Discover the top Provence cultural activities
Whatever you choose to do on your holiday you are sure to find a huge range of cultural activities across the Provence area. From museums to archaeological sites, live music or wine tastings, there is something for everyone in Provence. Check out the selection of things to do & see below for some holiday inspiration!
Romans arrived in the 2nd century BC to Provence, and you can still see some of their constructions here, many still in excellent condition like the Maison Carrée in Nimes, an ancient temple. There are also incredible bridges, theatres, amphitheatres and other monuments to visit.
This company offers a 2 hour river descent from Isle sur la Sorgue to Fontain de Vaucluse in canoes.
For those looking for an adrenalin rush, Nice Rafting is the place to go to!
The Ceze is a calm river and accessible for all. Along the trip you’ll find enough spots and beaches where you’ll be able to get out of your boat to eat, sunbathe or swim.
Explore the beautiful Gorges du Verdon by paddling down the river in canoes or kayaks. A fun activity for everyone to explore the beautiful Gorges du Verdon and paddle on the beautiful blue water.
Jet-ski, waterskiing, wakeboard, wakesurf, parachute, canoe and paddleboard, Glisse Paradise have it all!
Located in the heart of the EcoQuartier Beaulieu, Lake Monteux is an open every day of the year. Ideal for the whole family, this area offers a multitude of activities.
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
The vastness and richness of this protected site offers an extraordinary dimension to sports such as rock-climbing and canyoning.
Range of water sports and outdoor activities proposed by a professional guiding company.
This company are based in Breil sur Roya and offer a huge range of outdoor sports and activities for groups and individuals.
For those looking for an adrenalin rush, Nice Rafting is the place to go to!
A team of state qualified guides sharing their enthusiasm for great outdoor activities with you.
Provence has a long and varied history reflected in the wide variety of castles scattered across its countryside and towns. Here you can visit wonderful ancient medieval and Renaissance castles that give a taste of the powerful lords that ruled these lands.
With an interesting geologic history, Provence boasts some spectacular natural caves, but also impressive prehistoric caves with paintings.
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
This company offer guides for a wide range of activities both in summer and winter.
In Digne les Bains the tourist office offers a number of different outdoor activities, guided walks and visits, all free of charge.
The wide variety of cinemas in Provence means that you can catch the latest releases, but also independent films or art house features. Look for the VOST sign for English speaking films.
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
Provence, like the whole of France, is a paradise for any foodie. Local delicacies include cheese, truffles, wonderful sun-ripened fruit and vegetables, olives or pastis, while there are delicious regional recipes like pissaladiere, ratatouille, daube or the sweet calissons. Many culinary schools and restaurants around Provence offer cookery classes where you can learn to prepare traditional dishes or discover the newest trends in French cuisine.
It was the first Renaissance château to be built in Provence, although a fortress has stood on this ground since the 12th century.
An opportunity to discover Salon's heritage and view the work of contemporary artists in the regular exhibitions held at the Château.
The Muséum d'Aix was founded in 1838 by Henri Coquand, geologist ; it is one of the oldest in Provence.
Discover the rhythm of the central Var, situated between the Verdon and the Sainte-Victoire (painted by Cezanne) in the north and the beaches of the coast in the south, this is a truly beautiful region.
The Nimes Roman Arena is an amphitheatre that dates back to the end of the first century AD. It is an impressive sight, with two levels of 60 superposed arches.
See the universe projected onto the roof of a large room filled with 65 comfortable seats, and wonder at the scale of it all.
This company offers a wide range of leisure and sports bikes for hire, perfectly located for exploring Mont Ventoux.
This cycle hire shop is located in the centre of Bédoin village, just across the street from the tourist office.
This shop offers a variety of brands and bikes to choose from, including road bikes, e-bikes, mountain bikes, children's bikes, and tandems.
There are many village festivals around Provence where you can mingle with the locals, dance to traditional music and taste local specialities while learning more about the region's history and customs.
Run by the town hall, this outdoor swimming pool is only open in the summer time, from the end of June until the end of August.
This outdoor pool is located next to the Gendermerie near the market place in Beaumes de Venise.
Your chance to give climbing a try, improve your technique and skills and have a great time with family and friends.
The Thermes Sextius Spa is Aix-en-Provence has long been known for it's thermal treatments, and has now developed a wider range of well-being treatments for a wonderfully relaxing break in Aix.
In the centre of Vaison la Romaine is the 25 metre outdoor swimming pool, a childrens pool and a relaxation area.
The Aix Yoga Center is a 150m2 studio yoga in the heart of Aix en Provence.
This company offers tourist trips in a helicopter to discover some of the best that Provence has to offer, all from the skies.
Helitec caters for all your helicopter needs from passenger transport to aerial photography, filming, transport of heavy goods, leisure flights over Provence and the South of France. A great way to see the most beautiful spots from the air.
France-Balloons operate from various bases throughout France. Their newest balloon base is located half way between the Alps and the Mediterranean at Forcalquier, in Haute Provence.
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
Offers climbing, canyoning, via corda, multi-activities, tandem paragliding flights, a paragliding course, hiking and fly, hiking in the Verdon, snow-shoeing.
This company offers several forms of discovery and progress to practise free fall. Whether you want to make your first parachute jump or move up the discipline, you will find all the necessary information and guidance.
Founded in 1993, the Royal Mougins Golf Club is a course of exceptional quality. Designed by world-famous American architect, the late Robert von Hagge, the par 71, 18-hole course extends for 6,004 m through a lush, wooded vale.
The Domaine de Manville has a renowned architect and landscaper designed 18-hole golf course allying technicality and game attraction in an eco-responsible and respectful way to produce a truly very special course.
This beautiful golf resort offers two courses, each with 18 holes, set amongst pine and oak trees.
An excellent course for those who want to enjoy a relaxing day out in magnificent surroundings.
Situated between Nice and Cannes, the Grande Bastide golf course is in one of the beautiful parts of the Côte d’Azur.
This beautifully maintained golf course offers superb views over the Alpilles and Luberon, the Durance valley and the mountains of Trévaresse.
Join a small group with a guide to explore the Camargue on horseback.
Situated in a stunning environment The Ecuyers du Paradou offer you a wide range of activities such as riding lessons, riding holidays, special occasion parties, hacks in the surrounding countryside, etc...
The Club, established in 1932 has a long and interesting history. Situated on the banks of the river l'Arc over 30 acres, 5 minutes away from the city centre the Club Hippique Aix Marseille offers a full range of facilities.
Horse riding lessons for beginners to experienced riders, for adults and children alike.
Centre Equestre de Carces caters for all abilities of riders and provides lessons, trekking, livery and competitions.
Le Petit Roman is a family-run 165-acre ranch breeding horses and cattle and farming 3000 olive trees for oil. They offer discovery rides of the nearby Alpilles from 1.5 hours up to full weekends and 3-4 day outings with accommodation available in a typical Provencal estate dating back to the 18th century or for couples they can offer the gypsy caravan!
In Provence you can visit wonderful country houses with stunning gardens. Some have had famous inhabitants like the Jas de Bouffan, where painter Paul Cezanne lived.
Range of water sports and outdoor activities proposed by a professional guiding company.
For those looking for an adrenalin rush, Nice Rafting is the place to go to!
This leisure centre has two indoor pools, a 50 metre outdoor heated swimming pool, with terraces and beaches, and water sports.There is also a weights room and dance studio.
Located 12km from Aix en Provence, the Village Automates is a leisure park for children in a wooded area of oaks and pines in eight hectares.
Indoor fun for all the family, regardless of the weather on the outside. The new centre provides a unique experience for those wanting to try caving, canyoning and climbing.
Your chance to give climbing a try, improve your technique and skills and have a great time with family and friends.
Indoor fun for all the family, regardless of the weather on the outside. The new centre provides a unique experience for those wanting to try caving, canyoning and climbing.
Provence boasts a vibrant music scene with a range of live bands, DJs and jazz clubs to be found, along with a busy calendar of music festivals and street performances. From jazz to latin music, rock, classical or dance music, you will find a spot where to enjoy live bands.
Provence and the surrounding area have a whole host of markets where you can hunt a bargain, check out the local crafts or buy regional produce. There are also a couple of night markets perfect for those balmy summer evenings.
This cycle hire shop is located in the centre of Bédoin village, just across the street from the tourist office.
This shop offers a variety of brands and bikes to choose from, including road bikes, e-bikes, mountain bikes, children's bikes, and tandems.
This company offer guides for a wide range of activities both in summer and winter.
Provence has a wide range of museums and galleries to keep visitors entertained. From very important art collections, including those dedicated to artists that lived locally like Fernand Léger, Cezanne or Van Gogh, to exhibitions dedicated to typical products like wine, lavender, soap or even fruit and vegetables, there is something for everyone.
Offers climbing, canyoning, via corda, multi-activities, tandem paragliding flights, a paragliding course, hiking and fly, hiking in the Verdon, snow-shoeing.
Provence's long history means that there is a wide variety of stunning religious buildings from various eras to visit. Some of the most famous were built in the Middle Ages, like the wonderful cathedral and papal palace in Avignon, home of the pope for a long time.
Baby Magic is a beautiful 23 metre Aikon yacht for charter in France. She was first constructed in 2006 by the renowned Italian shipyard Aikon Yachts. Then in 2018 she underwent an extensive refit, including a new painted hull. Thanks to said refit, she is in great condition and certainly has a quality design. Baby Magic is based in Frejus, making her the ideal choice for cruising around the sunny South of France and the West Mediterranean waters.
The Hotel Terre Blanche is nestled just outside of Tourrettes in Provence. Its spa is set down a small lane set away from the hotel, giving a sense of complete calm and relaxation.
The spa at Les Bories hotel is the perfect place to find true relaxation and wellbeing. Surrounded by beautiful Provencal countryside you can indulge in pure relaxation and treat yourself.
Located in the luxurious boutique hotel L'Oustau de Baumaniere, they offer a large menu of face and body treatments using Valmont products, which are olive-tree based.
Located at the Auberge de Cassagne Hotel, this spa offers a complete water circuit, fitness room, massages and face and body treatments.
Located at L'Hotel Particulier, this spa uses Carita products. They are specialised in massages and beauty treatments.
This spa, located in the 5-star Phebus Hotel, offers treatments for face, body and hair. There is also a water area.
Provence is a large area with a bustling cultural scene, so there is no shortage of theatres. Many of the shows are in French, but you can also head to a dance or circus performance, or even the opera.
Corbi Parc is a great mix of animals and playgrounds. With over 250 animals (goats, donkeys, pigs, rabbits, birds, llamas and camels) to see, pet, or feed, it's an animal lover's paradise.
Indoor fun for all the family, regardless of the weather on the outside. The new centre provides a unique experience for those wanting to try caving, canyoning and climbing.
This leisure park in the Alpilles located in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence offers entertainment for young and old: fun activities, sports activities and ultimately outdoor activities.
Great for children and adults, this adventure park has 2 hectares of games including a spectacular net walk and a village of huts perched in the trees.
Montopoto is the largest indoor playground in France, ideal for bad weather days for children of all ages. Located in Saint-Cannat, a village 15km north of Aix-en-Provence, and is part of the same group that run the neighbouring outdoor park Village des Automates.
This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful adventure parks you'll visit. You'll climb to new heights in their oak forest and zip line over the grapevines.
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
This company offer guides for a wide range of activities both in summer and winter.
In Digne les Bains the tourist office offers a number of different outdoor activities, guided walks and visits, all free of charge.
Provence & Wine offer small guided tours from Avignon and Aix en Provence to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the Luberon, the Alpilees and the Cotes du Rhone villages.
Tour Designer in Provence provide tailor made tours of the best of Provence with day trips and walking tours on offer.
Waterpark complex that contains a lagoon, 25m pool, whirlpool basin, waterslides for children and adults, cascades of water, rivers, paddling pools and much more.
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
Aqualand in St Cyr Sur Mer offer you 11 wicked slides in a great park environment with drinks, food, and shops for you to enjoy.
In the depths of the Drôme countryside in the French Provence, this 5 Star Residential Campsite comes complete with an entirely heated Aquatic Complex, which is open to the public.
This is probably the most family orientated waterpark on the Cote d'Azur. With several friendly slides, a fun pool, food and drinks, ice creams, and shopping all at hand.
This huge waterpark covers an area of 4.7 hectares and includes a surf simulator, waterslides and a river feature called river land.
Bonde Lake is situated in the heart of the Luberon and offers activities and relaxation for all the family.
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
This company offers an 8 kilometre canoe trip along the river near Fontaine de Vaucluse.
The vastness and richness of this protected site offers an extraordinary dimension to sports such as rock-climbing and canyoning.
If you're looking to try out kitesurfing for the first time, this company can help you get to grips with the basics from professional instruction.
A lovely natural lake surrounded by the wooded landscape of the Var. The lake is perfect for a pedaloe trip rather than an adrenaline filled water sport, but it means it is perfect for families!
The region of Provence produces some of the best wines in the world. Take a tour around one of the beautiful vineyards in Provence. Taste the carefully made wines, learn more about them, the grapes and the wine making process whilst enjoying the wonderful vineyard scenery.
Find out all about what is happening in Provence and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in this picturesque French region.
See allLatest News & ReviewsProvence has a busy calendar of events all year round featuring art exhibitions, charming markets, cultural festivals and concerts. Spring and autumn are the time to celebrate local produce while during the peak holiday times, in the summer months, you will find world-renowned music and cultural events like the Choregies d'Orange or the Avignon Festival.
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