Best of Provence France 🇫🇷
Ah, Provence, the mere mention of this beautiful region of France conjures up images of sunny days and mild temperatures. While this was largely true for us, our first week in Avignon was a bit more rainy and cooler than usual. Consequently, we had to postpone our tour of the region to wait for more favorable weather conditions.
We monitored the weather forecasts and identified a few days with predicted sunny weather. We booked a full-day tour through Get Your Guide, which allowed us to explore and immerse ourselves in the beauty of Provence. And what a day it turned out to be!
The day started with meeting our friendly guide and another couple from the United States. They hailed from Minnesota and were delighted to be in a much warmer climate. It was just the four of us, accompanied by our guide and another guide in training.
We made several stops and thoroughly enjoyed each one. Below is a list of the towns we visited during our day:
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse: A charming town nestled around a spring of the same name. It was my personal favorite stop. I was captivated by the spring, and the water was so crystal clear and pure. The village itself exuded a delightful charm, and during the summer months, it becomes quite bustling.
Gordes: Perched atop a hill, Gordes is renowned as the most beautiful village in the world, as recognized by Travel & Leisure magazine in February 2023. I can easily understand why. The breathtaking views and the village’s enchanting charm left us in awe.
Roussillon: Not to be outdone, Roussillon also holds a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. (The Most Beautiful Villages of France) This town boasts large deposits of ochre, which were mined during the 18th and 19th centuries until 1930. Ochre served as a pigment in the textile industry and as a source of inspiration for artists.
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a charming town known for its association with Vincent Van Gogh, is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. While here, Van Gogh painted some of his most memorable works, including Starry Night. Annette and I were thrilled to explore this town on our own, enjoying the winding streets and back alleys. Our guide even took us to a small, unassuming alley and doorfront that marked the birthplace of Nostradamus. I did not know this was his birthplace; I’m not Nostradamus after all.
Les Baux-de-Provence, another hill town part of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, offers a glimpse into the region’s medieval past. Perched on a rocky outcrop, this town was once a stronghold, controlled by the princes of Les Baux in the 13th century. These princes were believed to be descendants of the Biblical Magi, Balthazar.
Pont du Gard, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as one of the best-preserved Roman aqueduct bridges in the world. The Pont du Gard fed the Castellum divisorium de Nîmes, that we visited the previous day. Our guide’s knowledge and planning made this stop truly memorable. She knew the perfect time to arrive, just as the “golden hour” began, allowing us to witness the Pont du Gard bathed in the warm, golden glow of late afternoon. The surrounding natural beauty was breathtaking, making it a truly awe-inspiring sight.
What a beautiful time to visit
We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to explore such significant historical sites and learn more about the rich history of each place. The beauty of Provence is simply breathtaking, and we are so thankful that it was our first stop on our 2025 travel adventure.
Life is good!
Until next time…
