Provence, a popular tourist destination in southern France offering an abundance of sunshine, purple lavender fields, and mouthwatering aromas at every turn.
You may be wondering if five days in Provence is enough. When visiting this area, you can easily fill in two full weeks, especially when adding Avignon, and other beautiful locations, though five days is a good amount of time to explore the heart of Provence.
Best Central Location to Stay
We would recommend staying in Avignon. This is the perfect base and cultural hotspot. While Aix-en-Provence is a fantastic alternative, closer to the coast. Both cities offer excellent accommodation options from relaxed bed and breakfasts to five star hotels.
When Should I Visit Provence?
Before planning y our five night stay in Provence, you want to ensure you arrive in the right season. While the great news about this beautiful areas is it offers all year round enjoyment. If you want to enjoy the famous lavender fields when they are in full bloom, then plan to visit between June and July. At the same time, this is the peak tourism season. March to June offers fantastic weather with fewer tourists.
Discover an Example of a 5 Night Stay in Provence
You want to try and soak up as much of the beauty, history, and culture of Provence during your five short days. At Cooking Classes in Provence, we have put together our example of a great five night stay in Provence.
Day 1 : Avignon
Avignon is a vibrant university city with a fantastic art scene, annual festivals, and a rich history. It boasts the most spectacular architecture, boutique stores, and winding streets to explore. You will find delightful bakeries and fantastic cafés and restaurants along the cobblestone streets. Enjoy a freshly baked croissant or pain au chocolat as you relax in a quiet square.
If you are an early riser, then don’t miss Les Halles, a busy covered market in Avignon. It is a food hub, brimming with the freshest local produce and mouthwatering aromas. From here, you can make your way to Palace of the Popes, a beautiful Gothic structure, complete with chapels, private chambers, and grand halls. While at Palace of the Popes, be sure to take a quick walk to Pont Saint-Benezet and Pont d’Avignon, an iconic bridge and a chance to soak up the rich history.
Day 2 : L’Isle sur la Sorgue
Start your day in the bustling L’Isle sur la Sorgue market, where you will find a wide selection of culinary delights. Sunday is a great day to stop at this market, than is close to Avignon.
Next take an hours drive to Luberon to explore some of the sights, including Senanque Abbey. You can also stop in Roussillon with spectacular cliffs and brightly coloured homes. Both locations are great for a day trip, due to their close proximity to Avignon.
Day 3 : Les Alpilles and Arles
Spend your third day in Provence soaking up the rich culture of the region. Arles is known for its ruins and connection with Vincent Van Gogh. This town is a popular tourist destination for art lovers.
Arles is only fifty minutes from Avignon, or a fifteen minute train ride. Here you can explore the Roman Amphitheatre ruins or experience digital art exhibitions at Carrieres de Lumieres. Wind down your third day in Saint-Remy-de-Provence where you can relax in a charming cafe or enjoy some shopping in quaint boutique.
Day 4 : Chateauneuf du Pape and Pont du Gard
Dedicate your second-last day in Provence to natural beauty and history. Starting with Pont du Gard, surrounded by nature with lovely nature walks. It offers an opportunity to explore Provence countryside, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
After a relaxing walk in the countryside, head to Chateauneuf du Pape, where you can enjoy a fantastic wine selection with wine tasking experiences. After a relaxing lunch and wine tasting, you can explore the local area, browsing the numerous wine cellars in the town.
Day 5 : Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence is filled with gourmet restaurants, stylish boutique stores, and authentic Provençal markets. Enjoy independent art galleries, high end designer stores, along with mouthwatering local delights.
Start your day at one of the authentic Provençal markets or a relaxing cafe, where you can sip your coffee and enjoy your pastry, watching the town bustle by. You can make a stop of Musee Granet, a fine arts museum that showcases Picasso, Rembrandt, and Cezanne. Be sure to stop at the studio of Paul Cezanne, where you can see where he created his art.
Wind up your last day with a private cooking class, where you can learn traditional dishes, ingredients, and techniques to take home and wow your family and friends. It’s an opportunity to learn the culture and history of Provence through food.
Conclusion
You will not be disappointed when spending five days in beautiful Provence, from the spectacular lavender fields to the rich history, and the amazing arts scene, to boutique markets, and authentic Provençal markets. You can easily fill five days when visiting Provence. For a unique Provençal culinary experience, get in touch with Cooking Classes in Provence today.
