Provence Holidays — Lavender Fields, Markets & Rosé Wine
Provence
Holidays
Lavender fields, hilltop villages, Roman ruins, the finest rosé in the world and light that inspired Cézanne and Van Gogh
Search Provence Holidays
Flight Time
2h to Marseille or Nice from most UK airports
Best Time
May–June and September — lavender blooms late June–July; avoid August crowds
Country
France
Suppliers
our travel partners ·
Provence Holiday Guide
Provence in southeast France is one of the most beautiful and evocative regions in Europe — a landscape of lavender fields, olive groves, vineyards, hilltop villages, Roman ruins and medieval towns bathed in extraordinary Mediterranean light. Peter Mayle's 'A Year in Provence' introduced the world to the region in 1989, and it has been one of the most popular holiday destinations in France ever since.
The Luberon, the Alpilles, the Var and the Vaucluse are the four main areas of Provence, each with its own character. The lavender blooms in late June and July, turning the fields around Valensole and the Luberon into a purple sea. The markets of Aix-en-Provence, Arles, Apt and Isle-sur-la-Sorgue are among the finest in France. The rosé wine of Provence — particularly from the Côtes de Provence and Bandol appellations — is the best in the world.
Provence is best explored by hire car — the hilltop villages, lavender fields and wine estates are spread across a large area and public transport is limited outside the main towns.
Popular Areas in Provence
Average Temperatures
Jan
8°C
Feb
10°C
Mar
14°C
Apr
17°C
May
21°C
Jun
26°C
Jul
29°C
Aug
29°C
Sep
24°C
Oct
18°C
Nov
12°C
Dec
8°C
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Call 01282 960 460Top 8 Things To Do in Provence
The lavender fields, hilltop villages, Roman monuments, antique markets and world-class rosé that make Provence the most romantic region in France.
Lavender Fields — The Purple Heart of Provence
The lavender fields of Provence are one of the most iconic images in France — vast purple carpets stretching across the plateau of Valensole, the Luberon and the Vaucluse, blooming from late June to early August. The Valensole plateau, between Manosque and Riez, has the most extensive lavender fields. The Abbaye de Sénanque, a 12th-century Cistercian abbey surrounded by lavender, is the most photographed scene in Provence. Visit in the early morning for the best light and fewest crowds.
Gordes — The Most Beautiful Village in Provence
Gordes, perched on a rocky spur of the Luberon plateau, is widely considered the most beautiful village in Provence — a cascade of pale stone houses, medieval lanes and Renaissance château above the Imergue valley. The village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the 'Plus Beaux Villages de France'. The Abbaye de Sénanque (lavender fields) is 4km away. The Bories Village (a collection of dry-stone huts) is 3km south. Arrive early — Gordes is extremely popular in summer.
Aix-en-Provence — Cézanne's City
Aix-en-Provence is the most elegant city in Provence — a university town of grand 17th and 18th-century mansions, tree-lined boulevards, bubbling fountains and excellent markets. The Cours Mirabeau, lined with plane trees and café terraces, is one of the finest streets in France. Paul Cézanne was born and died in Aix — his studio (Atelier Cézanne) and the Sainte-Victoire mountain that obsessed him are both open to visitors. The daily market on the Place Richelme is excellent.
Arles — Van Gogh's City & Roman Amphitheatre
Arles is one of the most historically rich cities in Provence — a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a Roman amphitheatre (still used for bullfights and concerts), a Roman theatre, the Alyscamps necropolis and the extraordinary Musée de l'Arles Antique. Vincent van Gogh lived in Arles from 1888 to 1889, producing over 300 paintings including The Bedroom, The Night Café and Starry Night over the Rhône. The Fondation Vincent van Gogh Arles is a world-class contemporary art museum.
Pont du Gard — Rome's Greatest Aqueduct
The Pont du Gard, 25km northeast of Nîmes, is one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in the world — a three-tiered aqueduct bridge 49 metres high and 275 metres long, built in the 1st century AD to carry water 50km from Uzès to Nîmes. The engineering is extraordinary — the aqueduct has a gradient of just 1 in 3,000 over its entire 50km length. Swimming in the Gardon River beneath the aqueduct is one of the great summer pleasures of Provence.
Provence Rosé — The World's Finest
Provence produces more rosé wine than any other region in France — and arguably the finest rosé in the world. The pale, dry, elegant rosés of the Côtes de Provence (particularly from the Var) and Bandol appellations are the benchmark. The Château Sainte-Roseline, Château d'Esclans (Whispering Angel), Domaine Ott and Château Minuty are among the most celebrated estates. Wine tourism is well-developed in Provence — many estates offer tastings and tours.
Les Baux-de-Provence — Hilltop Citadel
Les Baux-de-Provence, perched on a rocky spur of the Alpilles mountains, is one of the most dramatic villages in France — a medieval citadel of ruined towers and ramparts with extraordinary views over the olive groves and lavender fields of the Alpilles. The Carrières de Lumières, a spectacular digital art installation in the old bauxite quarries below the village, is one of the most visited attractions in Provence. The village has excellent restaurants and the Michelin-starred Oustau de Baumanière is nearby.
Provence Markets & Food
Provence has the finest markets in France — the Saturday market in Aix-en-Provence, the Sunday antiques market in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, the Saturday market in Arles and the Tuesday market in Apt (the truffle capital of France) are all extraordinary. Provençal cuisine — tapenade, ratatouille, daube de boeuf, bouillabaisse, tarte tropézienne, calissons d'Aix — is among the finest regional cooking in France. The olive oil of the Alpilles and the honey of the Luberon are exceptional.
Explore Provence on the Map
Key areas, beaches and attractions across the island.
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