Top 5 Charming Holiday Destinations in Provence

The region of Provence located in the south east corner of France has often been described as ‘Heaven on Earth’. Provence is renowned for its breathtaking landscape which is characterized by the gorgeous Mediterranean coastline, lush olive tree groves, fragrant lavender fields, verdant vineyards, quaint medieval villages and craggy mountains. The exquisite beauty of Provence has inspired scores of writers and artists, including Cézanne, Van Gogh, Picasso, Zola and of course the British Author Peter Mayle, whose three books on the region have helped spread the news of its beauty far and wide.

Several cities and resorts in Provence, like Monaco, Cap Ferrat and St Tropez are choice destinations of the international jet set and are often written up in the tabloids and travel magazines but there are many other cities of Provence which have successfully retained their quaint old world charm that should be explored on any visit to the region.

1. Aix-en-Provence

Aix en Provence was the capital of Provence in the 15th century. The Romans founded Aix in 123BC and fashioned it after the city of Florence. Aix is an important center for art and culture and the city has hosted several creative souls like Guigou, Stendhal, Mistral, Zola, and Cézanne through the ages. Aix is known for its old ornate mansions, flower filled squares and flamboyant fountains all of which have been preserved and restored carefully. Every summer, the International Festival of Lyric Art fills Aix’s narrow shaded streets with the wondrous sounds.

2. Avignon

The fortified city of Avignon with its famed bridge which has been immortalized forever in the song ‘Sur le pont d’Avignon’ was once the favorite stomping ground of the Popes. The city even has a magnificent palace called the Palace of the Popes which overlooks its lively main square. Avignon today is well known for its Theater Festival that is held here during the month of July.

3. Arles

The city of Arles is located on the banks of the River Rhône and is a UNESCO designated World Heritage site that dates back to the 7th Century BC when it was a prominent Gallo-Roman town. In fact various Roman ruins like the Arena, the amphitheater, the Roman baths of Constantin and the Alyscamps burial grounds are scattered all over the city. The Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh spent nearly a year in Arles in the company of his fellow artist and friend Paul Gaugain in 1888. His stay in Arles was most productive as he was greatly inspired by the immense beauty of this medieval city to create nearly two hundred works.

4. Saint-Rémy de Provence

This beautiful Gallo-Roman village is located in heart of the Alpilles and is encircled by a 14th century protective wall. Saint Rémy is built on one of the oldest archeological sites in Europe and should be considered a ‘must-visit’ on any Provence itinerary. Vincent Van Gogh, spent time in a sanitarium located here in 1889. He was so inspired by the village’s scenic beauty that he produced one of his most famous works called the ‘Starry Night’ during his confinement. Apart from its historical significance, Saint Rémy is also well known for its many charming restaurants and shops and it is also the home of world-famous artisan chocolatier, Joel Durand who uses several native ingredients like lavender, Provence almonds and olives to create his mouth-watering treats.

5. Menton

The port city of Menton is located on the southern eastern tip of France. Its location on the Mediterranean has blessed Menton with a year round agreeable climate which is conducive to growing flowers and citrus fruits. Orange trees, lemon trees, palm trees and mimosa are found in abundance in Menton which is known for its luxuriant gardens. Menton pays homage to its delicious citrus fruits with its colorful, parade-filled Lemon Festival which is held all over the city for three weeks every February.

Photo of fountain in Aix-en-Provence, France by mac ki

Topic:  Top five Monday | 2 Comments
Tags:  Art, chocolate, festivals, Provence

About the author

Anjeeta Nayar is a professional freelance writer and blogger based in New York City. She relocated to the Big Apple from Mumbai two years ago. She loves New York City for its incredible buzz and energy. It really is the city that never sleeps and there is always something to do and see here. In addition to being a writer and blogger, she is also an avid traveler with London and cities in S.E.Asia being the places she enjoys visiting the most!