10+ Best Things to Do in Provence, France (Villages, Wine & Lavender!)

Quick Overview: Best Things to Do in Provence

• Provence is a region that feels like it was made for slow travel — full of sun-soaked vineyards, medieval hilltop villages, lavender fields, and scenic countryside perfect for exploring at a relaxed pace.
• Here’s a quick look at the best things to do in Provence:
  • Visit Hilltop Villages – Towns like Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux, and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie offer panoramic views, cobbled streets, and that classic Provençal charm. Read More: Find the best towns in Provence here
  • Go Wine Tasting – Provence is famous for its rosé, but you’ll also find excellent reds and whites. Wine tours are popular around Luberon and Les Baux-de-Provence.
  • Browse Local Markets – From Aix-en-Provence to tiny village squares, Provence’s markets are full of local produce, olives, cheese, handmade goods, and that irresistible smell of lavender.
  • Bike Through the Countryside – Cycling is a peaceful way to experience Provence, especially in areas like the Luberon and near Mont Ventoux, surrounded by vineyards and lavender fields.
  • Experience the Verdon Gorge – Known as the “Grand Canyon of Europe,” the Verdon Gorge is a top Provence attraction for kayaking, swimming, or just soaking in the incredible scenery.
  • Join a Lavender Field Tour – If you’re visiting in late June to mid-July, don’t miss a guided tour through Provence’s lavender fields — particularly around Valensole or the Luberon Plateau. The views (and scent) are unforgettable. Browse Tours here
  • Have a Picnic in the French Countryside – Grab some crusty bread, cheese, fruit, and a bottle of rosé, and enjoy a laid-back picnic with a view (trust me, it’s a core Provence experience).
  • Try a Cooking Class – Dive into Provençal cuisine by learning how to make dishes like ratatouille, tapenade, or tarte tropézienne with the help of local chefs. Browse Cooking Classes here
  • Stay in a Countryside Cottage – Live the good life in Provence by staying in a rustic stone cottage or boutique farmhouse surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. Read more: Provence Cottage Stay
    • Find a Provence cottage stay on : Expedia | Booking.com | Trip.com
  • Catch Sunset Views from Gordes – The viewpoint just outside Gordes offers one of the most iconic and photogenic scenes in Provence — especially at golden hour.
• Take a Guided Tour – If you’re not renting a car or just want to relax, guided tours of Provence are a great way to see multiple villages, lavender fields, and wineries in a single day — often with local insights and transportation included.
  • Browse Guided Tours of Provence on: GetYourGuide and Viator
• Related Reads: Provence Complete Travel Guide | Best Towns to Visit in Provence | Provence Itinerary | Best Time to Visit Provence

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When I think back on my month in Provence, I remember lavender-scented mornings, long lunches with local wine, and quiet hilltop towns that looked like they hadn’t changed in centuries. I based myself in the Luberon Valley and spent weeks exploring winding roads, cycling through vineyards, kayaking through gorges, and soaking in that easy, sun-drenched pace of life that Provence is so famous for.

Whether you’re planning a full Provence road trip or just a few days to soak in the highlights, there are so many authentic things to do in Provence that go far beyond the typical tourist stops. I visited over ten hilltop villages, wandered local markets bursting with life, and even took a bike ride through lavender fields and vineyards — and honestly, I could’ve stayed much longer.

In this guide, I’m sharing the best things to do in Provence, drawn from real experiences, not just a checklist. From wine tasting to kayaking in the Verdon Gorge, countryside picnics, and taking in sunsets from medieval towns, Provence invites you to slow down and enjoy the good life — French style.

Best Things to Do in Provence

There’s no shortage of amazing things to do in Provence — from lavender-covered hills to ancient stone villages, this region invites you to slow down and savor every moment. These are my personal picks based on a full month of exploring Provence at my own pace.

1. Explore the Hilltop Villages of Provence

If you’re wondering what to do in Provence to capture its timeless beauty, start with the hilltop villages. Perched on cliffs or nestled into the landscape, these towns are the heart and soul of the region — and exploring them is easily one of the best things to do in Provence.

Read More: Best Towns to Visit in Provence

I spent several weeks slowly making my way through the Luberon Valley, which is packed with small villages that each offer their own vibe and charm. Whether you’re staying nearby or planning a full Provence road trip, visiting at least a few of these towns is one of those unforgettable things to do in Provence that really connects you to the landscape.

One of the things I appreciated most was how easy it is to see multiple villages in one day. Most are just 15–30 minutes apart, and the scenic drives are half the fun. Stopping off in a small café, picking up some olives and cheese from a local market, and just wandering around with no real agenda — it’s exactly the kind of slow, rich travel that Provence does so well.

Most Beautiful Hilltop Villages in Provence

• Gordes – The postcard-perfect view of Provence
• Roussillon – Known for its vivid ochre cliffs
• Bonnieux – Great for panoramic views and peaceful cafés
• Fontaine-de-Vaucluse – A town on the water with a fortress and stunning blue water
• Lacoste – A quiet, creative village with stone streets
• Ménerbes – Elegant and surrounded by vineyards
• Lourmarin – Trendy and lively, with a weekend market
• Saignon – A hidden gem with fewer tourists
• Moustiers-Sainte-Marie – Stunning setting near Verdon Gorge

So if you’re building your own Provence bucket list, this is where I’d start. It’s not just one of the top things to do in Provence, it’s the kind of experience that sticks with you long after you’ve left.

Read More: Best Towns to Visit in Provence

2. Go Wine Tasting in the Provence Countryside

If you’re planning your trip and wondering what to do in Provence, wine tasting should be near the top of your list. While Provence is best known for its light, dry rosé, the region also produces rich reds and crisp whites — many of them from small, family-run vineyards you won’t find outside France.

Read More: Wine Tasting in Provence

One of the best things to do in Provence, in my opinion, is picking up a few local bottles and enjoying them in your accommodation. I stayed in a cottage in the Provençal countryside, and most evenings were spent on the terrace, glass of wine in hand, surrounded by olive trees and lavender fields. It doesn’t get more peaceful than that.

If you’re up for visiting vineyards in person, you’ve got two solid options:

• Self-guided wine tasting – Ideal if you have a car and want to go at your own pace
• Group tours with transportation included – A great option if you don’t want to worry about having a designated driver (and want to fully enjoy the wine)
• Browse wine tours of Provence on GetYourGuide

While I didn’t book a tour myself, I can see the appeal — especially if you’re short on time or want to visit multiple wineries in one afternoon without the stress of navigating back roads.

Wineries I Personally Recommend

These were my favorites — either visited directly or enjoyed back at my cottage:

• Château les Eydins – Small, family-run, and a great red blend
• Château La Canorgue – Organic wines, gorgeous estate, and some real Provençal charm
• Château La Verrerie – Beautiful tasting room and refined rosé

And if you’re not able to drive around or visit each vineyard, stop by Ô Vins du Coin — a specialty wine shop in the Luberon that only stocks local wines from around Provence. It’s the perfect place to grab a few bottles and create your own tasting at home.

3. Visit a Local Market (or Three)

One of the most essential things to do in Provence is to visit a local market. These aren’t just places to shop — they’re the heart of village life, where locals gather, vendors greet each other by name, and everything from heirloom tomatoes to handmade soaps fills the air with color, scent, and sound.

During my month in the region, I made it a habit to stop at every market I stumbled across. No two were the same, and each had something special to offer — but if I had to pick just one, the Saturday market in Aix-en-Provence is the standout. It’s absolutely buzzing with life, packed with stalls selling everything you can think of: fresh produce, cheese, olives, flowers, lavender, handmade goods, vintage linens, spices, and more. It’s worth a dedicated trip, especially if you enjoy photography or food.

Another favorite was the Sunday antiques market in L’isle-sur-la-Sorgue. The whole town transforms into a treasure hunt, with tables full of vintage pieces, artwork, books, and trinkets. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s just a fun place to wander — especially with the town’s canals and historic waterwheels adding to the charm. Definitely one of the more unique Provence attractions I visited.

One of the best things to do in Provence is to grab a basket (or just a canvas bag), stock up on picnic ingredients, and take your haul to the countryside. A loaf of fresh bread, some local goat cheese, a few olives, and a bottle of wine — that’s lunch sorted.

Top Markets to Visit in Provence

• Aix-en-Provence (Saturday) – Big, bustling, and full of everything
• L’isle-sur-la-Sorgue (Sunday) – Best for antiques and atmosphere
• Lourmarin (Friday) – Great variety and a scenic setting
• Apt (Saturday) – Large, local, and very food-focused
• St-Rémy-de-Provence (Wednesday) – A mix of local goods and artisan finds

If you’re looking for authentic experiences in Provence, don’t skip the markets. They’re not just places to buy things — they’re where the culture really comes alive.

4. Bike Through the Countryside

If there’s one experience that perfectly captures the magic of slow travel, it’s riding a bike through the Provençal countryside. This ended up being one of my favorite things to do in Provence, and I hadn’t even planned for it. My Airbnb came with a couple of bikes, and one morning I just took off — no route, no map — and it turned into one of those core memory travel moments.

Many accommodations in Provence offer bikes for guests, and if yours doesn’t, there are bike rental shops in most towns. You can also book a guided cycling tour on GetYourGuide, which is great if you want a bit more structure or prefer to have someone lead the way.

What makes biking here so special isn’t just the scenery (though it’s unreal) — it’s the actual infrastructure. Provence has an incredible network of dedicated bike lanes — not just shoulders on the road, but actual bike paths designed to wind through the countryside, completely separate from cars. You’re free to ride at your own pace, stop when you want, and never worry about traffic.

And then there’s the view: lavender fields, sun-drenched vineyards, olive groves, and distant hilltop villages that feel like they’re watching over you from the hills. It’s the kind of thing that makes you feel like you’ve landed in a scene from a romance novel. At one point, I looked around and realized I hadn’t seen another person in 20 minutes — just me, the sun, and the hum of bees in the lavender.

5. Explore the Verdon Gorge (Gorges du Verdon)

If you’re planning out the best things to do in Provence, don’t skip the Verdon Gorge. Often called the “Grand Canyon of Europe,” this place blew me away — it’s one of the most jaw-dropping natural wonders in the region and hands-down one of the most memorable Provence attractions I experienced.

Read More: Gorges du Verdon Complete Travel Guide

I did this as a day trip from the Luberon Valley, pairing it with a stop in the hilltop village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, which I also highly recommend. My friend and I rented an electric boat for €40 and cruised through the gorge at our own pace. It was quiet, peaceful, and absolutely surreal — sheer limestone cliffs rising above turquoise water, with barely another soul in sight. (I visited in October, so we missed the summer crowds — a huge bonus.)

In summer, this place is buzzing with life. People are swimming, kayaking, cliff-jumping, and sunbathing along the edges. I can totally see the appeal of coming in peak season, but having the gorge almost entirely to ourselves in autumn made the experience feel extra special.

Looking for a Guided Tour to the Verdon Gorge? Browse tour options here.

If you’re deciding what to do in Provence and you enjoy nature, adventure, or even just stunning views, this should be near the top of your list.

Quick Tips for Visiting the Verdon Gorge:

• Rent a boat or kayak at Lac de Sainte-Croix — no license needed (electric boats available).
• Self-driving gives you more freedom and lets you explore viewpoints above the gorge.
• For less stress, consider a guided day tour (many include Moustiers-Sainte-Marie).
• Avoid summer crowds by visiting early in the day or during the shoulder season (like I did in October).
• Pro Tip: If you’re self-driving, take the scenic route above the gorge — the cliffside views are incredible, but the roads are narrow and twisty, so take your time.

Between the boat ride, the views, and the charm of nearby Moustiers, this was easily one of the top things to do in Provence for me. It’s the kind of place that makes you stop and say, “Wow” — over and over again.

6. Take a Lavender Field Tour in Provence

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little bummed to miss the lavender fields in Provence at peak bloom — but when you’re slow traveling, you accept that certain experiences come down to timing. I visited in the fall, well after the season ended, but even then, I could still smell lavender in the air while driving through the countryside. That’s how deeply rooted it is in this region — literally and culturally.

And while I didn’t see the fields in full bloom myself, I can’t make a list of the best things to do in Provence without including this. It’s the image most people associate with Provence for a reason: endless waves of purple stretching across the landscape, backed by mountains or golden hills, the air thick with that intoxicating lavender scent. It’s iconic.

The most famous area to see the fields is the Valensole Plateau — probably the most photographed region during lavender season. You’ll also find beautiful fields in Sault and parts of the Luberon Valley, especially near abbeys and vineyards. Some farms even allow you to walk through the fields, take photos, or visit on-site distilleries.

You can self-drive and explore at your own pace (ideal if you’re already road-tripping through Provence), or you can book a guided lavender tour — a great option in peak season, when parking near the fields can be hectic and some roads get packed.

Want to skip driving? Browse tours the lavender fields of Provence on GetYourGuide

Quick Tips for Lavender Season in Provence

• Bloom season runs from late June to mid-July — don’t miss this window if lavender is your goal.
• Valensole Plateau is the most famous (and busiest), but Sault and the Luberon also have stunning fields.
• Guided tours are available from Aix, Avignon, and even Marseille — great if you’re not renting a car.
• Arrive early or late in the day for the best light and fewer crowds — and to avoid harsh midday sun.

So while I didn’t catch the lavender in bloom, I completely understand why it tops every Provence bucket list. If you’re lucky enough to visit at the right time, make it a priority — it’s one of the most visually stunning and sensory-rich things to do in Provence.

7. Have a Picnic in the Provence Countryside

Sometimes, the simplest experiences are the most memorable — and having a picnic in Provence is one of those. It’s one of the most underrated but genuinely enjoyable things to do in Provence, especially if you’re staying somewhere with a little outdoor space or countryside access.

Read More: How to Have the Perfect Picnic in Provence

Our Airbnb had a full picnic setup — basket, blanket, wine glasses, the works. We filled it with local wine, cheeses, fresh fruit, and of course, a crusty baguette from the morning market. Then we found a quiet spot overlooking the hills, vineyards rolling out in every direction, and just… took our time. No restaurant, no reservations, no rush.

You’ll find no shortage of stunning picnic spots across the region — whether it’s a scenic pull-off along a vineyard road, a shaded area near a hilltop village, or even outside your own accommodation.

Quick Tips for the Perfect Provence Picnic

• Shop at a local market in the morning for the freshest ingredients.
• Bring your own bottle opener (not all picnic spots are near cafés!).
• Head out in the late afternoon for cooler temps and golden hour light.
• Be mindful of private property and always leave no trace.

So if you’re wondering what to do in Provence that’s low-key but magical, grab a basket and make your own adventure. It’s an easy win — and one of the best things to do in Provence if you love slow, meaningful travel.

8. Stay in a Countryside Cottage

The absolute highlight of my time in Provence was the cottage I called home for the month. It was everything I had hoped for — and then some.

Set on a vineyard, with baby blue shutters, thick stone walls, and views of olive trees in every direction, this cottage felt like something out of a dream. Inside: cozy corners, a fully stocked kitchen, and all the comforts of home. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down, stay awhile, and live like a local.

If you’re looking for an experience that goes beyond just sightseeing, staying in a traditional countryside cottage is one of the best things to do in Provence — especially if you’re after a trip that feels both grounding and inspiring.

Read More: My Cottagecore Life in Provence

Where to Stay in Provence

Looking for your own countryside escape or boutique hotel in a hilltop town? Here are some great places to start your search:

• Booking.com – Provence Stays
• VRBO – Cottages in Provence
• Expedia – Boutique Hotels in Provence
• Trip.com – Provence Hotel Deals

Whether you want rustic charm or luxury with a view, Provence has it all — and where you stay can truly shape your experience.

Read More: Where to Stay in Provence | Best Boutique Hotels in Provence

9. Try a Cooking Class (or Cook from Your Cottage)

Food is a huge part of culture — something I’ve learned time and again after traveling full-time for over five years. And in Provence, where flavors are fresh, simple, and deeply regional, learning to cook the local cuisine can completely transform how you experience the place. It’s not just about eating — it’s about understanding.

Now, I didn’t take a formal cooking class while I was in Provence — but not because I didn’t want to. I had this incredible cottage kitchen, and I ended up cooking more that month than I had in years. I’d queue up old Julia Child videos, pour a glass of local wine, and try my hand at eggs Benedict, Provençal quiches, fresh tarts, and all kinds of seasonal dishes using ingredients from the local markets.

Love Cooking? Browse cooking class in Provence on GetYourGuide

Still, for anyone wondering what to do in Provence beyond sightseeing, a cooking class is a fantastic way to engage with the culture in a deeper way. There are plenty of options on GetYourGuide and other platforms — from group classes in farmhouse kitchens to more refined culinary workshops in Aix-en-Provence or Avignon.

Quick Tips for Cooking in Provence:

• Visit a market in the morning to grab the freshest produce and local cheeses.
• Book a class if you want hands-on instruction — great for couples or groups.
• Try regional dishes like tapenade, ratatouille, or tarte tropézienne.

Cooking is easily one of the most enriching things to do in Provence, whether you take a class or go it alone in a cozy countryside kitchen. Either way, you’re tasting the region one bite at a time.

10. Catch the Sunset from the Gordes Viewpoint

Of all the views in Provence, the one that stuck with me most was just outside Gordes — where the road curves before entering the village and opens up to that iconic cliffside panorama. If you’re wondering what to do in Provence for a perfect evening, this is it.

I went more than once, but sunset was unbeatable. The way the golden light hits the stone buildings, with the valley stretching out behind — it’s quiet, cinematic, and totally unforgettable.

Where to Find the Viewpoint:

• It’s right on the D15 road, just before entering Gordes from the south.
• There’s a small pull-off for parking — arrive early if you’re visiting in summer.

Tips for Visiting Provence

Before you dive into all the amazing things to do in Provence, here are a few helpful tips based on my own month-long stay. A little planning goes a long way here — especially if you’re hoping to catch the lavender in bloom or explore the quieter corners of the region.

• Rent a car – Public transport is limited, especially between villages. A car gives you full flexibility and lets you discover hidden gems off the tourist trail. It’s essential for a true Provence road trip.
• Time your visit right – The best time to visit Provence is June through early July for lavender, September for harvest season and fewer crowds, and spring (April–May) for blooming wildflowers and crisp air.
• Go early to markets – Most markets start around 8am and begin winding down by noon. Get there early for the freshest produce, fewer crowds, and the best atmosphere.
• Stay in one place longer – Instead of hopping around every night, pick a base and explore slowly. It’s the best way to experience the rhythm of Provence.
• Pack layers – Mornings and evenings can be surprisingly cool, even in summer. Bring a light jacket or sweater and definitely sunscreen — the Provençal sun is no joke.
• Embrace slow travel – Don’t overpack your itinerary. Some of the most rewarding Provence experiences happen when you leave space to do… nothing at all.

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Provence

After spending a full month exploring this beautiful region, I can confidently say there are endless things to do in Provence — from wandering through lavender fields to sipping wine in the sun outside a countryside cottage. Whether you’re here for a week or just a few days, the best things to do in Provence include visiting hilltop villages, exploring local markets, cycling through vineyards, and enjoying slow, simple moments surrounded by nature and history.

If you’re still deciding what to do in Provence, let this be your reminder: you don’t need to rush. The charm of Provence is in its pace — and some of the most memorable things to do in Provence are the ones you stumble on when you’re not in a hurry.

FAQs About What to Do in Provence

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