So, you’re thinking about going to Provence France? Let me convince you! You will spend your days leisurely driving the rolling hills, exploring ancient villages, walking through lavender fields and eating delicious cuisine. Oh, and don’t forget the wine!
Included in my guide to Provence is what villages to see, what wineries to visit, where to stay and what to do. Luxury and leisure await in Provence.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Provence France is spring, summer and fall. If you want to see the lavender in bloom the best time is late June early July(the exact time varies per year based on weather). Average temperatures, in Fahrenheit, for April-September are below.
- April highs around 65 and lows around 42
- May highs around 73 and lows around 48
- June highs around 80 and lows around 55
- July highs around 87 and lows around 60
- August highs around 86 and lows around 58
- September highs around 78 and lows around 53
Villages and Towns to Visit
- Avignon- On the bank of the Rhone River. This medieval town was once the home to 7 successive popes a the Palais des Papes in the main ten square that is a UNESCO world heritage site.
- Aix en Provence- The largest city on the list, dating back to 123 BC. Often referred to as the city of a thousand fountains.
- Remy de Provence- Here you can visit the Saint Paul de Mars Le Asylum where Van Gogh stayed and pointed some if most famous art.
- Venasque- Known as one of the most beautiful villages in France. It is situated at the top of a cliff overlooking the valley below.
- Gordes- Another village known as one of the most beautiful in France. Sitting on the edge of a plateau providing picturesque views. I had the best croissants of my entire Provence trip here at a tiny bakery in the center of town.
- Menerbes- A beautiful walled village atop a hillside.
- Roussillon- Another beautiful “must-see” village in the area.
- Saignon- Lovely hilltop village. This one next to a giant rock which you can climb to get a panoramic view.
- Sault- Hilltop village that is a wonderful place to see and visit a Lavender Farm. (For more on lavender check out my French Lavender Guide.)
Wineries
There is a well-known wine area just north of Avignon and south or Orange. The best way to visit these wineries is to stay in or near Avignon for a night or two.
- Chateau de Beaucastel
- Chateau Rayas
- Domaine la Barroche
- Chateau la Nerthe
- Domaine de Marie
Where to stay in Provence France
- Airelles Gordes, La Bastide
- Baumaniere Le Baux de Provence
- Villa Gallici, Aix en Provence
- La Bastide de Capelongue
- La Coquillade
- Chateau de Massillan
- Hotel Crillon Le Brave
- La Mirande, Avignon
- Le Couvent des Minimes and L’Occitane Spa- Closest on the list to Vanensole (more on my Lavender Guide)
Things To Do
- Take part in a traditional game of Petanque
- Visit a Lavender Farm
- Visit L’Occitane
- Visit the Abbaye Notre-Dame De Senanque
- Taste wine at a Winery
- Visit an Olive Oil producer
- Wonder street of medieval villages
Things to Know
- Closest airport is Marseille.
- You will need a car to self-drive the area.
- You can easily combine a trip to Provence with a trip to the French Riviera.
Lavender, looking for information on the French lavender fields? Check out my Lavender Guide. Need more help planning your trip? As a professional Travel Advisor, it’s my job to design you the perfect Provincial escape. Visit my travel planning page or planning process page to learn more.
Full-service, luxury Travel Advisor/Agent. Travel Blogger. Married, dog mom, plant-based. Based in San Jose California but often traveling the world.
Find me on: Instagram
