Best of Inland Provence
The best things to see and do in Provence - lavender, vineyards, perched villages, markets, natural wonders
Gorges du Verdon
The Gorges du Verdon is France's deepest canyon, formed by the turquoise Verdon river cutting through the limestone cliffs over 25 km (15 miles). Now forming a Natural Park, it is one of France’s most beautiful natural attractions and can be explored by car, hike or on the water itself by kayak or inflatable. Two man-made lakes border the gorge - Lac de Sainte-Croix and Lac d'Esparron - offering swimming, boating, and fishing in strikingly bright blue water.
Mercantour National Park
Mercantour National Park covers 685 square kilometers (260 square miles) in the foothills of the French Alps, north of Nice. It features high peaks, alpine meadows, and dense forests. Rare creatures like ibex, chamois, wolves and golden eagles make this their home. Thousands of mysterious prehistoric rock engravings dot the Vallée des Merveilles (Valley of Wonders). The Mercantour is a hiking mecca, and the GR 5 long-distance trail passes through the park. In winter, thoughts turn to skiing and snowshoeing.
Dentelles de Montmirail
The Dentelles de Montmirail are jagged limestone peaks near Vaison-la-Romaine. ‘Dentelle’ means lace in French, referring to the saw-tooth crests of the hills, which reach up to 736 m (2400ft) and provide excellent hiking and rock climbing terrain. The area is also feted for its beautiful old villages like Crestet and Séguret and its vineyards, which are in Cotes du Rhone territory: Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Beaumes-de-Venise, etc.
Les Baux de Provence
Les Baux de Provence is a stunning medieval village sat improbably on a high rocky outcrop in the Alpilles of western Provence. This extreme defensive position speaks to the centuries of unrest in the region, and the village, apart from the boutiques that line the streets, looks lost in time, with its Renaissance facades and ancient ruins, topped with the 10th century castle. There are stunning views as you would expect from the top, and beneath the village is the Carrières de Lumières, an immersive art exhibition held in a former quarry. All of which makes Les Baux a very popular attraction for tourists.
Vaison la Romaine
Vaison la Romaine is a Provence market town with two distinct parts: the modern lower town and the medieval upper town. The lower town is home to impressive Roman ruins, covering some 37 acres, including ancient Roman villas, theater, and baths. It is said to be the biggest archaeological site in Europe. The upper town, perched on a hill, offers panoramic views and medieval charm. Also notable is the 2000-year-old Roman bridge over the river Ouveze, which is still in use today.
St Remy
St Remy de Provence is a very elegant market town with beautiful Renaissance mansions, charming squares and stunning facades, as well as great shopping. The Wednesday market makes St Remy a destination on its own. St Remy is also famous for its connection to Vincent van Gogh. The artist spent time here at the asylum, where he created many notable works.
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is one of the most spectacular villages in France, perched up between two rocky cliffs in lavender country, and gateway to the Gordes de Verdon. The village bestrides a gorge and has amazing views in every direction. With so much going for it, Moustiers is very popular in summer.
Eygalieres
Eygalieres is a very well preserved village in the heart of the Alpilles range of hills, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, close to St Remy. The old quarter leads up to the church and castle ruins at the top, and this is thought of as the most beautiful village in the Alpilles. Less touristy than nearby hotspots, more authentically Provencal and also noted for the quality of its olive oil production.
Tourrettes-sur-Loup
Tourrettes-sur-Loup is a medieval village perched high on a rocky spur overlooking the Mediterranean, a little inland from the coast and close to St Paul de Vence. It's nickname is the "City of Violets" due to its long history of violet cultivation. The village is a maze of narrow streets lined with artisan workshops and galleries. The village's main square, Place de la Libération, offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
Simiane-la-Rotonde
Simiane-la-Rotonde is a small village known for its unique rotunda, a rare example of Romanesque architecture. In June-July it can be seen against a sea of lavender in the valley below. This is a small, quiet village, where the pleasure is in walking around its ancient streets.
Venasque
Venasque is another village perched on a rocky outcrop, and also officially one of the ‘Most Beautiful Villages of France’. This is not just due to Venasque’s spectacular setting, but its medieval fortifications, including three Saracen towers, and a 6th century baptistery. Venasque is also famous for its cherries, celebrated each year during the Cherry Festival.
Valensole
Valensole is a picturesque town in Provence that is famous for one thing – it is the centre of lavender production in Provence, and has endless acres of lavender fields all around. The lavender blooms from mid-June to early August when it is harvested. There are also lavender farms that can be visited to find out about lavender cultivation. The Gorges de Verdon is nearby so the two are often combined in one trip.
Orange
Orange is a historic city in the west of Provence, famed for its Roman ruins. Its amazing Roman theatre is one of the finest ancient sites in Europe and is still used for performance today. The intricate Triumphal Arch is another standout Roman remain from the 1st century AD. Rome aside, Orange has all the attributes of a Provencal town, including a small old quarter, but without the charm of similarly sized towns like Aix, Arles and Avignon.
Uzes
Uzes, at the far western edge of Provence, is a most alluring town known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and monuments. In fact the whole of the center is now a protected historical monument. The heart of Uzes is the Place aux Herbes, a lively square lined with arcades and plane trees, and host to the weekly market. The round tower, duke’s castle, medieval gardens are all clustered in the centre and easy to visit on foot, while the famous Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard is nearby.