Provence is one of the favourite holiday destinations of the French, but also of foreign tourists. And while many people think of this region of southern France when they imagine its beautiful white sandy beaches on the Mediterranean coast, Provence is also full of beautiful villages and admirable sites. Follow us on a stroll through the the most beautiful places in Provence.
Château de Berne
In the heart of the Provencal hinterland, the Berne estate includes 175 hectares of organically-farmed vineyards, as well as a 5-star Relais & Châteaux hotel. The estate not only produces AOC Côtes de Provence white, red and rosé wines, but also offers the ideal setting for a holiday.
In this castle dating from the 18th centuryIn a luxurious and charming setting, you can enjoy the activities of your choice: a swim in the outdoor pool, a workout in the fitness room, a tennis match on the court, a stroll through the 1,000 hectares of greenery, between olive trees, lavender and vines, an introduction to oenology in the estate's tasting cellar, or a visit to the 5 worlds spa...
The vineyards of the Var
The terroirs of the Var are undoubtedly the home of oldest vineyards in France. Today, grapes are grown here to produce some of the world's best-known wines, such as Bandol, Côte de Provence and Coteaux Varois.
The first vines were planted more than 2,600 years ago on these Provencal soils, and today they produce excellent rosé wines, as well as red and white wines. Each cuvée is a reflection of Provence's sun-drenched terroir, but also of the expertise of its passionate winemakers.
Don't hesitate to stop in the wine route estates to discover the beautiful landscapes of the Provençal vineyards.
The Ultimate Provence estate
At La Garde-Freinet, in the Var department, the Ultimate Provence wine estate combines tradition and modernity to offer you a unique wine and tourism experience. Not far from Saint-Tropez, and close to the Plaine des Maures, the estate not only produces excellent wines. You can also take advantage of the restaurant's chic, contemporary setting to enjoy cuisine with a chic street-food feel in a modern atmosphere. Discover another way of looking atProvençal art of livingYou can also enjoy a drink in the trendy bar, or take part in the various music events regularly organised at Ultimate Provence.
And to round off your experience, the4-star hotel offers a spa with jacuzzi, sauna, swimming pool and personalised treatments.
The Old Port of Marseille
If, for you, Provence is synonymous with azure seas and lilting accents, then you'll be delighted to discover Marseille and its Old Port. The city of Phocéenne and its famous cannebière are emblematic places and part of Provence's historic heritage. Take a seat on the terrace of one of the bars lining the harbour, and let yourself be carried away by the warm atmosphere. Le fish market and the flower market are reminders of the port's primary vocation, which remains trade, but it is also a lively district, always under the benevolent gaze of the Good Mother (Notre-Dame de la Garde).
Château Saint-Roux
Living in harmony with nature, the Château Saint-Roux is a eco-responsible estate in Provence where a wide range of activities appeal to young and old alike, with the utmost respect for the environment. Everything is organised to put the terroir at the centre of attention, whether with the organic vegetable garden, cheese-making, goat rearing, the restaurant or the organic vineyard.
You can stop off for a few hours in this haven of peace, enjoy a delicious meal at the Table Saint-Roux, take part in the many activities on offer and go for a walk along the hiking trails in the Provencal hinterland. A change of scenery guaranteed!
The historic centre of Avignon
Avignon is best known for its 12th-century bridge, but it is also and above all the city that served as the seat of the papacy throughout the 14th century. Visit Palace of the Popes is a breathtaking vestige, as are the ramparts that formed a fortress around the historic centre of the medieval village.
As you stroll through the narrow cobbled streets, you'll be plunged centuries into the past, and can discover the history of the city when you visit the Palais des Papes. Take the opportunity to admire the view and the beautiful Avignon countryside from this historic monument.
The Pont du Gard
Leaving Avignon towards Nîmes, the Gard bridge is well worth a visit. Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for almost 40 years, this marvel is one of the world's outstanding historic monuments. At the heart of the Gardon gorges, the aqueduct was built by the Romans in 50 AD to supply Nîmes with water. Over time, it lost its original function, becoming a road bridge in the Middle Ages.
The Pont du Gard is the the most visited ancient site in FranceThis bridge-aqueduct is the highest in the world (49 metres). But what also makes it unique is the technique used in its construction. This immense bridge was built entirely in the dry, without mortar.
Arles and its Roman monuments
Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Roman and Romanesque monuments in Arles are a top destination for lovers of French history. In the city of Arles, you'll find a wealth of remains from different periods of human history, from Antiquity to the present day.
Some of the most important historical monuments are :
- The Arles arenas and their amphitheatre, reminiscent of Rome's Colosseum, are among the most important Roman remains in France;
- Le ancient theatre of Arleswhich was one of the first stone theatres.
As you stroll through the streets of Arles, you'll come across many vestiges of the past, on beautiful sites that are more or less preserved.
Mercantour National Park
Far from the beautiful beaches, but closer to the song of the cicadas, the Mercantour Park invites you into the mountains of Provence. Stretching between the Alpes de Haute Provence and the Alpes-Maritimes departments, this park of over 68,000 hectares is an invitation to discover the flora and fauna. On the programme: hundreds of animal species, thousands of plant species, and above all breathtaking landscapes, far from civilisation.
If you feel like it, climb the mountain to the lac d'Allosand admire the view of Europe's largest high-altitude lake.
The Verdon gorges
A leading tourist destination for sports and nature lovers, the Verdon gorges represent the Europe's largest canyon. You can follow the Verdon river by raft, canoe, on foot or even by car, and enjoy the incredible beauty of the Verdon Regional Nature Park. With its turquoise lakes, immense cliffs, magnificent viewpoints and lush greenery, the Verdon gorges are a paradise for anyone looking for an adventure close to nature.
Provence is full of beautiful sites to visit all year round. With its national parks, Provencal estates and historic monuments, the rich cultural and natural heritage of this beautiful region is sure to enchant you. You now know the The most beautiful places to visit in Provence.
