20 Unmissable Attractions in Provence

The Calanques are a series of inlets along the coast on either side of Marseille. They’re one of the big draws to the region but not always easy to get to. The best way is either to hike in or to visit by boat. Once in, head to one of the restaurants or take a picnic.

Calanques, Marseille, France

Back in the day, La Ponche was the fishing district of the small village of St Tropez. Now it is the oldest part of town and a perfect place to take in the view or walk along the beach.

La Ponche, St Tropez

The Romans founded Cimiez in the hill above Nice and there are some wonderful remains of an arena and the baths. In the 18th century, Cimiez became home to many grand buildings and hotels to house the painters, artists and tourists who arrived to winter on the French Riviera. It’s a great place to roam for an afternoon, visiting Matisse‘s former home as well as the Museum of Chagall.

Cimiez, Nice, France

The Sainte-Victoire is the mountain just outside of Aix en Provence. It’s a stunning place to hang out at the foot or if you take enough water, head to the top. The challenge is to touch the cross on the summit.

Montagne Sainte-Victoire, Vauvenargues

In the early summer you can spot lavender growing in vast purple fields across the length and breath of Provence, particularly in the Luberon district around Gordes. Head to the Lavender Museum to find out everything you need to know about Provence’s number one export.

Lavender Fields, Provence

Aix is called the “City of the Thousand Fountains”. No one has literally been able to count a thousand but they are at every intersection or roundabout. Read our guide here.

Aix en Provence, France

The hillside village of Bonnieux is a must-see on any tourist itinerary of the Luberon (the area in the north of Provence). The best view can be had sitting at one of the restaurants overlooking the stunning views.

Bonnieux, France

Cassis is an old fishing village that sits on the coast in between Marseille and St Tropez. It’s a good access point to the Calanques but more than that, it’s a beautiful place to spend some time. Watch the locals playing “pétanques”, swim on the beach, and eat at one of the port side restaurants.

Cassis, France

This town is considered by the French to be one of the most beautiful in France – more than 1.5 million people visit each year. It sits on a rocky spur built on the hillside. It’s name comes from bauxite (a kind of aluminium ore), which was discovered here.

Les Baux-de-Provence, France

Rousillon is another hillside village, distinct by its red ochre rock that used to be quarried here. It sits on the border of the National Park of Luberon.

Rousillon, France

Gordes is a tiny town in the Luberon, which is well worth a stop on any tourist schedule. It’s not very big but incredibly charming to wander around with an ice-cream or to visit one of the local spas.

Gordes, France

In the 18th century, Cannes as we know it today didn’t exist. There was just a little fishing village with fishermens’ cottages. British aristocrats arrived, fell in love with the place, bought land and built grand houses. They attracted even more people and so the town grew. Today, you can wander the small streets and climb to the top to take in the panoramic views.

Le Suquet, Cannes, France

Many people head directly to the Còte D’Azur when they arrive on the coast, towards Cannes, Nice or St Tropez. The Blue Coast is a great alternative and just as beautiful. It’s to the west of Marseille, rather than the east, and has beautiful calanques and little towns to explore.

Còte Bleu, France