The 8 Areas Of Provence You Won’t Want To Miss

Provence is a region of France that borders Italy and the Mediterranean Sea.  The Romans first conquered this region making it the first Roman province beyond the Alps. They named it “Provincia Romana”.  It was ruled for generations by the Counts of Provence thereby evolving the region into its present day name.  It’s been part of France for 500 years but it still remains very unique in its culture and linguistics.

You can easily visit this area from either Marseille or Avignon airports and tour the many beautiful medieval villages it is well known for. Here is what we know you will not want to miss while in this historic and beautiful part of France.

1. Chateauneuf-de-Pape, which literally means New Castle of the Pope, is a village famous worldwide for its grapes and red wine blend unique to the southern Rhone Valley.

   

   

   In the 14^th century the Popes escaped Rome to Avignon and settled here. Pope John XXII had a castle built where a Chateau ruins and tower had stood.  This castle is still a prominent landmark in the village today. The vines they cultivated predate 700 B.C.E. Have you ever dreamed of staying in a beautiful Chateau on a hill surrounded by vineyards?  Live like the Popes of Avignon for a night at the the Chateau des Fines Roches. These fairy tale accommodations, beautiful swimming pool and stunning views will make this a weekend of wine tasting and history you’ll not get anywhere else in the world. It may be impossible to visit the more than 300 vineyards in this amazing village and countryside but there are a few we don’t think you should miss. The Chateau la Nerthe boasts 9 centuries of history in this famous wine making region. Reserve a taste of the history along with a tour of the castle itself.  Further your experience by trying a younger vineyard (established only in 1896!) the Chante Perdrix Domaine. Some of these smaller wineries produce just as impressive of wines and are worth a visit. If wine is not on your agenda the village itself has quaint shops and appetizing bistros to fill an afternoon.  There are great casual dining options for lunch such as Le Pistou but my best choice would be dining with historic ambiance and the amazing views at the base of Pope John XXII castle at le Verger des Papes.  I can’t wait to go back just thinking about it!

2. Saint-Remy-de-Provence is noted for its famous residents Vincent Van Gogh and the birth place of Nostradamus.

   

   This lovely little village of fountains and boulevards promises a day of browsing outdoor markets and boutique restaurants. This is a great base location for visiting the many villages in the area.  The accommodations at Le Chateau des Alpilles are not only in a setting of serene beauty and luxury but you’ll also recognize it was used for the setting of the beautiful manor home in the movie The Good Year.  The movie is based on a book from the famous author and resident of Provence, Peter Mayle.  Be inspired as you explore this town and countryside to see the beauty that Vincent Van Gogh and many other romantic artists saw and painted during their time here.

3. Les Beaux-de-Provence sits on a rocky hilltop in the Alpilles mountains with spectacular views to the South. Its name relates to the discovery of Bauxite (aluminum ore) here in 1821. The village is entirely a tourist destination now with a population of only 22 people. The architecture and cobbled walkways are throughout the ancient village and fortified chateau. The museums and spectacular views draw people from all over the world to visit every year.  Don’t be put off by the admission price as there’s plenty to walk around and see that’s free and worthwhile as well.

   

4. Cassis and the Calanques. Traveling south to Cassis at the Port de Cassis you can book a boat tour to see a truly stunning and unique coastline of limestone cliffs and crystal blue inlets. A boat ride from the Port de Cassis can take you for a tour of up to 9 of the famous Calanques inlets along with spectacular views of the Cap Canaille. 

   

   This view of French coastline is well worth it whether you rent a boat yourself or join a tour . There are also spectacular hiking trails to explore the beaches of the Calanques on foot. Come prepared with good shoes and plenty of water for a really remarkable experience!

   

5. Gordes – Idyllic perched villages are plentiful in Provence. This one is dominated by a 16^th century Chateau and the medieval village layout draws many visitors every year to wander its cobblestone streets. Notably it’s one of the most well-known and beautiful villages in France. Check out the La Bastide de Gordes for rooming possibilities.  The beautiful views and gardens here will give you many options for exploring this village for a few days. Do you recognize the beautiful square and restaurant as the setting for other scenes in the movie The Good Year? You will enjoy dining by the tranquil fountain yourself soaking up the inspired atmosphere of this beautiful area.

   

   

6. Bonnieux – This village is perched on top of a plateau and looks over the valley with residences dating back to the 16th century. Noteworthy too is it overlooks the bridge Pont Julien built by the Romans in 3 B.C.E.. The village has plenty of  restaurants and cafes to choose from, a really good market and a bakery museum!

   

   Try the climb of 86 stone steps to the “Vielle Eglise” and the old cedar trees to discover a beautiful view of the nearby villages of Gordes and Roussillon.  You can admire the plains planted with grape vines, lavender, and fruit trees – just as the Impressionists painted them!

   

7. Moustiers-Ste-Marie is not only a beautifully located village built on platform terraces on the side of a cliff and waterfall but it is also conveniently located near the Verdon National Park, an amazing destination in itself. This village has many highly rated lodging options such as the cliffside hotel les Restanques de Moustiers and the Le Bastide de Moustiers that is owned by a renowned chef with his restaurant.  All of this warrants at least a nights stay and time well spent exploring the village and the Verdon Gorge.  Make the opportunity to hire a paddle boat and explore the gorge and waterfall as it is easily one of the most dramatic natural sights in Europe.

   

8. Seillans – This village is extremely steep even by Provence’s hilltop village standards. Most of it is only accessible by foot but well worth the climb through the many squares, cobbled streets and archways.

   

   The beautiful Place du Theron is a picturesque square surrounding a 17^th century fountain and shaded by ancient Plane trees.  The café tables and chairs beneath them resemble a perfect evening relaxing with friends and locals. The town is a pleasant place to navigate with appealing options for lodging.  We enjoyed our stay at the Hotel des Deux Rocs, a mansion built in the 17^th  century. The hotel is quirky, cozy and full of great Provencal character.

You won’t be sorry for any of the places you choose to visit while seeing this Region of France.  Truly, the fields of lavender blooming in August draws tourists to Provence in droves every summer but these areas are worth a visit any time of the year.