The 16 places the travel guides we read name most, what they say about each, and fares from your city.
The places, most named first
From the 9 guides that rank for "best places to visit in provence"
Named by 5 of 91. AvignonVaucluse, FranceThe 14th-century seat of the popes, with the largest gothic palace in the world.The July theatre festival is one of the biggest in the world.
Named by 5 of 92. Aix-en-ProvenceBouches-du-Rhône, FranceThe former capital of Provence, with daily markets in the historic centre.It has boutiques, outdoor cafes and fountains, and works as a base without a car.
Named by 4 of 93. GordesLuberon, FranceStone houses stack down a hillside above a valley; one author rates it the most romantic town.It is one of the more popular towns and can get crowded.
Named by 4 of 9
4. Verdon Gorge and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France
A canyon with light green water; visitors can swim and rent a paddle or electric boat.
A suggested outing starts at Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, then the canyon entry, then the canyon itself.
Named by 3 of 95. MarseilleBouches-du-Rhône, FranceThe oldest district, Le Panier, has traditional architecture and street art.Highlights are the Old Port, the MUCEM museum and bouillabaisse.
Named by 3 of 96. LourmarinLuberon, FranceA quiet but lively village with jazz festivals and small bookshops.Friday market day fills the main street with vendors.
Named by 3 of 97. Saint-Remy-de-ProvenceAlpilles, FranceA stylish but real Provençal town with boutiques, galleries and Roman ruins.Les Baux is 15 minutes away and Arles 20.
Named by 3 of 98. Valensole and the lavender fieldsAlpes-de-Haute-Provence, FranceThe best-known lavender fields are around Valensole.Peak bloom is the last week of June to mid-July.
Named by 3 of 99. RoussillonLuberon, FranceIts buildings are all shades of red, on one of the largest ochre deposits in the world.The ochre cliffs were one author's reason for a return visit.
Named by 3 of 910. OrangeVaucluse, FranceKnown for its ancient Roman theatre.Summer opera is staged in the Roman theater.
Named by 2 of 911. ArlesBouches-du-Rhône, FranceCalled the Little Rome of Gaul, with ancient and early medieval monuments.The city where Van Gogh and Gauguin fell in love with colour.
Named by 2 of 912. CamargueRhône delta, FranceA wildlife-rich natural park in the Rhône delta.Part of the wider landscape range, from wetlands to the Calanques.
Named by 2 of 913. Chateauneuf-du-PapeVaucluse, FranceA wine area north of the Luberon known for serious reds.Vineyards sit in the north of the region.
Named by 2 of 914. Les Baux-de-ProvenceAlpilles, FranceSeen as a detour rather than a base.
15. CalanquesNear Marseille, FranceWhite limestone cliffs on the coast near Marseille, good for hiking and diving.
16. Sanary-sur-MerVar, FranceA seaside town, a contrast to inland Orange.
Fares from your city
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When to go
Travel guides most often name June as the best time to visit Provence.
One itinerary packs Gordes, Roussillon, Aix, Lourmarin and Saint-Remy into three days, but its author says it is impossible to see everything in that time.
Which is nicer, Aix-en-Provence or Avignon?
The author of one guide loves Aix, but a survey of her followers picked Avignon as their favourite town to stay in.
What are the most beautiful villages in Provence?
Gordes, Lourmarin, Saint-Remy and Roussillon are rated highest in one honeymoon ranking.
Named by 5 of 91. AvignonThe 14th-century seat of the popes, with the largest gothic palace in the world.The July theatre festival is one of the biggest in the world.
Named by 5 of 92. Aix-en-ProvenceThe former capital of Provence, with daily markets in the historic centre.It has boutiques, outdoor cafes and fountains, and works as a base without a car.
Named by 4 of 93. GordesStone houses stack down a hillside above a valley; one author rates it the most romantic town.It is one of the more popular towns and can get crowded.
