France

The most beautiful places of Provence

Beautiful beaches, historic towns and lavender

Pavel Szabo
Wrote 37 articles and follows him / her 10 travelers
The most beautiful places of Provence
Updated: 14.03.2019
© gigaplaces.com

A selection of the most beautiful places in French Provence, where you can find beautiful historic towns, azure coast and amazing lavender fields.

1.
Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque

Famous monastery between lavender

Rating:
| Altitude: 365 m / 1 198 ft

The Sénanque Monastery is located in French Provence, near Gordes and Avignon. It is renowned for its lavender fields and for people to take pictures here. The monastery is very well-preserved and was founded in the 12th century. continue reading

2.
Verdon canyon

Grand Canyon of Europe

Rating:
| Altitude: 517 m / 1 696 ft

Verdon Canyon (Gorge du Verdon) is one of the most beautiful canyons in Europe. Verdon river here carved a path in the vertical limestone walls of Provence and the Maritime Alps. This canyon is 21 km long, with a depth of up to 700 meters continue reading

3.
Gordes

Beautiful rock town

Rating:
| Altitude: 353 m / 1 158 ft

Gordes is one of the most beautiful and visited Provencal towns. It is built on a hill where Roman ruins were located. continue reading

4.
Roussillon

Beautiful ocher town

Rating:
| Altitude: 320 m / 1 050 ft

Roussillon is one of the beautiful Provencal towns that is interesting because buildings are stained with ocher shades. Near the town there are ocher rocks from where people have used material for coloring for centuries. continue reading

5.
Cassis

Charming town near the azure sea

Rating:
| Altitude: 9 m / 30 ft

Cassis is a small town located 20 km southeast of Marseille. It is a frequently visited place where we can find a beautiful harbor, beach, interesting streets and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and nature. continue reading

6.
Calanque de Port-Miou

Bluegreen Bay

Rating:
| Altitude: 0 m / 0 ft

Calanque de Port-Miou is one of the three largest sea bays in the Calanques National Park. There are beautiful views of boats and sailboats, blue-green water and pervasive pine trees. continue reading

7.
The Ochre Trail

Hike along the beautifully colored rocks

Rating:
| Altitude: 318 m / 1 043 ft

The ocher trail is located in close proximity to Roussillon. There is a trail through beautiful rocks that are tinged with shades of red and orange. For centuries people used to paint paint for paintings or for coloring their houses. continue reading

8.
Île Maire

Picturesque island in Calanques National Park

Rating:
| Altitude: 90 m / 295 ft

Male Maire is an island near the small Port of Goudes, located near Marseille. The island can be reached by car from the port and there is a beautiful sunset view. continue reading

9.
Avignon

Papal city full of architecture

Rating:
| Altitude: 30 m / 98 ft

The ancient town of Avignon is located in French Provence. The Popes stayed here in the 14th century and therefore the city is very beautiful with its architecture. Very typical is the Avignon Bridge, which was partially demolished by the flood and is now only half. continue reading

10.
Port of Goudes

Fishing harbor near Marseille

Rating:
| Altitude: 0 m / 0 ft

Port of Goudes is a beautiful marina near Marseille. Here you will find a quiet town, a small boat harbor, sea views and other natural monuments. There are several restaurants serving a variety of seafood. continue reading

11.
Pont du Gard

A unique aqueduct from the time of the Roman Empir

Rating:
| Altitude: 31 m / 102 ft

Pont du Gard is a historic aqueduct dating back to ancient Rome (1st century AD). It is a system of three standing arcades above the River Gard. It served to bring water to the city. In the 18th century there was a reconstruction where the lower floor was opened – it is now possible to walk through it. Since 1985, it has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. continue reading

12.
Aigues-Mortes

A fortified city on the Camargue marshland

Rating:
| Altitude: 4 m / 13 ft

Aigues-Mortes is a historic town in the western end of Provence. To the south of it is the famous Camargue marshy area. The main reason why this city is visited by tourists is its great fortifications. continue reading

13.
Pic du Cap Roux

Beautiful red mountains over the Mediterranean Sea

Rating:
| Altitude: 451 m / 1 480 ft

Above the Corniche de'l'esterel you will find a small but interesting red rock mountain with the most famous Pic du Cap Roux (454 meters above sea level). The mountains are accessible by hiking trails and after the hike you can swim on the interesting beaches, for example at the town of Anthéor continue reading

14.
Chateauneuf du Pape

City of Popes and Wine

Rating:
| Altitude: 84 m / 276 ft

Chateauneuf du Pape is a little village near Orange. Pope John XXII. Here he built a castle, which (though now only as a ruin) still dominates the area. Chateauneuf du Pape is known for its first-class wine. continue reading

15.
Mont Ventoux

Iconic mountain for cyclists

Rating:
| Altitude: 1 912 m / 6 273 ft

Mont Ventoux (1,912m above sea level) is a truly windy mountain that rises above the surrounding countryside by a kilometer and a half. It is one of the goals in the most famous cycling events in the world – the Tour de France. The trip to the mountain is an experience even if you drive a car. continue reading

16.
Grasse

The capital of perfumes

Rating:
| Altitude: 280 m / 919 ft

Grasse is a small town in southern France. The history of the city dates back to the 7th century. Among the oldest monuments of the Romanesque cathedral Notre-Dame-du-Puy de Grasse from 10–11 century. The city is famous for its perfume, flower decoration and overall atmosphere. continue reading

17.
Orange

Historic city full of monuments

Rating:
| Altitude: 51 m / 167 ft

Orange is located in the Rhone Valley. In the center of the city is a Roman amphitheater which is considered the best preserved in the world. Furthermore, there is a stone arch from the time of Emperor Augustus. The city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. continue reading

18.
Le palais ideal du facteur Cheval

Ideal Palace of the French Postman

Rating:
| Altitude: 301 m / 988 ft

Ferdinand Cheval was a postman who spent 33 years building his perfect palace in Hautevires. For his construction he received recognition from André Breton and Pablo Picasso. The Cheval Palace is a unique monument that is definitely worth a visit. continue reading

19.
Camargue

Interesting marsh land in the Rhone delta

Rating:

In the Rhone River Delta region can be found marshes of the Camargue (Regional Natural Park). Here you will find horses, semi-wild cattle, flamingos and many other rare animals. This county is south of Arles continue reading

20.
Port Grimaud

French Venice

Rating:
| Altitude: 3 m / 10 ft

Just a distance from the gendarmery of the famous Saint-Tropez you will find the French Venice – Port Grimaoud. It is a pleasant port town with canals and lots of yachts. Certainly worth a stop when traveling around Provence continue reading

21.
Calanque De Port D'Alon

Beautiful and wild bay

Rating:
| Altitude: 0 m / 0 ft

Calanque De Port D'Alon is one of several beautiful bays to be found west of Bandol. In addition to swimming, you can stroll along the cliffs and enjoy the beautiful landscape continue reading

22.
Cascade de Sillans

Small French Plitvice

Rating:
| Altitude: 335 m / 1 099 ft

The beautiful Cascade de Sillans waterfall is right next to Sillans-la-Cascade. It is such a miniature of famous Plitvice waterfalls. Certainly worth a stop. continue reading

Applaud the author of the article!
Share it on:

Articles nearby

Practical information