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!
Archaeological Sites & Roman Ruins
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 two different types of excursions by kayak or canoe for either an hour and 15 minutes or 3 hours.
Nice Rafting, Breil-sur-Roya
For those looking for an adrenalin rush, Nice Rafting is the place to go to!
Le lac de Monteux, Monteux
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.
Verdon Canoe, Gorges du Verdon
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.
Les Guides Action and Aventure, Aiguines
A team of state qualified guides sharing their enthusiasm for great outdoor activities with you.
Raille Lake Watersports, Apt
Just to the north of Apt lies the Plan d'Eau de la Raille. You can practice all sorts of watersports here, with a sailing & windsurfing school. All equipment is available to rent - dinghies, windsurfs, pedal boats and kayaks.
For those looking for an adrenalin rush, Nice Rafting is the place to go to!
Caminaterra Activity Company, Vedene
Located in Avignon
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
Les Guides Action and Aventure, Aiguines
A team of state qualified guides sharing their enthusiasm for great outdoor activities with you.
Air Eau Terre Nature Activity Company, Breil-sur-Roya
This company are based in Breil sur Roya and offer a huge range of outdoor sports and activities for groups and individuals.
Bureau des Guides de Canyon, Castellane
Range of water sports and outdoor activities proposed by a professional guiding company.
Aventure et Nature Watersport, La Palude sur Verdon
The vastness and richness of this protected site offers an extraordinary dimension to sports such as rock-climbing and canyoning.
Castles & Ruins
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.
Caves & Rocks
With an interesting geologic history, Provence boasts some spectacular natural caves, but also impressive prehistoric caves with paintings.
Cinema
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.
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.
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.
Les Agnels Lavender Distillery
This family run lavender distillery situated on the scenic drive between Buoux and Apt, offers guided visits of the lavender distillation and manufacture of essential oils, floral waters.
Train des Merveilles
Located in Nice
Merveilles means “marvels” and it’s hard to know whether they named the area for the stunning scenery, the beautiful old medieval villages or the archaeological findings going back 5000 years. The railway carriages are painted with designs inspired by the prehistoric rock carvings that have been discovered in the region.
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.
Sault has a summer swimming pool with children's paddling pool, play areas and a snack bar.
Sainte-Victoire Aquatic Centre, Venelles
Located in Aix-en-Provence
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.
Lei Chambris Yoga retreat, Salernes
Nestling in the foothills of St Barthelemy, an area renowned for its outstanding beauty and natural healing waters, Lei Chambris offer individual private accommodation on a glorious domain of 10 acres in a stunning setting.
Viton Swimming Pool, Apt
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.
Thermes Sextius Spa
Located in Aix-en-Provence
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.
Aix Yoga Center, Aix en Provence
Located in Aix-en-Provence
The Aix Yoga Center is a 150m2 studio yoga in the heart of Aix en Provence.
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.
France-Balloons Hot Air Balloons, Luberon
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.
Helicopter Leisure Flights & Transfers, Marseille
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.
Roc n' Vol Activity Company, Verdon
Offers climbing, canyoning, via corda, multi-activities, tandem paragliding flights, a paragliding course, hiking and fly, hiking in the Verdon, snow-shoeing.
Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
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.
Helicopter Scenic Flights
This company offers tourist trips in a helicopter to discover some of the best that Provence has to offer, all from the skies.
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.
Royal Mougins Golf Course
Located in Mougins
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.
Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Course, Tourrettes
This beautiful golf resort offers two courses, each with 18 holes, set amongst pine and oak trees.
Cannes-Mougins Golf Country Course
Located in Mougins
The Cannes-Mougins Golf Club provides all features you are expecting from a modern golf within an historical environment. The Cannes Country Club was founded in 1923 by a group of illustrious gentlemen such as Aga Khan, Prince Pierre of Monaco and Baron Edouard de Rothschild.
Golf Course De Taulane
This well-kept golf course is set amongst the natural woodlands of the Southern Alps, about 90 minutes drive inland from Cannes.
Luberon Golf Course, Manosque
Five kilometres from Mqanosque, the Golf du Luberon course offers a demanding course with plenty of obstacles, deep in the heart of the Luberon countryside.
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...
Vaison a Cheval Horse Riding, Vaison la Romaine
Horse riding lessons for beginners to experienced riders, for adults and children alike.
Centre Equestre d'Avignon Horse riding
Located in Avignon
Le Centre Equestre d'Avignon offers a wide range of activities for riders of all ages and abilities
Club Hippique d'Aix Marseille horse riding
Located in Aix-en-Provence
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.
Bergerie d’Alivon en Camargue Horse Riding
Join a small group with a guide to explore the Camargue on horseback.
Centre Equestre de Carces, Carces
Centre Equestre de Carces caters for all abilities of riders and provides lessons, trekking, livery and competitions.
Houses & gardens
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.
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.
Village des Automates, Aix en Provence
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.
Vesubia Mountain Park, Saint-Martin-Vesubie
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.
Live Music
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.
Markets
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.
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.
Religious Buildings
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.
Located at L'Hotel Particulier, this spa uses Carita products. They are specialised in massages and beauty treatments.
Le Vallon de Valruges Spa, St Remy de Provence
Located in Saint-Remy-de-Provence
A beautiful spa area with a light and calming atmosphere provide instant relaxation and inner peace at Le Vallon de Valruges Hotel & Spa.
Terre Blanche Hotel Spa, Tourrettes
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.
Le Spa de Cassagne
Located in Avignon
Located at the Auberge de Cassagne Hotel, this spa offers a complete water circuit, fitness room, massages and face and body treatments.
L'Occitane Spa, Mane en Provence
L'Occitane spa is located right in the heart of where the products and treatments originated from. The luxury scents, cosmetics, products and treatments are developed in the factory in Manosque. You can truly experience the heart and soul of the range of products and the origin from which they have been created.
Carita Provence Spa, Joucas (nr Gordes)
This spa, located in the 5-star Phebus Hotel, offers treatments for face, body and hair. There is also a water area.
Theatres
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.
In a forest of oaks on the banks of the Jabron, this company offers various activities for individuals or groups, with qualified instructors and professional equipment for your safety.
La Ferme aux Crocodiles, nr St Paul Trois Chateaux
With ten species of crocodiles, giant tortoises, lizards, snakes, tropical fish and birds, the Crocodile Farm has over 400 animals to discover.
Corbi Animal Parc, Manosque
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.
Montopoto Indoor Playground
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.
La Foret Enchantee, Venasque
A wonderful walk through the land of fairies, elves, sprites and goblins. Plus plenty of games to keep the entire family entertained throughout.
Colorado Adventure, Rustrel
In the heart of the Luberon Natural Park, and an unknown part of the "Colorado Provençal" lies a Forest Adventure Course and Benji Ejection (bungee jumping backwards ).
A slightly more challenging hike through the most spectactular gorge in Provence, with its narrow high walls and dark alleyway you can witness the amazing vegetation and plants. A 3 hour and 30 minute walk you can enjoy this popular walking route, recommended during the week when it is likely to be quieter.
Gorges de la Nesque circuit
This 9km loop takes you around the edges of part of the Gorges de la Nesque.
Toutes Aures Walk
An great easy walk for the days after rain fall to avoid the mud. Passing by the Chapel Toutes Aures, nestled in an olive grove.
Montagne de Lure
This is a short and easy high altitude walk great for all seasons.
Gorges du Toulourenc, near Malaucene
This river gorge runs for around 30 kilometres from the small village of Saint Leger, heading west along the borders of the Vaucluse and Drome regions.
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.
Wave Island Waterpark, Monteux
This huge waterpark covers an area of 4.7 hectares and includes a surf simulator, waterslides and a river feature called river land.
Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime
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.
Nyonsoleiado Waterpark, Nyons
Waterpark complex that contains a lagoon, 25m pool, whirlpool basin, waterslides for children and adults, cascades of water, rivers, paddling pools and much more.
Aqualand Waterpark, St Cyr Sur Mer
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.
Domaine Le Sagittaire Waterpark, Nyons
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.
Sun Force is located on the famous Pampelonne beach. Its owner, Pierre Tourneq, has been running this business for over 30 years, surrounded by a fully qualified team.
AFDA Canoe & Kayak, Lauris
This company offers two different types of excursions by kayak or canoe for either an hour and 15 minutes or 3 hours.
Nice Rafting, Breil-sur-Roya
For those looking for an adrenalin rush, Nice Rafting is the place to go to!
Lac de Sainte Croix, Gorges du Verdon
A really fabulous lake with excellent leisure facilities and watersports.
Caminaterra Activity Company, Vedene
Located in Avignon
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
Le lac de Monteux, Monteux
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.
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.
