Let’s forget about fashion, elegance, luxury, and those qualities that come to mind when we think of France, or rather specifically of Paris, and let’s enter into a slow, relaxed, and simple life to appreciate the smallest details that Provence gives us, one of the French regions with the most beautiful towns with its incredible landscapes, architecture, cuisine and culture of this idyllic country.
With its lavender fields, the Mediterranean Sea, exquisite rosé wine, and dreamlike landscapes, Provence has become one of Europe’s summer destinations par excellence. Between sea and mountains, each city or village in Provence is designed with something special to enjoy them. Here I leave you 8 of the most beautiful towns in Provence to visit this summer.
The Most Beautiful Towns to Visit in Provence
Nice
Surrounded by the calm Mediterranean sea, Nice is the perfect scenery for a summer getaway. In addition to being the most important city on the Côte d’Azur and its capital, it is a destination with an impressive cultural and historical heritage.
When visiting the charming city of Nice, do not forget to enjoy the traditional Provence food (Nicoise salad, Socca, Ratatouille, Daube Niçoise, and more), drink rosé wine from the territory, swim in the sea, visit an art museum, and wander through the streets.
Excursion: From Nice: French Riviera in One Day
Aix en Provence
Aix en Provence is known for being the university city of the region. That is why it is a lively city, full of activities to do, museums to visit, bars and restaurants to share a dinner or drink with friends, yet at the same time, it still maintains the peace and tranquility of a typical Provencal city.
Among the unmissable things to do in Aix en Provence are:
- Visit the Granet Museum and the Atelier de Cézanne to admire some of Cézanne’s works.
- Discover its many charming fountains, including the Place d’Albertas.
- Stroll among the colors and scents of the daily market on Place Richelme.
- Take a walk down Cours Mirabeau, one of the city’s most beautiful streets.
Avignon
Avignon is one of those charming cities that make you feel like you belong. A walk through its streets, discovering every corner, and appreciating all its historical passages are things that can’t miss on your itinerary. In addition, you can also try its typical gastronomy at one of the many restaurants in the city.
Among the historically important things you will find in Avignon are:
- Palais des Papes
- Pont Saint-Bénézet
- Musée Louis Vouland
- Notre-Dame des Doms
Arles
Arles is a beautiful surprise in the Provence region and a place where Vincent Van Gogh was inspired to make some of his paintings. One of the greatest pleasures of visiting this beautiful city is to stroll through its streets and admire its Provencal architecture.
The best things to see in Arles are:
- Amphitheatre
- Eglise St-Trophime
- Theatre
- Van Gogh Heritage
- Van Gogh Cafe
- Cloister at St. Trophime
- Cryptoporticus
Gordes
Considered one of the most beautiful villages in France, Gordes is one of those small towns where you can live the Dolce Vita. As well as relaxing poolside at one of its boutique hotels, drinking a rosé in the plaza, enjoying fine cuisine at its restaurants, and visiting the Tuesday farmers’ market, local farmers sell vegetables, fruits, wine, and typical products at the market.
Roussillon
If you could live inside a painting, Roussillon would be the perfect location for it. Walk among its buildings in different shades of ochre, enjoy a delicious lunch in one of its restaurants overlooking the ocher rock, tour Le Sentier des Ocres and discover every corner of this unique town. These are the things you cannot miss if you visit.
Bonnieux
When think about Bonnieux, the descriptions that come to mind are sweet, delicate, and charming. This is a stunning village nestled in the hills of Provence. To start with, the best way to enjoy your visit to Bonnieux is to walk around the town, admire the views it provides, visit its Wednesday farmer’s market, and tour the vineyard fields in the surrounding.
Saint-Paul de Vence
Saint-Paul de Vence is the kingdom of interior design, painting, and architecture lovers. Visiting its streets is like walking through a museum. Every corner is filled with design ateliers and artwork. Beyond everything else, it feels like you’re inside an enchanted story with the well-kept stone structures and the flowers that adorn them.
