Discover Provence: the complete guide for an exceptional stay
What to do in Provence? Explore hilltop villages, unspoiled nature, exceptional local produce, and unique experiences to fully enjoy this iconic region. From the Alpilles to the Camargue, from Aix-en-Provence to the Luberon, Provence captivates with its contrasting landscapes: the wild expanses of the Camargue, historic Arles, the sunlit scenery of the Alpilles, and the Luberon with its picturesque hilltop villages.
Provençal gastronomy is a true institution: quality Provence wines, AOC olive oil, generous traditional dishes, markets overflowing with local produce, and bullfighting traditions that keep the Camargue spirit alive.
Art and culture thrive in Provence: the Rencontres d’Arles, a world-renowned photography festival; the Festival d’Avignon, dedicated to theatre and contemporary creation; and the Aix-en-Provence Opera Festival, a major event in the international music scene.
Whether you come to explore villages, taste local wines, attend festivals in Provence, or plan an exceptional stay, this guide helps you make the most of one of the most beautiful regions in France.
What to do in Provence
Interactive table of contents for this complete guide to Provence
A land of contrasts : from the Alpilles to the Camargue
Provence reveals itself as a mosaic of territories with strong identities. Each destination has its own character, colors, and way of life.
Aix-en-Provence : what to see in the cultural capital
Aix-en-Provence embodies the French art of living. The tree-lined Cours Mirabeau with its centuries-old plane trees, monumental fountains, and 17th-century private mansions—every stone breathes history.
But Aix is above all a leading cultural capital. Each summer, the opera festival transforms the Archbishop’s Palace into a true temple of opera, drawing the world’s greatest voices. Music festivals punctuate the year, while museums celebrate Cézanne and the great masters of painting.
Stroll through the old town, lose yourself in Provençal markets (Place Richelme, Place des Prêcheurs), and savor a calisson: Aix is as much to be tasted as it is to be explored.
Avignon and the land of the Popes
UNESCO World Heritage Site, Avignon impresses with its Palace of the Popes, the largest Gothic palace in Europe. Medieval ramparts encircle the city, bearing witness to the papal grandeur of the 14th century.
Every year, throughout the month of July, Avignon lives to the rhythm of theatre. The Avignon Festival transforms the entire city into a stage: the squares become performance venues, the streets vibrate day and night. The IN Festival (official programme) and OFF Festival (hundreds of independent companies) create a unique excitement.
Just minutes away, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon offers calm and panoramic views: its Fort Saint-André overlooks the Rhône and the palace.
To learn more, discover our dedicated article : Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
Arles: a crossroads between history and modernity
The Luberon : Provençal authenticity
The Luberon is postcard-perfect Provence come to life. Perched villages with ochre facades and blue shutters, colorful markets overflowing with local products, landscapes of scrubland and vineyards as far as the eye can see.
Must-see villages :
- Gordes clings to its hillside, offering dizzying views over the valley.
- Roussillon blazes with its red and yellow ochre cliffs.
- Lourmarin, a haven for artists and writers, charms with its relaxed atmosphere and Renaissance castle.
The weekly markets (Apt on Saturdays, Lourmarin on Fridays) are institutions where locals and visitors find goat cheese, candied fruits, olive oil and lavender bouquets.
To learn more, discover our dedicated articles: The Luberon – Villages of Luberon – Top 10 vacation homes in the Luberon for a luxury stay – Restaurants in the Luberon
The Alpilles : where golden stone meets light
A massif of white limestone sculpted by the mistral wind, the Alpilles are home to some of the most beautiful villages in Provence.
Les Baux-de-Provence : a medieval fortress perched on a rocky spur, offering exceptional panoramic views.
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence : birthplace of Nostradamus, it enchants with its shaded boulevards and its Wednesday market, one of the most renowned in the region. Nearby, the archaeological site of Glanum and the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole monastery where Van Gogh stayed.
Eygalières : a discreet and elegant village, favored by lovers of tranquility and fine dining.
The Alpilles regional natural park unfolds its hiking trails through olive groves, cypresses and pine forests.
To learn more, discover our dedicated articles: Villages of the Alpilles – Glanum archaeological site – Saint-Paul-de-Mausole monastery – Alpilles natural park – What to do in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence? – The 12 best vacation rentals in the Alpilles
Secret perched villages
Looking for authenticity away from the crowds? Provence holds hidden gems:
- Oppède-le-Vieux : an abandoned village later restored, a place outside of time.
- Ménerbes : immortalized by Peter Mayle, the charm of a fortified village.
- Lacoste : dominated by the ruins of the Marquis de Sade’s castle, scandalous history and contemporary art.
- Bonnieux and Saignon : less crowded, views over the Luberon and unspoiled atmosphere.
Discover the 3 must-see villages to visit in Provence : Gordes, Roussillon and Les Baux-de-Provence
The Camargue : wild land and traditions
A world apart, the Camargue unfolds its infinite horizons between land and sea, marshes and lagoons. Here reign white horses, black bulls and pink flamingos.
The Camargue regional natural park protects this unique ecosystem where wild nature and centuries-old traditions coexist. The gardians (Camargue cowboys) perpetuate bull breeding and equestrian arts passed down from generation to generation.
Bull-related traditions beat at the heart of Camargue identity:
- Course camarguaise (the raseteur must snatch a rosette from between the bull’s horns),
- Abrivados (bulls escorted by gardians)
- Festive férias.
Rent bicycles, explore the dike paths, visit the salt marshes and observe migratory birds : the Camargue reveals itself along the water.
Curious to learn more? Check out our complete articles on The Camargue regional natural park – Discovering the Alpilles and the Camargue: the guide
Provençal gastronomy: Provençal cuisine, wines and specialties
Provence is as much about tasting as it is about visiting. Here, gastronomy isn’t just a pleasure: it’s a religion. Between sun-drenched wines, golden olive oil and exceptional products, the region celebrates epicureanism and the joy of the table.
Provence wines : wine route and exceptional appellations
Provence wines are known worldwide. The pale, fruity rosés evoke the Mediterranean summer, while the region also produces excellent structured reds and aromatic whites that are too often overlooked.
Prestigious appellations:
- Côtes de Provence
- Bandol (powerful age-worthy reds)
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape (complex and legendary wines)
- Gigondas and Vacqueyras.
Follow the Provence wine route through vineyards and estates. Tastings, cellar visits, meetings with owners: winemakers open their doors and share their passion.
Discover our complete article on wines.
Olive oil : Provence's green gold
Olive oil is the soul of Provençal cuisine. The region benefits from several PDOs : Aix-en-Provence, Vallée des Baux-de-Provence, Nyons, Haute-Provence.
The varieties :
- Aglandau : notes of artichoke and fresh almond.
- Salonenque : mild and buttery.
Visit traditional mills, attend oil tastings as you would taste wine, discover the secrets of making this product that elevates every dish.
Discover our complete article on olive oil
The black truffle : truffle markets and Vaucluse's diamond
From November to March, Provence celebrates its black diamond : the truffle (tuber melanosporum). Vaucluse is France’s leading truffle-producing department.
The truffle markets of Richerenches, Carpentras and Apt are institutions. Discreet transactions, connoisseurs inspecting truffles, unique atmosphere.
Experiences to live :
- Truffle hunting with a truffle dog in a truffle orchard, d
- Ining at a Michelin-starred restaurant showcasing truffles
- Private visits to truffle estates.
Provence lavender : culinary uses, routes and flowering seasons
Lavender doesn’t just perfume the Provençal landscapes : it also finds its way into the kitchen. Sweet and fragrant lavender honey, delicately flavored ice creams and sorbets, syrups to flavor drinks or desserts, original jams : lavender brings its subtle floral note to many preparations. Some chefs even incorporate it into their savory creations, infused in sauces or to flavor meats. Lavender infusions are renowned for their soothing properties.
Beyond its culinary uses, lavender fields are the iconic image of Provence. The flowering period generally extends from mid-June to late July, although these dates may vary depending on weather conditions. On the Valensole plateau, the harvest begins in mid-July.
The two must-see sites :
- Valensole plateau : fields as far as the eye can see, spectacular landscapes.
- Surroundings of Sault: capital of fine lavender.
Follow the lavender routes, visit artisanal distilleries, leave with premium products: pure essential oils, natural cosmetics, handcrafted soaps. Some distilleries offer workshops to create your own blends.
Provençal cooking : specialties and authentic flavors
Provençal cuisine celebrates simplicity and generosity. Based on ultra-fresh market produce, it showcases sun-drenched vegetables, aromatic herbs and olive oil.
Must-try specialties :
- Ratatouille
- Aïoli
- Bouillabaisse
- Provençal daub
- Farcis
- Tapenade
Herbes de Provence (thyme, rosemary, savory, oregano) flavor all the local gastronomy. Several establishments offer cooking classes to learn how to make these traditional dishes.
To learn more, discover our dedicated articles : Cooking classes – Alpilles & Luberon : Guide to the 10 best restaurants
Exceptional cheeses
Provence produces characterful cheeses, often made from goat’s milk :
- Brousse du Rove : creamy fresh cheese, to be enjoyed plain or with lavender honey.
- Banon PDO : wrapped in chestnut leaves, unique woody flavors.
- Picodon PDO : small aged goat cheese round, creamy texture and pronounced taste.
Visit artisanal cheese dairies to meet the producers and taste their creations directly at the farm.
Provence honey and beekeeping
Provence honey offers a palette of flavors depending on the flowers:
- Lavender honey (sweet and fragrant)
- Rosemary honey (crystallized and subtle)
- Thyme honey (full-bodied and aromatic)
Artisan beekeepers perpetuate traditional methods. Visits to apiaries and comparative tastings allow you to distinguish the different varieties.
Provençal desserts
Provence has its emblematic sweet treats :
Calisson d’Aix : a shuttle-shaped confection blending almond paste, candied melon and orange peel under a white icing. Made in Aix-en-Provence since the 15th century.
The thirteen Christmas desserts : a unique Provençal tradition served on the evening of December 24th, symbolizing Christ and the twelve apostles. On the menu: four mendiants, white and black nougat, pompe à l’huile, fresh fruit, dates and quince paste.
Other delicacies :
- Candied fruits from Apt,
- Navettes de Marseille (dry cookies flavored with orange blossom),
- Berlingots de Carpentras (striped fruit candies)
- Oreillettes (crispy fritters dusted with powdered sugar).
Must-see Provençal markets
Provençal markets are an institution. Bursting with color and brimming with life, they showcase all the local produce: sun-ripened fruits and vegetables, marinated olives, farm cheeses, artisanal charcuterie, honey, jams and aromatic herbs.
The most beautiful Provençal markets :
- Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (Wednesday)
- Apt (Saturday)
- L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (Sunday)
- Aix-en-Provence, Place Richelme (daily)
In summer, night markets extend the gentle evenings. In December, Christmas markets transform villages into magical settings: santons, mulled wine, local crafts and the thirteen Provençal desserts.
To learn more, check out our articles: Markets in Provence – The 5 most beautiful Christmas markets in Provence not to be missed
Starred tables and exceptional gastronomy
Provence boasts numerous Michelin-starred restaurants where renowned chefs showcase local produce.
Legendary addresses :
- L’Oustau de Baumanière in Les Baux-de-Provence (three stars)
- Le Château de la Chèvre d’Or in Èze (two stars)
- La Vague d’Or in Saint-Tropez (three stars)
- La Bastide de Moustiers Sainte-Marie (Alain Ducasse)
- Many one-star tables in the Luberon and Alpilles
Some prestigious wine estates offer private visits with the owners, followed by tastings accompanied by refined dishes.
Culture and entertainment in Provence: festivals, art and traditions
Provence pulses to the rhythm of an intense cultural life. Internationally renowned festivals, exceptional museums, living traditions: the region never sleeps.
Festivals in Provence : Avignon, Aix-en-Provence and unmissable events
The Provençal summer resonates with prestigious festivals that attract artists and audiences from around the world:
The Avignon Festival (July): the meeting place for contemporary theatre. Created in 1947, it transforms the city into a giant stage. IN Festival (official programme) and OFF Festival (hundreds of companies).
Les Rencontres d’Arles (July to September): the world’s most important photography festival. Exhibitions in extraordinary venues, discovery of emerging talent, meetings with artists.
The Aix-en-Provence Opera Festival (July-August): an internationally prestigious event. The greatest opera singers perform in the Archbishopric courtyard and at the Jeu de Paume theatre.
Les Chorégies d’Orange (June-August): operas in the Roman ancient theatre, one of the best preserved in the world. Exceptional acoustics, performances under the stars.
Other festivals :
- Piano Festival of La Roque-d’Anthéron (July-August)
- International String Quartet Festival of the Luberon
- Summer evenings at the Château de l’Empéri in Salon-de-Provence
To discover even more events, check out our dedicated article: Provence : A region rich in events
Contemporary art and galleries
Provence has always inspired artists. Today, contemporary art finds fertile ground here.
The Lambert Collection in Avignon : one of the most important private contemporary art collections in France (Cy Twombly, Anselm Kiefer, Nan Goldin). Housed in two 18th-century private mansions.
The Vincent Van Gogh Foundation in Arles : temporary exhibitions and dialogue between Van Gogh’s work and contemporary creation.
Contemporary art galleries flourish in Saint-Rémy, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and in the Luberon villages. Many artists’ studios open their doors during heritage days.
Discover the 10 must see exhibitions around Aix, Marseille and in Provence
Museums and exceptional sites
Provence is brimming with exceptional museums and unique heritage sites:
The Carrières de Lumières in Les Baux-de-Provence: a spectacular immersive experience. Works by the greatest masters (Van Gogh, Monet, Klimt) are projected onto the walls of former stone quarries.
The Colorado provençal in Rustrel: ochre cliffs in a landscape reminiscent of the American West. Easy hiking in an extraordinary natural setting.
Other remarkable sites :
- Musée des Alpilles in Saint-Rémy
- Musée Estrine (Van Gogh and artists inspired by Provence)
- Archaeological sites (Glanum, Vaison-la-Romaine, Roman sites in Arles).
Continue your discovery through our articles : Estrine museum – Alpilles museum – Glanum archaeological site – Museum of ancient Arles
Bull traditions : the soul of the Camargue
Bull traditions beat at the heart of Camargue identity. Unlike Spanish corrida, the course camarguaise does not kill the animal. The raseteur must snatch a rosette fixed between the bull’s horns using a hook.
Bull events :
- Férias : bull races, bandidos, bodegas and entertainment for several days.
- Abrivados : bulls escorted by gardians on horseback, an impressive spectacle combining equestrian skill and ancestral tradition.
Nature and sports activities
Provence is an ideal playground for nature and sports enthusiasts:
Hiking : the Alpilles, Luberon and Camargue massifs offer hundreds of kilometers of marked trails. From the GR6 that crosses the Luberon to family walks through olive groves.
Cycling and bike touring : quiet roads between vineyards and villages, bike paths along canals, mountain bike routes in the hills. The Via Venaissia (greenway) connects Cavaillon to Avignon.
Golf : several exceptional courses in unspoiled natural settings (Golf de Servanes in Les Baux, Golf de Pont Royal near Aix, Golf de Saumane in Vaucluse).
Equestrian activities : horseback riding in the Alpilles, Luberon or Camargue. Discovery of the gardian tradition with Camargue horses.
Also read : Zoom on sports activities in the Alpilles – Discovering hikes between Alpilles & Camargue – Stay in Provence near a golf course
Wellness breaks
Provence inspires wellness and relaxation :
- High-end spas : massages with Provençal essential oils, olive oil facials, aromatic baths
- Yoga retreats : spiritual stays in restored mas, estates surrounded by vineyards
- Private wine courses : deepening wine knowledge at wine estates
Luxury Escapes
For an unforgettable experience, Provence offers exceptional activities :
- Hot air balloon flight over the Luberon or Alpilles at dawn.
- Helicopter tour of the region.
- Polo and prestigious equestrian sports on private estates.
- Photo safaris in the Camargue accompanied by a naturalist guide.
Family activities : Provence with children
Provence is a family destination par excellence :
Adventures and discoveries for young and old :
- Pont de Gau Ornithological Park in Camargue
- Cedar Forest in the Luberon
- Water parks
- Creative workshops (pottery, painting, soap making)
Prepare your visit with our special pages : Family activities in Provence – Top 10 parks and activities to do in Provence with children – Why Provence is the ultimate family destination
Celebrating in Provence: the setting for your most beautiful moments
Provence is not just a vacation destination. It’s the ideal setting for your exceptional events : weddings, birthdays, seminars, family celebrations.
Wedding planning in Provence: exceptional venues and services
Getting married in Provence means choosing a dream setting for the most beautiful day of your life:
Exceptional private venues :
- 18th-century bastides
- Wine estates with views over the vineyards
- Provençal mas surrounded by olive trees
Local services :
- Gourmet caterers showcasing local produce,
- Creative florists inspired by Provençal nature
- Photographers capturing the emotion of every moment.
Wedding planning in Provence is conceived as a complete experience: from the ceremony to the gala dinner, from the poolside cocktail to the next day’s brunch.
Exceptional events: seminars, birthdays, celebrations
Beyond weddings, Provence hosts all types of professional and private events :
Corporate seminars :
- Executive meetings in private venues, team buildings and product launches
- Team-building
- Activities (wine tastings, cooking classes, hikes).
Birthdays and family celebrations :
- Fully privatized properties
- Capacities from 10 to 100 guests
- Tailor-made services: private chef, caterer, musical entertainment
An ordinary event? Or an unforgettable experience ? More than just a setting, discover why privatizing a property changes everything.
Event venues : Time in Provence expertise
At Time in Provence, we have curated a selection of high-end properties specially suited for events:
Facilities :
- Generous reception spaces
- Professional kitchens
- Bedrooms to accommodate your guests, and landscaped
- Gardens and heated pools
Our support :
- Property selection according to your needs
- Connection with the best local service providers
- Logistical coordination and administrative management
- Concierge services (shopping, reservations, activities, transfers).
Contact us to organize your exceptional event in Provence.
House rental with pool : prestige villas in Provence
For a stay in Provence in the best conditions, we offer a selection of charming villas and exceptional properties in the Alpilles and Luberon, ideal for an unforgettable Provence villa rental.
Our properties :
- Villas with heated pools, tastefully restored
- Bastides
- Authentic Provençal mas.
Premium services :
- Hotel-quality linens
- Complete facilities (professional kitchen, high-speed wifi, air conditioning),
- Maintained gardens and secure pools
- Relaxation areas (pool house, summer kitchen).
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation or a trip with friends, our Provence villa rental selection guarantees you’ll find the property that perfectly matches your desires and your style of stay.
Need inspiration for your future stay? Explore our exclusive selections and favorites : The 12 best vacation rentals in the Alpilles for an unforgettable stay – Top 10 vacation homes in the Luberon for a luxury stay
Provence is waiting for you
Provence is all of this at once : contrasting landscapes between sea and mountains, generous gastronomy rooted in local produce, a vibrant cultural life and living traditions. It’s a region to be experienced fully, whatever the season.
Whether you come to discover perched villages, taste exceptional wines, feel the pulse of festivals, recharge in nature or celebrate your most beautiful moments, Provence opens its doors to you.
Time in Provence accompanies you to make your stay an unforgettable experience. Entrust us with your project, whether it’s a wedding, a corporate event or a family vacation. We put at your disposal our expertise, our network of partners and our intimate knowledge of the region.
