Le Tour de Provence – Discover the True Heart of the South

Originally posted on 18th July, 2025 & updated on 6th August, 2025

Provence isn’t just the sunniest region of France; it’s an experience designed to awaken all your senses. With rolling lavender fields, charming markets and a rhythm of life steeped in authenticity, Provence invites you to feel its warmth at every corner. As you wander through its villages, the air is scented with the fragrance of blooming lavender and wild herbs, making each breath a pure delight.

Once again, the magic of Provence is amplified by the excitement of the Tour de France. As the world’s most prestigious cycling race winds its way through the beautiful landscapes, it brings a unique boost to the region. With Stage 16 finishing at the legendary Mont Ventoux and Stage 17 concluding in Valence, in the Drôme, the Tour de France offers a fabulous opportunity to see Provence in a new light, don’t miss it, you won’t be disappointed.

Provence: A Feast for the Senses

The sounds of Provence are as captivating as its sights. Listen for olive trees rustling in the breeze, café chatter, and above all, the loud chorus of cicadas, ringing out on sun-drenched afternoons.

And the flavours! Drizzle fresh, local olive oil over sun-ripened tomatoes, taste crumbly goat cheeses and spoon up classics like ratatouille or tapenade. Provence is designed to enchant, offering a sensory experience you’ll never forget.

The Essence of Provence

Lavender Fields and Buzzing Bees

From late June through July, Provence is blanketed in fragrant lavender. Fields of purple dominate the landscape, especially around the Plateau de Valensole and the Luberon. As you stroll these fields, you’ll be entertained by bees collecting nectar, producing the golden lavender honey prized throughout this region of France.

Cicadas: The Summer Symphony

By midday, the song of the cicadas swells, a true symbol of Provençal summer. Their chorus swirls through olive groves and vineyards, providing the soundtrack of local life and locking in memories long after you return home.

Perfume: The Heart of Provence

Provence, particularly Grasse, is the cradle of modern perfumery. Since the 16th century, local tanners have used flowers, such as lavender, jasmine, rose and mimosa, to scent their leather goods. Over time, Grasse became the “perfume capital of the world,” welcoming visitors to fragrance houses and workshops, where you can tour, sniff, and even craft your signature scent. The region’s climate and famous winds like the Mistral nurture aromatic plants, underpinning a storied perfume industry that continues to thrive.

Tasting Provence: Rosé and Bouillabaisse

Your senses haven’t truly experienced Provence until you’ve settled onto a terrace with a glass of rosé, delicate, pale pink, brimming with notes of wild strawberries and herbs. For food lovers, bouillabaisse is a must: a saffron-rich fish stew from Marseille, served with crusty bread and garlicky rouille, for a genuine taste of the Mediterranean coast. And by the way, Marseille is the best, possibly the only place to try this unique dish, trust us on this.

Exploring La Belle Provence

Popular Activities

No matter what you crave, Provence delivers plenty of fun activities for all tastes:

Biking: The Luberon is a two-wheeled paradise, dotted with scenic routes and charming villages.
Hiking: Traverse the dramatic landscapes of the Cevennes Plateau or challenge yourself with Mont Ventoux.
Wine Tasting: Sample renowned vintages in world-class vineyards.
Perfume Workshops: Create your own scent in Grasse.
Historical Tours: Wander ancient Roman ruins and medieval towns.

Sports in Provence

Provence is a playground for sports and the outdoors, have you tried playing pétanque yet?

Tennis: Enjoy a game at one of the many clubs, or plan around the famed Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters.
Rugby: Experience local rugby culture at one of the region’s enthusiastic clubs.
Football: Cheer for Olympique de Marseille or hop to Monaco for a match.
Golf: Tee off at courses like Golf de Biot or La Grande Bastide amid breathtaking scenery.
Water Sports: Try sailing, windsurfing, or jet-skiing along Mediterranean beaches.
Sailing: Charter a boat and discover the French Riviera’s hidden coves.
Pétanque: Play a local game on a shaded village square, it’s pure Provençal fun.

Luxury Shopping on the Riviera

Let Provence’s Riviera charm tempt you, and look out for “les soldes”, the summer sales run, which end on July 22nd this year.

Cannes: Explore designer boutiques along the Boulevard de la Croisette.
Nice: Shop Avenue Jean Médecin for top French and international brands.
Saint-Tropez: Hit up Rue François Sibilli for exclusive finds.
Monaco: Discover luxury at Hermès, Gucci and Prada on Avenue de Monte-Carlo.
Antibes: Browse artisanal crafts and high-end shops in the charming old town.

Places to See in Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur

The Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur region is rich in legendary sights and hidden gems. Don’t miss:

L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue: Art, antiques and tranquil canals
Gordes: Iconic hilltop vistas, and a tourist’s favourite
Pernes-les-Fontaines: Historic town famed for fountains
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: Roman ruins and lively markets
Les Baux-de-Provence: Dramatic medieval village
Aix-en-Provence: Elegant boulevards and culture
Maussane-les-Alpilles: Famed for its olive oil
Mont Ventoux: Cycling and panoramic views in Vaucluse
Cevennes Plateau: Wild, beautiful national park
Nice: Beaches and buzzing city life
Avignon: Palais des Papes and Pont d’Avignon
Nimes: Roman amphitheatre marvel
Orange: Spectacular Roman theatre
Arles: Roman heritage, Van Gogh connections
Pont du Gard: Ancient Unesco-listed Roman aqueduct
Marseille: Historic port, cultural melting pot
Lourmarin: Market village with a Renaissance château
Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Legendary wine village
Vaison-la-Romaine: Roman ruins and medieval charm
Les Gorges de la Nesque: A breathtaking canyon between Ventoux and Luberon.
Venasque: Recognised as one of France’s most beautiful villages.

Where to Eat

Let local tips be your gastronomic guide and discover our selection of some of the best and most popular restaurants to eat out in Provence and on the Riviera:

Babel Babel in Nice: Chic and lively, with perfect views for people-watching. The address is 2 Cours Jacques Chirac, Nice
L’Amandier de Mougins: A classic in a lovely hilltop town, loved by locals and visitors alike. It’s located at 48 Avenue Jean-Charles Mallet, Mougins
Tredici in Cannes: A lively Italian above Le Suquet; the côte de boeuf is a highlight. The address is 13 Rue Louis Perrissol, Cannes
Carré Bleu in Cagnes-sur-Mer: Don’t miss the tapas platter at apéro hour.
La Table de Didier in Grimaud: Insiders’ choice for food and family vibes.
Le Safranier in Antibes: Magical evenings on a lamplit square, with exceptional bouillabaisse and fresh fish.
La Petite Plage in Vallauris: Beachy vibes and Mediterranean flavours.
Beefgrill Riviera in Nice: Heaven for meat lovers, at 289 Promenade des Anglais, Nice
L’Oustau de Baumanière in Les Baux-de-Provence: Michelin-starred Gastronomic Provençal cuisine. The address is 500 route de Baumanière, 3520 Les Baux-de-Provence.
Le Petit Nice in Marseille: Michelin stars, sea views, heavenly seafood.
La Mirande in Avignon: 5 Star Gourmet tradition in a gorgeous historic setting.
Le Château de Mazan: set in a beautiful environment that combines charm with gourmet food. The address is 8 Rue Napoléon, 84380 Mazan
Les Bories in Gordes: A 5 star hotel, restaurant and Spa in the Luberon located at route de Senanque, 84220 Gordes
Le Virage in Bedoin - a rustic restaurant serving local food and wine with an exceptional terrace and the best views in the Ventoux. It is situated at Route du Mont Ventoux, 15 Chem. des Jas, 84410 Bédoin.

Hire a Car

To experience Provence at its best, hiring a car is recommended. Explore rustic back roads, remote villages and scenic routes at your own pace. Major airports and cities offer countless rental options, but make sure to book in advance, especially during the summer months.

Provence Travel Tip

Visit Grasse to discover the secrets of perfume making, stroll through a lavender field in full bloom, and don’t leave Provence without a bottle of local rosé and a jar of lavender honey to enjoy the magic wherever you are.

Find Your Dream Home in Provence

If you’re considering buying property in Provence or along the French Riviera, you’ll discover a region offering not just homes, but a lifestyle full of authentic and warm Mediterranean charm. Whether you seek a sun-drenched villa with vineyard views, a stone character home in a lavender-scented valley, or a stylish coastal apartment moments from the beach, Provence and the Riviera mix authenticity with luxury.

The area’s world-renowned climate, exquisite gastronomy and colourful markets make everyday life feel like a holiday. With a strong rental market for both seasonal and long-term stays, investing here means securing not only a quiet retreat or elegant residence but also potential for attractive returns. By choosing Provence or the Riviera, you’re investing in a lifestyle where enduring value and quality of life come together in one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations.

Feel free to contact us to discuss your requirements, or register your search criteria to receive alerts of suitable properties.

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