Provence 7-day Itinerary
France
Where to go and what to see in Provence to get the most from your trip – a 7-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
Bucket list experience:
Provence, France
Mention art in Provence, and two names immediately spring to mind: Cezanne and Van Gogh (see bios below). But the region offers so much more than the duo who created the iconic images of its lovely landscapes.
Although Provence can’t match the explosion of contemporary art along the neighbouring Cote d’Azur, new foundations, galleries and museums have sprung up, notably in Avignon and Arles, with outstanding collections.
Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890) moved to Provence in 1888, during a time of ill health. He fell in love with the landscape and the rich light, and decided to stay and try to set up an artists’ colony.
Initially, he settled in Arles, where he created over 300 paintings and drawings, some of his best-known works – including the famous Sunflowers paintings (now held in the Neue Pinakothek in Munich, National Gallery in London, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and the Sompo Japan Museum of Art in Tokyo).
The following year, however, in 1889, after a bout of poor mental health, Van Gogh committed himself to the St-Paul-de-Mausole asylum just outside Saint-Remy. There he painted more of his masterpieces, including The Starry Night, now displayed in New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).
Paul Cezanne (1839-1906) was born and died in Aix-en-Provence. A so-called ‘Post-Impressionist’ painter, he is credited with laying the foundations of modern art by bridging the gap between the 19th-century Impressionists and the later works of Cubist painters like Picasso. His style was highly unique and distinctive, using planes of colour and small brushstrokes to create complex paintings on natural forms that inspired both Matisse and Picasso.
One of his favourite landscapes to paint was the Montagne Sainte-Victorie Mountain, which overlooks Aix. He created a now world-famous series, exhibited in different art museums around the world. See a catalogue of his most famous works on Wikipedia.
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Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
France
Where to go and what to see in Provence to get the most from your trip – a 7-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
Avignon, Provence, France
A superb private art collection in a townhouse, including the only Van Gogh in Provence. There are also paintings by Chardin, Manet, Cezanne, Degas, Modigliani, Sisley and Picasso.
Best for ages: 18+ | £7
Aix-en-Provence, Provence, France
The studio where French artist Paul Cezanne painted – evocatively preserved, as if he had just put down his brushes.
Best for ages: 13+ | £6
Saint-Remy-de-Provence, Provence, France
In an 18th-century mansion, this museum bases its exhibits on Van Gogh’s complaint that living artists were unfairly ignored. It has a fine permanent collection of 20th- and 21th-century works, along with a Van Gogh interpretation centre.
Best for ages: 18+ | £6
Aix-en-Provence, Provence, France
A must for any art lover, this museum holds one of Provence’s top art collections, including works by Cézanne, Rubens, Rembrandt, and the Collection Planque.
Best for ages: 18+ | £5
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Avignon
€75 | Rating 4.75 / 5 [16 ratings]
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Aix-en-Provence
€124 | Rating 4.66 / 5 [9 ratings]
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Avignon
€142 | Rating 4.01 / 5 [64 ratings]
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Avignon
€209 | Rating 4.11 / 5 [9 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Aix-en-Provence, Provence, France
Stylish hotel with a swimming pool and gardens, in walking distance of lovely Aix-en-Provence. Great for those self-driving around Provence.
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Aix-en-Provence, Provence, France
A handsome 18th-century townhouse, furnished with traditional Provencal antiques and full of 18th-century charm, in the heart of Aix-en-Provence.
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Aix-en-Provence, Provence, France
Cutting edge interior design, welcoming touches and an intimate number of guests converge in this luxurious, boutique townhouse hotel – perfectly located in the centre of Aix.
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Arles, Provence, France
A stylish, storied hotel full of character and charm in the historic heart of Arles. Rich in local history, and a favourite of visiting bullfighters.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Provence, France
Gorgeous landscapes peppered with beautiful villages, sunflowers and lavender, art-filled towns, lively cultural festivals and exquisite food and wine. Provence is everything you imagined it would be.
Round-ups that include this experience
Multiple countries
The top cities and regions for world-class art museums and cutting-edge galleries. A feast for art lovers, and home to the masterpieces everyone should see.