Discover the 10 most beautiful sites in Provence
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Besides lazing by the pool during your stay, there is a great deal to see in Provence. There is so much on offer that Provence is one of those regions where every holiday brings new things to see and discover.
The Provençal landscape is extremely varied: from mountain ranges with their rugged gorges to lavender fields, olive groves and vineyards, all the way to the beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean.
Along the way you will come across plenty of picturesque villages and historic monuments, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
In this blog we show you the 10 most beautiful sights in the Vaucluse, one of the départements of Provence.
- Mont Ventoux
At 1,910 m, this giant of Provence is probably one of the best-known mountains in France. Its pull is enormous, and every year it is on the list of many keen cyclists. Whether you climb this giant on foot, by bike, by motorbike or by car, you are always rewarded with a phenomenal view.
Mont Ventoux (1910m)
Mont Ventoux (1,910 m)
- Gordes
This famous and charming village lies in the heart of the Luberon Regional Nature Park. You can see it from far away, as it was built on a steep rock face. Wandering through the maze of cobbled streets, you will come across many little shops where artists sell their work. Gordes is home to many artists.
In the village stands the imposing castle. It is mentioned as early as 1031 and was remodelled in Renaissance style in the 16th century. Today it hosts exhibitions and is certainly worth a visit.
Another tip: 2 km from Gordes lies the Village des Bories (be sure to include it in your visit). This hamlet of dry-stone huts (bories) dates mainly from the 18th and 19th centuries. Farmers used the huts mainly for work in the fields and during the season. Today it is a small open-air heritage site where you can learn about the history of the region.
In the summer months the centre gets very busy. During these months it is best to park your car below the village.
- Avignon
Many people know the name Avignon from the children's song "Sur le pont d'Avignon", which is actually about the Pont Saint-Bénézet, the remains of the bridge that still partly spans the Rhône. The bridge was originally about 900 m long with 22 arches. After repeated floods of the Rhône, it was abandoned in the 17th century. Today 4 arches remain.
Avignon's historic centre is surrounded by a city wall more than 4 km long, with dozens of towers and originally 7 main gates. At 15,000 m², the Palais des Papes is one of the largest Gothic palaces in the world. It stands in the middle of the historic centre. Today the city is also known for its theatre festival, held in July.
Pont d'Avignon
Pont d'Avignon
- The ochres of Rustrel and Roussillon
The ochres form a 20 km fan of ochre-coloured landscapes. The ochre quarries are the result of sand deposited as the sea retreated. The ochres of Rustrel are known as the Provençal Colorado and are the largest site in the Luberon ochre massif. The ochre site in Rustrel is also quieter in summer. Admission is charged, but parking is included in the price.
The ochre trail in Roussillon starts in the colourful village itself, is easy to walk and has 2 routes. After a walk through the ochre quarry, you can relax on a terrace and admire the ochre-coloured houses.
- Sénanque Abbey
Near Gordes lies Sénanque Abbey, built in 1148. It is a Cistercian abbey surrounded by lavender fields. The monks who still live there today grow lavender and keep bees for honey. You can buy their products in the abbey shop. You can also visit the abbey, including the church, the inner garden, the cloisters and some of the old halls. You can visit the abbey with a guide or on your own with a HistoPad (a tablet that guides you round). It is best to buy tickets online in advance.
Abdij van Sénanque
Sénanque Abbey
- The Luberon
The Luberon range is a foothill of the Alps. It is known for its beautiful hilltop villages such as Bonnieux, Lacoste, Gordes and Cucuron. Walkers and cyclists will be in their element here. The Luberon is also recognised by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve. The Luberon landscape is very varied, with tourist attractions, several of which feature in this blog.
- Gorges de la Nesque
The Gorges de la Nesque is a gorge more than 400 m deep in places, east of Carpentras, on the southern side of Mont Ventoux. The Nesque, which runs dry in summer, winds for 17 km from Monieux to Villes-sur-Auzon. The view invites you to step out of the car and take it all in. Want to see everything? There are many walking and cycling routes that take you to the finest and most striking viewpoints.
Gorges de la Nesque - uitzicht op Mont Ventoux
Gorges de la Nesque, view of Mont Ventoux
- Orange
The Roman theatre of Orange is probably the town's finest sight. It dates from the 1st century AD and is one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world. Its huge stage wall, 103 m wide and 37 m high, is unique. Orange also has an impressive triumphal arch. Both monuments are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Want to learn more about the different eras that shaped the town? Then be sure to visit the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire, directly opposite the Roman theatre.
- Vaison-la-Romaine
On the northern side of Mont Ventoux, about 11 km from Malaucène, we arrive in Vaison-la-Romaine. Crossing the Roman bridge that links the medieval town, built on a rock, with the modern town centre, you are immersed in a wealth of Roman remains. Le Vieux Vaison, as it is popularly known, includes the ruins of an imposing 12th-century castle.
After a stiff climb, a beautiful panoramic view awaits you at the top. Strolling through the narrow, winding streets, you can admire the belfry, the cathedral, pretty little squares with their fountains and the houses built on the cliff. On the other side of the river Ouvèze lies the modern town centre. In the heart of town, on Place Montfort, you will be drawn in by cosy terraces and lively shopping streets. And among all the spots in Vaison-la-Romaine, don't forget the ancient Puymin district.
Brug over de Ouvèze in Vaison-la-Romaine
Bridge over the Ouvèze in Vaison-la-Romaine
- Gorges du Toulourenc
Toulourenc comes from Provençal and means "all or nothing", probably because the river can turn into a raging torrent when the weather changes. At the foot of Mont Ventoux, north of Malaucène, the Toulourenc flows for 30 km before joining the Ouvèze. If you are looking for a refreshing walk through the river in summer, this is the place to go. With your feet (in water shoes) in the cool water, in the shade of the gorge, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery. A 9 km walk lets you explore the whole gorge.
Important: please respect this fragile natural treasure and follow the local rules.
Gorges du Toulourenc
Gorges du Toulourenc
Do you know any other beautiful places in Provence worth a visit? Do let us know, because who knows, there may be a top 20. 😃