• Les Baux, France
    Les Baux

Provence

This magnificent region is shaped like a giant wedge of quiche. From its sunburned crust, fanning out along the Mediterranean coast from the Camargue to Marseille, it stretches north along the Rhône Valley to Orange. The Romans were here in force and left lots of ruins — some of the best anywhere. Seven popes, artists such as Vincent van Gogh and Paul Cézanne, astrologer/physician Nostradamus, and author Peter Mayle all enjoyed their years in Provence. This region features a splendid recipe of arid climate, oceans of vineyards, stunning scenery, lively cities, and adorable hill-capping villages.

Places

At a Glance

▲▲▲ Arles Workaday town of evocative Roman ruins, Van Gogh memories, Provençal "bullgames," and easy pedestrian zones.

▲▲▲ Pont du Gard West of Avignon, a huge stone structure — part bridge and part aqueduct — heralding the greatness of ancient Rome.

▲▲▲ Les Baux Rock-top village sitting in the shadow of its ruined medieval citadel.

▲▲ Avignon History-rich city, famous for its medieval bridge and Gothic Palace of Popes.

▲▲ Orange Leafy café-lined streets and the best-preserved Roman theater in existence.

▲▲ Côtes du Rhône Wine Road Drive Soak up picturesque villages and vineyards, unfurling along a scenic wine-tasting road.

▲▲ Hill Towns of the Luberon Enticing terrain of age-old vineyards, limestone mountains, and sturdy little villages.

▲ St. Rémy-de-Provence Fun village that's home to a bustling market, with Van Gogh's psychiatric ward and the ancient Roman city of Glanum nearby.

▲ Vaison-la-Romaine Lively little town atop a 2,000-year-old Roman site.

Plan

Photos

Watch

Read

Listen