✈️ Arrival and getting to Provence
From Paris
Hop on a high-speed train (TGV) from Paris (Gare de Lyon) straight down to Avignon TGV. The ride takes as little as about 2h40 min on the fastest direct trains. Those trains usually stop in Avignon TGV first, then Aix-en-Provence TGV, then Marseille. There are also trains from the Roissy Charles de Gaulle train station going down to Avignon TGV. Once you arrive, grab a rental car — it’s your best friend for discovering Provence.
From Marseille
If you land at Marseille Provence Airport, you can catch shuttle buses or trains to Aix-en-Provence or Marseille city center, or directly rent a car.
From there, you’ll be 30 to 90 minutes by car from many Provençal villages — ideal to start your road-trip vibe.
From Nice
Landing at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport and heading to Provence? Driving from Nice to Aix-en-Provence takes around 1h45 min under normal conditions. You should plan on staying on the French Riviera for 2-3 days as well before or after visiting Provence.
🚙 Rent a car
Here’s the truth no one always tells you: Provence only reveals herself fully if you have a car.
Public transportation exists, but it won’t take you to hilltop villages, lavender fields at sunrise, or quiet back roads. Renting a car isn’t optional — it’s freedom.
⚠️ Important travel safety notes
- Never leave valuables in your car, even for “just 2 minutes.”
- In trains and stations, keep an eye on bags at all times.
- Provence is safe, but tourist areas attract opportunists. Stay aware, stay relaxed.
🌾 Provence in a nutshell
Provence is not a checklist. It’s a rhythm.
- Morning light over stone villages
- Long lunches that turn into conversations
- Golden hour that feels cinematic
- Markets, textures, scents, silence
The goal isn’t to see everything. The goal is to feel something.
🏘️ The hilltop villages of the Luberon and Alpilles
Gordes
Bold, mineral, breathtaking. Stop at the D2 viewpoint before entering the village, explore early or at golden hour, and if you’re there on Tuesday morning, the market is pure Provence; Sénanque Abbey nearby is magical during lavender season.
Roussillon
Warm, colorful, almost unreal. Walk the ochre trail for its dramatic reds and oranges, explore the village streets after, and plan your visit on Thursday morning for the market.
Lourmarin
Lively, elegant, effortlessly charming. Visit the Renaissance château, wander galleries and boutiques, and enjoy the Friday morning market before lingering on a shaded terrace.
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Fresh, lively, and romantic. Canals, antiques, waterwheels, and one of the best Sunday markets in Provence.
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
Raw and powerful. Walk up to the turquoise spring emerging from the rock, best seen from the small stone bridge.
Les Baux & Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Rugged, luminous, deeply Provençal. Explore the castle ruins in Les Baux, experience the Carrières de Lumières, then slow down in Saint-Rémy and its Wednesday market.
🏰 Provence’s historic cities
Avignon
Historic, intense, atmospheric. Visit the Palais des Papes, stroll the old town, and watch sunset from Île de la Barthelasse.
Aix-en-Provence
Elegant, artistic, vibrant. Walk Cours Mirabeau, explore the markets (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday), and let the fountains guide you.
Arles
A beautifully preserved Roman amphitheater, ancient streets, and a strong connection to Van Gogh for a deeper dive into art and photography.
Uzès
Authentic and majestic. Browse Uzès’ market (Wednesday or Saturday), then head to the Pont du Gard for a walk or canoe beneath the Roman arches.
🍷 Day trips from Avignon
Pont du Gard ~30 min from Avignon
A stunning Roman aqueduct set over the Gardon River; expect dramatic architecture, scenic riverside walks, and perfect photo opportunities.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards ~25 min from Avignon
Famous wine region with rolling vineyards and historic estates; expect wine tastings, picturesque vineyard rows, and golden-hour landscapes.
Camargue beaches ~1h15 from Avignon
Wild beaches along the Mediterranean coast, home to flamingos and white horses; expect tranquil walks, birdwatching, and expansive sunset views.
⛰️ Day trips from Aix-en-Provence
Cassis & Calanques ~45 min from Aix-en-Provence
Charming seaside village with turquoise coves and rugged cliffs; expect boat trips, hiking to hidden calanques, and iconic coastal photography.
Sainte-Victoire mountain ~30 min from Aix-en-Provence
Cézanne’s muse with dramatic rocky peaks; expect scenic hikes, panoramic views over Provence, and perfect light for landscape photography.
💜 Lavender fields in Provence
In Provence, lavender fields bloom like clockwork — but the timing depends on altitude. On flat, low-altitude land such as Plateau de Valensole or the lower parts of the Luberon, the purple magic usually begins mid-June, and by late June → early July the fields are rich, fragrant and photogenic.
As summer advances, harvesting for those early spots often begins around mid July — at that point many classic lavender-field photos become rare.
But there’s another option if you come later: higher-altitude areas like Sault Plateau. Because of the altitude, blooming and harvest occur a bit later there — often early to late July — giving a second window for lavender lovers.
What to expect & how to enjoy it best
- If you want the classic “lavender-fields-as-postcard” mood: aim for late June → first week of July. That’s when fields are fully purple, vibrant, and before harvest sweeps through.
- For fewer crowds — try sunrise, early morning, or weekdays. The early light + quiet makes the lavender (and your photos) glow.
- If you travel later (mid to late July) → head for higher-altitude fields (Sault) where harvest happens later but be prepared to find most fields already harvested.
I hope this guide inspires you to explore the beauty, flavors, and hidden gems of Provence. From charming villages and historic cities to breathtaking landscapes and local markets, every corner has a story to tell.
Bon voyage, and may your journey be filled with unforgettable moments and stunning photographs!
