Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. The name already gives it away - the Provence is much more than deep purple Lilac Fields and Roman settlement history. In the south nestle the enchanting coastal towns of Marseille, Nice or Antibes to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. In between, the steep-walled Calanques, the fjords of France, for hiking and swimming. And the glamorous Saint Tropez is a hotspot for the rich and beautiful during the warm months.

Charming Provence - a diverse region in the south of France that never fails to entice with its amazing landscapes, picturesque villages and deep blue coastlines. © Freddie Marriage

If you want to escape the jet set, head inland: by car, you can follow the serpentines of the Mont Ventoux up in Vaucluse, hikers roam the less high, but equally impressive Dentelles de Montmiral. Again and again one discovers small Provençal towns and villagesin the hilly landscape, which invite you to linger with their narrow streets, neat cobblestone floors and fine restaurants. Laissez-faire was invented here.

Like God in France: this is how good Provence cuisine is. © Ellena McGuinness

Also, gourmands live in the Provence like God in France: aromatic white wines and powerful reds, fresh Cavaillon melons and white nougat from Montélimar, bouillabaisse and ratatouille - here the palate is satisfied.

The picture perfect Provence: 14 places to see

Enough reading? Then it is now time to pay a short visit in pictures to the landscape between the Rhône Valley and Italy.

The lavender fields in Valensole

On a lavender hike in France you will quickly find inner peace. Beautiful tours lead to the plateau of Valensole at an altitude of 500 meters. In this region, you can walk through a mauve sea of freshly fragrant blossoms from June onwards. Also Sault in the department of Vaucluse is worth the visit.

On tour at Mont Ventoux

The Celts considered the 1,909-meter Mont Ventoux in Vaucluse a sacred mountain, and today the lonely outpost is an extremely popular route for racing cyclists. Those who don't want to take such a sporty approach should definitely explore the giant of Provence by car (careful driving is advised!). On nice days, you can see from the white-bare rocky peak from the Mediterranean to the high Alps.

The Cap Canaille in Cassis

From the coastal town Cassis with its picturesque sidewalk cafes, restaurants and the magnificent local white wine one has direct access to the Calanques. Especially beautiful: Above the village towers the medieval Château de Cassis as well as the Cap Canaille, the highest cliff in the country. At least once in a lifetime you should visit the Route des Crêtes, that leads to the Cap.

Roman history at the Pont du Gard

The Roman Aqueduct bridge Pont du Gard near Nîmes dates back to the 1st century A.D. It is worth visiting not only because of its enormous height of 49 meters and length of 275 meters - its condition, which is still very good today, is also impressive.

Take a break at the Notre-Dame de Sénanque

A trip to 12th century France awaits visitors to the Cistercian monastery in Sénanque near Gordes. Surrounded by waving lavender fields, you can explore the abbey, which is steeped in history, before continuing to the village of Gordes travels. 

Get a taste of the village air in Gordes

An idyllic mountain village. All around deep purple lavender and the gold of the spelt fields. A thousand year old château. Gordes is rightly considered one of the most beautiful villages in France! Provence travelers should definitely take a detour from here to the Bories, the stone structures outside the village. Pssst: For those who find it too crowded in this popular village, move to the nearby Viens .

Avignons half bridge visit

Avignon, the city of the popes, medieval Magnificent buildings and eventful history. It attracts with impressive buildings like the Papal Palace and the Ruins Bridge Pont Saint-Bénénzet on the Rhône as well as with dreamy alleys (such as the Rue de la Peyrolerie) and squares. A weekend trip to the largest city in the department of Vaucluse is always worth it.

See Marseilles and the Calanques

Where the dizzying heights of the Limestone cliffs and the turquoise depths of the sea meet, you have arrived on vacation. The 20 kilometer long Calanques between Cassis and the Provence capital Marseilles really are a must-see! In summer, the bays are only accessible via the hiking trail along the coasts or by waterway. Especially beautiful: the Calanque Port-Pin with its fragrant pine trees and the small sand and pebble beach.

Calanque means "rocky cove" in French. The national park has several of these to offer. © Kabirou Kanlanfeyi

Enjoy the view in La Roque-Alric

Inland, the small French village La Roque Alric , from its rocky outcrop, overlooks the surrounding hilly landscape of Provence. An ideal place for a break and a well-deserved glass of local wine. The ride highlight here is the enchanting Departmental road D90a overlooking the Dentelles, which begins in Lafare and ends in Le Barroux.

By yacht to Antibes

Less crowded than Nice or Cannes, but just as beautiful: Antibes. The coastal town is one of the oldest cities of the Côte d'Azur and, with its huge Marina Port Vauban , is a popular hotspot especially for sailors. After a leisurely stroll through the picturesque old town with its many colorful stores and a visit to the Picasso Museum, people meet in the evening to party in the nearby Juan-les-Pins. 

In the Gorges du Verdon: experience this turquoise miracle

The Grand Canyon of Provence - the Verdon Gorge in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department - is one of the largest canyons in Europe. Birdwatchers are just as attracted to the national park as kayakers, hikers or windsurfers. A dream come true!

In the footsteps of van Gogh in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

So small and yet so impressive: the small town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Next to the Roman ruins one explores Vincent van Gogh's past. The painter spent the last years of his life here and created famous works such as the "Starry Night". Also Nostradamus comes from the town with 1,000 inhabitants. Who knows - maybe that's where our future lies?

Dentelles de Montmirail

A hotspot for hikers, climbers and wine connoisseurs: A stone's throw from the massive Mont Ventoux the Combs of the Dentelles de Montmirail rise into the sky. The limestone cliffs of the mountain range look like a row of teeth that has gotten a little out of shape, but that is precisely why they make a good photo motif. At the foot of the Dentelles numerous villages and excellent wine villages nestle into the landscape.

Jetsetting in Saint-Tropez

Not only in the 1960s, but still today, the international jet setters travel to Saint-Tropez. Besides the numerous beach clubs, the Musée de l'Annonciade with works by Matisse, Bonnard and Signac is also worth a visit. If you like, you can hike during the day through the old town alleys up to the citadel with a view over the whole of Saint-Tropez. Even better: the coastal hiking trail Sentier du Littoral.