Provence

Is Provence worth visiting?

Yes, Provence offers a mix of stunning scenery, historical sites, and delightful food. It’s an ideal destination for anyone interested in culture, art, and the outdoors.

How many days do you need?

A minimum of three days is needed to explore some key highlights. However, a week is better to really experience the diverse charm of the region.

When to go

What to see

1. Avignon: Visit Palais des Papes, expect about 12 EUR. Book ahead during peak season. Allocate around 2-3 hours.
2. Roussillon: Famous for its ochre cliffs. No ticket required. Spend about 1-2 hours.
3. Gordes: Dreary in peak summer, spend around 1-2 hours exploring. It can get crowded.
4. Les Baux-de-Provence: Entry around 10-12 EUR. Expect to spend 2-3 hours here. Book ahead.
5. L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue: Ideal for antique shops, no fees. 2 hours is sufficient for a stroll.
6. Aix-en-Provence: Visit Cours Mirabeau, take a walking tour. Allocate about 2-3 hours.
7. Mont Ventoux: Perfect for hikers, free access. Plan at least half a day if you're trekking.

3-day itinerary

Day 1:

1. Morning at Palais des Papes in Avignon (9 AM-11 AM).
2. Lunch in Avignon (11 AM-12 PM).
3. Explore Les Baux-de-Provence (1 PM-4 PM).

Day 2:

1. Visit Roussillon (9 AM-11 AM).
2. Stroll around Gordes (11 AM-1 PM).
3. Afternoon in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (2 PM-5 PM).

Day 3:

1. Morning in Aix-en-Provence (9 AM-12 PM).
2. Afternoon hike at Mont Ventoux (12:30 PM-5 PM).

Where to stay

Getting around

Consider renting a car for maximum flexibility. Prices start from around 30 EUR per day. Smaller towns have limited public transport, taxis can be expensive. Watch out for unmetered taxis and solo drivers who might inflate fares. Trains between major cities are efficient, tickets usually cost about 20-40 EUR.

Budget

• Budget: 50-80 EUR - stay in hostels, eat at bakeries and local markets.
• Mid-range: 100-200 EUR - comfortable hotels, dine in cafes and bistros.
• Comfortable: 250+ EUR - boutique hotels, fine dining at local restaurants.

Mistakes to avoid

1. Skipping market days. Many towns have lively markets once or twice a week. Go early to avoid crowds.
2. Overlooking local cuisine. Local specialties like ratatouille or tapenade are often much better than standard dishes.
3. Underestimating travel times. Distances can be deceptive in Provence, allow time for winding roads.
4. Assuming all attractions have English signage. Brush up on basic French phrases to navigate easier.