It’s no surprise that France is a popular holiday destination, especially during the summer! The southern region of Provence alone attracts thousands of visitors with its warm climate, gleaming Mediterranean, enchanting towns and lush countryside. I’m lucky enough to have spent the past two summers exploring everything Provence has to offer, and have compiled a list of some of my favorites. From small medieval villages to larger historic cities, here are the most charming towns in Provence worth visiting!
CHARMING TOWNS IN PROVENCE WORTH VISITING
Arles
If you’re looking for Roman ruins with a mix of southern French charm then Arles is a must! The city which is about a 1 hour drive (80km) from Aix-en-Provence was once home to Van Gogh and is famous for its ancient Roman ruins.
Discover the Ancient Ruins: The old town of Arles is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Arles Amphitheater is the focal point, but you’ll also find underground crypts and the baths of Constantine in the city.
Wander the Charming Streets: Even if the historical ruins aren’t of much interest you can still spend hours roaming the small streets of Arles!
Check out the Farmer’s Market: Every Saturday, Arles hosts a farmers market where the locals go to buy fresh meat, produce and cheese. The market is quite impressive but if you would rather avoid the large crowds then make sure not to visit on a Saturday morning!
Saint-Remy-de-Provence
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is definitely my favorite on the list, and in my opinion one of the prettiest towns in Provence! It was actually quite popular among artists over the years and inspired several of Van Gogh’s paintings. If you only plan on visiting one or two of these charming villages then make sure Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is one of them!
Get Lost in the Center: This picturesque village is made up of small winding streets, cute cafes and boutique shops. Saint-Rémy makes for a good base for those wishing to explore more of Provence. Alternately, head there for a day of sightseeing, shopping and eating!
Go Shopping: Every Wednesday the town hosts a vast market where you can buy anything from handmade provincial linens to soaps and oils. On our last trip we picked up several linen napkins and a matching table cloth!
Have a Bite: After a day of sightseeing and shopping stop by Maison Mistral for a drink and light bite. This charming mansion has an exterior garden and bar and boutique shops inside!
Orange
Orange is a sunny and charming hilltop town. It is located about 30km north of Avignon, making it a bit further from some of the other towns in Provence.
Visit the Amphitheater: Similar to Arles, Orange is famous for its Roman Amphitheater. However, the one in Orange is in much better condition and is actually the only Roman theatre in Europe to still conserve its original wall! The theatre still hosts concerts and shows to this day and you can book tickets to tour the inside.
Enjoy an Aperitif: Apart from the Roman ruins, the center of Orange is made up of adorable pastel colored buildings, endless restaurants and bars with outdoor seating, and numerous shops. Order an aperitif (pre dinner drink) at one of the terraces and take in the surrounding views. My drink of choice while in Provence is always a Rosé piscine (a glass of Rosé with ice). Rosé is quite popular in the region and perfect on a hot summer day.
Try the Wine: If you’re a fan of wine then opt for some Châteaux visits and wine tastings. There are over 21 Châteaux and wine estates near Orange to chose from!
Avignon
Known as, “the gateway of Provence,” Avignon is a great base to discover the rest of the region. The city itself also has quite a lot of history and makes for a great day trip!
Cross the bridge: The Avignon bridge, or Pont d’Avignon is a famous landmark in the city that dates back to the 12th century. Tickets to cross the bridge cost 5 euros and include an audioguide so you can learn the history and conflicts behind the making of the bridge.
Visit the Palais de Papes: The Palais de Papes is a UNESCO site and one the most historic buildings in all of France! I remembered learning about the “City of two Popes” in school but was still quite impressed with the Papal Palace when I saw it in person. If the history of the city interests you then make sure to tour the inside. There are different options but tickets start at 12€. Afterwards, roam the adjacent gardens for some stunning views of the surrounding towns and river!
Attend a festival: Apart from the history and charm, Avignon hosts several important festivals throughout the year. Every July the streets of Avignon come alive with dance, music and theatre thanks to the Festival d’Avignon, which is the oldest festival in France. If you happen to plan your trip around this time then make sure not to miss out on one of the many shows!
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a picturesque town with canals along the Sorgue river. The name of this charming village literally translates to the “Island on the Sorgue.” In fact it is known as the “Venice of Provence.”
Roam the streets: The best way to explore is definitely on foot. Head inwards towards the town center then walk along the canals for some picture perfect moments.
Antique shopping: This small town has a worldwide reputation for art and antiques. Every Sunday it hosts a vast market with hundreds of vendors selling antiques, artifacts and prized artwork. If you are looking for something special and unique to bring home then definitely stop by!
Eat along the river: Head to the Sorgue and eat at one of the many restaurants with outdoor terraces overlooking the canals. That way you can enjoy your meal with a lovely view of the water!
HOW TO GET AROUND
The best way to get between towns in Provence is definitely by car! There really isn’t public transportation that will connect all of the towns and villages, especially some of the smaller ones. If you’re flying in from a different country, the easiest thing would be to fly into Marseille and rent a car from the airport. Alternatively, you can fly into Paris and take the high-speed train to Avignon.
Provence is a wonderful region in the south of France bursting with history, culture and a lot of charm! If you are planning a trip make sure not to miss any of these towns in Provence!
Safe Travels,
Vip <3
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