7 Reasons You Need To Visit Provence

My love of Provence was pretty much instantaneous. It was September 2007 (before my husband and I were married) and we visited the region in southern France for the first time with another couple. We flew into Marseille and spent a week exploring the area: from Avignon to Aix- en-Provence and the vineyards of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Throughout the trip I was entranced by its beauty. As we drove through the sunny towns and quaint villages, there was something enticing us in.

Returning to Provence a decade later, the adoration remains and my husband and I always say: “we’ll buy somewhere here one day”. We have even gone as far as enquiring in local estate agents.

So what is Provence’s appeal? There’s isn’t one thing I can put my finger on but, like a good cake, it’s a mix of many ingredients. Here’s 7 reasons to visit Provence.

Hilltop Villages

Provence is filled with picturesque towns and villages. One of my lasting impressions of the region are those villages perched upon hilltops. You can usually spot them by the churches which stand tall amongst the other buildings. The marks of Christianity are strong in Provence as the city of Avignon was the Papal seat during the 14th century.

Cobbled streets and narrow alleyways characterise many of these historic villages, inviting you to get lost. You will do. Gladly. You’ll be rewarded with beautiful views.

In the Vaucluse region, I was struck by the beauty of Gordes and Roussillon, it’s red clay buildings and surrounding mountains make it a unique place to visit.

The perched villages were built to protect against invaders (in The Var region had an issue with Saracen pirates). There are too many of these hilltop villages to name but some other notable ones include St-Paul-de-Vence, Séguret, Bormes-les-Mimosas and St-Agnes which is the highest of the hilltop coastal villages at 671m high.

Historic Cities

While Provence’s quaint Medieval townships are a delight to wander, its cities are a marvel too. History permeates from its walls and cobbled streets. Take Avignon’s Palais Des Papes for example, it was the seat of the Popes during the 14th Century. The city now hosts a famous culture festival every year.

There’s also Aix de Provence and, of course, going east along the coast, you have Nice and Monaco.

Roman Monuments

one of the most famous and popular Roman monuments in Provence is the soaring Pont du Gard aqueduct. It’s purpose was to provide the town of Nîmes with water – which it did for 500 years. Its stature is a wonder to view. You can walk along its second tier and marvel at the ancient feat of engineering.

Nîmes and its surrounding area has a plethora of Roman remains from an amphitheatre to a huge temple in excellent condition in the centre of the city.

Arles was another important city in Roman times, built to resemble a miniature Rome. A Roman arena – which was used for gladiatorial contests – is the city’s centrepiece. Other amphitheatre lives in Fréjus while a Roman forum, temples and baths can be seen at Glanum near St-Rémy. 

Food

Some of the freshest food I’ve ever eaten has been in Provence. The locally grown fruit and vegetables make each dish taste that bit better. You’re unlikely to experience a bad meal here whether it’s a simple lunch or eating at one of the many Michellin-starred restaurants scattered throughout the region. Fresh fruit and veg are sold at the side of the road so plenty to keep you going on your travels.

Wine

Order the cheapest ‘local’ wine at a restaurant in Provence and, unlike many places in the UK, you will not be disappointed. I have yet to taste a bad glass of wine in Provence. Its production of red, white and rosé means it has got variety as well as taste. Whatever your wine tipple, Provence has got it covered. There’s also the option to visit one of its many vineyards to sample its produce – and pick up some supplies. On our first visit, we took home some divine wine from Chateauneuf du Pape.

Flora and Fauna

Go to Provence in early summer and you’ll be hit by the scent of Lavender Fields. The sight of them isn’t so bad either and there’s no shortage of lavender-inspired oils and trinkets to keep the smell of Provence with you when you leave.

Don’t miss the towering sunflowers either which peak out at you as you drive through Provence’s roads.

Weather

This is the south of France so the summer is hot, hot, hot. We got some respite by staying in the Vaucluse area. It can be hit by the mistral winds and higher up its cooler. We spent time in the hilltop village of Joucas.

During March to May you get more temperate weather. We first went in late September and it still had balmy temperatures.

Out to the east, the French Riveria provides mild winter temperatures. It was this which enticed the European aristocracy to spend time there back in the 19th Century.

Provence has something for everyone: history, culture, views, mountains and beaches. if you’re cycling fans the Tour de France goes through it every year and if you venture towards the Alps in winter, you can ski too.

We may have first discovered Provence as a couple but we now adore exploring the region as a family.

Further posts about Provence

Three week Provence Itinerary with kids
Avignon Festival In Photos
My Year in Travel 2017
My Year in Travel 2016

Check out Provence hotel deals and availability here.

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