Bienvenue
exploring the beauties of provence
South of
France
fragrance
Perfumes
colors
our experience in south france
In a glance:
8+ days suggested to visit
Best time to visit: May- September ( June-July for lavender fields)
Getting around: Renting a car is the best way to move in this area
Airports: closest one is Marseille International but also Nice Côte d'Azur is just 1hr away.
Currency: Euro
Languages: French, English
Where to stay
We decided to divide our 8 days in Provence into three different areas.
Our first 3 nights were spent at le Vieux Castillon in the enchanted old village of Castillon du Gard.
This part of Provence offers incredible landscapes and hidden gems of villages like Uzes.
The following 3 nights we’ve been staying in an old property booked on Airbnb in the centre of Lourmarin, ons of the best bases where to start from to discover and explore the entire area around.
Our last stop in Provence was in Valensole, where we booked also a small apartment in the village center. We didn’t give much importance to the quality of the place we were staying at since our main focus was to visit lavender fields.
What to do in Provence
Provence will simply surprise you with its many activities and experiences to make, its delicious food and its perfumes.
Lavender Fields
For sure on biggest attractions here in the south of France, lavender fields turned famous as these are the largest and most beautiful that can found in all Europe. In the entire area of Oppède and Ménerbes you will find many fields with suggestive landscapes. Also close to Gordes is the lavender field located inside of the Sénaque Abbey. If you're looking for lavender fields you will be ending for sure to the most famous one in Valensole. Best time of the day to watch them are at sunrise and at sunset. Also don't forget that lavender fields are super purple in the month of June and half July before they will be cut by farmers at the end of July.
Villages
Visiting villages can turn out in one of the most exciting things to do in Provence. We simply loved strolling around villages of this part of France, they are full of traditions and beautiful little corners!
Some of the the villages you should not miss here are for Avignon, Oppède le Vieux, Ménerbes, Bonnieux, Fontaine de Vaucluse, Roussillon and Lacoste.
Gordes
One of the most famous hilltop villages of Provence, Gordes offers an incredible lookout of the town, amazing food at restaurants in the main square and local products shops where to go for shopping.
Lacoste
We reached this village and we fell in love with it that we even visited it twice. Full of lovely hidden spots where to stop by and enjoy a off or a wine. Lacoste is the perfect example of the Provencale Village.
Fontaine de Vaucluse
A picturesque village built on the Sorgue river and surrounded by cliffs that looks a bit different than all other villages in Provence but completely unique in his genre.
Highlights. - Strolling around the waters of the Sorgue river
- visit the mysterious springs in the hidden cave
- sit and enjoy a coffee or a wine at La Pointe Noire Restaurant
Gorges du Verdon
A highly recommended experience is visiting the Gorges du Verdon. If you get in Valensole area you will reach this place in around 1hr drive. You will be experiencing to cruise a river by little boats and be jumping in the blue waters of the river. If you are visiting in high season (European summer) make sure to arrive quite early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the river for yourself!
experience the waters of the verdon river
