Provence 7-day Itinerary

The world’s biggest Gothic palace was home to popes during their 14th-century exile from Rome. Seven reigned here until 1377, in a colourful period of greed and depravity.

Papal Avignon was the centre of the European art for decades, and over 300 works of (mostly) Italian medieval and renaissance paintings and sculptures commissioned by the wealthy prelates of the church, including a Botticelli Madonna, are displayed in this 14th-century palace.

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.

The Luberon massif, with its lush landscapes, quaint villages and lavender fields (in season) is like a film set. It’s quintessential Provence at its most picturesque – best appreciated by car or the 236km circular bike route.

Europe’s best-preserved Ancient Roman theatre, dating back to the 1st century AD, is still used for performances today.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site of breathtaking beauty, this aqueduct bridge, dating back to the 1st century BC, is testimony to the genius of Roman engineers.

An archaeology museum housing a fascinating collection of sculptures, mosaics and much more from the ancient Arles region – artifacts date from prehistoric times until the 6th century AD.

The biggest and one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in France, where 20,000 would come to watch gladiators fight to the death.

An evocative, romantic Roman burial ground – once the most famous cemetery in medieval Europe. It’s the burial site of the legendary St Trophime and the first bishops of Arles, and remains an important stop on the pilgrimage to Compostela.

Follow in Van Gogh’s footsteps around Arles, the town where he painted some of his best-known works.

A massive, wildlife-filled river delta, where gardians (French cowboys) ride white ponies and herd black Camargue bulls amid vast flocks of pink flamingos. Brilliant for horse-riding, hiking, cycling, and wildlife safaris.

The asylum where Van Gogh spent 1888-89 is a masterpiece of Provencal Romanesque, and today specializes, appropriately, in art therapy. His room and reproductions of the paintings he made there are on display, along with temporary exhibitions.

Follow in Van Gogh’s footsteps through the landscapes around Saint-Remy-de-Provence, where he painted some of his best-known works.

The best-preserved Roman city in Provence, near Saint-Remy, amid landscapes painted by Van Gogh.

An atmospheric, ruined 10th century castle teetering atop the craggy Alpilles mountains, rich in Provence feudal history and panoramic landscape views.

Each morning, Aix hosts one of Provence’s best markets, overflowing with the freshest fruit, vegetables, herbs, meats, seafood and cheeses from local producers. On Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings, it expands tenfold and includes a massive flower market.

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.

This magnificent townhouse (1715), a beautifully restored hôtel particulier, features lavishly furnished period rooms, an exquisite garden, a film on Cezanne and temporary art exhibitions; a good stop for lunch, afternoon tea or dinner too.

The studio where French artist Paul Cezanne painted – evocatively preserved, as if he had just put down his brushes.