Provence is a region in southern France, famous for beautiful weather and unique, local goods. Here are some fun, relatively inexpensive things to do there.
Provence stretches across southeastern France, encompasses rural farm towns rich in history, spacious lavender fields and the province even lays claim to a beautiful stretch of the Cote D’Azur. The region is dotted with ancient ruins and beautiful cavernous churches. At the top Provence is bordered by the French Alps.
Hunt for Bories
Bories are ancient stone structures which maintain an air of mystery. Historians are not completely sure of these structures’ purpose, though the most widely accepted theory is that they were built by wandering sheepherders of old times. Bories are more often found in the fields near Forcalquier, Apt and Bonnieux.
Visit The Salagon Museum: A Medieval Garden
Salagon is located in the town of Mane, France. Here visitors can wander the grounds, inspecting a modern version of medieval gardens. Entrance to the gardens is free, however, to get into the museum costs about 8 euros per adult and 6 euros per child between 6-17, they do family packages too.
Go Shopping at a Vide Grenier
Vide Grenier is the Provencal version of rummage sales and can often spread down a village’s entire main street. Vide grenier translates to “out of the attic” and at the fun garage sale type events visitors can find all sorts of neat gizmos and gadgets for cheap. Don’t be afraid to bargain! Look for flyers advertising what town the next Vide Grenier will be held in up to a few weeks before the event.
Visit the Cote D’Azur
The Cote D’Azur is the local name for the French Riviera. This Mediterranean heaven boasts sparkling blue ocean waters that are largely swimmable during the summer months. Tourists and locals alike enjoy these world-famous beaches. Don’t miss out! Most beaches are free, though crowded.
Play Petanque
Petanque is a type of boules and is a great past-time. Locals enjoy playing a round during lunch or during even gatherings known as apero.
Gorges du Verdon
The Gorges du Verdon is locally referred to as the “French Grand Canyon.” It splits the High Alps highest peak and at the bottom is the beautiful Lake St. Croix.
Ganagobie Monastery
The Ganagobie Monastery dates back to the 9th century and hosts daily religious ceremony performed by Benedictine monks. Ceremonies are usually open to visitors as long as you observe in silence. A bonus the gorgeous vista on the edge of the grounds.
Enjoying the Provence Lifestyle
Once you have seen all these sites, then it’s time to do as the Provence locals do and relax. With over 5 weeks of paid holiday and a strictly enforced 35 hour work week, the French certainly know how to maintain a low stress, high quality of life. Breathe in the lavender scents, enjoy potatoes and chicken prepared with Herbs du Provence, drink cheap yet delicious wine, and have a baguette covered in tasty cheese or dipped in pate.
Provence is a unique region of Europe that should not be missed. Often over-shadowed by fashion-central, quick-paced Paris to the north, Provence, 3 hours south by high-speed train, is like a whole different country.
It’s definitely on my must-visit list one school holiday!
Catherine Jones says
Such a beautiful region. Went there lots as a child for camping holidays. Think I’ve still got some perfume from Grasse!
Stacey says
Yes— thank you for the warm walk down memory lane. I took my kids there for spring break a few years ago. We played patonk with the locals, ran and jumped from one ancient stone to the next and watched the wild horses along the coast— we had a blast.
MELANIE EDJOURIAN says
Wow, 5 weeks paid holiday and 35 hour workweek. That would be amazing!!! I’d love to go and our over there and see the lavender fields.
Lisa says
We were in Provence last year and things were definitely pricey. I wish I’d read this before visiting! Bookmarking for the future.
Talya Stone says
I went to Proven years ago and it is so beautiful and agree that just enjoying the way of life there is one of the best cheap things to do there.
Mubin Ansari says
Wow ! So cool and pocket friendly things to do in France!
Thank you for sharing
Tanvi Rastogi says
I cannot wait to visit this place sometime in future. Love all your suggestions.
❥ tanvii.com
Heather says
If I ever have the honor of visiting France, I’m going to need to do all of the budget friendly things! This is a great list!
Claire Justine says
Some great tips here. I can not wait to travel again 🙂
Melanie williams says
There are some really good ideas here for sure and I could just do with a lovely break away in France.
Ashlee says
These are really amazing places you’ve sited here. I’d love to visit the Medieval Gardens and the Ganagobie Monastery!
Melissa Cushing says
I am loving this list of savvy things to do in Provence France! I have never been but would love to try any of these fabulous ideas. I for sure cannot eat to get back to some normalcy and get to traveling and will make sure to visit here soon as is it much needed and long overdue.
Sue -Tanya says
Never been to Provence before but I would love to after seeing this post.
Catherine says
I’ve never been but I’d love to visit there someday! France is such a beautiful country.
Laura @ Kidlette says
Oh the Cote D’Azur, bien sur! I must go one day, when Americans are allowed to go to Europe.;) Bookmarking this page.
Marta Skeledžija says
Such a beautiful region of France. I love the lavander fields there.