If you are planning to spend a little more time in France, a road trip to Provence is a must, especially during the summer months. Provence is undoubtedly one of the most charming regions in France, with adorable medieval villages, beautiful nature, and mesmerizing views of lavender fields and vineyards. We have visited it several times, and each time it leaves us speechless. In case you want to have the pleasure of smelling, walking, or taking beautiful photos in the famous lavender fields of Provence, you can visit from late June to mid-July. In this article, you will find the ultimate guide to a road trip in Provence, South of France.
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Things to know before starting your road trip in Provence
Getting to Provence is quite easy. Depending on which country you are coming from, you can either fly to Paris or Marseille and then take the bus or train. Alternatively, you can fly to a nearby country, such as Italy or Switzerland. However, while you may save some money on airfare, it will cost you a lot to go to France and then head to Provence. That’s why we recommend flying directly to France. Once you arrive in Provence and before you start your road trip, you should take all the necessary precautions not only for yourself but also for the car. Provence is one of the safest regions in France, and the locals are very friendly. You can start your road trip from any French city, just follow the GPS directions. The complete road trip in Provence covers roughly 100 km.
Best villages to visit in Provence – South of France
1-Gordes
Gordes is one of the hilltop villages of the Luberon, elected as the most beautiful village in the world. At the top of the village, there are the charming church and the castle. The whole village consists of cobblestone streets and the characteristic white houses. The most famous spot is the viewpoint below, which offers an amazing view of the village, the surrounding valleys, and the vineyards.
2-Roussillon
Roussillon is another hilltop village, which is located just a few minutes from Gordes (around 9km). It has a very special location, as you will find it in the heart of one of the biggest ochre deposits in the world. Walking through its narrow alleyways is a real treat, as you will have the chance to admire the unique ochre-colored landscapes. Despite its size, Roussillon has a few cafés, restaurants, and galleries to spend your leisure time.
3-Sentier des Ocres
Just a few steps from the center of Roussillon’s village, you will find yourself directly at the entrance of the famous “Sentier des Ocres“. This canyon is a former ochre mine, and is incredibly deep as it was mined for years. The trail is short and will take you about 30 minutes to an hour to cross. However, it is a crowded spot during the peak summer season. For this reason, it’s better to come as early as possible (opens at 9 am) or just before closing (closes at 7.30 pm), especially if you want to take beautiful photos without the crowds. Do not forget to wear closed shoes as the red sand leaves dust everywhere.
4-Avignon
Avignon is one of the most famous places in France. It is known as the getaway of Provence. It is a center of culture, history, and architecture, full of medieval streets and old, historic buildings. So, strolling around the narrow streets of Avignon is a real treat with all the historical places, vineyards, and old buildings. Since it is considered the closest city to the previous hilltop villages, we highly recommend having it as the main base of your road trip. You can easily stay a night or two in Gordes or Roussillon, and then spend more time in Avignon. If you want to continue your road trip to the South of France, Avignon is the perfect place to stop between the villages of Luberon and the southern part of the country.
5-The Lavender Fields of Provence
The lavender fields of Provence are a must-see. But, you can only visit them by the end of June or the beginning of July when the lavender is in full bloom. The fields are endless seas of deep purple with an amazing smell that is truly reminiscent of France. If you are traveling by car, it’s easy to find some unspoiled, non-touristic fields. Most of them offer incredible views. One of the most beautiful places to admire the lavender fields is the famous “Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque”. It is located near the village of Gordes. However, be aware that Senanque is only open few hours a day.
Other must-see places in Provence – South of France
1-Marseille
If you want to spare some extra time in the South of France, Marseille is the capital of Provence and one of the most authentic cities to visit in France. It is a unique Mediterranean city with its old, busy harbor. If you want to immerse yourself in the authentic French culture, Marseille is the place to be. It is one of our favorite French cities, simply because we can spend long days on the beach without even leaving the city. It offers lots of things to do and places to explore. As the second largest city in the country, it is the perfect place to stay, since you will find many accommodation options at better prices.
2-Calanques de Cassis
Just a few kilometers from the center of Marseille, you will find the famous Calanques de Cassis. It is one of the best places to visit in France in summer, especially for adventure and nature lovers. Turquoise waters, cliffs, and stunning views are some of the reasons to add it to your Provence bucket list. Although accessible by car, we would recommend booking a sailing cruise for a more relaxing day. Getting to the dreamy beaches of the Calanques de Cassis requires hours of hiking. So, you need to be relaxed and in good shape to visit them. Otherwise, it will be difficult and tiring to trek there. If your goal is to have a fun and relaxing trip, then skipping the hiking part is best for you.
Final Thoughts
A road trip through Provence is one of the most exciting things you can do in France. It is the best way to enjoy the diverse landscapes and the historical sites of this unique French region. We would return to Provence and explore it again. The inner peace that comes from being in touch with nature is the best thing about this road trip. Make sure to spend enough time at each place to fully experience its unique beauty.
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