Top towns and villages in Provence

Provence is located in southeastern France, bordered to the north by the French Alps, to the east by Italy, to the south by the Mediterranean coast and to the west by the Rhône River. It is a vast region made up of six departments: Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Alpes-Maritimes, Hautes-Alpes, Bouches du Rhône, Var, and Vaucluse. Between sea, mountains and rolling countryside, it encompasses the Côte d'Azur, the Luberon, the Alpilles and the Camargue. But Provence is also a multitude of towns and villages, each more beautiful than the last. 

                 Where to go in Provence
 

There are so many sublime places to visit, it would be complicated to list them all, but here are a few towns and villages that are well worth a visit:

  Nice, a must-see on the Côte d'Azur

Nice combines art, history, culture, and leisure, offering a wide range of things to see and do. Nice's must-see is its famous “Promenade des Anglais”, a seven-kilometre long avenue bordering the sparkling bay. The city's picture postcard, it's known the world over!

The old town is full of character, and is the hub of Nice life. With its small restaurants, fragrant markets, craft stores, colorful facades and numerous squares, discover the historic center by strolling through its charming little streets and explore its treasures at your own pace.

Finally, a lot of spots offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean coastline. The Coline du Château is a must-see viewpoint, offering exceptional panoramic views over the rooftops of Old Nice. The 42-metre-high Tour Saint-François offers a magical 360-degree panorama.

Marseille, the Phocaean City

Marseille is a city with many facets. Historic heritage, exceptional natural sites, traditional culinary specialties and beaches, Marseille has stood the test of time for over 2,600 years, and today offers treasures from many different eras.

While you are here, take the opportunity to explore the lively old port, visit the MUCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilization) and learn about the civilizations that have shaped the identity of the Mediterranean from prehistoric times to the present day.

Stroll the streets of the picturesque “Panier” district, the main thoroughfare of the Phocaean city. This is the old center, where the Greek city was settled when Marseille was founded. Discover the historic monuments as you stroll through the colorful streets, restaurants, cafés and little squares. Then explore the city's most emblematic landmark, the Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, also known as the “Good Mother”, offering an exceptional panoramic view of the whole of Marseille, as well as the Château d'If, the former prison fortress that inspired Alexandre Dumas to write his famous novel “The Count of Monte Cristo”.

Aix-en-Provence, the little Versailles

Aix-en-Provence is a city remarkable for its architecture and history, but also for the elegance of its lively streets and squares. Stroll the streets of the old town to discover all the architectural treasures Aix-en-Provence has to offer. Explore the countless fountains, including the best-known: the Rotonde fountain, the Fountain of the 4 Dolphins, the King René fountain, and the Town Hall fountain, earning Aix-en-Provence the nickname of “the city of a thousand fountains”! Stroll along Cours Mirabeau, the city's most beautiful and famous street, built in the 17th century and now home to a host of restaurants, boutiques, and luxury facades.

Aix-en-Provence is also a city much appreciated by artists, having been frequented by Picasso, Albert Camus, Zola and Edith Piaf, no less! As you can see, it's also a place that combines art and history. A visit to the museum Granet is a must for art enthusiasts, where a dozen of the latter's canvases are on display, along with 600 works of French, Nordic and Italian painting.

Arles, ancient Roman city

This is one of the region's mainstays in terms of historical heritage!

First and foremost, Arles is second only to Rome in terms of the number of Roman monuments it contains. A stroll through the streets is the best way to discover this authentic city. From arenas and Roman theaters to abbeys, bridges and aqueducts, Arles is a veritable architectural masterpiece.

If you want to learn more about Roman passions, exploring the Alyscamps is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the heart of an ancient Roman necropolis. A visit to the Musée de l'Arles Antique is also a must if you want to learn more about history, thanks to its collections on the period of Roman occupation.

Avignon, city of the Popes

The region's second most important city in terms of heritage and historical wealth, Avignon is where the popes chose to take up residence in the 14th century, making it the most important city in Christendom. Today, with its palaces, towers and ramparts, Avignon is a treasure trove for history buffs and tourists alike! 

Must-sees include the Pont Saint Bézenet, also known as the “Pont d’Avignon”, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Popes' Palace, the most important Gothic palace in the West, and the historic center with its beautiful facades, squares and numerous museums and cathedrals. A veritable paradise of historical discovery awaits you in Avignon!

            Many picturesque villages with character
 

Provence also boasts many charming little villages, each with its own style and identity. A stroll through them can be an opportunity to discover the region's treasures, surrounded by an atypical atmosphere and landscape.

Here are a few of the prettiest:

L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, the Venice of Comtadine 

In the heart of the Vaucluse region, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue offers an enchanted interlude in a Venetian atmosphere where canals wind through the streets. Between history and nature, this village is rich in heritage. A true haven of freshness, it's the perfect place to stroll to the rhythm of the canals, on foot or by bike! Renowned for its paddlewheels, pretty stone bridges and authentic markets, this picture-postcard village perfectly embodies the typical Provencal art of living.

Les-baux-de-Provence, medieval village

Located in the heart of the Alpilles mountains, Les-Baux-de-Provence is a medieval village perched on a rocky cliff, offering breathtaking views over the valley and surrounding countryside. A visit to this village will transport you back to a bygone era, where history and natural beauty come together in perfect harmony. Take a trip back in time and marvel at the medieval castle in the rocky heights!

Gordes, a jewel of Provence  

Gordes, majestically perched atop a hill in the Luberon, is an exceptional village. Its picturesque, authentic atmosphere makes it one of France's “most beautiful villages”. This hilltop village is built around charming alleyways, golden stone houses, and an imposing château, giving rise to strolls offering exceptional panoramic views over the abundant plains of the Luberon. A stopover in Gordes is a must for your Provence vacation, offering dreamy landscapes and a rich cultural heritage.