1. Avignon
The “Papal City” with one of the largest medieval buildings in the world — the impressively powerful papal palace. The old town of Avignon, together with the Papal Palace and the remains of the ancient Roman bridge of St. Benese, are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Avignon often serves as a starting point for trips to Provencal villages.
2. Nice
No city is more strongly associated with Provence than Nice. Nice is the pearl of the French Riviera, favored by the Russian aristocracy since the mid—19th century. The fashion for Nice was discovered by the Dowager Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, and since then the popularity of Nice among Russian tourists has not decreased.
3. Roussillon
Roussillon is a pretty pretty village, included in the list of the most beautiful villages in France. But the main local attraction is the Ochre Trail — an amazing, absolutely incredible place where you seem to find yourself on Mars! The red earth contrasts with the greenery of the forest and the bright blue Provencal sky.
4. Valensol Plateau
The Valensol plateau can be called a symbol of Provence, because it is here that numerous lavender fields are spread out, among which there are stunningly beautiful Provencal villages: Sisteron, Manosque, rocky Castellane and the incredibly beautiful village of Moustier-Saint-Marie. You can admire lavender from the end of June to the end of July. By the beginning of August, lavender is all fading, except for some high areas.
5. Les Baux-de-Provence
This “dead city” is the majestic ruins of a huge castle, part of the premises of which, as well as the residential areas around, were simply hollowed out in the rock. One of the most visited castles in France and one of the most picturesque places in the country! It is complemented by the stunning Carrieres de Lumieres exhibition hall — a huge space carved into the rock, with visual installations. Le Beau is part of the association of the most beautiful villages in France — Plus Beaux Villages de France.
6. Gordes
This small village is located on one of the most picturesque slopes in the Vaucluse department. It was Gorda’s photographs that became one of the most popular “postcard” views of Provence. Gord is a member of the association Plus Beaux Villages de France. The most famous lavender field of Provence is located next to the Pride, and even the only one is near the Abbey of Senanc.
7. Lacoste
This is one of the steepest villages, located on the slope of a mountain, the top of which is crowned by the ruins of a castle, where the infamous Marquis de Sade once languished in prison for many years. By contrast, the rest of the village is the quintessence of an idyllic Provencal village, with old stone streets, drowning in flowers, with fluttering butterflies, singing birds and stunning panoramas of the surrounding valley.
8. Gorges du Verdon
The Verdon Gorge is one of the most stunning places in Provence, with dramatic landscapes and incredible views. It is rightfully considered the most beautiful gorge in France and has been awarded the les plus belles gorges de France badge.
9. Marseille, kalanki
Marseille is the largest port of Provence, with all the accompanying pros and cons. International atmosphere and the best bouillabaisse fish soup in France. If you don’t like the stuffy city, it’s worth seeing the magnificent landscapes of the coast around Marseille — Calanques (Massif de Calanques). These picturesque rocks combined with the azure sea are one of the most beautiful and romantic places in Provence.
10. Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence is a popular picturesque town with a traditional Provencal atmosphere. It is here that one of the best markets in Provence is held. The favorite city of the famous impressionist Paul Cezanne.