Provence holidays

Where to stay in Provence

Provence is filled with charming towns and diverse landscapes, making it a versatile destination for any type of traveller. Whether you're looking for bustling cities or quiet hilltop villages, here are some of the best areas to stay during your holidays to Provence:

• Aix-en-Provence: Known as the cultural heart of Provence, Aix-en-Provence is perfect for those looking for a central base to explore the region. With its historic old town, vibrant markets, and easy access to nearby attractions like the Luberon and the Verdon Gorge, this city is ideal for a longer stay. If you're looking for deals on holidays to Aix-en-Provence, this location offers both convenience and charm.

• Marseille: As one of the largest cities in southern France, Marseille provides a mix of history, culture, and modern amenities. With its international airport and excellent transport links, Marseille is a great starting point for your Provençal adventures. For those seeking cheap holidays to Marseille, this bustling port city also offers proximity to the coast and day trips to scenic villages like Cassis and the Calanques.

• Arles: A favourite for history enthusiasts, Arles boasts well-preserved Roman ruins and a rich artistic legacy, being the home of Vincent van Gogh's famous works. Staying in Arles allows you to explore nearby attractions like the Camargue wetlands and the Alpilles mountains. Discover holidays to Arles for a blend of ancient history and serene natural beauty.

• Luberon Villages: If you prefer a more rural setting, the Luberon region is known for its picturesque hilltop villages like Gordes and Roussillon. These villages offer stunning views, medieval architecture, and close proximity to the famous lavender fields.

• Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: Located in the Alpilles, Saint-Rémy is a popular destination for those seeking a mix of luxury and authenticity. This village is known for its quaint streets, boutique shops, and proximity to historic sites like the Roman city of Glanum.

Wherever you choose to stay in Provence, you’ll find an area that matches your travel style, from vibrant cities to tranquil countryside retreats.

How to reach Provence

• Flight time: You have a choice of airports when taking flights to Provence. Flights to Marseille Provence Airport or flights to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport take about 1 hour 45 minutes from London. They both also offer flights from other UK airports.

• Transfer time: The shuttle bus from Marseille Provence Airport, 20km northwest of the city, to the gare SNCF takes around 25 minutes. From Nice Côte d'Azur airport frequent buses depart for all main destinations along the coast, including central Nice, taking around 20 minutes to reach the city centre.

• Price: From Marseille airport, a shuttle bus ticket costs €10. From Nice Airport, a bus ticket to the city centre costs €1.70. Taxis from both airports to the city centres will cost between €40 and €60.

Best time to visit Provence

Timing your holidays to Provence will depend on factors including where in the region you will be spending time and your tolerance for hot weather.

• March to May: Spring is a beautiful time to visit Provence, with its profusion of wildflowers. The temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C, you can enjoy 8-10 hours of sunshine daily and rainfall is moderate at 50-70mm per month.

• June to August: Beware the coast at the height of summer when the heat - up to 30°C - and humidity can be overpowering and the crowds and traffic overwhelming in some places. Expect 12 hours of sunshine daily and next to no rain.

• September to November: Autumn offers mild temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. And you’ll still get 7-9 hours of sunshine daily. September and October are also great months for swimming and sunbathing, as well as exploring the local vineyards.

• December to February: Winter in Provence is mild, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C, and there’s still 5-7 hours of sunshine daily. February is a great month to go – museums, hotels and restaurants are mostly open, and the mimosa is in blossom. Inland, the lower Alps are usually under snow from late November to early April.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: French is the main language. Italian is spoken in the easternmost region and English is widely understood throughout the area.

• Local habits and customs: Provençal people value their leisurely pace of life: meals are an important social event, and shops often close for a long lunch break. When addressing people you should always use Monsieur for a man, Madame for a woman, or Mademoiselle for a young woman.

• Health and safety: Provence is safe overall, but in cities like Marseille and Nice, petty street crime is not uncommon. Emergency services can be reached by dialling 112.

• Currency: The Euro (€) is used in Provence. ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in most places.

• Getting around: If you simply want to travel to and between the big-name destinations of Provence, go by train. While local bus networks operate in and around major towns, the best way to explore the region as a whole is to use a car or bike.

• Electricity and plug types: Voltage is officially 230V, using plugs with two round pins. UK travellers will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Provence is in the Central European Time zone (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of GMT. Daylight Saving Time is observed.

• Required travel documentation: UK travellers need a valid passport to enter France. No visa is required for stays under 90 days within a 180-day period.

Best things to do in Provence

Seductive, sweet-scented and steeped in history, Provence epitomises all that’s irresistible about southern France.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Les Baux-de-Provence: The 11th-century citadel and picture-perfect village perché of Les Baux offer incredible views south over La Grande Crau to the sea.

• Mont Ventoux: Visible from the valleys of the Rhône, Luberon and Durance, the 1912m summit looms high on the horizon east of the Dentelles - and affords the most sensational views.

The best districts

• Vieux Port, Marseille: An intoxicating blend of food, history, water and sunlight at the very heart of France’s great Mediterranean metropolis.

• Grand Canyon du Verdon: Walk, drive, cycle, raft or bungee, but whatever you do, don’t miss Europe’s largest and most spectacular gorge.

• Vaison-la-Romaine: Walk actual Roman residential streets, complete with mosaic-floored houses, theatre and baths.

Museums

• Musée Chagall, Nice: Custom-built to house Marc Chagall’s Biblical Message paintings, the Musée Chagall is unmissable for fans of the artist’s work.

• Musée Alexandra David-Néel: Dedicated to the memory of an extraordinary, tenacious explorer, her house is stuffed full of fascinating photographs tracing her remarkable journeys.

Parks and gardens

• Parc Borély, Marseille: One of Provence’s most alluring green spaces, this vast park boasts a boating lake, rose gardens, palm trees and a botanical garden.

Historical monuments

• Chateau d’If: Take a boat from Marseille to the hulking fortress which looms large in the most iconic Provence-set novel of all, Alexandre Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo.

• Pont du Gard: 2,000 years old and still sublimely graceful, this towering Roman aqueduct spans the Gard River a few kilometres west of the Rhône.

• Palais de papes, Avignon: This vast medieval building was home to successive popes – and anti-popes – during Avignon’s 14th-century heyday.

Things to do in different parts of the region

• Arles: Visit its still-busy ancient Roman amphitheatre, baths, necropolis, underground vaults and superb archaeology museum.

• Les Calanques: Best seen on a boat tour, or from the Corniches des Crêtes coastal road between Cassis and La Ciotat, the dramatic shoreline is quite a sight.

Activities for families in Provence

There are several weeks' worth of family-friendly activities to be enjoyed in Provence, everything from cool museums and zoos to some of Europe’s most scenic train rides.

• Interactive museums: Provence is littered with kid-friendly museums, the best of which is the Musée Subaquatique de Marseille, a smartly conceived underwater museum dedicated to art, marine biodiversity and environmental protection. Note that museums are generally free to under-12s and half-price or free up to the age of 18.

• Aquariums and zoos: Marineland in Antibes is the largest marine park in Europe, with performing dolphins, orcas and sea lions, while bears, elephants and big cats are on show at the La Barben Zoo, which also has plenty of child-friendly entertainment such as miniature train rides.

• Train rides: The Chemins de Fer de Provence runs one of France’s most scenic and fun railway routes, the line running up the Var Valley into the hinterland of Nice to Digne-les-Bains, climbing through spectacular scenery as it goes.

Free things to do in Provence

You could quite easily spend a couple of weeks on your Provence holidays and barely spend a penny, given that there is so much free entertainment on offer.

• Festivals: Provence abounds in wonderful events, many free: the Gypsy Pilgrimage in Les Saintes-Maries-De la-Mer is a marvellous annual spectacle of music, dancing and religious ritual; while the Fête de Transhumance in St-Rémy on Whit Monday sees a flock of 4,000 sheep, accompanied by goats, rams and donkeys, make a tour of the town before being packed off to the Alps for the summer.

• Street Art: There’s fantastic free entertainment to be had on the streets of Provence; in Marseille’s cours Julien, the abundance of street art makes for a colourful wander and there are guided tours if you want to find out more about local graffiti artists and notable tags.

• Lavender fields: Nothing says Provence like lavender, so make a beeline for the lush fields of purple in the Luberon and Valensole plateaus, best seen in bloom from late June to early August.

• Village markets: The markets of Provence are a sensual treat as well as a lively social event, and you can spend as much or as little as you like - or nothing at all; the best of these are in Marseille, Avignon, Arles and Cassis.

Nature and outdoor activities

The benign climate of Provence encourages outdoor activities of all kinds, from swimming, sailing and diving in the clear waters of the Mediterranean to adventure sports for adrenaline junkies in the Grand Canyon du Verdon.

• Water sports: Kayaking and canoeing in the Gorges du Verdon is first class, while there are opportunities for diving in the clear waters around Cassis, Bandol and Sanary. Swimming is most enjoyable in the Calanques of Marseille or around the quieter and more remote beaches away from the big cities.

• Cycling: With its beautiful landscapes and relatively quiet roads, the Pays de Forcalquier is wonderful territory for cycling holidays to Provence, with a 78km signposted circuit of the region taking in Forcalquier, Lurs, Cruis and St-Étienne-les-Orgues. The 236km bike circuit of the Luberon is just as memorable.

• Rock climbing: Buoux is the main centre for rock climbing, with qualified instruction available for beginners and more advanced climbers as well as mini-climbs for children, while the limestone cliffs in the Calanques and the Gorges du Verdon also offer superb climbing.

• Horse riding: The Camargue has fantastic horse riding, as does Luberon, especially from Vaugines and Cucuron on the Luberon’s southern flank to Céreste, east of Apt.

• Wildlife watching: The flora of the Calanques is exceptionally rich, while rare Bonelli’s eagles are among the 67 protected bird species found here, alongside 13 species of bats and nocturnal geckos. Meanwhile, the Camargue is a treasure trove of bird and animal species, both wild and domestic; its most famous denizens are bulls and white horses.

Beaches in Provence

Provence is not only known for its charming villages and lush countryside but also for its stunning Mediterranean coastline. The region offers a variety of beaches, from secluded coves to bustling seaside towns, making it a perfect spot for beach lovers seeking sun, sea, and serenity.

• Cassis and the Calanques: One of the most breathtaking beach destinations in Provence, the Calanques are dramatic limestone cliffs plunging into crystal-clear waters. These secluded bays, located near Cassis, offer tranquil spots for swimming, snorkelling, and hiking along the rugged coastline. Don’t forget to explore our holiday packages to Cassis.

• Saint-Tropez: A glamorous choice for those seeking both luxury and lively atmosphere, the beaches of Saint-Tropez, such as Pampelonne Beach, are world-renowned for their golden sands and clear waters. It’s a favourite among the jet-setting crowd, but you’ll also find quieter stretches of coastline for relaxation. Consider our holidays to Saint-Tropez for your next getaway.

• Côte Bleue: Located west of Marseille, the Côte Bleue offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience. The beaches here are less crowded, with rocky shores and hidden coves perfect for snorkelling and enjoying the natural beauty of Provence’s coastline.

• Hyères and the Golden Islands: Just off the coast of Hyères, the Golden Islands (Îles d'Hyères) are a paradise for beach lovers. Porquerolles, the largest island, is famed for its unspoilt beaches with soft sand and turquoise waters. It’s ideal for a day trip or a longer stay for those looking to escape the mainland crowds. Don’t miss our holiday packages to Hyères as well.

With its diverse beach options, Provence offers something for everyone, whether you're after a quiet retreat in nature or a vibrant beach scene.

Local dishes in Provence

Wholesome and healthy, the cooking of Provence displays all the benefits of the Mediterranean diet, with superb fish on the coast, excellent lamb from Sisteron and, everywhere, fantastic fresh fruit and vegetables – the rewards of a sunny climate.

Some typical dishes

• Ravioles: Ravioli is a classic Niçois dish, often stuffed with blette – Swiss chard – and daube, served with a splash of meaty daube sauce.

• Pissaladière: A sort of Provençal variation on pizza, this flat tart was developed in Nice, and consists of bread dough topped with caramelised onions, and usually with olives and anchovies too.

• Farcis: Stuffed vegetables are a delicious speciality of the coast, but vegetarians beware – the stuffing is usually meat or sausage.

Meat dishes

• Daube Provençale: A real winter warmer, this is a thick beef stew enriched with red wine and seasoned with juniper, orange peel and chopped bacon.

• Agneau de Sisteron: Unforgettable lamb dish from the Sisteron region with a herbes de Provence-infused jus.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Bouillabaisse: This fishermen’s stew from Marseille is the most famous of all Provençal seafood dishes – at its best it’s utterly delicious.

• Oursins: Sea urchins washed down with local white wine are the classic flavour combination if you’re dining on Cassis’s pretty harbour.

Street food

• Pan bagnat: This sandwich is a delicious mix of tuna, hard-boiled egg and bitter mesclun salad leaves drizzled with oil.

• Socca: Best eaten hot and fresh from the pan, this Niçois chickpea pancake is perfect street food – simple, wholesome and tasty.

Sweets and desserts

• Tarte Tropézienne: A light and fluffy cream-filled brioche tart, originally from Saint-Tropez.

• Calissons: A speciality of Aix-en-Provence, these lozenge-shaped sweets are made from almonds and candied lemon and are perfect with a strong espresso.

Local drinks

• Bandol: The mysterious mourvèdre grape works its magic in dark, intense reds and pale, crisp rosé.

• Pastis: Provence is the homeland of pastis, the aniseed-flavoured spirit traditionally served with a bowl of olives before meals.