The Best Way To Visit Provence

Provence - a sweet art of living

300 days of sunshine per year, picturesque charming villages, historical heritage of Romans, unique gourmet cuisine, traditional local markets, fine wines, endless lavender fields and a sweet art of living - it’s all about the corner of paradise which is called Provence, a southeastern region of France between the Alps and the Mediterranean sea, in only 2 hours 40 min by speed train from Paris.

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What to see and how to better visit Provence

A couple of "must-see" for the beginning..

Whether you plan to spend only a few days or stay for a week, we recommend you to start your trip in Avignon, the former capital of the papacy. Dating back to the 13th century, the Palace of the Popes in Avignon is without a doubt the must-see site in the region. There is another world famous sight in this city - one of the oldest bridges in Europe, the mysterious Pont d'Avignon, which gave its name to a famous song.

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All roads lead to Rome..

Provence inherited its name from the Roman invaders. In the 2nd century BC, the Romans began to conquer the region and called it "Provincia Roman", hence its current name. Today, Provence is home to the best preserved Roman ruins in Europe! Many of the region's ancient monuments are even better preserved than in Rome! A visit to the Pont du Gard aqueduct is simply astonishing. The cities of Orange, Arles and Nîmes have unique ancient treasures, all classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

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Endless Lavender fields....

Lavender is everywhere in Provence! Lavender blooms in second half of June and July and it's the perfect time to plan your trip to Provence. But even if you come at another period, you will find lavender all around you: incorporated into olive oil, ice creams, local pastries and succulent dishes from local chefs.

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Perched villages of Luberon

These charming villages are located on top of rocky cliffs. Not easy to walk, but the result is worth it. Once at the top, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside. Visit at least two or three villages: Roussiloon, Gordes, Goult, Loris, Bonnieux, Lacoste... And Le Connoisseur will recommend you a charming restaurant for a lunch with a fantastic view.

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Art experiences

Provence has no difficulties to rival Paris when it is a matter of great names of painting. Its unique landscapes inspired more than one world famous artist.

The village of Saint-Rémy de Provence keeps the memories of the tumultuous life of Vincent Van Gogh where he was housed for a while in a psychiatric asylum. Here, in his small room he experienced his most productive period, a major period in his life as an artist. He produced nearly 150 paintings and numerous drawings, including "La Nuit Étoilée", "Les Amandiers en fleurs" and "Les Iris". We advise you to visit this room to be struck by the enormous contrast between the poverty of the place and the richness of the imagination of a great artist.

Contemporary art lovers will be delighted to visit the Tour Luma in Arles. The building, designed by Frank Gehry, one of the world's most renowned architects (he also created another French temple of contemporary art - the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris), is a real architectural challenge. The 10 floors of the Fondation Luma building are home to the personal collection of its owner, Maja Hoffmann.

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A paradise for gourmets and wine connoisseurs

Provence is a paradise for discerning gourmet travelers. Here you can enjoy succulent healthy food in the most beautiful setting of the world. Traditional restaurants and cooking classes, tasty tours in Avignon or Arles will amaze any fine gourmet traveler and assure an authentique meeting with local gastronomic culture.

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Click here to get inspired with Le Connoisseur's tailer-made itinerary in Provence