Curator’s statement
Provence, a region of Southern France known for its sweeping lavender fields, lush vineyards and sun-drenched landscape. At its heart lies Aix-en-Provence, a charming city of wide cobblestone streets flanked by sun-washed buildings and alive with the vibrant energy of art students drawn by the legacy of Post-Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne. I fell in love with Provence and the wine of the region while studying there and interning at a luxury wine tour company.
The Fora Difference
Book with Victoria to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in Provence, France
Unlock perks by contacting Victoria to book your trip.
Things to do in Provence, France
Essential experiences
A perfect visit to Aix-en-Provence (however short) includes wine, art and the sea.
The art: Explore the sites that inspired Cézanne’s masterpieces on the Cezanne in Provence Tour by Context Travel or simply visit the Atelier de Cezanne museum.
The wine: A visit to Provence isn’t complete without experiencing its wines. The region is renowned for its rosé, but don’t overlook its other offerings. Here are my top recommendations:
Rosé: Provençal rosé is distinct from the overly sweet varieties you might find elsewhere. There is immense variety in the rosés of the region — from darker-hued and fruit-forward to peachy and crisp. Venture beyond the city to vineyards of Château L'Evesque or Maison Saint Aix. Book a Wine Tour through Winedering.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Located about an hour from Aix, this region is famed for its robust red wines that command a premium price in the States. Described by Food & Wine as “natural expressions of grapes, place and vintage,” Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines are produced organically or biodynamically. For a taste of the best, consider a tour with Planet Provence, a luxury tour company run by an English-speaking local.
The sea: Head south from Aix, past the bustling port city of Marseille, to the picturesque fishing town of Cassis. Hike the dramatic cliffs of Les Calanques or enjoy a luxury sailboat tour to view the stunning landscape from the water.
Planet Provence also offers a private sailing and wine tasting experience along Les Calanques — a beautiful way to experience everything the French Mediterranean has to offer.
Other things to do
Explore Les marchés de Provence, where you can smell fresh flowers and fill your picnic basket with French cheeses (my favorite is chèvre aux herbes de Provence — a herbed goat cheese), fruits, jams and a baguette.
Le Cours Mirabeau: Stroll down this iconic, tree-lined avenue to the Fontaine de La Rotonde.
Crepes a Gogo: For lunch, enjoy a savory crepe under the shade of a sycamore tree from Crepe a Gogo. You’ll find this hidden gem located in a mini underground tunnel near La Fontaine de La Rotonde. I recommend the Crepe Complete (a classic savory crepe of egg, ham and gruyere) or Crepe Ratatouille, (a vegetarian crepe with stewed summer vegetables).
Maison Bechard: After lunch, you must visit the patisserie Bechard, where you can find exceptional buttery, cream-filled pastries. I promise these are worth the premium price tag.
Flavors of Provence tour: Beyond rosé, the region produces high-quality olive oils, Savon de Marseille (soap) and unique regional sweets. Explore these specialties on a Flavors of Provence tour.
L’Occitane: Take a guided tour of the L’Occitane factory and wander through the beautiful gardens on the premises.
Day trip to Le Gorges du Verdon: Discover one of the region’s best-kept secrets, a stunning canyon with turquoise and emerald waters. Here you can hike along the canyon’s rim, paddleboat in the gorge or try white water rafting if you’re feeling adventurous.
Places to eat & drink in Provence, France
Casual eats:
JACOB's - Here's you'll find the best baguettes and sandwiches
Pasta Luce - Delicious homemade pasta that you can eat in their cozy space or take away to enjoy perched on a stoop, as the locals do.
Michelin-rated restaurants serving traditional Provençal cuisine:
Pastries and Sweet Treats:
Le Roy Rene - The best place to try calissons
Need to know
When to go
Summer in Provence can be intensely hot, with many shops in Aix closing in August and parts of July. If you relish the warmth and want to enjoy the Mediterranean, September is ideal. October offers perfectly mild weather, while November and early December are perfect for experiencing the festive Christmas markets that illuminate Le Cours Mirabeau.
How to get there
Provence is easily accessible from Paris, either by a scenic three-hour train ride or a quick 45-minute flight. If you have time, opt for the train journey to enjoy the picturesque French countryside. Parisian trains are known for their comfort and cleanliness, making this a pleasant way to see more of France without needing to rent a car or extend your trip.
Travel Advisor
Victoria Eastman
Get in touch with Victoria
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can normally expect a response from Victoria within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to France. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, A Guide to Food & Wine in Catania, Sicily.