Marshy fields of black bulls, white horses, Provencal cowboys, pink flamingos and migratory birds, the Camargue is like its own little country. Once you're a few minutes south of Arles, you enter the atmosphere of the area, with its series of long, level roads criss-crossing the marshes and farmlands.
The Camargue was designated as a botanical and zoological nature reserve in 1927 and 1970, helping to maintain its natural beauty. Spring and Autumn are the best times for seeing the birds, the bulls and the horses of Camargue. Bring a bird book, binoculars and camera ... and some mosquito repellent.
The upper Camargue has been cultivated since the Middle Ages. The alluvium soil in the Rhône delta is excellent for crops, but must be prepared and maintained. The land had to be drained, and needs to be protected by low dikes. Salt content, which increases during summer evaporation, is reduced by washing down the soil.
“It is an urge, in short, to be in Provence. No other region in Europe, not even Tuscany, has so nourished our dreams and sensual demands. It has been a playground since the Romans scattered arenas and theatres across the landscape. When the 14th-century Popes fled Rome for Avignon, their interests were markedly more licentious than liturgical. (Petrarch described contemporary Avignon as “a thoroughfare of vices where prostitutes swarmed over papal beds”.) Provençal life may still flow uninterrupted from the spiritual to the voluptuous. “
The Provence village of Roussillon is often regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Provence. This quintessential Provence town, is very popular among tourists for the breathtaking views and the famous yellow and orange buildings that are tainted by the local ochre deposits. The best time of day to visit this picturesque village is just before sunset, as sunlight throws lots of different shades upon the walls of the houses. Spending time wandering the narrow, winding streets is a relaxing experience and it is easy to soak up the joys of provincial life away from the hustle and bustle. The local landscape has led to comparisons being made to Colorado in the USA (it is often referred to as the ‘French Colorado’!).
2. Cities in Provence region of France: Gordes
The small village of Gordes, perched on top of a cliff above the valley of Calavon is one of the most charming Provence towns to visit. Gordes is known as one of the most beautiful vities in the Provence region of France. Gordes boasts an impressive castle, from which you can look down onto the terrocotta roofs of the houses and enjoy the panoramic views of the countryside surrounding the village. It is easy to see why Gordes attracted artists such as Marc Chagall, Jean Deyrolle, Serge Poliakoff, Vasarely and Dewasne.
3. French cities in Provence: Les Beaux de Provence
Located south of Avignon and close to Saint-Remy-de-Provence, Les Beaux de Provence and its castle are very popular among visitors, who come to the castle ruins to see demonstrations with enormous siege engines and catapults. The surrounding area of the village is great spot for hiking and biking. The popular l'Images de Cathédrale, a sort of multimedia art museum that beams popular artistic images onto the walls of the former bauxite mine, has recently been refurbished. If you are compiling a list of French cities in Provence to visit, then Les Beaux de Provence should be high up on your list.
4. Provence France cities: L’Isle sur la Sorgue
Today, L'Isle sur Sorgue is famous for its many antique shops and hosts an antique market most Sundays. There are reputed to be nearly 300 antique dealers and second hand shops in L'Isle sur Sorgue. L'Isle sur la Sorgue hosts a large antiques fair every Easter and over the August 15th holiday, where up to 500 Antique dealers from all over the world participate. In L'Isle sur Sorgue you will find many charming waterside cafés and restaurants, all within walking distance of each other. L'Isle sur Sorgue is also famous for its many water wheels located throughout the town, many of which are still in working order.
5. Cities in Provence, France: Uzès
Uzes, South France is a very pretty town. Located west of Avignon and north of Nîmes, the town of Uzès boasts many beautifully preserved Renaissance towers and houses, coupled with narrow, winding streets. Uzès has a rich history dating back to Roman times. Uzès in Provence, France is famous for the Roman aqueduct that supplied water to the city of Nîmes. The most famous part of this aqueduct is the Pont du Gard, which is only a 14-kilometer (9 miles) drive from the town of Uzès. In the Uzès itself, visitors can enjoy the medieval center, the Duché Palace, and the well-known Saturday farmers market. Uzès also provides a charming base to explore all the cities in Provence, France; such as Avignon and the Roman Ruins of Nîmes.
6. Cities in Provence: Aix-en-Provence
The old University town of Aix is a wonderful place to spend time in. Aix is often referred to as the city of a thousand fountains and they are everywhere. The most prominent is Fontaine des Quatre Dauphins (Fountain of the Four Dolphins) in the Quartier Mazarin. Aix hosts an important opera festival, the Festival international d'Art Lyrique, founded in 1948 (which ranks alongside Salzburg and Glyndebourne in terms of importance).
7. Cities in Provence region of France: Avignon
Avignon is one of the most historical cities in the Provence region of France. Avignon arrived on the World's stage when in 1303 the Vatican decided to move away from the anarchic violence of Rome to the peaceful pastures of Provence. Although they only stayed for 70 years their legacy can still be seen on the beautiful streets of Avignon. Today Avignon is a charming city in Provence, with lots of bustling streets and squares. The Rhone river which runs through Avignon has been developed into a nice park and walk-way. The main city has grown out from the Palais des Papes in a grid formation. Avignon is well-served by the TGV and also the airports at Nimes and Marseille.
Set in the heart of Avignon, the Pope's Palace is the biggest Gothic palace in Europe. Once home of the Sovereign Pontiffs, this Palace with its ceremonial rooms, chapels and private papal apartments, became a symbol of the power of the Christian world in the 14th Century. It certainly is a spectacular site, the whole complex is enormous and shows the wealth and power that the Vatican enjoyed at this time. At the back of the Palais, there is now a lovely park that commands great views over the River Rhone and the surrounding countryside. If Avignon was to be the temporary home of the Popes whilst the trouble in Italy died down, then it was certainly one hell of a vacation home.
The Pont d'Avignon (or Le Pont Saint-Bénézet to give it it's proper name was built around 1180 and it is basically famous for falling down. The bridge was first destroyed in 1220 during a Crusade by Louis VIII of France. The bridge was then rebuilt (this time in stone with 22 spanning arches. But then it fell down again. This time it was the flood surges of the River Rhone which did the damage. The bridge was repaierd and rebuilt at various stages, but then in the middle of the 17th century the good people of Avignon got fed up with paying the taxes to maintain it, so the bridge was abandoned. The bridge was the inspiration for the song Sur le pont d'Avignon and if every you mention this to any French person they will immediately break out into song, grab the nearest person and do the dance that was indoctrinated into them at school. In 1995, the four surviving arches of the bridge, together with the Palais des Papes and Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms were classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
8. French cities in Provence: St-Remy-de-Provence
Saint-Remy-de-Provence is a pretty little town in the South of France. Saint-Remy-de-Provence is often regarded as the heart of Provence. The centre of the town has lots of mazy streets and it has a large market which takes over the town every Saturday morning. Saint-Remy-de-Provence was the birthplace of Nostradamus, a 16th-century author famous for his prophecies. T!
9. Cities in Provence, France: Marseille
The port of Marseille is the largest city in Provence, being the second-largest city in France. The city is a bit of a mixed bag. Scruffy (and dangerous in parts) and also charming and modern in others. But do not be discouraged, Marseilles has much to offer. Heading off to the Vieux Port area of the city is always rewarding and here you will find market stalls filled Provençal products, Moroccan-like souks and a centuries-old fish market with produce coming straight off the boats behind it. In Vieux Port’s Le Panier neighborhood, you’ll find narrow, winding streets and authentic shops. You’ll also find pedestrianzed shopping streets such as Rue St-Feereol. Make sure you stop somewhere and get a steamy bowl of bouillabaisse, a traditional fish stew from Marseilles containing different kinds of fish, shellfish and vegetables, flavored with a variety of herbs and spices such as garlic, orange peel, basil, bay leaf, fennel and saffron. Marseilles is often described as the gateway to Provence and from here you can easily strike out and visit the other cities in Provence, France.
source: https://www.golanguedoc.com/best-places-in-france-to-visit/10-best-french-cities-in-provence-france-to-visit.html