Tourism in Provence in the South of France near our campsite

Discovering Provence through the Lubéron, its lavender fields, culinary specialties, rich culture and bright sunshine is a spellbinding, immersive experience. Nestled in the heart of southern France, the Lubéron region boasts perched villages with ochre stone houses, landscapes of vineyards and olive groves, and hiking trails offering breathtaking panoramas. The lavender fields, emblems of the region, paint the hills in shades of violet under an azure sky. This sun-drenched land vibrates to the rhythm of its generous gastronomy and colorful festivals, offering a complete immersion in the Provencal way of life.

Discovering the Charming Villages of Provence

Provence’s hilltop villages are not just tourist destinations, they are gateways to the very soul of the region. Proud of their heritage, the people of Provence lovingly preserve their villages, seven of which have been awarded the “Most Beautiful Villages in France” label . Roussillon, with its unique orange hues, Gordes with its cobbled streets, Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and its paddlewheels, and authentic villages such as Brantes and Ansouis captivate every visitor with their charm and history.

For sports enthusiasts, Bedoin and Malaucène are ideal starting points for climbing Mont Ventoux, offering spectacular scenery and a world-renowned cycling experience.

Lacoste and Lourmarin attract artists with their art galleries and inspiring ambience. Lourmarin, where Albert Camus lived, and Lacoste, loved by Pierre Cardin, continue to seduce with their unique atmosphere.

Vaison-la-Romaine and Richerenches offer journeys through history, with Roman remains and Templar sites. L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse and Pernes-les-Fontaines highlight water as the source of life, with their paddlewheels, springs and fountains.

Finally, the hilltop villages of the Luberon, such as Bonnieux, Roussillon, Gordes and Ménerbes, offer breathtaking panoramas and authentic charm.

The villages of Provence are invitations to explore history, art, nature and culture, offering unforgettable memories imbued with the very essence of Provence.

Nature activities in Provence

For a nature getaway in Provence, there are several itineraries to choose from. Coastal villages such as Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer and Bandol offer picturesque walks along the customs path, ideal for admiring the Mediterranean coastline. If you prefer a mountainous adventure, Mont Sainte-Victoire is perfect for hiking, with its inspiring views immortalized by Cézanne.

For horse-riding enthusiasts, the Camargue and Alpilles regions are home to equestrian centers offering rides through varied landscapes, including wild beaches and unique flora. The quiet roads of the Luberon Regional Nature Park or the Verdon gorges are also magnificent choices for cyclists in search of panoramic discoveries. Finally, for a quiet break, the region’s parks and gardens, such as the garden at Valsaintes Abbey, offer a sensory immersion between history and modernity, perfect for strolling among the fragrances and colors of Provence.

The Provence coastline: the calanques, the blue coast

On the coast of Provence, discover the calanques, spread over 20 kilometers between Marseille, Cassis and La Ciotat. The calanques form a unique natural spectacle of limestone cliffs plunging into an azure sea. This peri-urban National Park, a blend of land and sea, offers hikers trails such as the GR 98-51, renowned for its panoramic views and refreshing swims. Despite their arid climate, the calanques are home to a remarkable biodiversity of 1600 plant species, including the rare sabline de Provence, and a varied fauna including 25 protected bird species such as Bonelli’s eagle.

The protected seabed is home to the Posidonia meadow, vital for local marine life, including dolphins, rorquals and loggerhead turtles. Historically, the calanques have served as a resource since prehistoric times, with underwater cave paintings and a fishing tradition that continues today, illustrated by the fishermen’s huts dotted around the calanques of Sormiou, Morgiou, Goudes and Callelongue.

The Côte Bleue is lesser known than Marseille’s famous calanques, but has nothing to envy them in terms of beauty. Stretching for 25 kilometers between l’Estaque and Martigues, this unspoilt coastline boasts steep cliffs, crystal-clear coves and vast sandy and pebble beaches bathed in turquoise waters. Popular with hikers, swimmers, water sports enthusiasts and divers, the Côte Bleue offers an idyllic setting. The little Côte Bleue train, with its 7 stations, 45 underpasses and 18 viaducts, offers a unique panoramic experience. Picturesque little ports like Niolon, Ensuès and Carry-le-Rouet, rich in maritime traditions, add to the region’s authentic charm. The Côte Bleue Marine Park, created in 1983, preserves the seabed and supports local activities, helping marine fauna to flourish. The region also abounds in fascinating historical remains, testifying to human occupation since Antiquity.

The Camargue coastline: Freedom and adventure

The Camargue coastline, with its vast beaches, embodies freedom and adventure. Between Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône and Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, this region offers long walks, bike rides and horseback rides. The “digue-à-la-mer”, built around 1860, protects the coastline from maritime intrusion. Nature offers a unique biotope of marshes, lagoons and rice fields, where the balance between fresh and salt water is crucial.

The Camargue Regional Nature Park, created in 1970, promotes ecotourism and sustainable development. The fauna is rich, with emblematic white horses and bulls, as well as numerous birds, such as pink flamingos. The Camargue coastline has been shaped by man since ancient times, particularly by monks in the Middle Ages, and has evolved into the unique, unspoilt landscape we know today.

The Luberon and the colorado of Provence

The Luberon, the jewel of Provence, attracts visitors with its picturesque villages, diverse landscapes and rich historical heritage. It’s a must-see destination for nature lovers, culture buffs and epicureans in search of authentic experiences.

Explore the narrow streets of Gordes, soak up the flamboyant ochre of Roussillon and immerse yourself in the medieval atmosphere of Bonnieux or Lourmarin. The colorful markets will seduce you with their Provencal produce, offering an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

Explore the hilltop villages of the Luberon to discover the quintessence of Provence. Roussillon, famous for its emblematic ochre walls, transports you into an enchanting palette of colors. Lose yourself in the labyrinthine streets of Gordes, Oppède-le-Vieux, Bonnieux, Lacoste or Ménerbes, where authenticity blends perfectly with traditional stone houses.

Don’t miss the impressive Notre Dame de Senanque abbey in Gordes or the village of Les Bories, a poignant testimony to Provencal rural life. Prepare to be charmed by these preserved gems, perfect for an immersion in the history and picturesque charm of the South of France.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Luberon offers hiking trails through vineyards and breathtaking panoramas from its peaks.

The Parc Naturel Régional du Luberon is home to natural treasures such as the Forêt des Cèdres, ideal for admiring century-old trees and breathing in the scents of the undergrowth. The sentier des ocres, famous for its brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow, is a veritable artistic palette to be discovered after a storm for even more vivid colors.

The Colorado Provençal at Rustrel is another geological wonder not to be missed. This fascinating site evokes the landscapes of American westerns, with its rock formations and dazzling colors. The Sahara Route takes you through this unique setting, captivating young and old alike.

The Luberon promises an escape rich in cultural discoveries, outdoor adventures and moments of relaxation in the heart of unspoilt, enchanting nature in Provence.

Lavender Fields: Symphony of Colors and Scents in Provence

The lavender fields of Vaucluse are the very emblem of Provence, capturing the essence of this region steeped in charm and tradition. Whether on the Albion plateau, at the foot of the Ventoux, in the plains of the Luberon or near Valréas in the enclave of the Popes, these purple expanses exude a bewitching fragrance that captivates the senses from the very start of summer.

Admiring these spectacular landscapes goes beyond aesthetics; it’s a complete sensory experience where the delicate scent of lavender mingles with the ballet of butterflies and bees dancing among the flowers.

Lavender, a plant prized since ancient times for its soothing and antibacterial properties, is available in a variety of products, from lavender sachets for scenting laundry to cosmetics and gourmet dishes. In Provence, lavender is omnipresent: you’ll find it on markets in the form of dried bouquets, in beauty products reminiscent of Provencal scents, and even in tasty dishes like the lavender parfait from the Les Lavandes restaurant in Monieux.

This is when the light of sunset caresses the flowers, offering golden reflections worthy of a painting. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a gourmet or simply looking for peace and quiet amidst bucolic landscapes, the lavender fields of Provence promise an enchanted pause, between poetry and relaxation.

Stay at the 4-star Le Ceyreste campsite in Provence

Located between La Ciotat and Cassis in the Bouches-du-Rhône, the 4-star Ceyreste campsite offers an ideal setting for vacations with family or friends. Close to Aix-en-Provence and Mont Sainte Victoire, it offers easy access to the Cassis creeks and picturesque port. With 160 pitches spread over 3.5 hectares, including 116 modern, comfortable mobile homes, the campsite offers a range of accommodation and facilities including a heated swimming pool with slide, a paddling pool for children, and summer entertainment such as sports tournaments and themed evenings.

Services such as on-site catering, barbecue rental and laundry are also available, ensuring a pleasant and convenient stay in the heart of Provence. The towns and villages of Provence are unspoilt gems, steeped in rich history and timeless beauty. Their unique charm attracts visitors from all over the world, offering an authentic immersion in Provencal culture. Between cobbled streets, ochre stone facades and panoramic views over verdant landscapes, each village reveals a part of its heritage through historic sites, lively markets and delicious gastronomy. Whether exploring Roman remains, discovering artists’ studios or climbing mythical mountains, every visit is a memorable, captivating and enriching experience in this emblematic region of southern France. Visit your local touristoffice for information on the Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur (PACA) region. Make the most of your time to explore the museums during a weekend or longer stay. Provence and the Var promise unforgettable encounters and experiences.