Neighbourhoods
Aix-en-Provence
The elegant base — fountains, markets, Cézanne's old haunts.
Avignon
Walled medieval city, good rail hub for the region.
Gordes & the Luberon villages
The postcard hilltop towns — need a car to string together.
Things to do
Valensole lavender fields
Peak bloom is a 2-week window in late June/early July — check bloom reports before booking.
Aix-en-Provence Saturday market
The best of the region's produce, cheese, and linens in one square.
Gordes at golden hour
The whole village glows amber — arrive by 6pm for the light.
Eating & drinking
Any village long lunch
Provence runs on 2-hour lunches — don't fight it, build the day around one.
Day trips
Local logistics
City-specific transport and safety notes — for country-wide context, see the France guide.
A rental car is genuinely necessary here — this is the one region in France where public transit falls short.
Very safe; the only real hazard is summer heat, not crime.
Pacing & budget
Pacing: This is a region, not a city — 3–4 days with a car lets you string together 2–3 villages without rushing.
Budget: Mid-to-high range; car rental and fuel are the main added cost versus city-based trips.
Visa, money, culture & transport for all of France
Currency, key phrases, getting around by train, and everything that applies to your whole trip — not just Provence.