A visit to Provence is pure magic. We are lucky to have been there many times, with our kids when they were young, just the two of us exploring the region, on a cruise down the Rhone, and more. This sun-soaked corner of southern France is where life seems to slow down just enough for you to truly soak it in. Picture rolling fields of lavender, rows of silvery olive trees, and vineyards that stretch as far as the eye can see. Every village feels like a postcard with its cobblestone streets, colorful markets, and cafés that are perfect for lingering over a glass of rosé.
Betsy on a picturesque street in Uzès, France in Provence
From the golden light that inspired Van Gogh and Cézanne to the breezy charm of the Côte d’Azur, Provence is a real feast for the senses. It truly is a dream for any traveler looking to soak up some of the best of what France has to offer. It’s no wonder that Peter Mayle’s book, A Year in Provence, was a best-seller and watching the movie reminds me how much I want to return!
How to Spend your Time in Provence
There are so many things you could do during your time in Provence, and time is (sadly!) almost always limited. So it’s a good idea to have a plan for how you would like to spend your time when you are there!
Spending time in Provence gives you a chance to really enjoy a nice mix of activities that highlight the area’s rich culture, landscapes, and cuisine. Here are some different ways to make the most of your time there:
Explore Charming Villages: Wander through picturesque villages like Gordes, Roussillon, and L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, known for their narrow streets, historic architecture, and vibrant markets.
Visit Lavender Fields: Depending on the season (typically June to August), witness the beautiful lavender fields in full bloom, especially around the Plateau de Valensole.
Wine Tasting: Discover the region's renowned wines by visiting local vineyards and participating in wine tastings. Areas like Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Côtes de Provence offer excellent choices. We especially love Châteauneuf-du-Pape which typically blends Grenache with Syrah and Mourvèdre to produce a fantastic full-bodied red wine. And on a hot summer day there really is nothing like a Provence rosé.
Cultural Sites: Explore historical sites such as the Palais des Papes in Avignon, the Roman theater in Orange, and the Pont du Gard, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Outdoor Activities: Enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking in the Luberon Regional Park, cycling through vineyards, or kayaking in the Verdon Gorge.
Art and History: Immerse yourself in art at the Fondation Vasarely in Aix-en-Provence, visit Paul Cézanne’s studio to see how he worked and lived, visit the Carrieres de Lumières, and/or follow a self-guided path the some of the scenic spots where Vincent van Gogh lived and created many of his masterpieces. You can also delve into history at the Roman ruins of Glanum near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence or in Vaison-la-Romaine.
Provencal Cuisine: Indulge in Provencal cuisine with its emphasis on fresh produce, olive oil, herbs like thyme and rosemary, and dishes like ratatouille, bouillabaisse, and tarte tropézienne.
Relaxation: Take time to relax in the tranquil surroundings of Provence, whether it's lounging by a pool, visiting a spa, or simply enjoying a leisurely meal at a local café.
You’ll have to pick and choose what you want to do, but Provence offers a great blend of relaxation, culture, and natural beauty that can be tailored to suit your personal interests, and those of your travel companion(s).
A Week in Provence Travel Itinerary
A Road Trip through Provence is a wonderful way to see a great deal of what this region has to offer, and you can do a lot in about a week. Traveling by car offers a fantastic way to discover the area’s diverse landscapes, charming villages, vineyards, and historical sites. It will also give you the most flexibility to go where you want and explore to your heart’s content. It’s nice to have a home base and take day trips to many of the places you will want to visit in Provence. Having a plan will help you make the most of your time there.
We find that most of our custom itinerary clients have a better time if they stay longer in fewer places. Although you could travel through the region and stay in multiple places, it’s nice to find great accommodations that you love, and take short trips from there. That way you can really settle in to a place. So here we have a suggested itinerary for a memorable trip to Provence, using Avignon as a home base and taking days trips from there. It doesn’t include everything in the list above on how to spend your time in the area, but it will give you a great taste of the region and you can pick and choose the things you want to do most. Then, plan to return another time and see even more!
The beautiful village of Gordes, France in thre Luberon Region
Day 1: Arrival in Avignon
Morning: Arrive in Avignon and explore the historic city center. Visit the Palais des Papes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and stroll across the Pont d'Avignon.
Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at a local bistro and visit the Musée du Petit Palais for its impressive collection of medieval and Renaissance art.
Evening: Relax with a dinner at a traditional Provencal restaurant, sampling local specialties like ratatouille and Côtes du Rhône wines.
Day 2: Explore the Luberon Region
Morning: Depart from Avignon and drive to the Luberon region, stopping in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Explore its antique markets and canals. Visit the village of Gordes, known for its stunning panoramic views and ancient stone houses. Explore the Village des Bories nearby.
Afternoon: Continue to Roussillon, famous for its red and ochre-colored cliffs. Take a walk through the Ochre Trail and visit the village's art galleries. Explore the Village des Bories and the Senanque Abbey (in season, typically June-July for lavender).
Evening: Return to Avignon for dinner or dine in one of the charming villages of the Luberon like Bonnieux, with its panoramic views, or Ménerbes.
Day 3: Arles and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Morning: Drive to Arles. Explore the Roman ruins, including the Amphitheater and the Roman Theater. Visit the Fondation Vincent van Gogh and stroll through the historic center of town. Explore the Van Gogh trail.
Afternoon: Head to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Visit the Saint-Paul de Mausole Monastery, where Van Gogh stayed and painted. Explore the old town's boutiques and art galleries. Then drive to Les Baux-de-Provence. Explore the medieval village and visit the Carrieres de Lumières for a unique art experience where art and technology meet in an old limestone quarry.
Evening: Return to Avignon and enjoy dinner at a cozy restaurant offering Provençal cuisine.
The stunning red cliffs of Roussillon, France
Day 4: Aix-en-Provence
Morning: Travel to Aix-en-Provence. Visit the Cours Mirabeau, lined with cafes and shops. Explore the historic old town, including the Cathedral of Saint Sauveur and the Pavillon de Vendôme.
Afternoon: Visit the Atelier Cézanne, where the painter Paul Cézanne worked. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a café in Aix-en-Provence.
Evening: Return to Avignon or stay in Aix-en-Provence for dinner, trying out local Provençal food and wine.
Day 5: Pont du Gard and Uzès
Morning: Visit the Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct and UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a walk along the river or explore the museum.
Afternoon: Drive to Uzès, a charming medieval town and have lunch. Visit the Duchy of Uzès and stroll through its narrow streets lined with shops and cafes. Then drive to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, famous for its wine and visit one of the vineyards there for a tasting.
Evening: Return to Avignon for dinner, savoring traditional Provencal cuisine.
Day 6: Departure
Morning: Depending on your departure time, take a last stroll through Avignon or visit any sites you may have missed.
Afternoon: Depart from Avignon, reflecting on your unforgettable journey through the heart of Provence! Begin planning your return trip!
This itinerary allows you to experience the highlights of Provence with its a mix of historical sites, beautiful countryside, cultural experiences, and culinary delights. It allows you to enjoy the essence of Provence at a relaxed pace, and you can adjust the schedule based on your interests and the time you have available.
Enjoying oysters and champagne in the market, Les Halles d’Avignon
Best Time to Travel to Provence
The best time to travel to Provence depends on when you can make time to go, your overall preferences and what you want to experience. Each time of year has its advantages.
Spring (April to June):
Weather: Pleasant temperatures, ranging from mild to warm.
Landscape: Vibrant with blooming flowers, especially lavender fields from late June onwards.
Events: Cherry blossoms in April, local festivals, and outdoor markets.
Advantages: Less crowded than summer, ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring villages.
Summer (July to August):
Weather: Hot and dry weather, with temperatures reaching their peak in July.
Landscape: Lavender fields in full bloom, vineyards lush and green.
Events: Numerous festivals and cultural events, such as music festivals in Aix-en-Provence and Avignon.
Advantages: Long days for exploring, lively atmosphere, and outdoor dining.
Fall (September to October):
Weather: Warm days and cooler nights, comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities.
Landscape: Vineyards harvest season, changing colors in the countryside.
Events: Wine festivals and harvest celebrations.
Advantages: Crowds thinning out after summer, ideal for wine tasting and enjoying local produce.
Winter (November to March):
Weather: Mild winters with occasional rain, colder in higher altitudes.
Landscape: Quiet countryside, snow-capped mountains in the distance.
Events: Christmas markets in December, truffle markets in January-February.
Advantages: Lower prices, fewer tourists, ideal for exploring cities and indoor attractions.
Peak season is late June to August for lavender fields and vibrant festivals. It’s a wonderful time to be there, but it is busy. Shoulder season is my favorite time, April – May and September-October. During that time period you’ll enjoy comfortable weather and fewer crowds. If you go in the fall, you may also hit the harvest season, which can be fun. Off season is November to March. Visiting then would be quieter and you would find lower prices, but be aware that some places you’d like to visit and select restaurants may be closed or have reduced hours.
I recommend that you choose the time based on your interests: whether it's enjoying outdoor activities in mild weather, experiencing local festivals, or exploring in a more serene atmosphere.
The iconic Café Van Gogh in Arles, France
Does planning a trip like this just seem a little overwhelming? We can help with that! Remember that we are always available to you and your friends and family for custom trip planning to Europe. We are experts in creating custom travel itineraries and leading small group trips in Europe. Feel free to reach out via email — I'm always available to talk about travel!!
Betsy Ball – Betsy is co-founder and partner of Euro Travel Coach (ETC), which crafts custom European vacations for independent travelers and leads small group trips to Europe. She is a passionate and culturally curious traveler who thoroughly enjoys sharing her love for exploring Europe with ETC clients. Prior to founding ETC, Betsy taught International Business at Tarleton State University in Texas (part of the A & M System) where she led study abroad trips to multiple European countries and other worldwide destinations. She retired from teaching in 2017 and since then, Betsy and her husband, Co-founder and Partner, Greg, have been traveling through Europe multiple times per year for as many as 9 months at a time. She has a degree in hotel, restaurant management from Michigan State University and an MBA from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. She also holds a Level 3 certification from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust.
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