From the sun-drenched lavender fields of Provence to the Mediterranean charm of the Côte d’Azur, this part of France offers a mix of peaceful countryside and seaside flair. Travelers often come for the famous light, but they stay for the culture, food, and small surprises that appear along quiet roads and cliffside paths.
Whether you prefer ancient Roman ruins or a dip in turquoise water, the options are wide and distinct. This list brings together the 10 best things to do in Provence and the Côte d’Azur, focusing on moments you’ll remember long after your trip ends.
Top 10 Things to Do in Provence and the Côte d’Azur
Wander Through The Hilltop Villages of The Luberon
The Luberon is dotted with villages that seem to have paused in time. Gordes stands out with its limestone homes stacked along steep lanes. Roussillon offers red and gold hues from its ochre cliffs. Ménerbes is quieter but full of charm. These villages are best explored slowly, on foot, letting you stop for a view, a café, or a slice of local life. The air smells of thyme, and the silence feels full, not empty.
Explore The Calanques Near Cassis
South of Cassis, limestone cliffs drop into turquoise coves called Calanques. They're best reached on foot or by boat. Calanque d’En-Vau, framed by white walls and pine trees, is one of the most striking. The water is cold and clear, ideal for swimming after a long walk. Trails wind along the cliffs, offering views over the sea. It's rugged, wild, and feels far from the Riviera scene. Bring good shoes, plenty of water, and time to sit still.
Visit The Markets of Aix-En-Provence
Aix is a market town at heart. Locals still shop daily beneath rows of plane trees in the old city. Cheese, olives, herbs, and soap fill the stalls with color and scent. Saturdays are especially lively. Cézanne's presence lingers—you can follow a marked trail to see spots that shaped his work. But you don't need an itinerary. Sit at a square, drink something cold, and watch the slow dance of people coming and going through stone alleys.
Step Back in Time in Arles
Arles wears its Roman past in plain view. The amphitheater still hosts events, and quiet plazas open to old ruins and mosaics. Van Gogh painted many of his best-known works here. You can trace his steps around town and see the café he once painted. Light plays a big role—the sky is wide and clear, just as he described it. Arles feels lived-in, not staged. Walk a few streets off the main square, and you'll find the quieter rhythm.
Relax On the Beaches of Antibes
Antibes feels a bit removed from the flash of Cannes or Nice. Its old town is wrapped in stone walls, with sandy beaches just a few steps away. Plage de la Gravette is calm, easy to reach, and perfect for swimming. The Picasso Museum nearby adds a bit of quiet culture. Antibes is ideal for unplanned afternoons: wandering the marina, finding a shaded bench, or picking up fruit from a stall. It’s relaxed but still full of texture and detail.
Drive The Route Des Crêtes Near La Ciotat
The Route des Crêtes between Cassis and La Ciotat offers one of the best drives in France. The road snakes above cliffs with constant views of the sea below. Pull over often—some stops offer short walks to even better lookouts. You’ll see layers of blue sea, rocky outcrops, and maybe even a falcon circling overhead. Morning or early evening is best for light and quiet. You don’t rush this drive. It’s about the space and the silence.
Take In The Glamour of Nice’s Promenade des Anglais
Nice’s Promenade des Anglais is more than a walkway—it’s a stretch of city life set against the Mediterranean. Locals and visitors stroll or sit in blue chairs facing the sea. The beach is pebbly, but the water is clear. Just behind it, the Old Town’s alleys buzz with shops, markets, and warm bread smells. Nice feels polished in places, but it never loses its lived-in feel. The rhythm of the promenade sets the tone: steady, open, and easy.
See The Lavender Bloom in Valensole
In early summer, the plateau around Valensole becomes a sweep of lavender fields. Rows of purple stretch across hills under a wide sky. The air smells floral and clean. You'll see bees working the blooms and often a small stone hut among the rows. Many farms offer tastings and short tours explaining how oil is made. Visit early or just before sunset for soft light and fewer people. It's not just pretty—it’s deeply quiet and calming.
Climb To Èze For Views Over The Sea
Èze is a village pinned to a cliff high above the sea, halfway between Monaco and Nice. Narrow stone lanes wind up through arches and quiet corners. At the top, the Jardin Exotique offers one of the best sea views on the Riviera. The climb from the beach—the Nietzsche Path—is steep but peaceful. The village can get busy, but there are still moments of quiet if you step aside. From up here, the coast looks like it belongs to you.
Experience The Festival Life in Avignon
Avignon comes alive in July during the Festival d’Avignon when the city's plazas and courtyards are filled with theater and music. It's a burst of creativity set against a backdrop of medieval walls and quiet stone streets. Outside the festival, the Palais des Papes and the slow-moving Rhône offer a calmer pace. Walk the ramparts, visit the bridge, or simply sit with a book and let the history settle in.
Conclusion
The 10 best things to do in Provence and the Côte d'Azur offer a mix of calm countryside, seaside beauty, and lived-in history. Whether you're drawn to hill towns, markets, quiet coves, or winding drives, each stop adds its rhythm. This part of France doesn't rush you. It gives you room to slow down, notice more, and carry home memories that feel quietly personal.
