The fragrant countryside of Provence redolent with wild herbs is scattered with historic fortified medieval towns.

Provence travel has stirred the imagination and stimulated the senses more strongly than any other region of France. The soft light and its vivid landscape of pastel colours have inspired writers and artists from F. Scott Fitzgerald and Pagnol to Van Gogh, Monet and Picasso to travel to Provence. The fragrant countryside of Provence redolent with wild herbs is scattered with historic fortified medieval towns such as Avignon and Aix-en-Provence and the ancient Roman towns like Orange and Arles with their great monuments, arches and coliseums. On the coast is the great port of Marseille, a melting pot of cultures so in contrast to the traditional social landscape of most French provincial towns.

As a destination, elegant Aix-en-Provence has museums, fountains, and the gracious Cours Mirabeau Boulevard. Charming and laid-back Arles and crowded Avignon have bewitched Roman legionnaires, popes, and Vincent van Gogh. But Provence travel works its charms most potently in rural places, aided in no small part by cypress trees, vineyards, and a cooling glass of pastis.

When to travel to Provence

May and June are the best times for Provence travel, followed by September and October. Lavender fields blaze purple for two or three weeks any time between late June and mid-July. In September vines sag with plump red grapes. The Provence vendange (grape harvest) starts around 15 September, followed by the cueillette des olives (olive harvest) from 15 November through to early January. If you ski, late December to March is for you.