Itineraries for Your Trip to Provence
2 Days in Provence for First Timers
Most of my summer holidays growing up were spent in Devon, but when we did cross the channel, we went to Provence. This huge and varied region (officially named Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur) offered us all we needed: family-friendly campsites, scope for bike and horseback rides, and sunny beaches in easy reach—a welcome change from the often-chilly beaches back home.
Unsurprisingly, Provence is one of France’s best-loved travel destinations, and it’s been this way since bygone times. The region wooed the Romans, it seduced the medieval popes, and it attracted artistic masters, such as Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Cezanne. If you’re attracted by it too, book your first visit, and browse these tips to maximize your two days in Provence.
If you only have time for one thing, visit the lavender fields near Aix-en-Provence.
Provence is sunny but windy, so pack a light jacket whenever you visit.
If you’re traveling to Provence in the early summer months in search of lavender, there’s a good chance you can find some violet-hued fields for photos and perfume shopping. Cut out any confusion about where to go and how to get there with an organized excursion that takes you straight to the fields in bloom along with attractions such as Senanque Abbey. Guided day trips are widely available from both Aix-en-Provence and Avignon.
In the afternoon, it’s time to get to know Avignon, the historical city best known as the seat of papal power during the 14th century. You can check out the legacy that the popes left on the city by visiting sites, such as the sprawling UNESCO–listed Palace of the Popes (Palais des Papes). A tour offers an overview of the history along with insider tips for things to do in Avignon.
Daytime tours of Avignon usually finish in the center, leaving you well placed to head straight out to eat. Scout out leafy squares where restaurants spill onto the pavement (Place Saint-Didier and Place de la Corps Saintes are two options), or consider an Avignon food tour to try a range of Provençale specialities, such as fougasse, and discover different eateries around town.
Head out into the Provence countryside this morning, and spend your time getting active. While most Verdon Gorge day trips from Avignon or Aix-en-Provence take up a whole day, there are ways to experience it in less time by getting out on the water itself. Rafting experiences from Castellane offer a few hours on the water that are suitable for all decent swimmers over the age of six.
The villages perchés (perched villages)of Provence are honey-hued stone villages that sit high on craggy plateaus. Navigating the narrow and busy roads to reach them can be stressful, not to mention the difficulties parking once there. Thankfully, there are half-day trips from Aix and Avignon that take you to several of these beauties, such as Gordes and Roussillon, along with photo stops at other Provence attractions like Lourmarin Castle.
For your final evening, stay in Aix-en-Provence, and enjoy the wine bars of the historic center before dinner. The region is perhaps best known for its refreshing rose wine, but look out for the full-bodied Bandol reds or crisp whites from Cassis. An Aix-en-Provence wine tasting is a great way to learn about the different grapes and terroir of Provence, while sampling a wide range of varietals.
