Things to do in Provence

In Avignon, explore the vast Palais des Papes and walk out onto the famous Pont Saint-Bénezet, and in Arles visit the Roman amphitheatre that Van Gogh painted; the Roman aqueduct of the Pont du Gard is another UNESCO site. In early summer the Valensole plateau turns purple with lavender, and Sénanque Abbey at Gordes is toured in silence while prayers continue. Stroll Aix-en-Provence's tree-lined Cours Mirabeau, take in Marseille from the hilltop Notre-Dame de la Garde before heading down to the Vieux-Port and the MuCEM, and hike or cruise to the coves of Calanques National Park. In Lyon, Vieux-Lyon, one of Europe's largest Renaissance quarters, is threaded with traboule passages, and a funicular climbs to the Fourvière basilica.

Good to knowCalanques trails have no fresh water, so carry about 1.5 L per person for a half day, wear closed shoes and check access conditions on the official My Calanques app. At Valensole and Sénanque, don't walk into the lavender rows, and Sénanque requires proper dress. The Palais des Papes has many steps and is not suitable for wheelchairs, and at the Pont du Gard the museum closes in winter while the site stays open daily.