Where to go in Provence
A Week in Provence
Provence is a region in the southwest of France approximately 12,000 square miles, or about the size of the state of Maryland. It has a diverse landscape, which includes salt mines in the Camargue, a breathtaking gorge in Verdun, the French Alps, beaches along the Mediterranean sea, scrubland with bountiful lavender fields and even ochre colored cliffs. With such an abundance of things to do and see, it can be overwhelming to decide on an itinerary.
A week provides a solid amount of time to get one’s bearings and see some stunning places. Provence has many charming villages, with weekly markets, shops and plenty of cats. Saint Rémy de Provence, Les Baux de Provence, Gordes, and Lourmarin are just a few of the picturesque villages you will find. There are also some cities such as Marseille, Aix-en-Provence and Avignon that provide a wider range of restaurants, cafes and culture.
If food is your thing, Provence has you covered. Provençal food is French comfort food and many recipes remain unchanged. In fact Julia Child had a home in the southwest corner of Provence that you can still stay and take cooking classes at! Whether you prefer Michelin starred fine dining, or cozy little bistros and auberges, the food in this region is second to none. There are many opportunities to immerse yourself further into the food culture by taking cooking classes, exploring weekly markets, visiting purveyors of local honey, olive oil and much more.
If architecture and ruins interest you, Provence has many sights that will delight you. From Roman arenas in Nîmes and Arles, to the UNESCO designated Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard , this region is filled with architechural wonders. Art lovers will be able to follow in Van Gogh’s footsteps in Arles, Cézanne in Aix-en-Provence, and Picasso in Avignon. You will be able to see how the beauty of Provence captivated these artists and many more once you arrive in the sunny south of France.
This region also provides a plethora of outdoor activities. From the rocky beaches in Nice, Antibes and Cassis, to the stunning Gorge du Verdun, this is an outdoor person’s paradise. Other activities include horseback riding in the Camargue, kayaking below the Pont du Gard, standup paddle boarding on the many lakes and ponds, even paragliding and hot air ballooning can be done throughout Provence.
Whatever you fancy, Lavender & Steel is here to make your Provençal dreams come true. Come spend a week, a month or even a year in Provence to discover this magical region.