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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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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Est

5/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in Est, La Torse and Parc de la Torse are top sights worth seeing.

Est

Cap Benat

While visiting Cap Benat, you might make a stop by sights like Plage du Gaou and Camp du Domaine Beach.

Cap Benat
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Sud

Sud might not have many top sights, but Granet Museum and Hôtel de Caumont - Centre d'Art are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Sud
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
The price is ¥33,004 per night from Sep 5 to Sep 6
¥33,004
¥37,420 total
Sep 5 - Sep 6
includes taxes & 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! (1,005 reviews)
"Very clean property and is located in such an amazing area. The room is comfortable and well decorated. The front desk staff are kind and helpful. One of the ladies walked us over to where the suites are as it is away from the lobby. She even helped show us how the doors work to get in. The only ..."

Reviewed on Aug 24, 2025

Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites - Marseille Vieux Port
Golden Tulip Marseille Euromed

Golden Tulip Marseille Euromed

4 out of 5
6 Place Henri Verneuil, Marseille
The price is ¥13,946 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
¥13,946
¥16,457 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Marseille. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
Excellent service
"Nous avons eu une excellente experience during notre sejour . Le personnel a ete extremement attentif a nos besoins de la reception, aux serveurs , au technicien , tout le monde ete tout sourire et vraiment a nos petits soins Nous recommandons chaudement et esperons revenir"

Reviewed on Aug 24, 2025

Golden Tulip Marseille Euromed
Mercure Marseille Centre Vieux Port

Mercure Marseille Centre Vieux Port

4 out of 5
1 Rue Neuve Saint Martin, Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhone
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥20,761 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
¥20,761
¥23,953 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Marseille. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (945 reviews)
"It was a perfect spot so long as you go only south at night."

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

Mercure Marseille Centre 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.
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! (1,259 reviews)
"Excelente hotel. El personal muy arable."

Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025

Staycity Aparthotels, Marseille, Centre Vieux Port
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. ...
Residhotel Grand Prado
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! (865 reviews)
"Surrounding by restaurants, shops, and majority attraction."

Reviewed on Aug 16, 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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