Introduction To Provence

The beautiful region of Provence on the southeast of France has long held appeal for disconcerting travelers. With it’s picturesque little villages, beautiful coast, sprawling fields and mouth-watering food Provence cannot be explored in a weekend. It is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace giving yourself time to savor the atmosphere. Marseilles, Avignon or Aix-en-Provence are usually considered gateways to the region and there are regular train services from Lyon and Paris.

Do plan your itinerary beforehand (to sort out accommodation and transport) but try not to stick to the schedule too much since this particular trip might not be all about taking in as much sights as possible. Once you have decided where to set camp and further explore the region some of the most popular cities include Aix-en-Provence, Cassis, Toulon, Arles and Avignon.

Located on the banks of river Rhone Avignon has been a settlement since the stone ages. The most significant sight by far is Palace of Popes (also known as Le Palais des Papes) which is an imposing sight in itself. This is where the popes fled from Rome during 14th century. If you like your food and local fare make sure to check out Place Pie (opened daily in the mornings) selling fresh local produce and loads and loads of cheeses. Another town worth exploring is Aix-en-Provence. Small and picture postcard perfect Aix-en-Provence was once home to Cezanne. Explore it’s small, cobbled, narrow streets, admire the beautiful fountains or hit the markets on Saturday morning (you will not be disappointed). It can serve as an ideal base for further exploration of the region. There are plenty of small towns and villages you can find on the way – if you are traveling by car make sure to make a stop and enjoy the scenery or if you do not mind walking or biking around explore possible walking routes in the area.

If you are looking for affordable accommodation in Provence, try one of the suggested hotels listed down below.