23 Stunning Photos of Provence

23 Stunning Photos of Provence

Provence casts its spell on you long before you even set foot on its soil. Whether you are drawn by the calm countryside, fields of purple lavender and golden sunflowers, ancient towns and perched villages, or the blue lakes and cool mountains, Provence can fill your heart and fuel many a dream. Our 23 stunning photos of Provence are definitely daydreamy!

The playground of tourists and locals alike and loved since Roman times, there is so much variety to Provence that it can take a lifetime to explore. Our 23 stunning photos of Provence highlight just a few amazing locations you might like to visit to soak up the history and culture. Now let's visit Provence together in this post.

Pont St Bénezét, Avignon

Pont St Bénezét in Avignon was built in the 12th century and is what many of us think of when we hear the word 'Avignon'. Only four of the original twenty-two arches remain today together with the small chapel on the second pier built in honour of St-Bénezét. According to legend, St-Bénezét, was a shepherd boy who was 'commanded by angels' to build a bridge and in a show of great strength he lifted a block of stone. This chapel also became the place of worship for Rhône boatmen. 

Famously also the subject of the song 'Sur le Pont d'Avignon', this bridge is well loved and known by many. In the above photo you can also see the Popes Palace in the background.

Avignon tourism website https://avignon-tourisme.com/decouvrir/voir-lessentiel/avignon-patrimoine-unesco/le-pont-saint-benezet/

Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, Saint Jean Cap Ferrat

One of the most visited places in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat is Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Located between Nice and Monaco and overlooking the Mediterranean, the Villa is a magnificent palace surrounded by nine themed gardens. Gardens include the French garden, Spanish garden, Florentine garden, stone garden, Japanese garden, exotic garden, Provençal garden and rose garden.

Built by Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild (1864-1934), the wife of the wealthy banker Maurice Ephrussi (1849-1916), the villa was inspired by the great Renaissance palaces of Venice and Florence.

Pink was the dominant chosen colour by Béatrice who also filled the palatial residence with monkeys, budgerigars, gazelles and flamingos. Open to the public you can wander the gardens, visit the palace and view the extensive art collection.

Official website for more info and ticket purchases https://www.villa-ephrussi.com/en/home

Crestet - Perched on a Crest

Crestet is perched on a crest at the north edge of the Dentelles de Montmirail, facing Mont Ventoux. Its charming narrow streets lead to a 12th century chateau which was the former residence of the bishops of Vaison la Romaine. 

As well as the ancient chateau, there is an 11th century church of St Sauveur. François Stahly lived in this isolated village and his former home is now the location of the Stahly Foundation.  

From this elevated village the breathtaking and panoramic views span across Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail.

Aurel - Situated on three borders

Found near the three borders of Vaucluse, Drôme and the Alpes de Haute Provence, is the beautiful village of Aurel. Its surrounded by wild, mountainous countryside and the village is at the base of Mont Ventoux.

The narrow streets and ancient stone houses of the village are clustered around the 12th century church of Ste Aurèle and while you cannot smell the lavender from the church, you are still strongly aware that the village is surrounded by lavender fields. 

Aurel is popular with painters because of the superb views of the surrounding lavender fields and the quality of light in this region.

Aix en Provence - A university city

Aix en Provence is a university city in the Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur region and is often referred to as 'The City of a Thousand Fountains'. It was the birthplace of Post-Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne. A walking trail links sites including his childhood home, Jas de Bouffan, and his former studio, Atelier Cézanne.

The white limestone mountain Sainte Victoire overlooking the city, as well as the surrounding countryside, were frequent subjects of his works.

Some key highlights to see when in Aix en Provence include the Hôtel de Ville's astronomic clocktower dating from 1661; the 18th century Halle aux Grains (corn exchange) and Cathédrale St Sauvenur. Adjoining the cathedral are the archbishop's palace and a Romanesque cloister.

Aix en Provence office website: https://www.aixenprovencetourism.com/en/

Arles - Famous for inspiring Van Gogh

Arles is a city situated on the Rhône River and famed for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh. Van Gogh's work was the influence behind the contemporary art displayed at the Fondation Vincent Van Gogh. Once a provincial capital of ancient Rome, Arles is also known for many remains from that era, including the Arles Amphitheatre (les Arènes d'Arles). The Arena now hosts plays, concerts and bullfights and seems to rise up out of nowhere amongst the surrounding buildings. 

Les Arènes d'Arles was capable of fitting 30,000 people and it was used as a fortification, containing houses and two chapels. It's one of the best preserved Roman arenas in France and it literally took my breath away when I first set eyes on it. Seemingly rising up out of nowhere it appears all at once as you round the corners of the surrounding narrow lanes and streets. 

Arenes d'Arles website: https://www.arenes-arles.com/

Rougon - An authentic Medieval eagle's nest village 

Built in the ninth century, Rougon is an authentic medieval village overlooking the famous Point Sublime. The village is in the heart of the Gorges du Verdon and is nestled under a huge rocky spur topped by the remains of a medieval castle.

The village seems to simply hang in fresh air and defy gravity. Its sloping streets, old houses and ruins, add to its charm. At the foot of the village the gorgeous Tusset Bridge crosses the river.

Cassis - A picturesque Mediterranean fishing port

The tiny ancient fishing port of Cassis has a very pretty harbour area and a few small beaches to either side of the port. The Mediterranean fishing port is overlooked by a centuries-old château, and is well known for the pebbly beaches either side of the port.

The harbour features pastel-coloured buildings, sidewalk cafés and restaurants and is the perfect spot to spend a lazy afternoon. Specialities of Cassis are its white wine and lavender flavoured ice-cream - both easy to find and super delicious. After trying lavender ice-cream for the first time in France, it instantly became my favourite flavour. Rarely ever available in Australia (see my story of living between Australia and France), I enjoy lavender ice-cream whenever I can when in France.

Grimaud - One of the richest towns in the Var

Grimaud, one of the richest towns in the Var region of Provence, is a legacy of the Grimaldi family from which the village is named. A stunning traffic free village and with ancient links to the clandestine military and religious order, The Templar Knights, Grimaud is the stuff fairytale villages are made of. The 11th century castle is a highlight of the town and its round corner towers and crenellated ramparts surrounding it stand high over the village (photo above). The castle still features underground passageways and the ramparts that remain are used as a backdrop for summer theatre shows.

The wealth of Grimaud is due to its production of wine, honey, flowers and chestnuts.

Villefranche sur Mer

Villefranche sur Mer has one of the deepest natural harbours in the Mediterranean sea and the hills surrounding the bay reach a height of 520 metres at Mont Leuze, all adding to the contrast of the landscape. 

The old town is built on a terrace overlooking the sea with a labyrinth of streets and laneways. Within the old town you'll find the walled Citadelle St Elme which rises up from sea level and extends up the hill. Not to be missed in Villefranche sur Mer is the 14th century Chapelle St Pierre and its stunning decoration by Jean Cocteau.

Arènes de Nîmes, Nîmes

Nîmes, a city in the Occitanie region of southern France, was an important outpost of the Roman Empire. It’s known for its well-preserved Roman monuments such as the Arena of Nîmes. The amphitheatre was built between AD 90 and 120 and later fortified by the Visigoths.  It was reconquered by the French kings in the early 18th century and the viscounts of Nimes constructed a fortified palace within its walls.

At the time 700 people lived within the arena and it even had two chapels. Now the double-tiered amphitheater is used for concerts and bullfights.

Arena of Nîmes website: https://www.arenes-nimes.com/

Château du Roi René, Tarascon

The fabulous fortress-like, white walled Château du Roi René was begun in 1400 by Louis II of Anjou and finished by his son 'Good King René' in 1449. René, the former King of Naples and Duke of Anjou, lavished the castle with fine items, installed spiral staircases, and had it adorned with painted ceilings and tapestries. The castle is protected on the banks of the River Rhône by a deep moat. 

The ancient fortified town of Tarascon is nestled around the castle and it has 15th century cloisters and a 12th century church, the Collegiale Ste Marthe.

Baux de Provence

The stoney town of Les Baux de Provence dominates the Alpilles, a craggy and barren mountainous rocky range that stretches from the River Rhône to the River Durance. A town with history that dates back to prior to the 10th century, its stoney buildings seem to meld into the mountainous rocky range it sits amongst. 

An important ancient structure to see when in Les Baux de Provence is its oldest monument, the Romanesque-style church of St Vincent. It has a 10th century nave in the oldest part of the church, a Gothic edifice and squat steeple.  

Shopping is a treat in Les Baux de Provence with charming boutiques filled with artisan homewares, and locally sourced products.

Martigues - 'The Venice of Provence'

Martigues is a town situated beside lake Ètang de Berre and connected to the Mediterranean Sea by the Caroute Channel and mostly known and recognised for its picturesque and colourful houses. These lovely houses have inspired many painters including Duffy and Ziem and are now also the subject of many Instagrammers and professional photographers. 

Martigues is named 'The Venice of Provence' because of its canals and it's easy to see why. The town is virtually split into three sections, L'isle where the canals split, Ferrières in the north and Jonquières to the south. 

Martigues Tourism Office: https://en.martigues-tourisme.com/

Menton - A sunny seaside town

Menton with its sunny seafront stretches from the old port to the newer port of Garavan which is nestled to the east. Close to the border of Italy, Menton boasts glorious gardens that flourish in the warm microclimate. It is also proudly hosts the famous annual Lemon Festival. 

The harbour is dominated by the bell tower of the baroque Basilique St Michel Archange which was built between 1640 and the 19th century.  The facade was updated and renovated in the 19th century with smooth columns added with Corinthian capitals. In 1999 the building was proclaimed a basilica by Pope Jean-Paul II.

Inundated with hundreds of thousands of tourists during the Fête du Citron, or Lemon Festival, the whole town celebrates the humble citrus fruit, the lemon, which grows well in the region.

Abbaye Notre Dame de Sénanque, Gordes

The picturesque Cistercian Abbaye de Sénanque dates to the 12th century and is deep in the Sénancole Valley. Cistercian until the 16th century, 1544 to be exact when the Vaudois revolted, and the monks were all hanged. Changing hands several times and particularly during the French Revolution and the anti-monastic laws of the 19th century, it was not until the 1970s that monks returned to the abbey and called it home again.

Currently still inhabiting the abbey, the monks welcome visitors by opening their monastery at precise hours but ask that silence is observed as they continue to work and pray throughout the abbey. 

Abbaye Notre Dame de Sénanque website: https://www.senanque.fr/en/

Pont du Gard - an impressive UNESCO site

Between Nîmes and Avignon, is one of the most impressive UNESCO sites I've ever visited. I was simply amazed when I first laid eyes on it. Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1985, the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct, dominates its surroundings. 

Built around AD 50, the bridge is 360 metres long, almost 50 metres high and is on three levels with 47 arches. The stunning aqueduct snakes through dense green countryside and then surges out onto the Pont du Gard to cross the Gardon River. From there, the aqueduct heads down the plains to flow into the Rhône.

Ramatuelle

Ramatuelle is a unique town, not so much because it is enclosed by ramparts but rather because it is built in the shape of a snail. The town has typically narrow streets lined with ochre facades and houses beautifully adorned with pastel coloured shutters, jasmine, honeysuckle and bougainvillea.

Because Ramatuelle is built on the hillside, looking down you can see the bay of Pampelonne and its famous beach. The beach is famous for its crystal clear water and numerous inlets along its five kilometres.

Gigondas - A tiny village with a big reputation

Gigondas is a tiny village surrounded by vineyards in the Vaucluse department, Provence deep in wine making country. The region produces world renowned red wines and Gigondas was the first village to be awarded the “Cru des Côtes du Rhône” appellation in 1971.

The village is home to around 700 inhabitants and the Medieval castle and church which overlook the houses below are worth visiting. If you visit in flower season, you'll see how the hillsides pop with dotted colour and make the most wonderful backdrops for taking village photos. 

Find out more about Gigondas at Provence Guide 

Maison de Santé Saint Paul de Mausole, St Rémy de Provence

Saint Rémy de Provence is a sleepy town along the main highway that runs from Paris to Marseille. It is also home to the Maison de Santé Saint Paul de Mausole (pictured above), where van Gogh committed himself from 1889 to 1890. It was his year long stay at the sanatorium that provided the catalyst for some of his most iconic works. He created 150 paintings of the countryside around Saint Rémy de Provence. 

If you stroll the narrow winding streets you'll discover old fountains, cool shady squares, restaurants and elegant boutiques. One Sip At A Time is a great memoir set in Saint Rémy de Provence by my friend and best selling author Keith Van Sickle.

Château d'If, Île d If, Marseille

Set on the island Île d'If in the bay of Marseille is the austere and awesome Château d'If. Glowing white in the sunlight and internationally famous after being included in the 1844 novel 'The Count of Monte Cristo' by Alexandre Dumas, it dominates the island. 

Built in the 16th century, the château consists of a fort, a church and a guardhouse. It's been a prison since 1634 and is characteristically austere and sparse, but due to its location has stunning views of Marseille. Because of these views and the strategic advantage it offered, it's easy to understand why the Germans occupied the Château and had control of the island during the Second World War. 

Lourmarin, Luberon

Lourmarin is one of the largest Luberon villages with typical Mediterranean architecture, winding streets and shaded public squares.  

One notable resident of the village was Albert Camus (1913 - 1960) who was the 1957 winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature and lived on the edge of the village till he died and was buried in the local cemetery.

Most visited places in Lourmarin include the château built by the Agoult family, the pretty public squares and 11th century church of St Andrew and St Trophine. Bursting with history and sporting fabulous views, Lourmarin is worth a visit.

Lavender in Provence

Our stunning photos of Provence would not be complete without a beautiful photo of the region's most iconic produce, the lavender plant. As mentioned in the intro, when we think of Provence we often think of sunshine, sunflowers and lavender. 

One of the main and most famous lavender producing areas in Provence is the Plateau de Valensole which is especially filled with the aroma of rich lavender and thyme in the summer months. And so with our lavender photo, we finish up our stunning photos in Provence post. I hope you've enjoyed your trip to Provence with A French Collection.

Related Posts

Loved this? Save to read again