12 Completely Romantic Issues to Do in Provence

This publish might include affiliate hyperlinks. Learn our disclosure web page for full particulars.

An artists’ sanctuary, Provence lures in guests with its sun-kissed landscapes and enviable local weather. The final word romantic vacation spot, it’s the right place to get misplaced in nature, in a slower tempo of life, and expertise the joie de vivre the South of France is famend for. 

Learn on to search out probably the most romantic issues to do in Provence, in your subsequent fling in France!

Go to the Calanques Nationwide Park

The Calanques Nationwide Park close to Marseille is an space of immense pure magnificence. Spanning the coast between Les Goudes (in any other case often known as the top of the world) and Cassis, the park is the primary in Europe to envelop land, sea, and concrete areas. Inside the park, you’ll discover unimaginable hikes, beautiful seashores, aromatic pure flora, and underwater treasures too.

Set out for the day, pack your mountaineering sneakers and a picnic, and begin your trek from both Port Miou (on the jap finish), Calanque de Callelongue (on the western finish), or the Luminy College (center). These three trails will take you thru among the most breathtaking surroundings in France.

Stroll among the many aromatic lavender fields

Definitely, the lavender fields of Provence are among the many most lovely points of interest within the space, and can’t be missed for those who’re visiting in summer time. From late June the panorama is laced with purple rows of those fantastic flowers, and their unmistakable aroma fills the air.

The Valensole plateau is the place you’ll discover probably the most concentrated variety of lavender fields, interspersed by sunflowers and sage. However you’ll additionally discover pretty fields within the Luberon, and the Sault plateau is the place to go in August, because the lavender blooms later within the larger altitude. In fact, the lavender fields additionally make the best backdrop for a romantic picnic for 2, or for a souvenir portrait session.

PS: Take a look at this overview on Provence from Discover the Riviera.

Stroll by means of the markets of Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is named market metropolis, and when you go to, you’ll know why it earned this repute. Within the hotter months, market stalls unfold up Cours Mirabeau and fan out into town, every single day of the week.

Every space has its personal distinctive theme, beginning with antiques round La Rotonde, easing into trend and crafts as you stroll down the tree-lined boulevard, and spreading into recent meals as you proceed alongside to Place des Prêcheurs. You’ll additionally discover a flower market in entrance of the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville and a each day meals market at Place Richelme – good for grabbing goodies for a picnic to get pleasure from in one among Aix-en-Provence’s leafy parks.

Watch the sundown from a rooftop bar in Marseille

If you happen to’re searching for probably the most romantic issues to do in Marseille, head to the Vieux Port. It’s right here you’ll really feel a unique form of vibe than you’ll expertise within the extra refined cities of Aix-en-Provence or Avignon, however it’s one price exploring if you wish to expertise the energetic spirit of France’s second metropolis.

After spending the day discovering the neighborhoods, museums, and markets that encompass the internal metropolis, head to a rooftop terrace to look at the solar sink over the Mediterranean. The Rowing Membership is positioned on the finish of the outdated harbour, reverse the MuCEM and presents an informal setting, usually with dwell music and tapas to accompany your apéro.

Rent a ship and cruise up the Verdon Gorge

The Verdon Gorge is without doubt one of the most spectacular pure points of interest in Provence. The 50km lengthy canyon may be explored from above – by automobile, bike or foot – or beneath, by boat. Take the latter choice for those who’re searching for probably the most relaxed journey. You’ll be able to rent kayaks, pedal boats, or motorized boats from the jetty on the northern tip of the Lac de Sainte-Croix. Take one out for the afternoon, cruise up the canal, then come again to the lake and discover a quiet nook to ‘drop anchor’ and go for a dip. 

Swim & sunbathe on a hidden seaside

Provence is house to an unimaginable shoreline, with a few of France’s most interesting seashores. And regardless of its reputation, it’s nonetheless doable to search out romantic coves and secluded spots to chill out and whereas away the hours swimming and sunbathing. A few of these hidden seashores may be discovered on the Cote Bleue – the Cote d’Azur’s lesser-known sibling. Hike alongside the coast, in both path, from Niolon to search out the seashores solely the locals frequent. Plage de la Pointe de Figuerolles is a favorite, as is the beautiful Calanque de l’Everine.

Drive by means of the villages of the Luberon

There are few extra iconic, and romantic, issues to do in Provence than driving by means of the hilltop villages of the Luberon. From the well-known cobbled alleyways of Gordes, to the sunshine hues of Roussillon, to the understated magnificence of Menerbes – all of them have their very own distinctive enchantment.

Allocate at the least a day, to permit your self time to indulge within the French artwork of flaneur, and get misplaced in these historical worlds which have been preserved and restored remarkably effectively. Pack a picnic to get pleasure from overlooking the valley, or pop into lunch at Bistrot le 5 (Menerbes), or L’Orangerie (at La Bastide in Gordes) to get pleasure from a romantic setting with unbeatable views. 

Sip fantastic wines at a French Chateau

Apart from meals, the South of France is known for its wine. And one wine specifically. Provence rose has a well-earned repute around the globe, and there are fewer higher locations to pattern it than straight from the producers. The countryside in Provence is peppered with chateaux, so that you received’t be hard-pressed to search out one to pop into. However if you wish to plan forward, purpose for Château La Coste north of Aix-en-Provence which delivers a whole artwork and wine expertise, or head alongside to Chateau Gassier close to Mont Sainte Victoire the place you should purchase a pre-made picnic and sip their signature rose among the many vines.

Store for antiques in L’isle-sur-la-Sorgue

The antiques capital of France, L’isle-sur-la-Sorgue is one of the best place to go to choose up a singular souvenir or memento to recollect your journey to the south of France. Browse the stalls for little treasures, earlier than continuing alongside the canals to the center of the outdated city. It’s right here you’ll discover loads extra methods to half along with your cash in boutiques promoting all the things from handmade ceramics to genuine Marseille soaps.

The principle market day (Sunday) transforms the city right into a hive of exercise, and after you’ve shopped up a storm, you’ll be able to dine waterside on one of many bistro terraces. If you happen to’re visiting in early August, don’t miss the annual floating market when locals gown up in conventional outfits and promote their wares instantly from their boats.

Get carried away by artwork at Carrières de Lumières

Located in an deserted stone quarry, the Carrières de Lumières at this time hosts probably the most outstanding immersive artwork experiences in Europe. Annually, a single theme is dropped at life by means of photographs and sound to create an encompassing expertise for the senses. Former exhibitions have included Picasso, Van Gogh, and Dali amongst others.

Situated within the medieval village of Les Baux de Provence, the expertise can go hand in hand with a stroll by means of one among France’s (official) most lovely villages. Don’t overlook to additionally go to the Chateau des Baux de Provence to immerse your self in one other facet of the area’s historical past.

Cycle across the island of Porquerolles

The island of Porquerolles is located simply off the coast of the coast of Provence, close to Hyeres. A doable day journey, however a extra satisfying brief break vacation spot, the car-free island is an unspoiled gem within the Mediterranean. Take your bike (or rent one there) and spend your days seaside hopping, visiting the island’s vineyards, or mountaineering by means of eucalyptus forests and olive groves. 

Pink lakes and pink birds within the Camargue

There’s no mistaking pink as a color of romance, so for those who’re trying to up the ante, why not plan a visit to the Camargue! Dwelling to pink lakes and hundreds of pink birds, it’s positive to depart an impression. Begin with a visit to the Salin d’Aigues-Mortes, the salt lakes that flip pink from the algae current within the water, Dunaliella Salina. Close by, swarms of larger flamingos collect on the marshlands of the Camargue. To see their pure magnificence up shut, head to Parc Ornithologique the place you’ll be able to stroll across the lakes on a wood pathway. The birds are wild, however you’ll discover a whole bunch of them grazing within the muddy marshes for those who go to within the hotter months.

Keep someplace pretty: Romantic Locations to Keep in Provence

The Luberon is one of the best place to remain for those who’re trying to expertise the romantic nature of Provence. And fortunately it’s brimming with decadent inns and B&B’s the place you’ll be able to indulge and chill out. 

La Bastide de Gordes is famously lavish, and presents guests the final word in luxurious. If that’s not fairly becoming your finances, Le Clos du Buis in Bonnieux presents a extra intimate keep in genuine environment. 

Alternatively, simply south of the Luberon, with quick access to Aix-en-Provence you’ll be able to dwell out your French fantasy by staying within the beautiful Chateau de Fonscolombe. With grand gardens, and its personal onsite winery, you’ll by no means wish to return to ‘actual life’

In regards to the writer: Nadine Maffre is the creator of Le Lengthy Weekend. A New Zealand-native, she now calls Provence house and she or he loves to assist others uncover one of the best of the area by means of her Provence journey guides, and her free Provence Journey Planning group.

Learn these subsequent: