France is one of Europe’s most iconic countries. Brimming with an almost overwhelming array of things to see and do, it’s the country of cheese and wine, of effortless elegance, of mouthwatering morning croissants, and sun-drenched beaches. It boasts an almost unrivaled history, as well as some of the most impressive and influential artists and writers in the world. Overall, France is a destination no traveler to Europe should miss out on.
Choosing where to go in France is a more difficult decision. Many tourists opt for the chic sophistication of Paris or stunning turrets and towers of the must-see castles of the Loire Valley. Bordeaux’s vineyards are world-famous, while the wild natural beauty of the Auvergne and the Cévennes call to some. But it’s hard to look beyond the remarkable region of Provence, thanks to its “splendid recipe of arid climate, oceans of vineyards, stunning scenery, lively cities, and adorable hill-capping villages,” as described by European travel expert Rick Steves.
Provence is in the southeastern corner of France, bordering Italy and the Mediterranean Sea. Most visitors arrive in Provence at one of its three main cities: Avignon, Marseille, or Nice, all of which have international airports. Other popular spots in Provence include Toulon, Cannes, Aix-en-Provence, and St. Tropez.
Read more: So-Called ‘Tourist Traps’ That Rick Steves Loves
Sun-drenched beaches and ancient history
Aerial view of the Calanque de Vau and the surrounding hiking area in the Calanque de Cassis – Michael Workman/Getty Images
Provence is one of France’s most famous, beautiful, and varied regions. In the south lies the fabled French Riviera, the Côte d’Azur, that has been immortalized on screen and been one of the foremost vacation destinations for the rich, the famous, and the fabulous for decades. Spots like Cannes, Nice, and St. Tropez are filled with glamorous actors and millionaire yacht parties, but there’s more to Provence’s Mediterranean coastline than that. The stunning Calanques National Park between Marseille and Toulon is a natural wonder, a wrinkled coastline of dramatic limestone cliffs, bays, and coves offset by gorgeous turquoise water. There are medieval churches in Castagniers and Ile Saint-Honorat, remarkable art museums like the Musée Renoir and Fondation Maeght, and extraordinary, picture-perfect beaches everywhere you look.
While many people come to Provence just to soak up the sun on some of the best beaches in Europe, there’s plenty to explore inland as well. The region is overflowing with history, from antiquity to the recent past, and cultural explorers will find plenty to enjoy. According to Steves, “the area is crammed with ancient history — the Roman ruins here are among the finest. Many scholars claim the best-preserved Roman buildings are not in Italy, but in France.”
He particularly recommends the city of Nimes, with its magnificent aqueduct and bronze crocodile-palm medallions that line the streets, and the open-air theater in Orange. Steves says that “all of Roman Provence is basically an open-air museum,” but there are a few indoor versions that are worth a look, including the Ancient History Museum in Arles, which helps “fill in the blanks” of the remarkable history of the region.
Glamorous wineries and stunning purple fields
Blooming lavender fields and village of Aurel in background in Vaucluse, Provence – Serbek/Getty Images
One of the most enduring images of Provence in popular imagination is its rolling hills covered in gnarled vines and soft purple lavender flowers, and exploring the vineyards and lavender farms of the region is one of the best experiences you can have. Start off at the Chateau de Saint Martin, which has been producing wines since 1740. Situated high in the mountains above St. Tropez, it offers views almost as delicious as its vintages.
After, you might want to explore the boutique delights of Domaine de l’Olivette, a family winery that’s been passed down through generations for over 200 years. Located in one of the best grape-growing areas in Provence, near La Cadière-d’Azur, its Bandol wines are particularly excellent. The vineyard is small, making each bottle something of a prize. If you want something even more picturesque, the Abbaye de Lérins is located on the tiny island of Île Saint-Honorat, attached to an exquisite historic abbey, and makes for a truly exceptional day of wine-tasting and deserted beach-hopping.
Experience a show-stopping finale at Château La Coste, a winery owned by the same family as the Connaught and Claridge’s luxury London hotels. This 500-acre property combines mouthwatering wines with fine art, as the grounds contain a fabulous sculpture park with work from some of the most renowned artists in the world, including Frank Gehry, Damien Hirst, and Andy Goldsworthy. To experience the glory of Provence’s lavender fields, head to the Luberon and Verdon plateaus to the north of Aix-en-Provence in July, when the countryside is painted in a myriad of shades of purple, lilac, and mauve.
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