Provence, France

Here’s a detailed 3 to 4-day itinerary for visiting Provence, France, a region famous for its lavender fields, charming villages, and beautiful countryside. This itinerary covers the best lavender spots, scenic drives, and cultural experiences, giving you a perfect introduction to the timeless beauty of Provence.

Day 1: Avignon and Luberon Villages

• Morning:

  • Start your trip in Avignon, one of Provence’s most captivating cities, famous for its medieval architecture. Begin at the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the grand halls and frescoes on a guided tour, learning about the 14th-century papal history.

  • Afterward, stroll to the nearby Pont d'Avignon (Saint-Bénézet Bridge), a medieval bridge offering stunning views of the Rhône River and Avignon’s cityscape.

• Afternoon:

  • Have lunch at L’Epicerie, a bistro near Place de l’Horloge, and enjoy traditional Provençal dishes such as ratatouille or tapenade.

  • Drive into the Luberon region to visit Gordes, a picturesque village perched on a hill. Walk through its narrow streets, visit the Château de Gordes, and explore the Village des Bories, an open-air museum showcasing traditional stone huts.

• Evening:

  • Dine at La Bastide de Gordes, known for its Provençal cuisine and stunning panoramic views. Afterward, take a quiet evening stroll through the village as the sun sets over the Luberon valley.

    
    

Day 2: Lavender Fields and Roussillon

• Morning:

  • Start your day at Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque, a 12th-century abbey surrounded by lavender fields (blooming from mid-June to mid-August). Explore the abbey and walk through the lavender fields for unforgettable photos.

  • Then, drive through the Valensole Plateau, famous for its vast stretches of lavender fields. Stop at local roadside stalls to buy lavender products like oils, soaps, and honey.

• Afternoon:

  • Enjoy lunch in the village of Sault, the “Lavender Capital” of Provence, at Le Petit Jardin, offering Provençal cuisine with fresh, local ingredients.

  • In the afternoon, visit Roussillon, known for its striking red and orange ochre cliffs. Walk the Sentier des Ocres (Ochre Trail), a scenic route through colorful quarries and pine forests. Explore the village’s vibrant streets, filled with art galleries and shops, and visit the panoramic viewpoint at the top for stunning views.

• Evening:

  • Dine at Restaurant David in Roussillon, which features Provençal dishes paired with local wines. After dinner, enjoy a sunset walk through the village, taking in the beauty of the ochre cliffs.

    
    

Day 3: Les Baux-de-Provence and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

• Morning:

  • Head to Les Baux-de-Provence, one of France’s most stunning medieval villages, located in the Alpilles mountains. Start by exploring the Château des Baux, an impressive fortress with panoramic views of the countryside. Walk among the ruins and enjoy interactive exhibits detailing the region’s history.

  • Then, visit Carrières de Lumières, a unique immersive art show set inside a former limestone quarry, where famous paintings are projected onto the quarry walls accompanied by music.

• Afternoon:

  • Have lunch at La Reine Jeanne in Les Baux, known for its terrace views and delicious Provençal cuisine.

  • Afterward, visit Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a charming town where Vincent van Gogh lived. Explore Saint-Paul de Mausole, the former monastery where Van Gogh painted some of his most famous works, including The Starry Night. Walk through the beautiful gardens that inspired his art.

  • Spend the rest of the afternoon strolling through the town’s cobblestone streets, visiting local art galleries and boutiques, or exploring the nearby Roman ruins of Glanum, which date back to the first century BC.

• Evening:

  • Dine at L’Aile ou la Cuisse in Saint-Rémy, a popular restaurant offering contemporary French cuisine. Afterward, relax and enjoy a peaceful evening in the town.

    
    

Day 4 (Optional): Aix-en-Provence and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

• Morning:

  • Take a day trip to Aix-en-Provence, a vibrant town known for its art and culture. Walk along the Cours Mirabeau, a tree-lined avenue filled with cafes and shops. Stop for coffee at Les Deux Garçons, once frequented by Paul Cézanne.

  • Visit Atelier Cézanne, the studio where Cézanne created many of his masterpieces, preserved as it was during his lifetime.

• Afternoon:

  • Lunch at Le Poivre d’Ane, a chic bistro offering contemporary French cuisine. Afterward, explore the bustling markets in Aix, where you’ll find local produce, cheeses, and crafts.

  • In the afternoon, drive to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, a charming town crisscrossed with canals and known for its antique shops. Take a leisurely stroll along the canals or browse the antique markets.

• Evening:

  • Dine at Café Fleurs in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, known for its modern French dishes. End your day with a quiet walk through this scenic town before returning to your base.

    
    

Tips for Visiting Provence:

• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is from June to August when the lavender fields are in full bloom. Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) are also great, with mild weather and fewer crowds.

• Getting Around: Renting a car is essential for exploring Provence, as the villages and lavender fields are spread across the region. The roads are scenic and easy to navigate.

• What to Pack: Bring light, breathable clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes. Don’t forget your camera for capturing the picturesque villages and lavender fields.