Provence

Travel Guide

French Riviera which includes heritage elements, street scenes and heritage architecture
Notre-Dame de la Garde featuring general coastal views, a coastal town and a sunset
Provence featuring a sandy beach as well as a small group of people
Calanques which includes sailing, tranquil scenes and a river or creek
La Corniche which includes a coastal town and general coastal views

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 featuring street scenes, a square or plaza and a church or cathedral

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 which includes heritage elements and heritage architecture

Avignon City Centre

4.5/5(173 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

5/5(1 area review)

Est might not have many top sights, but Granet Museum and Saint-Sauveur Cathedral are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Est
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Aix-en-Provence Historic Centre

4.5/5(21 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 Parc Jourdan and Granet Museum are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Sud
8th Arrondissement featuring a fountain, a pool and a park

8th Arrondissement

4.5/5(19 area reviews)

Beaches, shopping, and waterfront views highlight some notable features of 8th Arrondissement. Make a stop by Prado Beach or La Corniche while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Rond-Point du Prado Station or Perier Metro Station to get around town.

8th Arrondissement
Toyoko Inn Marseille Saint Charles
Toyoko Inn Marseille Saint Charles
3 out of 5
25 avenue du Général Leclerc, Marseille
$92 nightly
The price is $106 total per night from Jun 9 to Jun 10
$106 total
Jun 9 - Jun 10
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Marseille. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,093 reviews)
"Reception staff really helpful. Bedroom clean and comfortable with good bathroom. Great location close to train station. Good value for money."

Reviewed on Jun 1, 2025

Toyoko Inn Marseille Saint Charles
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
$170 nightly
The price is $195 total per night from Jun 29 to Jun 30
$195 total
Jun 29 - Jun 30
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,004 reviews)
"Fantastic location, really nice room, comfy bed, lovely shower. Would absolutely book again."

Reviewed on May 31, 2025

Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites - Marseille Vieux Port
Hotel Marseille Centre Gare Saint-Charles
Hotel Marseille Centre Gare Saint-Charles
3 out of 5
15 Boulevard Maurice Bourdet, Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhone
$110 nightly
The price is $126 total per night from Jun 29 to Jun 30
$126 total
Jun 29 - Jun 30
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Marseille. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (999 reviews)
"Good location. Good value. Breakfast included. Right across from the train station. Only complaint is that there are few restaurants around."

Reviewed on May 23, 2025

Hotel Marseille Centre Gare Saint-Charles
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! (2,172 reviews)
"OK Parfait"

Reviewed on Apr 22, 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! (1,188 reviews)
"very convenient hotel, kind staff and location close to main attractions."

Reviewed on May 23, 2025

Staycity Aparthotels, Marseille, Centre Vieux Port
Residhotel Vieux Port
Residhotel Vieux Port
3 out of 5
4 Rue Coutellerie, Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhone
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Marseille. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), daily housekeeping, and conference space. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (832 reviews)
"Idéalement situé à deux pas du vieux port, propre et confortable, très bon petit déjeuner"

Reviewed on May 11, 2025

Residhotel Vieux Port
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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