Best Things to Do in Provence

If you love the idea of exploring Provence by car at your own pace, we can help! Beyond its postcard-perfect lavender fields, Provence has so much more to offer – and we’d love to help you discover it on one of our Provence self-drive tours.

From Roman ruins and medieval fortresses to local markets and natural wetlands, Provence caters to many different interests. 

Here, we share some of our favorite Provence attractions and unforgettable experiences that our travelers often tell us become the highlight of their trip.

You may like to browse our Provence tours (we can adapt any one of these to suit your personal preferences)

Lavender Fields on the Valensole Plateau

For classic Provence views, the Valensole Plateau is one of the best places to see lavender in bloom.

• Visit between late June and early July, just before the harvest. Valensole is especially beautiful in the soft morning or late afternoon light
• Drive, walk or cycle through miles of rolling purple fields and golden wheat.
• Top photo spots include the area near Lavandes Angelvin and along the D6, D8, and D953 roads.
• Keep an eye out for stone huts (bories) and distant mountain views - they make stunning backdrops.

Van Gogh & Roman Ruins in Arles

Arles is a must-visit for history lovers and art enthusiasts alike.

• Explore Roman landmarks like the amphitheater and the Baths of Constantine.
• Walk in Van Gogh’s footsteps with a self-guided tour of the places that inspired his paintings — maps are available from the Tourist Office on Place de la République.
• Visit Place du Forum, where Van Gogh painted Café Terrace at Night, and enjoy a coffee where he once stood.
• Browse the Arles market on Wednesday or Saturday mornings. Try a local specialty gardiane de taureau (bull stew), served at many market stalls and bistros. 
  
  Market opening times and locations:
  
  - Wednesdays (Boulevard des Lices): a smaller local market with fresh produce and regional goods.
  - Saturdays (Boulevards des Lices, Georges Clémenceau & Émile Combes): one of the largest in Provence, with food, flowers, clothing, crafts, and more.

See our fully customizable self-drive tours of Provence for routes that let you experience Arles at your own pace.

More Van Gogh & Historical Sites in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

This charming town is a popular stop on many of our Provence self-drive tours.

• Learn about Van Gogh’s time here, including the site where he painted The Starry Night. You can visit the former monastery of Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, where he spent a year in treatment and produced some of his most iconic works.
• Visit the birthplace of Nostradamus and explore the nearby Glanum archaeological site, home to remarkably preserved Roman ruins, including a triumphal arch and mausoleum.
• Wander cobbled streets lined with galleries, boutiques, and café terraces.
• Stop by the Wednesday morning market, known for its fresh produce, cheeses, and Herbes de Provence.
• Enjoy poppy fields (mid-May to early June) and lavender fields (late June to mid-July) just outside the town - perfect for a short walk or photo break.

Saint-Rémy is a great addition to any Provence road trip, especially for travelers interested in art and scenic countryside.

Les Baux-de-Provence and the 'Valley of Hell'

Set on a rocky outcrop in the Alpilles mountains, Les Baux-de-Provence is a small hilltop village known for its medieval stone buildings and ruins, and stunning views of the landscape below.

• Explore the ruins of the Château des Baux, a 10th-century fortress that once served as the stronghold of powerful feudal lords who ruled the surrounding region.
• Climb the ramparts and siege weapon platforms for panoramic views of the Vallée des Enfers (Valley of Hell). The area was given this dramatic name due to its jagged cliffs and the sun-scorched terrain below.
• Visit the Carrières de Lumières, an immersive digital art space inside a former quarry. In 2025, the exhibition features some of Monet’s masterpieces, projected across the quarry walls in light and sound.
• Stay until sunset to see the hills bathed in gold, orange and pink - it’s one of the most beautiful times to visit.

If you visit Provence with us, we’ll share the best ways to enjoy Les Baux and avoid the busiest times.

Wine-tasting & an Underground Cathedral at Château Romanin

If you’re a wine lover, we think you’ll love Château Romanin.

• Taste exceptional rosé and olive oil from one of Provence’s most renowned estates.
• Explore the ancient château and its unique modern cellar, carved directly into the rock. It’s often called an “underground cathedral.”
• Enjoy a walk through the surrounding vineyards with stunning Alpilles views.

We can help you arrange visits and tastings that suit your preferences. You may also be interested in our tour, France for Wine Lovers.

A French Cooking Class in a Vineyard

For a truly hands-on experience, we recommend a cooking class with Chef Benoit.

• Cook alongside a professional chef in the open air, surrounded by vineyards and mountains.
• Learn to prepare classic Provençal dishes using local, seasonal ingredients.
• Enjoy the meal you’ve prepared with a glass of excellent local wine.

This is a favorite experience among our travelers who enjoy cooking and want to learn to prepare a typical French dish.

Truffle Hunting with the Experts

On our Provence self-drive tours, you can join truffle-hunting experts - human and canine! - in searching for and digging up these coveted gourmet treasures.

• Follow trained truffle dogs and their owners (also the activity leaders) as they sniff out these aromatic gourmet treasures underneath the soil.
• Watch, learn, and join the experts in digging up truffles. You’ll also gain insights into the growing process and why truffles are so highly valued.
• Enjoy a tasting afterward, where you’ll sample fresh truffle products, often paired with local bread, olive oil, or cheese.

This is a fun outdoor experience, especially for food lovers looking to learn more about French gourmet culinary traditions.

Birding in the Camargue

The Camargue is a vast wetland in the Rhone River delta. The large numbers of different bird species that live there make it a popular spot for bird-watchers.

• Spot flamingos, egrets, herons, spoonbills, and kingfishers in their natural habitat.
• Visit between December and March to see the flamingos’ striking mating dances.
• You might even glimpse the local gardians (cowboys) on horseback, tending their herds.
• If you enjoy horseback-riding, we can arrange for you to explore the Camargue on a horseback-riding tour, guided by a local

When we plan your Provence itinerary, we will recommend the best times and routes to explore the Camargue region.

Visit the Pont du Gard Roman Aqueduct

Seeing the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an absolute must when traveling through Provence. We’ll share our favorite viewpoint and directions on how to get there by car if you book a tour with us!

• For outdoor enthusiasts, kayak rentals from Kayak Vert let you paddle under the aqueduct.
• Be aware it’s busiest in July and August - there will be a lot of kayaks in the river at this time! We’ll advise you on the best time to go.
• Afterward, enjoy a riverside picnic or visit the charming nearby town of Uzès.

Hike in the Dentelles de Montmirail

The Dentelles de Montmirail offers some of the most scenic hiking in Provence.

• Enjoy well-marked trails through jagged limestone peaks and rolling vineyards.
• Take in gorgeous views over the Rhône Valley and Mont Ventoux.
• We’ll recommend the best routes based on your fitness level and interests.
• After your hike, you can relax with a glass of local Gigondas wine in a nearby village.

Electric Biking Tour of the Luberon

For an active yet relaxing way to explore Provence, we recommend an electric bike tour through the Luberon.

• With the extra boost from the electric motor, the ride is enjoyable even on hilly terrain.
• You’ll pass lavender fields, olive groves, and ochre cliffs.
• If you book a self-guided tour of Provence with us, we will suggest the best cycling routes.

Cézanne’s Art Studio in Aix-en-Provence

Art lovers will appreciate stepping into the world of Paul Cézanne at his studio in Aix-en-Provence.

• Visit the workshop where Cézanne worked in the last years of his life. It has been preserved so that it looks much as it would have during Cézanne’s time.
• See his easel, paintbrushes, and objects that appear in many of his still lifes.
• Stroll through the garden and terrace, imagining the artist at work.

• We’ll point you toward nearby beauty spots like the Terrain des Peintres, where you can admire the landscapes of Mont Sainte-Victoire that inspired so much of his work.

  The Pope’s Palace in Avignon

The magnificent Palais des Papes is a must-see (and impossible to miss!) while you’re in Avignon.

• Discover the world’s largest Gothic palace, the former seat of the Pope in Europe, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Walk through vast ceremonial halls, private chapels, and frescoed rooms.
• Learn about the fascinating period when Avignon was the center of the Catholic world.

The Port of Cassis and the Calanques

For dramatic coastal scenery, pretty harbors, and turquoise sea, Cassis and the nearby Calanques are one of our favorite Provence attractions to recommend to our travelers.

• Wander around the picturesque port of Cassis, lined with pastel-colored buildings and restaurants serving fresh seafood. It’s a great place to enjoy a relaxed lunch with a view.
• Take a boat trip or hike into the Calanques National Park, where you can see a chain of stunning creeks with clear blue-green water.
• Top calanques to visit include Calanque d’En-Vau, Calanque de Port-Miou, and Calanque de Port-Pin. Enjoy a scenic hike or a refreshing swim.
• We recommend visiting in spring or early fall, when the weather is ideal and the trails are less crowded.

If you’d like to include Cassis in your Provence self-drive tour, let us know by completing the trip planning form at the bottom of the page.

The Verdon Gorge

The Verdon Gorge (Gorges du Verdon) is often called the “Grand Canyon of Europe”, and if you visit it, you'll see why.

• The sight of the limestone cliffs and the turquoise waters of the Verdon river below is breath-taking.
• Stop for photo opportunities, short hikes, or a picnic with a view.
• If you’re feeling adventurous, you may rent a kayak or paddleboat near the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and paddle through the gorge. Keep in mind that the river will be especially crowded during peak season - July and August.
• We can recommend hiking trails suited to your fitness level and interest.
• The route from Moustiers to Aiguines offers spectacular panoramic views.

Drive Around (or Up) Mont Ventoux

Mont Ventoux is the highest mountain in Provence. Whether you want to drive up to the summit or circle its base, it’s without a doubt one of our favorite places to recommend to our travelers in Provence.

• Take the scenic drive up the D974 to the summit (1,910 meters), passing through dry, rocky, almost lunar landscapes near the top.
• The panoramic views from the summit stretch all the way to the Alps on a clear day.
• Drive with caution: the road is steep and often used by cyclists, especially in summer. We’ll advise on the best times to go or routes to take to avoid heavy traffic.
• Alternatively, drive the full loop around Mont Ventoux via Brantes, Malaucène, Bédoin, and Sault — a fantastic way to enjoy local villages and views without climbing all the way to the top.
• The area is especially scenic in spring and fall, when the traffic is lighter and the landscapes are full of color.
• If you’re visiting in winter, the summit road may be closed. However, you could drive to the Mont Serein ski station for beautiful snowy views.

Ready to Explore Provence by Car?

All of our France tour packages are tailor-made just for you, giving you the flexibility to pick and choose the places and activities that you would like us to include in your tour. 

Contact trip-planners Emilie and Laura with your France wishlist, or complete a trip-planning form below. We’d love to craft a Provence itinerary just for you!