Top 5 things to do in Provence
We here at Vintage Travel are huge fans of Provence and the wealth of culture it encompasses. We’ve had a little vote around the office and come up with our top 5 attractions in Provence to help you with the decision making process.
There’s obviously a vast amount of other attractions than we haven’t listed… simply because we don’t have the room in this post, but please feel free to call us and ask us about them.
So without further ado…
Thermal springs and fields of lavender at Digne les Bains
100km Northeast of Aix-en-Prevence at the foot of the Alps near the Gorges du Verdon you’ll discover the natural wonders of Dignes les Bains. Wild lavender carpets the mountains and plains around Dignes and if you time it right you can enjoy the town’s 5 day celebrations of the lavender harvest during the first weekend in August.
You can also soak up the natural springs in the thermal pools 2 km from Dignes center. Coat yourself in mud and seaweed or soak in a lavender bath at the Etablissement Thermal, the experience is possibly the most refreshingly healthy that you’ll find in Provence.
See the village of Saint Remy de Provence
20 km south of Avignon you’ll find one of Provence’s quaintest towns, Saint Remy de Provence. It’s the stereotypical, sleepy traditional Provencal village lined with Roman ruins (specifically the Triumphant Arch of Glanum). Walking the streets it’s easy to imagine the bustling Roman city that once was. It’s also a very special place because this is where Van Gogh was housed at the Monastery de Mausole when he was being treated (unsuccessfully) for his many psychiatric problems and where he painted his famous Starry Night painting as well as the birthplace of the famous Nostradamus.
Every Wednesday there’s a bustling market which is definitely worth a visit where you’ll find stalls rammed with fresh farm produce as well as some charming pottery… but it does get rather busy in the high season!
See Marseille’s Vieux Port
Marseille is France’s second largest city and whilst it may be a little ‘hustle and bustle’ for most, it certainly shouldn’t be missed off your list of attractions. The streets are lined with history and terra cotta roofs set against the azure Mediterranean waters where Mediterranean and North African cultures collide. We recommend you head straight for the Vieux Port area of the city, where you’ll discover market stalls, souks and possibly the most incredible fish market in France.
Definitely take lunch at a restaurant in this port and opt for a bowl of bouillabaisse, which is a traditional Marseille fish stew containing different kinds of cooked fish and shellfish and vegetables… culinary excellence!
See the stone village of Les Baux
Whilst this may be one of the most visited spots in France, the town is simply breathtaking and should have a place on your sightseeing list. It’s situated 25km south of Avignon and is a special place of interest to most because it’s situated on top of a 245 meter high limestone rocky spur. It’s incredibly ancient with signs of life dating way back to 6000 BC. For centuries the town has inspired many a poet, author and painter and is even said to be the inspiration for Dante Aligheri’s descriptions of Purgatory in the Inferno.
Check out the Gorges du Verdon and Moustiers Sainte Marie
Like something out of Lord Of The Rings, the Medieval town of Moustiers Sainte Marie is a sight to be seen to be believed. It’s situated on the cliffs of Europe’s version of The Grand Canyon, Gorges du Verdon, and is one of our favourite ancient towns in France. The canyon itself is also worth a hike (although it’s quite hard work in places), you’ll see the bright green waters flowing through the bottom of this 250m-750m deep natural wonder that is just and is only 8m-90m wide.
The road o the town is rather windy and slow as you’d imagine, but what you experience when you reach the top makes it all worthwhile. You will truly step back in time!
Want to know of other places to visit in Provence? Please call us today.