Tourism in Provence
Visit the colorful markets & their surroundings

SAINT REMY-DE-PROVENCE

In the heart of the Alpilles mountains, this historic town is built on one of the oldest archaeological sites in Europe : the remains of the Gallic city, founded in the 3rd century BC, then reworked by the Romans under Julius Caesar. Located half-way between Avignon and Arles, Saint-Rémy is a charming narrow streets village swollen by beautiful residences and mansions, old fountains, small squares and beautiful shops.

Visit the archaeological site of Glanum, the Triumphal Arch and the Jules Mausoleum, exceptional legacies of Late Antiquity.

LES-BAUX-DE-PROVENCE - remarkable heritage site in France

Visit one of the most beautiful villages in France, a touristic site of incredible beauty.

Perched on a rocky outcrop, its citadel overlooks superb natural sites. The Castle “Le Château des Baux de Provence”, an imposing 13th century fortress, stands here.

A unique village in the heart of the Alpilles Regional Natural Park with chapels, a hospital, a windmill and cave dwellings to be visited!

Carrières de Lumières - “Classified natural site”

Every year, the monumental limestone quarries project immersive exhibitions around the greatest names in the history of art: Cézanne & Kandinsky from May 19th 2021 to January 2nd 2022.

AIX-EN-PROVENCE

Just 1 hour from Avignon, you should go and visit one of the most beautiful cities in Provence. You can stroll through the winding streets of the old town, marvel at its architecture, its heritage and its private mansions. Go window-shopping, walk along the Cours Mirabeau and taste the famous speciality “Calissons d’Aix”.

Jam-packed with galleries, museums and events, Aix-en-Provence is the city of Paul Cézanne. Discover his studio, the Bastide du Jas de Bouffan and the Carrières de Bibémus where Cézanne stored his paintings.

Visit the galleries, The musée Granet’s collection, one of the most beautiful museums in France, and the Hôtel de Caumont art centre with its temporary exhibitions.

Exceptional cities & areas of Provence

Glanum triumphal arch

Bridge Van Gogh

Castle of Baux de Provence

Art, history & nature

MARSEILLE

Marseille is a cultural melting pot offering a rich heritage: the Vieux Panier district, the Vieux Port, the Mucem, Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica and the Cité Radieuse, by Le Corbusier.

The oldest city in France, founded 2.600 years ago, is home to many breathtaking sites such as the Calanques National Park, the Islands of Frioul and ‘Château d’If’, beaches and hiking areas.

THE CALANQUES NATIONAL PARK

The Calanques are a natural wonder nestled between Marseille and Cassis. High white limestone cliffs sculpted by the elements and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean slipping into the narrow creeks create an exceptional site to visit while hiking, boat tripping or kayaking.

THE CAMARGUE: Land of traditions

A unique natural region in France, a 150.000 hectare-area between sky, land and sea, where horses and bulls live in freedom among pink flamingos and hundreds of other animal species. Visiting Camargue (Provence) is the discovery of the gardian culture and its traditions, the beauty of the fauna and flora and towns with an exceptionally rich historical past.

LES SAINTES-MARIES-DE-LA-MER: capital of the Camargue

On the way, stop at the Pont du Gau Ornithological Park (60 hectares of Camargue fauna and flora). Drive to Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, a land of hospitality, tradition and pilgrimage. Stroll through the narrow streets, visit the church and enjoy the beautiful white sandy beaches.

AIGUES-MORTES: Unreal citadel set in the middle of marshes and lagoons

Visit the old medieval city, walk along the ramparts and enjoy the compelling view out over the Camargue and the Salin salt marshes.

ARLES

City of history & art - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Many historical monuments should be visited such as the Roman Amphitheatre (the Arena), The Antique Theatre, The Cryptoportiques, the Roman thermal baths of Constantin, the remains of the Roman circus and St Trophime’s Cathedral.

The Vincent Van Gogh Foundation pays tribute to the work of Van Gogh. You can also follow the itinerary in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh throughout the year: Langlois Bridge (Van Gogh Bridge).

Luma

Luma is a cultural complex dreamed up by the LUMA Foundation and the architect Frank Gehry, hosting exhibitions of major artists and works by leading figures in contemporary art.

Every year, Arles organizes “Les Rencontres de la Photographie”, a photography festival introducing 60 photo exhibitions in July & August.

In the Arles countryside, visit Montmajour Abbey, founded in 948 by Benedictine monks.

The markets of Provence in the Alpilles, in the Camargue :

One of Provence’s attractions is the open-air markets held in nearly every town and village. The famous markets of Provence are an explosion of colour, scent and sound... An exhilarating experience! There are many stands full of fruit, vegetables, cheese, bread, meat and fish, olives, oil, honey, wine, everything you need for a perfect picnic, as well as fabrics, soaps, handicrafts, clothing and gift items.

Here are some of the most iconic markets in southern Provence:

-Saint-Rémy-de-Provence market: Wednesday and Saturday

-Arles market: Wednesday and Saturday

-Aix-en-Provence market: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

-Marseille market: Friday

-Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer market: Monday and Friday