Provence

Travel Guide

French Riviera showing heritage architecture, street scenes and heritage elements
Provence
Provence which includes a sandy beach as well as a small group of people
Calanques showing sailing, tranquil scenes and a river or creek
Provence

Lavender fields and rolling hills may symbolize this region, but the area’s Mediterranean coast and French Alps are just as worthy of a visit.

Find the French Riviera and the French Alps in the Provence region of southwestern France. Despite the beauty it offers, Provence is best known for the picturesque hills between the sea and the peaks. Explore aromatic lavender fields, vineyards and medieval hilltop villages that captivated painters like Cézanne and Picasso.

Province’s history began in antiquity, when Greeks and Romans started settling the area. One of the oldest towns is Marseille, now France’s second-largest city. Explore the cityscape for spectacular architecture, including the hilltop fort-turned-church of Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde and the 5th-century Saint Victor Abbey. Head south of the city to explore the Calanques, a series of seaside inlets filled with blue-green water.

Move east along the coast to reach the French Riviera, otherwise known as the Côte d’Azur. These 71 miles (115 kilometers) of coastline are covered in luxurious resort towns and lined with picturesque islands. Make a stop in Cannes and walk along its wide seafront boulevard, La Croisette. From there, take a boat to the Lérins Islands, where you will find forts, beaches and forested parkland.

After touring the coast, make your way to the hills of inland Provence. Take a wine-tasting tour of Côtes de Provence, a massive wine-growing region covering most of Provence’s eastern half. Look for lavender fields, some of the region’s most famous features. Come in July or August to see and smell these fields with light purple flowers and aromatic scents.

In the very north of Provence are the Alps, rising up to 13,100 feet (4,000 meters) above the Mediterranean. During the summer, hike or bike in Écrins National Park, which includes seven glacial valleys nestled among the peaks. During the winter, pick from 30 different ski resorts throughout the Provence Alps.

Provence is best accessed via Marseille, which features a large international airport and a busy seaport. Once you’ve arrived, rent a car so you can move from sea to Alpine peaks within a couple of hours.

Where to stay in Provence

Vieux Port showing a square or plaza, a church or cathedral and cbd

Old Port of Marseille

Enjoy the captivating waterfront views in Old Port of Marseille. Hotel de Ville is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Vieux-Port Station or Joliette Station to see more of Marseille.

Old Port of Marseille
Palais des Papes showing heritage elements and heritage architecture

Avignon City Centre

4.5/5(50 area reviews)

River views, historic sites, and museums are some highlights of Avignon City Centre. Make a stop by Rue de la Republique or Place de l'Horloge while you're exploring.

Avignon City Centre
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Est

If you're spending some time in Est, La Torse and Parc de la Torse are top sights worth seeing.

Est
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Aix-en-Provence Historic Centre

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

Spas, historic sites, and bars are just a few things travelers enjoy about Aix-en-Provence Historic Centre. Check out Cours Mirabeau or Place d'Hotel de Ville while you're exploring the area.

Aix-en-Provence Historic Centre
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Sud

Sud might not have many top sights, but Granet Museum and Hôtel de Caumont - Centre d'Art are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Sud

Cap Benat

While visiting Cap Benat, you might make a stop by sights like Plage du Gaou and Camp du Domaine Beach.

Cap Benat
Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites - Marseille Vieux Port

Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites - Marseille Vieux Port

4 out of 5
43 Quai des Belges, Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhone
The price is CA $237 per night from Aug 21 to Aug 22
CA $237
CA $271 total
Aug 21 - Aug 22
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Marseille. Enjoy free WiFi, a marina, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,009 reviews)
"Excellent stay right in the heart of Marseille. We stayed in the suites/apartment style room and it was the best of both worlds of a hotel and an apartment. You have cleaning service and all the space and amenities of a 1 bedroom apartment. The style was gorgeous and the space was perfect. Would ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 11, 2025

Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites - Marseille Vieux Port
InterContinental Marseille - Hotel Dieu by IHG

InterContinental Marseille - Hotel Dieu by IHG

5 out of 5
1 Place Daviel, Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhone
The price is CA $403 per night from Aug 29 to Aug 30
CA $403
CA $457 total
Aug 29 - Aug 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Marseille. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9/10 Wonderful! (989 reviews)
"A truly luxe experience."

Reviewed on Aug. 11, 2025

InterContinental Marseille - Hotel Dieu by IHG
Residhotel Grand Prado

Residhotel Grand Prado

3 out of 5
Allée Turcat Méry, 7 square des frères Ambrogiani, Marseille
The price is CA $89 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
CA $89
CA $105 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Marseille. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.4/10 Good! (2,268 reviews)
Best choice
"L'établissement est excellent… chambres spacieuses, le personnel est sympa… en gros on a passé un tres bon sejour"

Reviewed on Jul. 27, 2025

Residhotel Grand Prado
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Residhotel Grand Prado

Residhotel Grand Prado

3 out of 5
Allée Turcat Méry, 7 square des frères Ambrogiani, Marseille
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Marseille. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.4/10 Good! (2,268 reviews)
Best choice
"L'établissement est excellent… chambres spacieuses, le personnel est sympa… en gros on a passé un tres bon sejour"

Reviewed on Jul. 27, 2025

Residhotel Grand Prado
Staycity Aparthotels, Marseille, Centre Vieux Port

Staycity Aparthotels, Marseille, Centre Vieux Port

3 out of 5
4 place Pierre Bertas, Marseille
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Marseille. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,245 reviews)
"Staff was very helpful with suggestions of things to do."

Reviewed on Aug. 2, 2025

Staycity Aparthotels, Marseille, Centre Vieux Port
Appart Hotel Odalys City Marseille Le Dôme

Appart Hotel Odalys City Marseille Le Dôme

3 out of 5
27 Boulevard du Maréchal Juin, Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhone
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Marseille. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (595 reviews)
"Clean, convenience,safe parking available."

Reviewed on May 9, 2025

Appart Hotel Odalys City Marseille Le Dôme
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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