Over the years, French Provence has become one of the essential tourist destinations for those who want to relax at magical places and obtain endless experiences. In this region, it’s possible to be surprised not only by the beautiful landscapes and natural environments that characterize it, but also by wonderful villages of the south of France, ancient ruins, and a wide variety of activities to enjoy. In this sense, one of the best ways to explore this region is through a road trip. Next, we are going to give you some Provence road trip ideas, so you can discover the best of the area.
Camargue y Arlés
One of the best ways to start a Provence road trip is starting at the Parc Naturel Regional of Camargue. It is a beautiful square villa walled from the 13th century. Moreover, one of the most impressive things to see there it is that the count with 20 watchtowers dating from the same period. In the time of Louis IX, this was an important port from which ships were traded with the East departed.
Once leaving the village, you can visit the Parc Naturel Regional of Camargue. It’s characterized by being a site covered with marshes, while it is the region par excellence to see white horses, bulls, and flamingos. The largest concentration of flamingos in all of Europe is located here. The best part to see these animals is at the ornithological sanctuary of Pont de Gau.
Once you have enjoyed these places, you can continue to Arles and spend the night there to spend the day exploring this place. It is a famous site because Van Gogh lived there for years, being this place his inspiration for numerous works. But, in addition, the Roman amphitheatre of the region stands out, preserved in perfect condition and still in operation. After here, you can continue to the Republic Square and the Cathedral of San Trófimo to learn more about this population that was very important at the time of Constantine.
If you want to stay directly in this area, the Grand Hotel Nord-Pinus in Arlés can be a great alternative. It is an independently hotel located in an old Arlesianne mansion in the most beautiful square of the city and just opposite the frame of Van Gogh’s Café de Nuit. Its interior has a selection of carefully selected antiques, and the rooms are spacious with high ceilings on the first level and beautiful terraces with views of the roof from the centre.
Avignon y Orange
The following route that we want to propose to you to enjoy a good Provence Road trip includes the towns of Avignon and Orange, considered among the best options in the region. Avignon stands out for having an imposing historic centre that is protected by UNESCO. There, you can visit important destinations that tell their story, such as the Papal Palace, the Avignon bridge, the Notre-Dame-des-Dom’s cathedral, the Petit Palais, and the ramparts. It is a place where seven Popes resided who sought, in the fourth century, to escape from the insecurity of Rome.
To continue this journey, you can take the car the next day to visit Orange, where the Roman theatre takes all eyes. It’s the only Latin theatre in Europe that currently preserves the stage wall intact. But, also, like other cities, Orange has an Arc de Triomphe built in the 1st century AD.
But history isn’t the only thing that surprises in this Provence road trip. During the afternoon, you can drive to Sault, at the foot of Mount Ventoux too. It’s a small town considered the epicenter of the famous “lavender route”. If you travel in July or August, you can see the beautiful lavender fields in bloom with an intense violet colour that represents quite a spectacle. In addition, this area has a Lavender Museum, farms of this plant and with a Lavender festival that is organized every August.
For those who are looking for a hotel in this area, the L’À Propos is a very good possibility. The property was the vacation home of a wealthy family of wine merchants in 1860. In 2009, the property has been lovingly restored and converted into a boutique hotel offering elegant and spacious suites in a secluded garden setting. All rooms open into a large terrace and garden and they are decorated in a modern style with many amenities.
Senanque Abbey
Finally, we would like to mention the tour of the Senanque Abbey, to finish our list of some of the best Provence Road trip options. It’s a beautiful Cistercian community that is still in operation in the setting of a small valley reached by beautiful roads. Even today, monks who live in the abbey subsist on the production of liquor, honey, and lavender essence, as well as tourist visits to this place. In case you are in this place, you can combine the visit with a tour of the town of Gordes, which is a very beautiful town on a rocky mound with old stone houses and no modern buildings, maintaining its classic style. Many artists have also chosen this site as a source of inspiration.
