Discovering Provence: A guide to 8 must-do activities

Provence, the sunny region of south-eastern France, is a land of a thousand colors and scents. With its hilltop villages, towns steeped in history, and varied landscapes from the Alps to the Côte d’Azur, it offers an infinite number of activities and discoveries. From visiting must-see sites such as the Palais des Papes in Avignon, to hiking in the Gorges du Verdon, to discovering the lavender fields of the Luberon, a stay in Provence is an immersion in a world of beauty, history and culture.

• Avignon: The historic heart of Provence

Avignon, the ancient city of the Popes, is an ideal starting point for exploring Provence. Its unmissable Palais des Papes, one of the greatest architectural ensembles of the Middle Ages, bears witness to its illustrious past. To stroll through its cobbled streets is to discover a vibrant city, rich in art and history. Every summer, the famous Festival d’Avignon transforms the city into a world-class artistic stage.

But Avignon isn’t just a city of history; it’s also a vibrant center of culture and the arts. Every summer, the city comes alive with the Festival d’Avignon, one of the world’s largest theater and performing arts festivals. The streets fill with artists, actors, musicians and dancers, transforming the city into a gigantic open-air theater. The festival is a celebration of creativity and artistic innovation, attracting artists and spectators from all over the world.

• Marseille: Calanques Gateway

Marseille, the bustling metropolis of the Côte d’Azur, is a fascinating blend of cultures and histories. Its Old Port, with its mix of traditional fishing boats and modern yachts, is the symbol of this cosmopolitan city.

One of Marseille’s major attractions is its proximity to the Parc National des Calanques. This chain of limestone cliffs stretches for over 20 kilometers along the Mediterranean coast, forming coves and inlets with turquoise waters. The park is a paradise for hikers, climbers and those looking to escape to unspoilt nature. The calanques of Sormiou, Morgiou and Cassis offer breathtaking panoramas and are popular spots for swimming and kayaking.

In addition to its port and calanques, Marseille is also known for its rich cultural heritage. The Panier district, the city’s oldest, is a maze of narrow streets, colorful houses and charming squares. The city is also famous for its museums, notably the MUCEM (Musée des Civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée), a masterpiece of modern architecture. Located at the entrance to the Old Port, the MUCEM is a meeting place for Mediterranean and European cultures, with exhibitions exploring history, society and art.

• Villages of Provence: Perched Treasures

The villages of Provence, clinging to hills or nestling in valleys, are gems of authenticity and charm. Les Baux-de-Provence, a medieval village perched on a rocky outcrop, offers breathtaking views of the Alpilles. Its cobbled streets, lined with stone houses and artisan stores, are a journey back in time. Gordes, often ranked one of France’s most beautiful villages, stands proudly on a rocky promontory, offering spectacular views of the Luberon. The Colorado Provençal, with its ochre rock formations and hiking trails, is a surreal and colorful place, reminiscent of American western landscapes.

• The Luberon and its Lavender Fields

The Luberon is a mosaic of colors and scents. Its lavender fields, stretching as far as the eye can see, are an intoxicating sight, especially in summer when the flowers are in full bloom. This monochrome purple landscape is both soothing and spectacular. The villages of the Lubéron, such as Roussillon, known for its red ochre cliffs, and Lourmarin, with its Renaissance château and charming alleyways, are perfect examples of the Provencal art of living. These villages are havens of tranquility, where tradition and the gentle way of life are felt at every step.

• The Gorges du Verdon: A Grandiose Canyon

The Gorges du Verdon are a natural wonder of Provence. This canyon, the deepest in Europe, offers breathtaking scenery and brilliant turquoise-blue waters. It’s an ideal playground for nature lovers, offering a variety of activities such as hiking, canoeing and climbing. The Belvédère de Rancoumas is one of many vantage points offering breathtaking views of the canyon and the Verdon River. It’s a place where the grandeur of nature is felt at every glance.

• Saint-Tropez and the French Riviera

Saint-Tropez is the epitome of glamour and luxury on the Côte d’Azur. With its sandy beaches, harbor full of sumptuous yachts and picturesque alleyways, the town attracts an international clientele. But beyond its jet-set image, Saint-Tropez and the surrounding area offer magnificent landscapes, charming coastal villages such as Ramatuelle, and secret coves where the crystal-clear waters invite you to swim.

• In Van Gogh’s footsteps

Vincent Van Gogh found Provence an inexhaustible source of inspiration. The region’s unique light and colorful landscapes are reflected in many of his works. Arles and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence are at the heart of his artistic journey. The Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum in Saint-Rémy, where Van Gogh painted some of his most famous canvases, is a place steeped in history and emotion. To walk in Van Gogh’s footsteps in Provence is to follow an exceptional artistic and human journey.

• Outdoor activities: Between the sea and the mountains

Provence, with its varied landscapes, is a paradise for outdoor activities. The Alpes de Haute-Provence offer endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and climbing, with sites such as the Gorges du Verdon and Lac de Sainte-Croix. Mont Ventoux, nicknamed the “Giant of Provence”, is a challenge for cyclists and offers breathtaking panoramic views. Between its beaches, mountains and valleys, Provence is an ideal playground for those seeking outdoor adventure.

But what makes Provence truly unforgettable is its atmosphere. This is a region where the capricious Mistral wind blows through fields of lavender and olive trees, carrying with it stories and legends. It’s in the air and in the smiles of the locals that you feel the soul of Provence. Come and enjoy Provence at the heart of the Bellavista villas.