Itineraries for Your Trip to Provence
1 Day in Provence for First Timers
As a travel writer who has spent a large chunk of her life devoted to traveling, exploring, and writing about France, I'm often the first to encourage tourists to escape the well-beaten path from the French Riviera to Provence. But some places are popular for a reason, and there's no denying Provence's allure.
One day in Provence gives you just enough time to capture its pastoral eye candy on camera—gaze out over the purple lavender-striped landscapes, take a road trip around the perched villages of the Lubéron, and get a taste of Provencal life in the Impressionist-stomping ground of Aix-en-Provence. Here's what to do in Provence for first-time visitors.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a road trip around the Lubéron villages.
Provence's world-famous lavender fields only bloom from June through August, so it's worth braving the peak season crowds for a glimpse.
At the heart of Provence, Aix-en-Provence is known for its lively Provencal markets, elegant Baroque architecture, and rich art history, making it the perfect starting point. Take in the highlights on a guided walking tour: Stroll down the tree-lined Cours Mirabeau, peek inside the 19th-century St. Saveur Cathedral, and get a taste of Provence at the bustling Grand Marché (grab some breakfast at a terrace café while you're there). With extra time, art lovers can also squeeze in a visit to Cézanne's Studio, the one-time home of the town's most famous artist, or a tour of the masterpiece-packed Musée Granet.
Just north of Aix-en-Provence, the perched villages of the Lubéron region are among the must-see attractions in Provence, hemmed in by vineyards and lavender fields. You'll need your own wheels to get around—better yet, join a tour so you can focus on the views and visit three or four villages in one afternoon. Don't miss the dramatic ochre-colored cliffs of Roussillon, the picturesque stone village of Gordes, and the panoramic views from hilltop Bonnieux. Along the way, there's time to stop at historic sites such as the Roman bridge of Pont Julien and the medieval Lourmarin Castle.
No summer visit is complete without a stroll through the famous lavender fields. A photography tour is one of the best things to do in Provence for first timers, and sunset provides the most enchanting light for a purple-hued photo shoot. Some of the most photogenic spots are around Sault, Valensole, and the Senanque Abbey, but local guides will know the most strategic viewpoints depending on the season. If you miss the short lavender season, opt for a sunset wine tasting dinner at one of Provence's many family-run wineries instead—the renowned wine region of Châteauneuf-du-Pape is less than an hour's drive from the Lubéron Valley.
