Provence travel guide

With lush green fields that stretch far into the distance, peaceful hilltop villages and a sun-soaked Mediterranean coastline, Provence is the definition of a picture-postcard holiday destination.

Situated in the far south-east corner of France and sharing a border with Italy, Provence comprises the counties of Var, Bouches du Rhone and Alpes Maritimes on the coast, as well as Vaucluse, Alpes de Haute Provence and Drome Provencale further inland. Some of France's best-known towns and cities are found in the region, including Marseille, Nice, Cannes and St Tropez.

Provence's location in southern France means it boasts a luxurious Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers. Visitors will therefore have plenty of opportunities for strolls in the sunshine along the Riviera or days out exploring the region's beautiful and diverse landscapes.

Getting there

Ferry passengers planning to visit the south of France will have the opportunity for a scenic drive through the country with the option to visit destinations such as Paris and Lyon along the way.

Depending on the exact location of one's holiday, the best port to sail to in terms of proximity is likely to be Le Havre, Caen or Dieppe in the north or possibly Boulogne, Calais or Dunkerque in the north-east.

LD Lines offers ferry crossings from Portsmouth to Le Havre, as well as services from Dover to Boulogne and Dieppe, while Brittany Ferries sails from Portsmouth to Caen. Those who would prefer a short sea journey can make use of the Dover to Calais ferry routes operated by P&O Ferries and Seafrance or sail with Norfolkline from Dover to Dunkerque.

Things to do

No visit to Provence is complete without venturing into the great outdoors to experience the region's stunning landscapes and raw natural appeal. There are a number of walking routes that give holidaymakers the opportunity to explore under their own steam, as well as organised tours offering the chance to see Provence on horseback, in the back of a 4x4 or even from a hot air balloon.

While the region is famous for beautiful scenery, it is arguably just as well-known for its big cities and towns, which range from historic villages in the heart of the countryside to millionaires' playgrounds on the Mediterranean coast. Locations such as Gordes in the county of Vaucluse and Moustiers-Saint-Marie in Alpes de Haute Provence are typical examples of Provencal hilltop villages, while Aix-en-Provence is popular among art lovers having once been home to the painter Paul Cezanne.

Marseille boasts all of the modern attractions and amenities one would expect in a big city, including excellent cuisine, concert venues and parks. In the world-famous seafront hotspots of Nice and Cannes, visitors can add a touch of luxury to their holiday by taking a stroll along the Riviera and having a bite to eat in a restaurant or cafe along the promenade.

Family groups should have no trouble keeping their children entertained in Provence, as the region boasts attractions such as the Marseille Planetarium, the Aquacity water park in Septemes les Vallons and the Magicland amusement park in Ensues la Redonne. There are also enough golf courses, museums, cultural sites and galleries in the region to ensure that older visitors will find something to pique their interest.

Things to see

Among the most impressive natural spectacles in Provence are the 'calanques' – a series of limestone cliffs and dramatic rock formations running along the coast between Marseille and the town of Cassis. Arguably the best way to see the calanques is by taking a boat trip from Cassis, while adventurous visitors can go hiking along the coast or even climb one of the cliffs.

Art lovers may be interested in seeing some of the locations in Provence that famously provided inspiration for artists, including the limestone ridge of Montagne Sainte-Victoire, which was painted by Cezanne, and the city of Arles, which for more than a year was home to Vincent van Gogh. Arles is also a former province of the Roman empire, a period in its history that is represented by its grand theatre and amphitheatre, the Alyscamps burial ground and the public baths.

People who visit the big cities during their holiday in Provence will be able to see some of the region's most impressive man-made attractions, including the Cours Mirabeau fountain and the ancient Mazarin quarter in Aix-en-Provence. In Marseille, the impressive Notre Dame de la Garde basilica stands upon a 162-metre-high limestone outcrop, the highest natural point in the city, while the Abbey of Saint Victor represents one of the oldest places of Christian worship in France. Visitors to Nice should be sure to see the Monument aux Morts and the lively squares of Place Massena, Place Garibaldi and Place du Palais.

Where to stay

Many holidaymakers will be tempted to add some extra luxury to their Provence trip by booking a four-star hotel such as Auberge de Cassagne, a welcoming property in Avignon with gardens and a swimming pool, or the elegant and stylish Chateau de la Pioline in Aix-en-Provence.

A holiday in the south of France need not break the bank, however, and two-star accommodation options in the region include the Kyriad Cap Sud in Montfavet, just a few kilometres away from the centre of Avignon, and the Lutetia in Marseille.

Those looking for something in-between can opt for a three-star hotel such as the New Arles Camargues, which is close to Arles' amphitheatre and town centre, or De L'Horloge in the heart of Avignon. The three-star Inter Hotel Rome et Saint Pierre is located on Marseille's famous Canebiere, a short walk away from the historic port.

Written by Andrew Smith