From the majestic Alps and inland countryside of olive groves and lavender fields, to the picturesque Mediterranean coastline and the fashionable French Riviera, the Provence region of southern France has so much to offer visitors that it’s no surprise it’s one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.
There is something quite magical about sipping a café crème at a sidewalk café, taking a bike ride through lavender fields, exploring narrow cobbled streets of medieval hilltop villages, soaking up the sun in stylish St-Tropez, or watching waves break against the rocky inlets of the Mediterranean coast.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, as the region is known, is divided into 6 departments, each with its own delights.
Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Hautes-Alpes
These two departments form the mountainous area in the northern part of Provence and are the perfect holiday destination in winter, when you’ll get to enjoy world-class skiing. During the summer months you can explore the Gorges du Verdon, a beautiful limestone river canyon that’s great for kayaking, hiking and rock-climbing. Try the delicious mountain cheese, unique honeys or locally grown apples while admiring the stunning summer landscape.
Vaucluse
The inland department of Vaucluse is home to quaint stone villages like Menerbes, Lauris, Aurel, Brantes and Gordes. It’s this rural part of Provence, with its laid back lifestyle and peaceful atmosphere, that has persuaded so many people who have travelled to this region to invest in property here.
Vaucluse is also home to the vibrant, artistic town of Avignon. Attractions in this historic city include the Palais des Papes, the Place de l’Horloge and Pont d’Avignon. The city is a cultural and historic gem. If you stay in a Provence holiday rental in July you can’t miss the Avignon Festival, which is a celebration of dance, music and theatre.
Bouches-du-Rhône
The department of Bouches-du-Rhône is where you’ll find the hills that lie between the mountains in the north and the Mediterranean in the south. The beautiful vineyard-covered slopes and diverse landscape have been immortalised by artists like Cézanne.
Here you’ll find places like the beautiful city of Aix-en-Provence, with Provencal dishes to tantalize the taste buds, and the Roman town of Arles, which is the gateway to the Camargue plains and home to a Roman arena famous for its bull runs. The region is the ideal place to visit weekly markets for fresh produce and local crafts.
Some of the most picturesque coastline in Provence can be found around Cassis. This historic fishing port is surrounded by vineyards and Pine trees and is famous for its cliffs and stunning calanques, which can be reached by boat and are the highlight of any trip to Provence.
The most important city in the Bouches-du-Rhône department is the cosmopolitan city of Marseille. If the idea of eating at a chic restaurant, shopping at a souk-like street market, relaxing on the beach and enjoying the view from a Romano-Byzantine basilica all in one day is your idea of the perfect holiday then a Marseille holiday rental is definitely for you. The city has an irrepressible energy that is infectious. Highlights for guests of Marseille holiday rentals include the Vieux Port; the 19th century basilica Notre Dame de la Garde; and the Corniche, a lovely road that runs along the coast, lined with beaches and hidden coves.
Var
Whether you want to explore quiet fishing villages, sunbathe on silky white sand, or rub shoulders with the rich and famous in St Tropez, the department of Var has something for everybody.
In the famous French Riviera city of St Tropez take time out from relaxing on the beautiful beaches and enjoying the view of azure water, to explore the narrow streets of St Tropez on foot. Don’t forget to visit the Musée de l’Annonciade, which has an impressive collection of post-Impressionist and early 20th Century art.
The historic port town of Toulon is also a great place to explore on foot. Don’t miss the 1862 Opéra de Toulon and place de la Liberté. When you get tired of walking you can hop on the tourist train and see all the highlights of Toulon in comfort.
Alpes-Maritimes
The Alpes-Maritimes department of Provence lies in the eastern part of the region and is most famous for the Cote d’Azur-French Riviera area. It’s home to the famous cities of Nice and Cannes, which are synonymous with Hollywood and glamour and definitely worth a visit when you’re staying in a Provence villa.
Provence is bathed in sunshine throughout the year and each season offers different pleasures, from strawberries in spring and lavender scented sunny days in summer, to wine tasting in autumn and skiing in winter. There is something for everybody in the picture-perfect region of Provence.