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Cultural Activities in Provence

Discover the top Provence cultural activities

Updated

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!

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  1. Archaeological Sites & Roman Ruins
  2. Boat trips & sailing
  3. Canoeing / Kayaking
  4. Canyoning
  5. Castles & Ruins
  6. Cave & Rock Climbing
  7. Cinema
  8. Climbing
  9. Coasteering
  10. Cookery Schools & Courses
  11. Culture and guided tours
  12. Cycling
  13. Fiestas, Fairs & Fetes
  14. Fitness and swimming
  15. Flying
  16. Golf
  17. Horse riding
  18. Houses & gardens
  19. Hydro-speeding
  20. Ice-climbing
  21. Indoor activities
  22. Indoor climbing
  23. Live Music
  24. Markets
  25. Mountain-biking & Fat-biking
  26. Mountaineering
  27. Museums & Galleries
  28. Paragliding / Parapenting
  29. Religious Buildings
  30. Sailing & yachting
  31. Snow and ice activities
  32. Spas and massages
  33. Theatres
  34. Theme parks, waterparks and aquariums
  35. Via Ferrata
  36. Walking, hiking and running
  37. Waterparks
  38. Watersports
  39. Wine tasting & vineyard tours

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.

Canoeing / Kayaking

Canoeing / Kayaking Watersports in Provence

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Canyoning

Canyoning Watersports in Provence

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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.

Cave & Rock Climbing

With an interesting geologic history, Provence boasts some spectacular natural caves, but also impressive prehistoric caves with paintings.

Climbing Guides & Tours in Provence

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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.

Climbing in Provence

Climbing Guides Guides & Tours in Provence

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See our Climbing Guide

Cookery Schools & Courses

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 pissaladiereratatouille, 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.

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Culture and guided tours in Provence

Sights in Provence

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See our History Guide

Cycling in Provence

Road Bike Bike Hire in Provence

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See our Cycling Guide

Fiestas, Fairs & Fetes

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.

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Fitness and swimming in Provence

Sports & Fitness in Provence

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Flying in Provence

Flying in Provence

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Golf in Provence

Golf Courses in Provence

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Horse riding in Provence

Horse-riding in Provence

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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.

Hydro-speeding

Hydro Speeding Watersports in Provence

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Indoor activities in Provence

Indoor Activities Things To Do in Provence

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Indoor climbing

Climbing Sports & Fitness in Provence

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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.

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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.

See our Markets Guide

Mountain-biking & Fat-biking in Provence

Off-road bike Bike Hire in Provence

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See our Mountain Biking Guide

Mountaineering

Mountaineering Guides & Tours in Provence

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Museums & Galleries

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.

Paragliding / Parapenting

Paragliding Flying in Provence

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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.

Sailing & yachting in Provence

Yacht Charter in Provence

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Spas and massages in Provence

Spas in Provence

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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.

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Theme parks, waterparks and aquariums in Provence

Theme Park Theme & Adventure Parks in Provence

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Via Ferrata

Via Ferrata Guides & Tours in Provence

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Walking, hiking and running in Provence

Walking Guides Guides & Tours in Provence

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See our Hiking & Walking Guide

Waterparks

Waterparks & Aquariums in Provence

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Watersports in Provence

Watersports in Provence

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See our Watersports Guide

Wine tasting & vineyard tours in Provence

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.

See all Vineyards in ProvenceSee our Wine Guide

Latest News & Reviews

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.

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Upcoming Events

Provence 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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Cadenet Farmers Market in Provence
Jazz musicians
the main market square in sarlat la caneda
A trail runner in the mountains of Sospel
Chestnut Festival, Collobrieres
Liszt Festival, Uchaux