Itineraries for Your Trip to Provence
3 Days in Provence for First Timers
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is a swathe of southeastern France that covers a whopping seven départements (sub-regions) of cities, villages, mountains, beaches, gorges, vineyards, sunflower and lavender fields—and everything beautiful in between. I’ve been lucky enough to see quite a bit of it, on Côte d’Azur road trips, vacations up toward the Ardèche, and camping trips near the Verdon Gorge.
Three days isn’t a lot of time here, so I’d suggest basing yourself in one of the larger, traveler-focused towns, such as Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, or Arles, where there are more organized day trips and sightseeing tours, and avoid the busy month of August if you can. Read on for more tips to help you enjoy your three days in Provence.
Provence is sunny and clear thanks to the mistral winds that blow away the clouds; sunglasses and light jackets are essential.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a glass of chilled Provence rose, ideally at a vineyard with views of Mt. Ventoux.
Set out early with a guide to enjoy a Provence day trip that checks off the region’s highlights. Options abound from Avignon, offering a convenient way to visit different perched villages, see lavender fields in bloom (tip: July is best), and stop for photos by Roman landmarks, such as the Pont du Gard.
In the afternoon, stop by Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and stroll around the walled old town or relax in leafy Place Favier. With the Alpilles mountains in the background, Roman ruins, and old cafés, there’s plenty to enjoy. You can rent an e-bike to get to Les Baux de Provence and the Quarries of Lights (Carrières de Lumières).
The Lubéron region is home to the lion’s share of the famous perched villages of Provence, and it’s within an easy half-day travel distance to the town of Avignon. Today, focus your itinerary on the ochre-hued Roussillon and Gordes, which often include photo stops at Senanque Abbey.
Given the close proximity of Provence to the neighboring Côte du Rhône wine region, many wine tours from Avignon include Côte du Rhône vineyard visits along with Provence wineries in the Vaucluse. Look for half-day trips or tastings that include samples of the prestigious Châteauneuf du Pape along with Provencal favorites, such as Bandol.
Set just an hour south of Avignon along the Rhône River, Arles is known for its Van Gogh—and Roman—history. On day three, see where the painter set up his easel, then visit Roman ruins scattered around the city’s compact center.
In the afternoon, venture into an area of rugged Provence via the salt marshes and coastal countryside of Camargue Regional Nature Park. Home to wild horses and flamingos, the parkland is known as a wildlife haven between the sea and the Rhône River. Half-day tours depart from Arles by Jeep. In the evening, return to Arles or Avignon to finish your Provence trip in the old town restaurants.
