Best towns to visit in Provence
Provence is a region situated in the far South East corner of France. Adjacent to Italy and with miles of stunning Mediterranean coastline on offer we here at Vintage Travel believe it to be one of the most romantic, culturally appetising and appealing areas of France. In many of the towns it’s like stepping back in time to the Roman days when the area was conquered in 2nd Century BC.
We have many luxury holiday villas to rent in Provence – see the entire range here.
There’s a huge amount on offer in Provence… whatever you’re seeking. This article will hopefully help you identify three of the best towns to visit whilst on your stay.
Aix-en-Provence (the Historical capital of Provence)
Aix, with its ancient architecture and beautiful university is often considered the tourism capital of Provence. Prices tend to be a little higher here than most other towns in Provence, but don’t let this put you off a day trip. The town boasts museums featuring artists such as Paul Cézanne (who was inspired by the Provence countryside for many of his masterpieces) among others.
Check out The Musée du Vieil Aix and the Musée d’Histoire Naturelle, as well as the Pavillion de Vendôme, a 17th century mansion housing permanent and touring art exhibitions.
If you’re seeking local produce (flowers, wine and food) then youhave to go to one of Aixs’ daily markets. There’s also an antique book market held the first Sunday of every month.
Avignon
When you visit Avignon you’ll be absolutely blown away with the architecture, more noticeably the beautiful spires of Palais des Papes. With cobbled streets, spectacular monuments and ancient churches, you will not fail to be impressed. As you’d expect with a town as old as this, there’s an old city which is housed within imposing medieval walls… you can wander the classic streets for hours.
Interestingly enough, Avignon is famed for being the Vatican of the 14th century and the religious architecture is very clear throughout the town. There’s a rather powerful wind that blows through the town, which is lovely in the summer months but rather chilly in the winter… so be prepared!
If you’re lucky enough to be in Provence during the month of July then you have to attend the Festival d’Avignon, which draws some of the finest theatrical performers and artists from around the world.
Les Baux
Les Baux, with just 500 inhabitants may be small… but it has to be one of the most idyllic places in France to visit. It really has been left behind and time stood still for centuries… in fact the first settlers arrived in 6000 BC!
Surrounded with ancient cobbled streets you’ll find 22 architectural treasures classified as historic monuments here, among them the Château-Fortress and the Citadelle des Baux. Make sure you take in the breathtaking views of the Camargue and the Alpilles.
The village’s title still remains to this day by the Grimaldi family, rulers of Monaco although it is still thought of as French of course. Please be aware that the village can only be reached by foot.
Other towns well worth a look in:
- Saint Tropez
- Marseille
- Rousillo
- Arles