Tourism in Provence Visit the colorful markets & their surroundings

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