Must See: Provence
Located in the south-eastern corner of France, Provence is a popular travel destination thanks to its balmy Mediterranean climate, beautiful scenery, historical landmarks, and its production of lavender, wine, and olives.
And while picturesque villages with winding streets, vibrant lavender fields, and the sunny weather may come to the forefront when discussing Provence, there’s so much more to discover in this historic region in the South of France beyond the larger and more widely known cities of Cannes and Nice.\
From the stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere of Avignon to the quaint charm of Aix-en-Provence, there is something for everyone in this beautiful part of France.
Must See: Avignon
Located on the left bank of the Rhône River, Avignon is one of the ‘must see’ cities in Provence, well-known for its imposing 14th century palace, the Palais des Papes. The city is often referred to as the ‘City of Popes’ as the palace became the papal residence between 1309 and 1376, following a dispute between papacy and French crown, which eventually led to the death of Pope Boniface VIII.
Avignon has so much to offer, from its many Renaissance-era churches to its lively markets and fascinating past. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site is one of the most popular destinations to visit in Provence. With its well-preserved architecture, the city is a must-see for any history buff.
Avignon is also known for its vibrant nightlife and excellent cuisine – be sure to try the city’s famous calissons, a type of almond candy, while you’re here.
Must See: Arles
Arles is a small city located in the Rhône delta, and despite its small size, Arles has a long and rich history. Today, it’s one of the best places to visit in Provence for art lovers and history buffs alike.
Arles was once an important Roman outpost and is home to many well-preserved Roman ruins, such as the Amphitheatre of Arles. This Roman amphitheatre is one of the most prominent attractions in the city, which saw large popularity throughout Roman rule. Dating back to 90AD, the amphitheatre once held chariot races and gladiator-style battles for crowds of up to 2,000. Arles is also famous for its association with the Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh, who lived and worked here for a time.
Thanks to its well-preserved Roman ruins, Arles is also a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city, and these landmarks are not to be missed when visiting.
Must See: Antibes
Antibes is a chic resort town on the French Riviera. It’s known for its sandy beaches, luxury hotels, and art galleries.
The town of Antibes is built on a hill that rises from the Mediterranean Sea and medieval walls surround its Old Town. Antibes has a long history spanning all the way from Greek rule to the Counts of Provence before being annexed by France in the 13th century. Taking a walk through the Old Town offers the opportunity to take in stunning sea views and visit small boutiques and cafés. It is also home to some of the best Provençal bakeries, and you won’t want to miss out on the chance to try sweet treats such as colourful macarons.
Picasso spent time in Antibes and even painted a mural while he was here. The museum dedicated to his work is located in the Grimaldi Castle was his studio for a short time in 1946 where over 60 pieces of art were left in the custody of the castle. Today they are part of the museum collection.
Must See: Aix-en-Provence
One of the region’s largest cities, Aix-en-Provence is often referred to as the capital of the region. Known for its fountains and flowers, the city is also home to the prestigious University of Provence, making it one of the best cities in Provence to visit if you’re interested in learning more about the region’s history and culture.
This historic city is renowned for its beautiful architecture and is home to many famous landmarks, such as the Palace of the Counts of Provence. Aix-en-Provence is also a popular destination for shopping, with its many designer boutiques and antique shops.
Enjoy a walk through one of the city’s many cobblestone boulevards and picturesque squares, dotted with striking buildings and quaint cafés.
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