Your Dream Trip to Provence: 10 Days in the Heart of the Provençal Countryside

• Arrival: 2:30 pm (Arrival is presumably midday if you’re connecting in Paris.): Have a quick snack / nap / freshen up. Stay active and mildly tire yourself with low-key activities so that you can beat your jet lag and sleep when evening arrives.

• 3:30 pm, Cours Mirabeau: Stroll down le Cours Mirabeau (main pedestrian street) for people-watching/shopping. Be sure to make your way to the Fountaine de La Rotonde. It’s perfect for selfies and a quick rest.

• 5–6:30 pm, Pétanque: Consider joining a Pétanque game as a fun activity you can join and use body language instead of trying out your French!

• 7:15 pm, Dinner at Grenache.

Paul Cezanne may have spent time in Paris with other artists and writers, such as Camille Pissarro and Claude Monet and Émile Zola, but his heart was always in Provence. Specifically his hometown of Aix-en-Provence.

Provence is a dream — and once you visit, your heart will be just like that of Cezanne’s — forever tied to it.

Visit the artist’s home of 40 years, Bastide du Jas de Bouffan, where he perfected techniques in his first studio. Visit Les Lauves — Cezanne’s last studio. Tour the ancient Roman quarry, Carrières de Bibémus and see Mont Saint-Victoire from where the artist himself stood. Now that you’ve journeyed through Cezanne’s inspirations, his home and homeland, see how he interpreted these places in his art, with the Cezanne au Jas de Bouffan retrospective exhibit at the Musée Granet.

There will be artistic and cultural events throughout 2025 (and even early 2026). Be sure to check the schedule so you can join in the fun!

• 9/10am, Carrières de Bibémus: One of Cezanne’s famed outdoor studios, the ochre stone Bibémus quarries, and walk in the places that inspired Cezanne’s artistry and personal life. These quarries date back to Roman times, and you can see the actual “red rock” that inspired his famous “Le rocher rouge” painting.

• 12–1:30 pm, Lunch at Le Poivre d' Ane.

• 2–4 pm, L'atelier des Lauves: Visit Cezanne’s final studio, one he designed to surround himself with natural beauty and light. If you’ve been to the studio before, the recent renovation has opened the entire building. It now includes the previously-closed ground floor rooms, the kitchen, dining room and lounge, as well as newly unveiled belongings of the artist himself.
  
  When you’ve completed your visit to the studio, experience a moment of reflection in the garden. It remains as it was when the artist walked among its olive groves.

• 3–5 pm, Cezanne au Jas de Bouffan exhibition: Musée Granet, 28 June – 13 October 2025. This major exhibition will showcase upwards of 100 pieces and provides fresh insight into Cezanne’s work, celebrating the unbreakable bond between the artist and his homeland.
  
  The retrospective will showcase paintings, drawings and watercolors that take visitors on a journey of understanding how the artist found inspiration and connection to his home and Provençal homeland.

• 5–6:45 pm: Return to the hotel to freshen up and drop off your museum shop goodies.

• 7 pm: Dinner at Licandro, Le bistro.

Lavender typically blooms in the Valensole (the “valley of the sun”) during July, but it can be unpredictable. I’ve been in early July, and they weren’t in bloom, and I’ve come in mid-July when most of it was harvested. They do tend to harvest fields at different times. You just can’t time mother-nature…but I’ll talk to her and see if she’ll cooperate!

Self-guided Provençal lavender drive: Add the coordinates I’ve included below in the itinerary for the Route de Manosque and you can discover lavender fields, sunflower fields, pink fields of sage flowering.

Insider tip: Go early. Sunrise is amazing. After about 11 am, the fields are swarmed with people taking selfies. Also, if you have a bee allergy, beware. These are flower fields and there will be an abundance of bees.

Guided tours: Ask me to arrange a private lavender field tour if you’d like to leave the driving to someone else. You can focus on selfie-taking and impromptu photoshoots.

• 6/9 am–11 am, Visit lavender fields. Route de Manosque, Valensole: Drive around and get a little lost. This area is filled with gorgeous fields of lavender (when blooming) as well as sunflower fields, and sage fields — which become a blanket of pink when blooming. If your trip is timed before bloom or after harvest, you can still drive the gorgeous countryside and stop at lavender stores, boutiques and roadside stops. You can find everything from fresh or dried lavender to oils and other Provençal products. GPS coordinates: 43.82747° N, 5.94208° E.

• 11 am, Drive to the village of Moustiers-Sainte Marie: The village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie has the distinction of being awarded as one of the “Plus Beaux Villages de France” (Most beautiful villages of France). This gorgeous hilltop village sits at the entrance of the Gorges du Verdon.

• 12 - 1:30 pm, Lunch: Take your pick of the cafés in the village squares and enjoy lunch in the shade while people-watching.

• 1:30 - 3:30 pm: If you’re looking for beautiful Provençal items to take home with you, be sure to visit Bondil à Moustiers. This storied ceramic shop was once the artisan of choice for French royalty. For a glance at ceramics through the ages, visit the Ceramics Museum and set your eyes on pieces that go back to King Louis XIV’s reign. I may have bought two amazing serving plates from there on different visits!
  
  There are plenty of lovely, quality shops to peruse. I found a fabulous poster with a silhouette of the village on my last visit. Don’t be afraid to buy items that bring you joy …a little creative packing will allow you to bring a little of Provence home with you.

• 3:30 pm–6 pm: Head to Étang de la Bonde (1hr+ drive) for some lake time. This gorgeous lake in Vaucluse will be wonderfully relaxing. Stop at one of the boulangeries in Aix before you head out for the day. While you’re in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, grab a jambon beurre sandwich, so you’ll have the makings for a nice little lakeside picnic. There’s also a small snack counter, complete with ice cream, just in case! Bring towels to rest on, and when you feel like some action, rent the battery-powered boats. It’s fun and a lovely way to unwind. 43°45'41.1"N 5°30'29.5"E, Pied Bernard
  
  Head back to Aix-en-Provence (35 min drive).

• 8 pm: Dinner at Vintrepide.

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Les Baux-de-Provence & Saint Paul de Mausole

• 8 or 9 am: Leave for Saint Rémy-de-Provence, also called Saint Rémy (1 hr drive).

• 9/10 am–1 pm: Antique shop, snack and stroll. If it’s a Wednesday, it’s market day! Unwind from your drive by visiting Place Favier for clothes, bags, lavender and food product shopping.
  
  On Place Jules Pellissier you’ll find the fruit and veg market, and on Tues in the summer you’ll as well as handmade crafts and jewelry.
  
  After your shopping, head back to (or stay in) Place Favier for light lunch, people watching at any of the cafés in the square. Try a refreshing menthe (a very green, sort of peppermint sparkling water) or if you’re not the designated driver, have a pale rosé.
  
  Saint Rémy is also famous for being the site of Saint Paul de Mausole, the psychiatric hospital to which Vincent van Gogh admitted himself in May 1889. He then voluntarily stayed for a year, following the mental health incident, which resulted in him cutting his ear lobe off.

• 1–2:30 pm: Visit Saint Paul de Mausole and relax in the monastery’s peaceful walkways and gardens and where Van Gogh was prolific — painting 143 oil paintings and sketching more than 100 drawings.

• 2:30 pm–3 pm: Head to Les Baux de Provence. The village is a French heritage site that has also been designated as “Plus Beaux Villages de France” (Most Beautiful Villages in France). You will see that many Provençal towns have this as well. It was built, incredibly on a plateau, boasting an exceptional Medieval 13th century fortress.

• 3:15-5pm: Carrières de Lumières in Les Baux de Provence, then visit the Chateau des Baux.

• 5:15-7:15 pm, Dinner at Le Mas D'Aigret: Save this for a lovely night out. This is a gorgeous restaurant in a four-star hotel. The terrace has a panoramic view of the Alpilles, the valley below, and the Château des Baux.

• Drive back to Aix-en-Provence (1 hr+).

Gordes, Roussillon, Lavender Museum & L’Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque

• 9 am: Sightsee and shopping in Gordes. Stop in the Village des Bories. A borie or bori is the Provençal word for hut. These “huts” were built by farmers and shepherds using the stones in the area, without any cement or binding materials. This fascinating village is the largest in the region. It illustrates that this was a sophisticated community, including buildings for housing, as well as stables, factories, bakehouses and more.
  
  Visit the Château de Gordes. Classified as a Historical Monument in 1902, this 1,000+ year old citadel is a Gordes site to be seen.
  
  Fancy a little regional wine tasting? Reserve spots in the Luberon Wine Gourmet Wine Tasting Workshop at the Les Caves du Palais Saint Firmin. Be sure to book in advance!
  
  Take a walk on the Calades. Calade is a French word for a decorative and functional cobblestone street. The ones in Gordes were built to be easily traversed by the donkeys and mules that carried heavy supplies up the steep roads of the village.
  
  Drive past and/or visit L’Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque. You’ll recognize this iconic abbey as it’s gorgeously surrounded by a lush lavender field. It’s an active abbey, so there are visiting hours when you can shop in their charming boutique.

• 12–1:30 pm: Lunch at l'Estellan.

• 2-3:30 pm: La Musée de la Lavande (Lavender Museum). No visit to Provence is complete without lavender. Even if you are not able to catch the fields in bloom, you won’t regret heading over to the museum to learn more about how this local product helps the whole world relax with its beautiful fragrance. Check out their website in advance to see what workshops are available during your visit and of course, save time at the end of your visit to shop the boutique.

• 4–6 pm: Shop the markets and walk in and around Roussillon. Choose to walk a 35- or 50-minute Ochre Trail (Sentier des Ocres) through the village and surrounding landscape.
  
  Climb to the top of the village to Le Castrum — this 60-meter peak has a dramatic story attached to it! Read up about the dramatic Légende de Dame Sermonde before your trip. Plus, the 12th century Èglise Saint Michel church has an amazing view of Mont Ventoux and the Vaucluse mountains.
  
  On your way back down, be sure to stop and see the 18th-century fountain/washhouse of the Fontaine des Naïades at the base of the village.
  
  Tip: If there’s a painter or artist in your life, be sure to pick up some of the paints made from the ocher soil and natural surroundings of Roussillon.

• 7 pm: Option for dinner in Roussillon or to head back Aix. Also, don’t be afraid to stop somewhere in between!

Lourmarin & Bonnieux

Today is another beautiful village day! Both Lourmarin and Bonnieux are considered “Les Beaux Village des France.” Gorgeous villages, wonderful shops, charming winding streets, ancient churches.

• 9/10 am: Lourmarin is a 37 min drive from Aix-en-Provence. There you’ll want to slowly wind through the center of town with its lovely cafés and brasseries. Be sure to head to the Chateau de Lourmarin and/or the 19th century Protestant Temple of Lourmarin, the 11th century church, l’Eglise Saint André et Saint-Trophime.

• 12-2 pm: Lunch at Bacheto.

• 2-2:30 pm: Drive to Bonnieux (20–25 mins drive from Lourmarin).

• 2-5 pm: Park and then leisurely stroll through the famously charming, very vertical and twisty roads of Bonnieux. Be prepared for a vertical climb once you’re on foot, but it’s worth it. At the top, you’ll see the gorgeous Vieille Eglise. Each time I’ve been there have been bunches of freshly picked lavender at the head of each row, and it is absolutely lovely inside. The view isn’t bad … read “isn’t bad,” as “spectacular” and not to be missed. Even if you’re not an ancient church enthusiast, you’ll still want to make this climb for the absolutely breathtaking view of the Luberon. Wind your way down to the L’Eglise Louise Bourgeois and then Le Jardin de la Louvre.
  
  Before heading out, stop at Restaurant Le César. I’ve never sat inside because it’s more fun to people-watch on the patio, but the restaurant boasts a magnificent view of the countryside. Grab an apérò or a glace and enjoy whichever view you choose.

Cassis, Calanques & Marseilles

• 9/10 am: Drive to Cassis (47 min drive) Arrive by 10 am to buy tickets for boat tours at the kiosk by the dock.

• 10:30-12 pm: Calanques boat tour. Very fun and relaxing to see the beautiful Provençal coastline. Do at least the five Calanques tour, any fewer than that and you’re missing out on the relaxation that comes with the tour.

• 12:30-2 pm: Lunch at La Brasserie du Corton or one of the three restaurants at Les Roches Blanches. All will have amazing views and spectacular lunch options.

• 2 pm: Head to Marseilles (36 min drive).

• 3-6 pm: Shop/sightseeing in Marseilles (the oldest city in France). Head into Marseilles and start your sightseeing at and around the Old Port (Vieux Port). The exterior and gardens of Fort Saint-Jean are open and free during museum hours. The grounds include a historical trail, a botanical experience and the Jardin des Migrations.
  
  Visit the Art deco Opéra de Marseille (Opéra Municipal), the Église Saint-Laurent church. Save the most time for your visit to the Palais Longchamp and its spectacular gardens. Lastly, there’s the mall. If you’re missing some items in your Provençal vacay wardrobe, pop into Les Terrasses du Port Marseille.

• 7-9pm: Dinner at Le Bouchon Provençal. 45 minute drive back to Aix.

Arles is also known as the "the little Rome of the Gauls" for its abundance of Roman monuments, many of which are still in use. Arles has eight Roman monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

• 9-10 am: Start your day in the center of ancient Rome, in Arles, the Place du Forum. Built under Emperor Augustus in 1 BCE, Place du Forum was the center of the Roman city. It was made famous much later as the subject of Vincent Van Gogh’s famous painting, "Café Terrace at Night" (Terrasse de café le soir).
  
  Be sure to visit the place beneath the place. The Cryptoporticus of the Forum is the underground foundation of the forum and built as structural support for the Forum, above, it’s amazing!

• 11 am–12:30 pm, Musée Réattu: Van Gogh stayed in Arles from 1888–1889 and was interned in the hospital, then named, Hótel Dieu. He produced over 200 works during that year. The only remaining artifact of that time in Arles is a letter he wrote to Paul Gaugin, which is on display at the Musée Réattu. Also exhibited are 57 drawings by Pablo Picasso donated to the museum.
  
  If reopened, visit the famous Nord Pinus Hotel for a coffee before heading to the Place de la République. There you can visit the Basilica and the cloister of Saint Trophime.
  
  The obelisk in the center of the Place de la République is an ancient Roman granite obelisk that was re-erected in the 17th century in the center of the square and stands as an iconic landmark of the city.

• 12:30 pm: Lunch Le Galoubet.

• 2 pm, Arenes d’Arles (Arles Arena): This Roman amphitheater built in the 1st century AD. Traditional French bullfights are still held in the arena, as well as re-enactments of Roman gladiator battles.

• 3 pm, Le Théâtre Antique d’Arles (Ancient Theater): One of the earliest examples of Roman architecture in Arles. Currently, the Le Théâtre Antique is used for music festivals and theatrical performances at the time of its build.

• 4 pm, Thermes de Constantin (Baths of Constantine): Take a stroll through the Roman baths and bathing complex built in the 4th century.

• 5 pm, l'Abbaye de Montmajour (Abbey of Montmajour): This 10th century Benedictine abbey is close to Arles. It boasts a beautiful cloister and is designated as a “Monuments Nationaux de France. Guided tours are available in French, and you can take self-guided tours as well.

• 6 pm, La Nécropole des Alyscamps (Necropolis of the Alyscamps): This famous Roman necropolis lies outside of Arles. It was the most famous necropolis in ancient and Medieval times — particularly famous due to its inclusion in Dante, “The Inferno”.

• 7:30 pm: Dinner at La Petite Ferme in Aix or Páou if you’d rather stay in/around Arles for dinner.

Avignon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape & Wine Tastings

• 9/10 am: Head to Avignon (1 hr+ drive from Aix).

• 10-11:30 am: Visit and tour the Palais des Papes, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  
  Discover the Palais des Papes, former summer residence of the popes. Take a walk back in time to the 14th century with an audio tour. Be sure to choose a ticket that includes a visit to the garden — it’s a nice, quiet respite from the main palace, even in the high season.
  
  Then take a 6-min walk to Pont Saint Bénezet. This 12th century bridge is famous for being a UNESCO World Heritage site. Legend has it that the bridge was built by a young shepherd named Bénézet, whom the angels had instructed to build it.
  
  Time for lunch, so take a 17 min drive to Sorgues.

• Lunch 12-2 pm: Enjoy a sumptuous lunch at La Table de Sorgues.
  
  Drive 11 mins from Sorgues to Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

• 2:15-4:15 pm: Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a charming wine village, so wander around, enjoy some impromptu wine tastings as you stroll through and maybe find some gems you want to send back home. If you already know and love Chateauneuf du Pape, consider making an appointment for a tasting at your favorite winery. My recommendation for lovers of this region’s namesake wine is to schedule a tasting at Chateauneuf du Pape at Les Caves St-Charles.

• 4:15-4:45 pm, Château des Papes: Stop by the ruins of Château des Papes (Castle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape).
  
  It’s just off the road, follow the signs or GPS and simply pull up and walk around these gorgeous ruins just above the town.

• 4:45-5:45 pm, Drive back to Aix: If you’re not too tired from your day, drive 35 mins to visit the Pont du Gard, the highest Roman aqueduct bridge in the world. Take a guided, hour-long tour or opt to take the climb on your own. While you’re there, take the opportunity to visit one of France’s first major prehistoric sites, four caves in total.
  
  1hr 25 min drive back to Aix-en-Provence from Pont du Garde.

• 8:30 pm: Dinner at L'incontournable.

Le Fin — Aix-en-Provence

• 8/9am, Café crème and croissant at Brasserie de l'Archevêché: Enjoy a leisurely start to your day at Brasserie de l'Archevêché in the small square outside of your first stop of the day, the Musée des Tapisseries.

• 10-12pm, Musée des Tapisseries: Palais de l’Archevêché (Museum of Tapestries, Archbishop's Palace).

• 12–1 pm, Lunch: Head over to the café of your choice on the Cours Mirabeau for lunch. Nicknamed the Champs-Elysée” of Aix-En-Provence, the Cours Mirabeau was designed in the mid 17th century. It is lined with bourgeois mansions on the one side (the beginning of the Mazarin district) and perfect cafés for people-watching on the other. Not to mention the market. Stop for lunch, then keep on shopping and strolling.

• 1–4 pm, Market/ Lunch / Shopping: Markets can be found every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday between 8.30 am and 1 pm.
  
  Stroll, museum, shop and selfie at a slow pace for your final day in Aix. Check out the shops and museums list for ideas and options for a final day in Provence. This is a leisurely day, so take in your final sights. Be sure to catch one last sunset.

• 4-6 pm: Apèró at one of the lovely places you walked by and wished you’d stopped at for a drink!

• 7 pm, Dinner: Pick a good one from the recs below. It’s your last night! Remember to take in that late summer sunset. They’re what Provence is all about, gorgeous waning light reflecting off of those pale yellow/gold Provençal buildings. Say à bientôt, Provence!