Calanques National Park
Dramatic limestone cliffs and turquoise coves near Marseille, accessible by boat tour, hiking trail, or kayak.
17. Explore Marseille's Old Port
The Vieux-Port area combines a working fishing harbour with cafés, seafood restaurants, and easy access to the nearby Calanques.
Seasonal Highlights
- Summer: Lavender fields, outdoor festivals, and night markets.
- Autumn: Grape harvest tours and golden countryside light.
- Spring: Wildflowers, mild hiking weather, and blooming orchards.
- Winter: Christmas markets in Aix-en-Provence and Avignon, quiet village walks.
Sample 3-Day Provence Activity Plan
- Day 1: Avignon (Palais des Papes) → Les Baux-de-Provence → Carrières de Lumières
- Day 2: Gordes → Sénanque Abbey → Roussillon ochre trail
- Day 3: Valensole lavender fields (seasonal) or a Luberon wine tour → Aix-en-Provence market
Places to visit in Provence → · Provence itineraries →
Frequently Asked Questions
Visiting the lavender fields, particularly around Valensole, is the most iconic Provence experience, though hilltop villages like Gordes are equally popular.
Yes — the Gorges du Verdon and the Luberon hills offer well-marked trails ranging from easy village walks to more demanding canyon hikes.
Wine tours, village exploring, market visits, and coastal trips to the Calanques are all rewarding year-round, regardless of when the lavender is in bloom.
3–5 days allows time to combine village visits, at least one outdoor activity like hiking or a wine tour, and one or two of the region’s cultural landmarks.