The 15 Best Things to Do in Provence, France

Wine-making traditions in Provence date back to the Ancient Greeks. There are countless wineries throughout the region famous for rosé. At picturesque estates such as Domaine de la Vallongue and Domaine du Paternel, which put an emphasis on sustainability and organic growing practices, visitors can tour the vineyards and production facilities before sitting down for a delicious tasting of biodynamic wine in an endlessly beautiful setting.

You’ve no doubt glimpsed purple-tinged photos of lavender fields in Provence. But it’s important to note that lavender season isn’t year-round. In fact, it’s quite a short window—late June to early August with peak bloom in mid-July. Travelers lucky enough to visit during this period should high-tail it over to Senanque Abbey just outside Gordes or just drive through Valensole.

Set in the hills of the Luberon, Gordes, Roussillon, Lourmarin, Ménerbes and Bonnieux are some of the most picturesque villages in all of Provence. Stroll along the cobblestone lanes, admire the medieval architecture, taste delicious Provençal cuisine, patronize the shops that sell local products like fresh cheese, olive oil and lavender sachets or, if possible, visit on the respective days for the full effect and soak in the enchanting ambiance that feels straight out of a movie.

Aix-en-Provence is an enchanting university city and cultural hub with beautiful old architecture, fantastic shopping, museums and delicious food. It’s perhaps best known as the birthplace of Post-Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne. Travelers can follow the trail that links his childhood home and studio. Art lovers should carve out some time to visit Musée Granet, Hôtel de Caumont and Pavillon Vendôme, too. Also on the itinerary? Sample traditional Provencal cuisine at the many wonderful restaurants, stroll along the tree-lined Cours Mirabeau and snap pics in front of Place d'Albertas.

Flamingos in France? Oui! Parc Naturel Régional De Camargue is one of the best places to observe an abundance of winged wildlife. That’s the reason birdwatchers flock to this vast and scenic area of wetlands south of Arles. Besides flamboyant pink flamingos, keep your eyes peeled for cranes, egrets, herons, sparrows and geese.

It’s not every day (or really any day) that you get to be wowed by art in a stunningly spectacular and totally unexpected space. Operated by Culturespaces, Carrieres Des Lumieres is a cutting-edge art center that uses state-of-the-art projectors to stream striking images onto the walls of an old limestone cavern just outside the Provençal village of Les Baux-de-Provence. Shows also incorporate music for a multi-sensory experience.

After rosé and lavender fields, traditional open-air markets are the thing people most closely associated with Provence. Each town has a “market day” when locals and tourists alike browse the stalls of local products, from seasonal produce and fresh-baked bread to cured meat and cheese to woven baskets and linen dresses.

A perfume lover's dream, Grasse is the most important fragrance destination in the world with a sweet-smelling history spanning centuries. Its prized roses and jasmine are signature notes in Chanel No 5. Luxury legends like Dior, Hermès and Louis Vuitton also source ingredients from this small French Riviera town. Prefer a signature scent? Head to one of the perfumeries to customize a fragrance that’s uniquely you.

If there’s one ingredient that’s synonymous with Provencal cuisine, it’s olive oil. The hills of the Luberon have an abundance of olive groves. Liquid gold is a point of pride for the region. Jason Susinski, director of product at Kensington Tours, recommends stopping by ​​Musée de l'Huile d'Olive for an educational journey through time as you discover old presses, tools and storage methods and, of course, taste some of the best olive oil in the world.

A quick train ride from Paris, Avignon acts as the first stop and gateway to Provence for many travelers. This enchanting city on the Rhône River and seat of the Catholic popes from 1309 to 1377 houses one of the most popular historic sites in all of France. More than 650,000 people visit the UNESCO-listed Palais des Papes (Popes' Palace) each year to appreciate the beautiful medieval Gothic buildings and stone ramparts.

Arles is known as the place Vincent van Gogh created some of his most famous works. Fans of the Dutch Post-Impressionist painter won’t want to miss the Quai du Rhone, Place Lamartine and the Foundation Vincent van Gogh Arles. According to Susinski, the city is gaining even more attention as the center of art in Provence thanks in part to the new LUMA Arles, a multi-purpose cultural complex built by architect Frank Gehry with exhibits, event spaces, studios and more.

France might not be the first place most people would expect to find Roman relics (although, history buffs would certainly say otherwise). Either way, there are a handful of well-preserved ancient sites across Provence. Pont du Gard is one of the most impressive examples of ancient architecture in the entire country. Glanum showcases shockingly intact remains of important religious and civic monuments. While the Roman Theatre of Orange dates back to the 1st century A.D. and hosts a summer opera festival called the Chorégies d'Orange.

Saint-Tropez used to be a sleepy fishing village until bombshell Bridget Bardot put it on the map in the 1960s. Today, it’s a glittering resort town with five-star hotels, basically every designer shop you could possibly imagine and a yacht-studded marina. It’s also a hotspot for beach clubs like Le Club 55 and boasts some of the sizzling nightlife venues in Europe. Basically, the party starts during the day and doesn’t end until well after the sun goes down.

Marseille is a bustling port city and trade hub since the Greeks circa 600 B.C. with a longstanding soap-making tradition. “The simple formula of olive or vegetable oil, alkaline ash from sea plants and fresh water from the Mediterranean Sea have made this household product,” explains Susinski. A hands-on workshop to learn how to craft this beloved export under the guidance of a master soap maker is one of those true only-in-Provence activities.

Described by many as the most enchanting village in France (though, it’s worth mentioning that a few other spots on this list are certainly in the running, too), Eze—a place that answers the question of whether love at first sight exists—is a stunning hilltop village along the coast that’s defined by its jaw-dropping panoramas, winding lanes, medieval façades, galleries and local shops. Even If you don’t have a full day, it’s worth swinging by for lunch and a glass of rosé with a view.