Provence
Provence
Provence is like being in a fairytale. This southern region of France is known for its picturesque landscapes, as it is home to the towering Alps, fields of lavender, charming vineyards, and the Côte d’Azur (French Riviera). Add something here.
Day One:
Fly into Marseille Provence Airport. If coming from the US or outside Europe, you will likely connect. Marseille has a lot to offer if you have extra time, but we weren’t seeking an urban experience this trip.
Visit Camargue Regional Nature Park
Camargue is not typically in line with what most would consider the French experience, probably because it is so wild. Much of this park is marshland, which means little shade, so if you visit in the summer, be prepared for the heat. Camargue is known for its white horses and pink flamingos, the latter of which has been breeding in this region for centuries. To our surprise, the trip to Camargue involved a quick ferry trip across the Rhône.
Explore Arles
We only spent a few hours in Arles, but it is so charming that I wish we had more time there. If you have heard of Arles, it is likely because Vincent van Gogh not only lived there, but created significant works during that time, so much so that it is sometimes referred to as the Arles Period. These works include Starry Night Over the Rhone, Vase with Fifteen Sunflowers, and Café Terrace at Night (which you can actually visit). The city of Arles has even created a self-guided walking tour that guides you through his works as you explore the city (found here).
Arles was once a cultural center of the Roman Empire, so there are remnants of this era throughout the city, including the obelisk below in the Place de la République and the Arles Ampitheatre.
Before departing, we ate at the wonderful Café Factory République.
Place de la République/Obélisque d'Arles
Drive to Avignon
Avignon is ideal to make as your home base in Provence, and it’s a beautiful place to do it, as the historic city is known for its architectural features such as the Bridge of Avignon (Pont d’Avignon) and the Palais des Papes.
Dine at L'Epicerie
After spending the day exploring Arles, L'Epicerie was the perfect place to unwind over dinner. The restaurant feels like a secret, tucked away in a quiet square. The atmosphere is unbelievably charming and they even had a vegan dish on the menu for me, which can be harder to find in France.
L'Epicerie
Aix-en-Provence
