Ah, Provence! Its lavender fields 🪻, cypress trees, singing cicadas, and easygoing lifestyle have made it one of the most popular destinations in France… What to see in Provence? Here’s a curated list of 9 stunning places in Provence 😱 to make your Instagram pop! And the best time to go.
Summary:
- Banon: Lavender Scents and Cheese Delights
- Gordes: A Historical Jewel
- Roussillon: A Vibrant Palette of Colors
- Valensole: Endless Lavender Fields
- Sainte-Croix Lake: Tranquility at the Gorge’s End
- Porquerolles Island: A Mediterranean Paradise
- Aix-en-Provence: The Vibrant Heart of Provence
- Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: Inspiration in Every Corner
- Les Baux-de-Provence: A Hilltop Fortress Village
- Best Time to Visit Provence
The 9 Most Instagram-Worthy Places in Provence
Stretching from the Ardèche Gorge to the foothills of the Alps and along the Mediterranean coast, Provence boasts exceptional natural and architectural heritage. Add in exquisite cuisine, lush vegetation, and unspoiled mountain ranges 🏔️, and you’ve got a dream destination.
Wondering what to visit in Provence? You can visit one or more of these breathtaking locations or plan a full French road trip 🚗 using the itinerary below. It takes you through the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Vaucluse, and Var, offering diverse landscapes and unforgettable experiences.
1. Banon: Lavender Scents and Cheese Delights
Nestled between Mont Ventoux and the Lure Mountain, Banon is a charming medieval village in the heart of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Perched at 1,640 feet (500 meters), Banon features:
- A rich history
- Stone-paved streets with rustic stone houses
- 14th-century gates 🏰
Climb to the village’s highest point, and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding lavender fields and mountains.
Food lovers, take note! Banon is famous for its goat cheese 🐐, also called… Banon. Don’t miss a tasting session at the local Fromagerie de Banon.
Pro Tip: Stop by the Le Bleuet bookstore 📚, the largest independent rural bookstore in France, boasting over 170,000 books spread across eight levels.
2. Gordes: A Historical Jewel
A short 30-minute drive from Avignon, Gordes sits majestically in the Vaucluse region. Listed among the most beautiful villages in France, Gordes attracts 🧲 many tourists—and for good reason! Its white stone houses, narrow cobbled streets, and Renaissance castle exude charm and history. Don’t miss the iconic Sénanque Abbey, surrounded by lavender fields.
Pro Tip: Just outside Gordes, visit the Village des Bories, a historic site showcasing dry-stone huts built without mortar, typical of the region.
3. Roussillon: A Vibrant Palette of Colors
Prepare to be dazzled! Located a few miles from Gordes, Roussillon is known for its striking ochre cliffs and quarries 🪨, which have given the village its colorful facades. Stroll through its steep, winding streets, explore the charming town square, and visit the Saint-Michel Church ⛪.
For a deeper dive into its ochre heritage, take a walk along the Sentier des Ocres (Ochre Trail), where you can marvel at the vibrant red and orange hues of the former quarries.
Pro Tip: Roussillon has inspired artists for centuries. Be sure to explore its many galleries 🖼️ and art studios!
Want more? Find here our Top 5 charming small towns in France.
4. Valensole: Endless Lavender Fields
Looking for the ultimate Provençal experience? Head to Valensole, a quaint village in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, famous for its sprawling lavender fields 🪻. Located near the Verdon Regional Park, Valensole is also surrounded by wheat and almond groves, making it a photographer’s dream.
To learn more about lavender cultivation, join guided tours organized by local farms or the tourism office.
Pro Tip: Lavender blooms from late June to early August. For the best timing, call the local tourism office ahead of your trip.
5. Sainte-Croix Lake: Tranquility at the Gorge’s End
Nestled at the end of the Verdon Gorge, Sainte-Croix Lake 🛶was created in 1973 after the Verdon River was dammed. This 22-square-kilometer (8.5-square-mile) lake will captivate you with its dazzling turquoise waters. Framed by lavender fields, forested hills, and quaint villages, it’s an ideal spot for families or anyone looking to relax 😎.
Pro Tip: Rent a kayak or paddleboat to explore the gorge up close. The secluded, exotic scenery will leave you speechless!
6. Porquerolles Island: A Mediterranean Paradise
If you visit just one spot on the Mediterranean coast, make it Porquerolles. Located 20 minutes by boat from Hyères, this gem boasts pristine beaches 🏖️, crystal-clear waters, and lush Mediterranean vegetation. Cars and scooters are banned, so rent a bike 🚲 to leisurely explore the island’s 4.3 miles by 1.5 miles of natural beauty.
To the south, find rugged cliffs and coves, while the north offers white sand beaches and calm waters. At the island’s heart, you’ll encounter olive trees, vineyards 🍇, and eucalyptus groves.
Pro Tip: Climb to Fort Sainte-Agathe for panoramic views of the island, and visit the picturesque Moulin du Bonheur.
To enjoy a seamless trip through Provence, take a moment to learn about Free flow tolling in France.
7. Aix-en-Provence: The Vibrant Heart of Provence
Known as the cultural and historical capital of Provence, Aix-en-Provence is a must-visit for art lovers and history buffs. Its charming streets are lined with elegant 17th-century mansions, fountains ⛲, and bustling markets.
Begin your visit with the Cours Mirabeau, the city’s main thoroughfare, where you’ll find lively cafes and boutiques. Don’t miss a stop at Atelier Cézanne, the studio of the famous painter 🎨 who was inspired by the surrounding landscapes 🤩. Aix is also an excellent base for exploring nearby vineyards, making it a perfect spot for wine enthusiasts.
Pro Tip: Take a short trip to the nearby Sainte-Victoire Mountain for breathtaking views and hiking opportunities.
8. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: Inspiration in Every Corner
A picturesque town surrounded by olive groves 🫒 and rolling hills, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence combines charm, history, and artistic heritage. Famous as the place where Van Gogh painted some of his most iconic works, it offers visitors the chance to explore Saint-Paul de Mausole, the asylum where he stayed.
The town center features quaint shops, cafes, and squares perfect for soaking up the Provençal atmosphere. A short walk away, you’ll find Les Antiques, ancient Roman ruins that add a touch of history to your pictures 🤳.
Pro Tip: Visit on a Wednesday to experience the vibrant weekly market and sample local specialties like tapenade and Provençal pastries.
See also our tips for driving in France to make the most of your trip in Provence.
9. Les Baux-de-Provence: A Hilltop Fortress Village
Perched on a rocky outcrop, Les Baux-de-Provence offers dramatic views 😍 of the surrounding Alpilles mountains. This fortified medieval village is home to the impressive Château des Baux, where you can explore ruins and learn about the region’s history through interactive exhibits.
The French village itself is a maze of cobblestone streets lined with art galleries, souvenir shops, and restaurants serving local cuisine 😋. Les Baux is also famous for its olive oil production, and a visit to a nearby mill is highly recommended.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the Carrières de Lumières, an immersive art experience featuring projections of famous artworks on the walls of a former quarry.
Best Time to Visit Provence
The best time to visit Provence depends on your interests, but each season offers something unique:
- Spring (April to June) 🌻: Mild weather and blooming landscapes make this an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploring villages like Aix-en-Provence and Les Baux. Lavender fields start to bloom in late June.
- Summer (July-August) ☀️: Peak season for lavender lovers. Head to Valensole or Sénanque Abbey for the iconic purple fields.
- Fall (September to October) 🍇: Cooler temperatures and grape harvest season make this the best time for wine tours. It’s also perfect for quieter visits to towns like Saint-Rémy.
- Winter (November to March)🎄: A serene time to explore Provence without crowds. Aix-en-Provence’s Christmas markets are a highlight in December.
Rent a car in France with SIXT
Pro Tip: Plan your trip around specific events, like the lavender festivals in early July or the grape harvest celebrations in September.
