52 Best things to see & do in Provence

Founded in 1947 by theatre director Jean Vilar, this festival was France’s answer to the UK’s Edinburgh Festival. It’s since evolved into a mass celebration of drama, music and dance, concentrating on edgy and avant-garde performances and companies from around Europe.

Nowadays, nearly a thousand shows and exhibitions take place over three weeks in July, both in Avignon and across the river in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. The Off Festival, a completely independent fringe event, runs alongside, attracting 1,000+ independent companies.

Sunny Provence has been making wine ever since grapes were introduced by the Ancient Greeks, circa 600 BC. Provence grows some of the most prestigious Cotes du Rhone wines, including the reds of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, and Beaumes-de-Venise, all located north of Avignon (more details below).

Famous for its quaffable roses, there are also notable AOC areas along the coasts (Bandol, with its Mourvedre wines, Cassis with its whites), while Les Baux-en-Provence is known for organic wines.

When the popes abandoned tumultuous Rome in 1309, they came to Avignon. Seven reigned here until 1377, in a colourful period of greed and depravity that the poet Petrarch labelled the ‘Babylonian captivity’. They left behind nothing less than the biggest Gothic palace of all time, built for luxury as well as defence.

Although much of its decoration has been lost over time, it has lost none of its power to amaze. It’s a big site not really suited to younger children, though ‘Les Luminessences’ – an outdoor 3D show, held every evening from mid-August to late September – is good for all the family.

Set on a low hill, this is the biggest and one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in France, where 20,000 would come to watch gladiators fight to the death.

Built in the late 1st century AD, it was inspired by Rome’s Coliseum, which had been built a decade earlier – and was later converted into a fortress in the Middle Ages (an era from which three towers still survive). Originally the amphitheatre had a third level of arcades, but even now there are lovely views over the rosy tile rooms of Arles from the top level.

A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s now used as an arena again, it’s used for bullfights during Arles’ Easter and September festivals, as well as the bloodless Courses Camarguaises bullfights, and occasional gladiatorial re-enactments.

Be sure to visit the ancient theatre, too, which is included in the ticket – built in the century before the amphitheatre, it’s not as well-preserved, but still used for performances.

Cezanne’s studio on Les Lauves hill was designed by the artist himself in 1902, although he only used it when it was too cold to paint outdoors (he died in 1906, after getting caught in the rain while painting his beloved Mont Sainte-Victoire). Over the decades it has been maintained as he left it – a must-see for any Cezanne fan, the one place in Aix where his presence is tangible.

If you continue another kilometre or so north from the studio, along Avenue Paul Cezanne, you’ll come to Les Lauves, the Terrain des Peintures viewpoint – where Cezanne often planted his easel to paint Mont Sainte-Victoire.

Mention art in Provence, and two names immediately spring to mind: Cezanne and Van Gogh (see bios below). But the region offers so much more than the duo who created the iconic images of its lovely landscapes.

Although Provence can’t match the explosion of contemporary art along the neighbouring Cote d’Azur, new foundations, galleries and museums have sprung up, notably in Avignon and Arles, with outstanding collections.

The Luberon in southeast Provence is a 600 square kilometres (230 sq mi) massif, consisting of three intersecting mountain ranges. With achingly beautiful landscapes, mesmerising fields of lavender, stipey vineyards, quaint hilltop villages and lively markets, it’s quintessential Provence at its most charming, traditional and picturesque.

The easiest way to explore it is to take an organised tour, or if you prefer to go independent, rent or bring a car and drive between scenic points. Make a circular tour, starting in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue with its canals, waterwheels and antiques shops; then visit the mysterious source at the Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, before heading to golden stone Gordes, with its curious field of bories (stone igloo huts) and its lavender-growing Cistercian abbey, Sénanque. Finally, head to Roussillon, with its dramatic ochre quarries, and three neighbouring villages – some of Provence’s prettiest – Bonnieux, Lacoste and Ménerbes. If you have the time, stay along the way, and make it a road trip.

You can also tour by bike: there are numerous shorter routes, and a full 8-day, 240km circuit – called the Luberon a velo – that winds through the most beautiful parts of the region, along old country roads.

Vincent Van Gogh moved to Provence in 1888, during a time of ill health. He fell in love with the landscape and the rich light, and decided to stay and try to set up an artists’ colony.

Initially, he settled in Arles, where he created over 300 paintings and drawings, some of his best-known works – including the famous ‘Sunflowers’ paintings (now held in the Neue Pinakothek in Munich, National Gallery in London, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and the Sompo Japan Museum of Art in Tokyo).

The following year however, in 1889, after a bout of poor mental health, Van Gogh committed himself to the St-Paul-de-Mausole asylum just outside Saint-Remy. There he painted more of his masterpieces, including The Starry Night, now displayed in New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).

As prime spots where Van Gogh lived and painted, the towns of Arles and Saint-Remy both regret not hanging on to any of Van Gogh’s original works while he was alive. To make up for it, each has set up a self-guided Van Gogh Walk, pinpointing the scenic spots where the master planted his easel.

Courses Camarguaises are bloodless bullfights, unique to Provence, where razeteurs (young men) dressed in white compete to seize a cockade, tied between the horns of a bull. Their only defense is to vault over the boards whenever the bull charges.

Unlike in bullfighting, the bulls are the stars of the show, not the ‘bullfighters’ i.e. razeteurs, even though some razeteurs achieve some local fame and notoriety. Each bull has his own name and identity – some become local ‘heroes’, with long ‘careers’ and even secure an honoury statue. The Camargue bull breed has long been recognised and valued for their speed, spirit, intelligence and fighting prowess (much more than their work ethic), and are specially bred for the occasion.

There are numerous such ‘Courses’ held through the spring and summer months, many accompanying various Provence festivals, but the ‘big one’, the main event, is the Cocarde d’Or that takes place on the first Monday in July. The tournament is staged in the evocative setting of Les Arènes, Arles’ ancient Roman amphitheatre, and includes a colourful parade of traditional costumes. Not only is the best razeteur crowned, but the bravest bull is chosen as well – a great honour for its manade (ranch).

Because this is a bloodless sport, it’s a great way of getting a taste of the tradition of bullfighting, without the gore. It’s also an opportunity to experience a cultural phenomenon in a magnificent Roman setting.

When people think of ‘Provence’, they’ll think of medieval villages, rich culture, exceptional food and… lavender. Vast fields of it, smothering the rolling landscapes like a purple carpet.

Locals in Provence have been cultivating lavender for centuries, using it for a variety of purposes. It’s distilled into an essential oil, which is then used as an ingredient in perfumes, cosmetics, and aromatherapy products. It’s also used in traditional Provencal sachets to scent linens and wardrobes, and in local dishes to add a unique flavour. (There’s even lavender ice cream). Lavender is also known for its medicinal properties, such as soothing burns, relieving headaches, and aiding sleep.

Lavender thrives in Provence due to its ideal climate, characterised by abundant sunshine, well-drained soils, and altitudes between 500 and 1,500 meters. No wonder, then, that lavender is deeply rooted in the region’s culture and economy.

The most famous locations for lavender gazing are the Valensole Plateau, Sault, and the Luberon region. The fields bloom from late June to early August, so you need to go then for the full immersive experience.

To learn about cultivation and distillation, head to the Lavandes Angelvin Estate in Valensole, where they’ll tell you all about it in the onsite shop, and stock a range of lavender-themed products. Another good adoption is the Blue Provence Distillery which offers free tours of their facility. Also, be sure to stop by the elegantly beautiful Abbaye Notre-Dame de Senanque, the subject of the classic Provence ‘lavender’ photo.

As prime spots where Van Gogh lived and painted, the towns of Arles and Saint-Remy both regret not hanging on to any of Van Gogh’s original works while he was alive. To make up for it, each has set up a self-guided Van Gogh Walk, pinpointing the scenic spots where the master planted his easel.

When doing the walk in Arles, spare some time to see the Espace Van Gogh in the former hospital on Place du Dr Félix Rey, where he had his ear stitched up and was later locked up. Inside you’ll find exhibits chronicling his stay. The hospital’s courtyard has been remodelled to resemble as closely as possible his famous painting ‘Le Jardin de l’Hôtel de Dieu’. You’ll also pass by the Reattu Fine Arts Museum, which houses many of Van Gogh letters, and the famous Café Terrace on the Place du Forum.

Begun in 1860, the Choregies d’Orange is the oldest festival in France. Every year the city’s ancient Theatre Antique (with seating for 9,000) hosts a brief but exceptional opera and lyric music programme, starring performers such as Roberto Alagna.

The acoustics are perfect (aided by the installation of a new glass roof over the stage) and the sets, using the huge Roman stage wall, are breathtaking, making for an unforgettable night at the opera – under the stars.

Provence is celebrated for its exceptional food and drink, deeply rooted in the region’s rich culinary traditions and Mediterranean climate. The cuisine is characterised by its vibrant flavours, aromatic herbs, and the use of fresh, local produce.

The Provencal diet heavily features ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, onions, bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant, all of which thrive in the sun-drenched climate of southeastern France. Olive oil, often referred to as ‘liquid gold’, is a staple in Provencal cooking, infusing dishes with its rich, fruity flavour. Herbs such as thyme, rosemary, basil, and oregano are integral to the cuisine, often combined to create the iconic Herbes de Provence mix. These aromatic herbs enhance the natural flavours of the ingredients, highlighting the region’s emphasis on simplicity and freshness.

Cooking styles in Provence range from slow-simmering stews that meld flavours over time to quick, vibrant sautés that preserve the crispness and colour of vegetables. Grilling is also popular, particularly for fish and meats, taking advantage of the region’s abundant coastline and access to fresh seafood.

The region’s wine, particularly rosé, complements the cuisine perfectly. Local wineries produce wines that pair beautifully with Provencal dishes, enhancing the dining experience.

Roman theatres have survived across the Mediterranean, but few can match the glorious one in Orange, where the massive stage wall (much admired by Louis XIV) has survived intact.

Built early in the 1st century AD, it’s one of the best-preserved Ancient Roman theatres in the world and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It served as a venue for theatre and spectacles until the 4th century AD, when Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire and the Church shut it down, believing the spectacles to be unholy.

Today up to 10,000 spectators can still sit and enjoy its pitch-perfect ancient acoustics, under the watchful eye of a statue of Augustus, when it’s used for live performances including summer’s fabulous Les Choregies d’Orange opera festival. A ticket to the ancient theatre includes admission to the Musée d’Orange (Museum of Orange), which contains archaeological finds and paintings from the area.

Founded in 1948, this international festival of lyrical arts, dedicated to opera and classical music in particular, is one of the most prestigious in France.

Each year it attracts top singers, as well as the likes of Les Arts Florissants, the Berlin Philharmonic and the London Symphony Orchestra – although more contemporary works are performed as well, some specially commissioned for the festival.

Concerts, along with an elite array of masterclasses, take place in beautiful historic venues in and around Aix-en-Provence.

Notre-Dame de la Garde is a striking basilica located on the highest natural point in Marseille, offering panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. Built in the 19th century, this Neo-Byzantine basilica is one of Marseille’s most iconic landmarks, a place of pilgrimage and a symbol of protection for sailors and fishermen.

It features a stunning interior adorned with mosaics, marble, and an array of votive offerings, reflecting its significance to the local community. It’s crowned by a towering golden statue of the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus, a beacon visible from miles around.

You can reach the basilica by car, bus, or a short hike from the Vieux Port, enjoying spectacular views along the way. Once there, the observation deck provides breathtaking vistas, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring Marseille.

Teetering atop the craggy Alpilles mountains, this once-impressive fortress was built in the 10th century to be the home of the Seigneurs de Baux (Lords of Baux), the meanest, toughest hombres in Provence during the Middle Ages.

For five hundred years it presided over ceaseless conflicts – but its court was just as famous for promoting courtly love and troubadours during that era. It was eventually ordered to be demolished by King Louis XIII, as part of his relentless campaign to suppress religious and feudal rebellion.

Today, the romantic ruins enjoy spectacular views over much of southern Provence. During the summer, staff recreate the feudal spirit by shooting catapults, trebuchets, crossbows and re-enacting knights’ duels. There’s also sword fighting in summer and the occasional life-size battering ram – great fun for adults and especially kids.

Truffles in Provence are prized fungi known for their earthy aroma and rich flavour. They grow in the region’s limestone-rich soil and mild climate, often found near oak trees. Used in gourmet cooking, truffles enhance dishes with their unique taste. Provençal traditions celebrate truffles with festivals and markets, reflecting their culinary and cultural importance to the locals.

Truffle hunts are guided trips where trained dogs (or pigs) help locate these hidden treasures. Sign up to enjoy the thrill of the hunt and for the chance to learn about truffle cultivation. It’s an immersive way to experience a true Provençal tradition. The hunts are usually followed by some kind of tasting or cooking class, so you also get the chance to try traditional Provençal cuisine firsthand.

The best places for truffle hunts are the Luberon and Ventoux regions. Las Pastras is an organic farm in the Luberon run by a French-American couple who offer summer and winter truffle hunts, followed by a sampling of fresh truffle hors d’oeuvres, Champagne, and a tasting of their olive and truffle oil. See their tour listing in the ‘Who to go with: organised tours’ section below.

Another way to sample truffles is to attend the truffle market in the village of Richerenches in the heart of truffle country. Held on Saturday mornings in winter (November to March), it brings together buyers, brokers, growers and curious onlookers.

Provence’s markets are famously vibrant, bustling hubs that embody the region’s rich cultural and culinary heritage. Held in picturesque towns and villages, these markets attract both locals and tourists, offering a window into the daily life of Provencals. The markets also play a role in building and maintaining the local community, serving as social gathering places where people meet and gossip.

They’re particularly famous for locally produced food. Stalls here are stuffed with fresh fruits and vegetables, artisanal cheeses, cured meats, local honey, olives, freshly baked bread and more – a great place to sample local specialities. You’ll also find the usual fare of handcrafted items like textiles, pottery, arts and crafts and soaps (making them perfect for finding unique gifts).

Some of the best markets to visit include the Saturday market in Aix-en-Provence, known for its extensive range of local produce and goods; the Sunday market in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, famous for antiques and bric-a-brac; and the Wednesday market in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, offering a quintessential Provencal experience with its diverse array of products.

Just south along the road from Saint-Remy, towards the Alpilles are two remarkable Roman monuments known as ‘Les Antiques: a Triumphal Arch’, and the strikingly well-preserved ‘Mausoleum’ that stands as a memorial dedicated to Julius Caesar and Augustus.

Beyond those lie the extensive and impressive ruins of the ancient city of Glanum, which – amazingly – were only rediscovered in the 1900s. Ancient Glanum was a Gaulish fortified town founded around a sacred spring in the 6th century BC. It became an official Roman city in 27BC, in the wake of Julius Caesar’s conquest of the region.

The surrounding landscapes of olives and cypresses here are pure Van Gogh: he painted many of his best-known works in these parts.

A must for any art lover, the Granet Museum has a fascinating archaeological collection (including a reconstructed Celtic ‘head cult’ temple from nearby Entremont) and a remarkable array of works by Rubens, Rembrandt and Ingres.

Its 10 Cezanne paintings include a portrait of Emile Zola, the artist’s boyhood friend in Aix. From the 20th century come works by Giacometti, Mondrian, Balthus and Morandi and the excellent Collection Planque, with paintings by Degas, Picasso, de Stael, Braque and Klee.

Quintessential to the mystique of the Provence region, La Camargue – the enormous Rhone delta just south of Arles – is Western Europe’s largest river delta and home to an important range of flora and wildlife, including nearly 400 species of bird. Almost 140,000 hectares are declared a national park. The Pont de Gau Ornithological Park is good for spotting some of the Camargue’s 400 species of birds, while the Marais Vigueirat Nature Reserve has nature trails and offers guided wildlife excursions.

Local tour operators in Arles and Les Saintes-Maries offer 4WD drive wildlife safaris and zodiac river safaris into remote areas; in winter, sand yachting on the long empty beaches is also possible. There are a number of cycle paths into the Camargue from the little coastal town of Les Saintes-Maries, where you can also find bikes to rent.

Other visitors come for the wild beaches by the picturesque seaside town of Les Saintes Maries-de-la-Mer, dominated by its famous fortified Romanesque church.

The Gorges du Verdon, often dubbed the ‘Grand Canyon of Europe’, is a spectacular river canyon in Provence. Carved by the Verdon River, this natural wonder stretches approximately 25km and stretches up to 700m deep, creating dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters that are breathtaking to behold. The canyon’s limestone walls contrast beautifully with the vibrant blue-green river, making it a haven for nature lovers and photographers.

Visiting the Gorges du Verdon offers numerous activities such as hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, and swimming. The Sentier Blanc-Martel is a popular hiking trail that provides stunning panoramic views of the canyon. For a leisurely experience, the scenic Route des Crêtes offers numerous viewpoints along a driving route.

Arguably the best way to explore the Gorges du Verdon, for appreciating the soaring cliffs around you, and the clear blue water below you, is by kayak, paddleboard or motor boat, all of which can be hired on site.

The paintings by Chardin, Manet, Cezanne, Degas, Modigliani, Sisley, Van Gogh and Picasso that fill this delightful museum were collected by Paris fashion designer Jacques Doucet – the Yves Saint-Laurent of the early 20th century. They were later donated to the city of Avignon by his great-nephew and wife, who were both artists and collectors themselves.

This inspiring selection of art is housed in the Doucet family’s elegant Avignon townhouse, with one floor preserved exactly as it was during their lifetime. Be sure to track down Van Gogh’s Railway Carriages, the only Van Gogh painting that remains on permanent display in Provence.

The remarkably preserved Pont du Gard is a masterpiece of Roman engineering. Built in the 1st century BC as part of a 50km aqueduct, it once supplied 30,000m³ of water daily to Nimes and until recently was used as a car bridge.

There’s a small museum on site that documents the history of the aqueduct, and explains how it was built with a variety of models, virtual reconstructions, multimedia screens and sounds.

The MuCEM (Musée des Civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée) is a renowned cultural institution that explores the rich history and diverse cultures of the Mediterranean region.

Opened in 2013, this modern museum, with its striking latticework façade, is located at the entrance of the Old Port. Inside, the museum hosts a variety of permanent and temporary exhibitions covering themes such as trade, migration, and cultural exchanges. The collections include artefacts, photographs, and multimedia displays that provide insights into Mediterranean civilizations from antiquity to the present day.

Part of the museum, and linked to it by a footbridge, is Fort Saint-Jean, one of the emblematic symbols of Marseille. It was built in 1660 by King Louis XIV as a military installation to protect the city’s harbour and assert royal authority – hence the massive stone walls and strategic vantage points.

Set in the 15th-century Grand Priory of the Knights of Malta, this museum features tapestries on the Seven Wonders of the World (1614), Van Gogh’s famous letter to Gaugin, 57 drawings donated by Picasso, and much more.

Arles’ fine arts museum, housed in the former Grand Priory of the Knights of Malta, is dedicated to showcasing fine arts, with a particular emphasis on the works of Jacques Réattu, an 18th-century painter who once owned the building.

It houses an extensive collection of Réattu’s paintings, 57 drawings donated by Picasso, who had a personal connection to Arles, and a notable collection of modern art. Look out for Réattu’s must-see masterpiece Portrait of a Young Man, tapestries on the Seven Wonders of the World (1614) and Van Gogh’s famous letter to Gaugin.

This former monastery – a masterpiece of Provencal Romanesque – is famous for being the asylum where Vincent van Gogh stayed from May 1889 to May 1890. Van Gogh admitted himself here seeking treatment for his mental health issues. The serene environment and supportive care provided a refuge during a tumultuous period of his life. He stayed in a modest room with barred windows, which he painted in his iconic style. Despite his struggles, Van Gogh found inspiration in the surrounding landscapes and gardens.

During his year at St-Paul-de-Mausole, Van Gogh created almost 150 oil paintings and more than 100 drawings, from within and outside the facility’s walls. This incredible haul included some of his most famous works, notably ‘The Starry Night’, ‘Irises’, and numerous self-portraits. The peaceful setting, with its lush gardens and views of the Alpilles mountains, profoundly influenced his artwork, capturing the natural beauty and tranquillity he experienced there.

His room and reproductions of the paintings he made there are on display, along with temporary exhibitions.

Provence is renowned for high-quality olive oil due to its favourable Mediterranean climate, rich soil, and traditional cultivation methods. The region produces several varieties, including Picholine, Aglandau, and Bouteillan, each offering a surprisingly distinct flavour, ranging from fruity and mild to robust and peppery.

Olive oil tastings in Provence are a great way to try them, whilst also learning about how they are made.  A tasting typically involves guided tours of olive groves and mills, where you’ll hear about olive cultivation, harvesting, and oil production processes. You’ll then get to sample some oils with varying nuances of flavour, aroma, and texture.

The award-winning Moulin Castelas, in the stunning setting of Les Baux, is one great place to go for a tasting. They’re free, and offered all year round. Moulin du Calanquet and Château Virant also often host tastings and tours. Many are offered for free.

If you don’t have time for the full experience, many market stall traders and speciality shops will let you try a few different varieties before you buy.

Located alongside Arles’ Roman circus, where chariots once stormed around the track, this museum houses the city’s ever-expanding collection of finds from the region – dating from prehistoric times until the 6th century AD.

Housed in a striking triangular building designed by Henri Ciriani, the exhibits include Roman sculpture, ceramics, mosaics, scale models of Roman Arles, everyday items, and elaborate sarcophagi from the Alyscamps cemetery.

It also contains what some claim is the oldest known bust of Julius Caesar (founder of Roman Arles), which was discovered in the Rhone in 2007. Hortus, next to the museum in the ruins of the ancient circus, is the recreation of a Roman garden and frequently offers activities and ancient Roman games for children.

The picturesque village Roussillon is famous for its vibrant ochre cliffs. Nestled in the Luberon region, the village is renowned for its stunning red, yellow, and orange hues, thanks to the rich deposits of ochre pigment found in the surrounding cliffs and quarries. These striking colours give the village a unique and visually captivating appearance, especially under the bright Provencal sun.

The village’s pretty narrow, winding streets are lined with charming houses painted in various shades of ochre, but otherwise, it has that quintessential Provencal village feel. You can also wander the so-called Ochre Trail (Sentier des Ocres) to see the magnificent 100 million-year-old ochre cliffs. There are two different trails, one short (30 minutes) and one longer (60 minutes). Signs en route explain the local geology and unusual ecosystem.

Aix’s medieval cathedral is packed with treasures. Foremost among these is its recently restored masterpiece, the intricately detailed triptych of The Burning Bush (1476), painted by Nicolas Froment for Provence’s King Rene. It also contains a striking 6th-century baptistery and a tiny but exquisite 12th-century cloister, as well as beautifully sculpted doors.

The adjacent archbishop’s residence contains a fascinating tapestry museum, containing 17th- and 18th-century tapestries hidden there during the French Revolution, and only rediscovered in the 1840s.

The cathedral is a national monument, with architectural elements stretching back to the original Roman Forum of Aix, on which the cathedral was built. Later renovations include Romanesque and Gothic elements. The elegant columns in the baptistery, which was built in the 6th century, were probably from an ancient Roman temple that stood on the same site. The famous 16th-century walnut doors, sculpted with sibyls and fantastical beasts, are protected by wooden panels, which may be removed by request. Ask one of the volunteer guides.

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a picturesque village in Provence, nestled at the foothills of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and overlooking the stunning Gorges du Verdon. This charming village is renowned for its dramatic setting, with pastel-coloured houses built into steep cliffs, a beautiful cascading waterfall, and a golden star suspended between two peaks. The star, according to legend, was hung by a knight returning from the Crusades.

While it’s well worth visiting for its scenic beauty alone, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is also famous for its fine ceramics and pottery, with numerous artisan shops showcasing exquisite faïence pottery. There are numerous galleries dedicated to it, and a small museum showcasing fine examples from the 17th century to the present day,

Take a few hours here to wander the narrow, winding streets, sampling the local cuisine at quaint restaurants. Stop by the Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir chapel for the best views of the village and surrounding landscape.

In an 18th-century mansion, this museum bases its exhibits on Van Gogh’s complaint that living artists were unfairly ignored. It has a fine permanent collection of 20th- and 21th-century works, along with a Van Gogh interpretation centre.

Each morning, Aix hosts one of Provence’s best markets, overflowing with the freshest fruit, vegetables, herbs, meats, seafood and cheeses from local producers. On Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings, it expands tenfold and includes a massive flower market.

This buzzing local market, held every Wednesday, is one of Provence’s most vibrant and authentic – attracting visitors and locals from the wider region. Located in the heart of this charming town, it offers a wide variety of local products, including fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, cured meats, olive oils, and regional specialities. You’ll also find handcrafted goods, textiles, and pottery.

This picturesque hilltop village in Provence is renowned for its beautiful stone architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and wondrous views of the Luberon Valley. The village is a visual delight with its ancient stone houses, a Romanesque church, and a Renaissance castle, making it a lovely place to wander, stopping to sip drinks at traditional cafes. There’s a lively artisan market on Tuesdays.

This organic farm in the Luberon run by a French-American couple offers you the chance to experience a traditional French wine harvest, including a tour of the farm, lessons in cultivation, and the chance to stomp on the grapes. Weekdays only.

Arles is world-famous thanks to Van Gogh, but to the city’s eternal regret no one bought any of his paintings. This foundation, in the newly renovated Hotel Leautaud de Donines, is dedicated to art exhibitions inspired by the artist.

Papal Avignon was the centre of the European art for decades, and over 300 works of (mostly) Italian medieval and renaissance paintings and sculptures commissioned by the wealthy prelates of the church, including a Botticelli Madonna, are displayed in this 14th-century palace.

Often referred to as the ‘Venice of Provence’ for its picturesque canals, this charming town has gained international fame for one thing – antiques. A hub for antique enthusiasts, it’s incredibly home to over 300 permanent antique dealers and numerous galleries. Its biannual antiques fair, one of the largest in Europe, attracts collectors and dealers from around the world. For the rest of us non-afficianados, there is a vibrant and fascinating market, held every Thursday and Sunday, featuring a wide array of antiques, vintage items, and art pieces.

Two beautiful 18th-century mansions in Avignon host this contemporary collection. Established by Yvon Lambert, a renowned art collector, the collection features works by renowned artists such as Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Cy Twombly.

Museum housing masterpieces of French International Gothic art, including Enguerrand Quarton’s famous Coronation of the Virgin. It’s housed within a former cardinal’s palace, and named after the renowned cardinal who resided there in the 14th century. Exhibitions range from medieval sculptures and religious art to Renaissance paintings and decorative arts.

This magnificent townhouse (1715), a beautifully restored hôtel particulier, features lavishly furnished period rooms, an exquisite garden, a film on Cezanne and temporary art exhibitions; a good stop for lunch, afternoon tea or dinner too.

UNESCO-listed Saint-Trophime’s extraordinary carved portal depicting the Apocalypse is one of the finest Romanesque works in the south of France. In comparison, the interior of the cathedral is austere, but don’t miss the stunning Romanesque-Gothic cloister, with its sculpted capitals.

This museum, located in Provence, celebrates the history and products of L’Occitane en Provence, a renowned French cosmetics company. Founded in 1976 by Olivier Baussan, the company began with the distillation of rosemary essential oil, reflecting its deep connection to the natural resources of Provence. Today, L’Occitane offers a wide range of beauty and skincare products, including creams, lotions, and fragrances, all made with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients inspired by the region. The museum provides visitors with insights into the brand’s origins, production processes, and commitment to sustainability

This evocative, romantic Roman burial ground – once the most famous cemetery in medieval Europe – is today a significant historical and archaeological site. It’s also been immortalised in paintings by Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin.

It stretches along a tree-lined avenue filled with sarcophagi and ancient tombs. It’s the burial site of the legendary St Trophime and the first bishops of Arles, and remains an important stop on the pilgrimage to Compostela. The site’s name translates to ‘Elysian Fields’, reflecting its importance as a resting place for the elite.

As you wander, you can explore the well-preserved sarcophagi, some adorned with intricate carvings and inscriptions. Also stop by the medieval Saint-Honorat Church and the remnants of the Romanesque Church of Saint-Césaire for a glimpse into the evolving architectural styles and religious practices over the centuries.

Frank Gehry’s striking crumpled silver tower houses the enormous project of the art-and Arles-loving billionaire heiress Maja Hoffmann, to create a new art gallery and new space for artists. Worth going to admire the architecture, if nothing else.

Founded in 1970, this major International Festival of Photography takes place in Arles from July to September in the Espace Van Gogh – the 16th-century Hotel Dieu – the city hospital that treated Vincent after he cut off his ear.

‘Les Compagnons’, an association of Cotes du Rhone winemakers, hold this harvest festival on a Saturday late in August at the Rocher des Doms in Avignon; there’s a parade, games and plenty of food and wine.

Visit the most famous chocolate factory in Provence, just outside Aix in Puyricard, where you can go behind the scenes in their atelier or spend an afternoon at a hands-on chocolate-making workshop.

In Vaison, north of Avignon, the modern city, the medieval city, and the extensive remains of their Roman predecessor lie jumbled charmingly together. Ruins include four grand mansions, a theatre, a fine museum, and a picturesque bridge that still connects the two parts of the town.