Choose from 69 Fun Things to Do in Provence
Lub eron
- Lubéron is a must-see for nature and culture lovers.
- Wear comfortable shoes—many villages have steep hills and cobblestone lanes.
- Be sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as summer temperatures in Provence can reach over 86°F (30°C).
- The medieval villages and steep hills of Provence can be a challenge for wheelchair users; if needed, it’s a good idea to visit as part of a wheelchair-accessible tour.
Iles du Frioul
The Iles du Frioul is a collection of 4 islands off the coast of Marseilles. They are Pomègues, Ratonneau, If and Tiboulen. Until the 16th century they were largely uninhabited although visited by passing sailors needing a rest from trade or war. But in 1516, Francois the Ist visited Marseille and decided the islands were the perfect place for a fort to defend Marseille, hence the Ile d'If was developed as a fortress and later, prison.
From the 17th to the 19th century, they were used as a place of quarantine for people suspected of carrying plague or cholera. Sea birds and rare plants thrive on these tiny islands, each about 1.25 miles (2.5km) long, totalling 500 acres (200 hectares), which are sprinkled with the ruins of the old quarantine hospital, Hôpital Caroline and Fort Ratonneau (used by German troops during WWII).
In 1974, the small village of Port Frioul was established as a base for exploring the flora, fauna, beaches and clear-waters of the islands. It has restaurants and around 700 mooring points for boats.
There is a regular ferry service to the Ile d'If. To visit the others look to hiring a private boat, or go by organized tour.
Vallon des Auffes
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Palais du Pharo
Wouldn't it be nice to be a prince, to be able to go to seaside town, decide you liked it and wouldn't mind having a little holiday home there, then have the city give you the prime location on the waterfront to build your palace? Welcome to the mid-19th century world of Prince-President Louis-Napoleon. In September 1852, he visited Marseille, said he liked it, was given the Pharo headland overlooking Vieux Port and Ile d'If, built the magnificent Palais du Pharo, then never even stayed there. Luckily his wife seems to have had a more generous nature and the Empress Eugenie gave it back to the city.
In 1904, the city of Marseille turned the building into a medical school. This necessitated some architectural changes and the balance of the building's appearance was altered losing some of its beauty. Since then, the building has been again modified to become a modern conference centre, with many of the auditoriums skillfully concealed underground below the forecourt. It also has restaurants and of course, those views.
Jardin du Pharo is open everyday so you can enjoy the views from the headland, and appreciate the grand palace building from outside. Check locally for what's on: occasional art exhibitions allow you also to see inside and some rooms are richly furnished and open for viewing. Take the bus to Isabelle Carta stop, or walk or ride a bicycle out from the Vieux Port.
MAC Contemporary Art Museum
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St Benezet Bridge (Pont d'Avignon)
The St. Benezet Bridge - known as the Pont d’Avignon - is a famous bridge located in Avignon. The 12th century bridge originally spanned 900 m (2,950ft) across the Rhône River. The bridge collapsed frequently and was reconstructed multiple times. Today, only 4 of the original 22 arches remain complete.
The inception of the St. Benezet Bridge centers around a local shepherd boy of the same name who was told by an angel to construct the bridge. He proved his divine inspiration to the town and wealthy benefactors by lifting a large stone block. The bridge also served as a place of worship for Rhône boatmen until it became so unsteady it was deemed dangerous. The bridge is also historically significant in that was an important strategic river crossing.
Come visit the Pont d'Avignon on that now spans less than half the Rhône River to get a taste of medieval France. It is a popular vantage point to admire Avignon and the river.
Roussillon
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Triumphal Arch
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Lourmarin Castle
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Tavel
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St Vincent Church (Eglise St-Vincent)
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Senanque Abbey
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Valensole Plateau
- The Valensole Plateau is a must-see for nature lovers and first-time visitors to Provence.
- Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for photos, when crowds are scarce and natural lighting is at its best.
- Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the countryside.
- There is no shade in the lavender fields; remember to bring a hat and sun protection.
Palais Longchamp
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Saint-R emy-de-Provence
Travelers looking to escape the bustle of Aix-de-Provence, Avignon and Arles, will find Saint-Rémy-de-Provence a tranquil base for exploring the region and despite its diminutive size, the strategically located town has plenty to offer visitors. A cluster of hotels, restaurants and shops line the town center, which is easily traversed on foot, and the Wednesday markets transform the sleepy village into a hive of activity.
Marine Museum
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Vieil Aix
Don’t miss a visit to the exquisite Cathedrale Saint Sauveur, a masterpiece of design that blends elements from the 5th century through the 18th century, and houses the famous Burning Bush Triptych by Nicholas Froment. Next door, the equally impressive Archbishop’s Palace was the former residence of the archbishops of Aix-en-Provence and now houses the popular Tapestry Museum. Finally, catch your breath on the central Cours Mirabeau, a tree-lined avenue dotted with cafés and patisseries that runs between the boundaries of the old and new city.