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Region in France — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇫🇷
Country
France
Type
Region
Best time to travel
May–October, lavender bloom: mid-June–early August
Budget/day
100–180 €
Getting there from Germany
Flights to Marseille (2 hours) or Avignon TGV from Paris. By car, about 10 hours from Southern Germany.
Deals for Provence:
What makes Provence special as a destination?
Provence is the epitome of southern French lifestyle: endless lavender fields that sway in violet waves to the horizon in June and July, silvery-green olive groves, medieval mountain villages, and a light that captivated Cézanne, Van Gogh, and Picasso. The Valensole Plateau offers the most iconic lavender panoramas, while the Sénanque Abbey near Gordes, with its lavender field in front of Romanesque architecture, is the most photographed motif in the region. Avignon, the city of the Popes, impresses with the massive Palais des Papes, the largest Gothic palace in the world, and the legendary bridge Pont Saint-Bénézet. Gordes, perched on a rocky outcrop in the Luberon, is one of the most beautiful villages in France. Roussillon fascinates with its brightly colored red and orange ochre cliffs, through which a hiking trail leads, resembling a Martian landscape. Aix-en-Provence, the elegant university town, enchants with its tree-lined boulevards, bubbling fountains, and the Atelier Cézanne on the slopes of Mont Sainte-Victoire. The Camargue in the south surprises with white wild horses, pink flamingos, and bull breeders in a unique wetland landscape. The villages of the Luberon — Bonnieux, Ménerbes, Lourmarin — are Provençal picture-book idylls. The markets are filled with the scent of lavender honey, goat cheese, olives, and fresh herbs from the Garrigue.
What are the top highlights in Provence?
The top highlights in Provence include Lavender Fields of Haute-Provence, Les Baux-de-Provence, Pont du Gard, Gordes & Roussillon, Weekly Markets.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Lavender Fields of Haute-Provence
From mid-June to early August, the plateaus around Valensole and the Sénanque Monastery transform into a violet sea of flowers – the most iconic image of France.
Les Baux-de-Provence
The medieval rock village dramatically perches on a limestone ridge and houses the Carrières de Lumières, a spectacular multimedia art show in former quarries.
Pont du Gard
The three-tiered Roman aqueduct from the 1st century is one of the best-preserved structures from antiquity and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Gordes & Roussillon
Gordes is considered the most beautiful village in France with its natural stone terraces, while Roussillon impresses with its brightly colored red ochre cliffs.
Weekly Markets
The Provençal markets in Aix-en-Provence, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, and Apt are legendary for herbs, lavender products, olive oil, and ceramics.
Hotels in Provence
Compare thousands of hotels, apartments and resorts on Expedia – with price guarantee, free cancellation and reward points.
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Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Provence?
The best time to visit Provence is May–October, lavender bloom: mid-June–early August. Hot and dry, 28–35 °C, plenty of sunshine In winter: Mild, 5–12 °C, Mistral wind possible
Recommended travel time
May–October, lavender bloom: mid-June–early August
Summer
Hot and dry, 28–35 °C, plenty of sunshine
Winter
Mild, 5–12 °C, Mistral wind possible
How much does a holiday in Provence cost?
Budget travellers: 50–75 €/day, mid-range: 100–180 €/day, luxury: 250–500 €/day.
Average costs per person per day
Budget
50–75 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
100–180 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
250–500 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
How do I get from Germany to Provence?
Flights to Marseille (2 hours) or Avignon TGV from Paris. By car, about 10 hours from Southern Germany.
Book a package holiday to Provence
Compare thousands of package holidays to Provence and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there for Provence?
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
The lavender bloom varies depending on altitude – Valensole blooms earlier (from mid-June), Haute-Provence later (July).
Rent a car – the most beautiful villages and fields are only accessible via country roads.
Visit the weekly markets early in the morning for the best selection and atmosphere.
Rosé wine is as much a part of Provence as lavender – try the excellent wines from Bandol and Côtes de Provence.
The Gorges du Verdon (Europe's Grand Canyon) is a perfect day trip from Provence.
What should you eat in Provence?
Typical specialities in Provence: Ratatouille, Bouillabaisse, Tapenade (olive paste), Daube provençale (beef stew), Calisson d'Aix (marzipan confection), Pissaladière (onion tart).
These specialties you must try!
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