Radiant lavender fields, rolling landscapes, and one of the largest gorges in Europe: Welcome to Provence.

Particularly worth seeing are typical Provençal villages like Gordes, which picturesquely sits above the Calavon River in the Monts de Vaucluse, or Roussillon, which is among the most beautiful villages in France, dominated by glowing ochre cliffs.

Not far from Gordes is the Abbaye de Sénanque, with its lavender field in front, which is one of the most iconic photo motifs in Provence. Also worth seeing in the Gordes area is the open-air museum Village des Bories – a collection of simple, windowless stone houses believed to have been built in the 17th and 18th centuries and used by shepherds until the early 20th century.

Around the Verdon Gorge and the adjacent turquoise-blue reservoir Lac de Sainte-Croix, water sports fans and lovers of spectacular hikes will find plenty to enjoy. The gorge can be wonderfully explored on foot or by kayak, the lake invites you to go stand-up paddling and windsurfing, and the panoramic road Route des Crêtes offers breathtaking views. The nearby villages like Moustiers-Sainte-Marie or Aups are also worth a visit, especially on market days.

Larger Provençal cities include Aix-en-Provence and Avignon:

Aix-en-Provence is known for its charming old town, thermal springs, and art and music festivals, while Avignon was the seat of the popes in the 14th century and has a rich cultural heritage.