Provence tours in France

Because nowhere else stacks Roman history, lavender fields and hilltop villages quite like Provence.

One afternoon you’re standing beneath a 2,000-year-old aqueduct at the Pont du Gard. The next, you’re climbing narrow lanes in Gordes, honey-stone houses stacked against a limestone ridge. By evening, market stalls in Aix-en-Provence are piled with olive oils, cheeses you can’t pronounce and lavender soap, and someone’s playing pétanque under the plane trees.

It’s a region built for slow travel. Wine cellars around Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Van Gogh’s old haunts in Arles and Saint-Rémy, the turquoise coves of the Calanques – Provence rewards whoever takes the scenic route.

Get inspired by this round-up of the best things to do in the South of France. 

Late spring through early autumn is the sweet spot, roughly April to October. Days are warm, and the countryside is at its most photogenic.

Summer (June to August) is hot and dry, with daytime highs around 29–31°C (84–88°F) in July and August, cooling to a still-warm 17–18°C (63–64°F) overnight. It’s also the driest, sunniest stretch of the year, though the mistral – a strong, dry wind that can blow through at any time of year – is at its least frequent in summer.

But you’ll find that attractions are noticeably quieter outside of summer. Spring (April to May) and early autumn (September to October) are milder, with temperatures generally between 19–28°C (66–82°F) during the day. 

Lavender season runs roughly from late June to early August, peaking around mid-July. The Valensole Plateau and Luberon villages are at their most striking (and busiest) during this window.

Bloom times change slightly year to year depending on conditions, but a mid-July visit is usually your safest bet for full colour.

Provence is a pleasure to explore by car. Roads are well maintained, signage is clear, and outside the bigger towns, traffic rarely causes problems.

Driving is on the right, seatbelts are compulsory for everyone in the car, and speed limits are strictly enforced. One local quirk: at unmarked junctions, the vehicle coming from the right has priority (priorité à droite) – this catches some visitors out.

Ready to go? Explore Provence on one of our self-drive tours of France. 

Take your pick from Comfort Plus or Superior category accommodation. Depending on the level of accommodation you go for, you’ll stay in handpicked 3- or 4-star hotels and guesthouses, each chosen for its location and character. Expect comfortable rooms, good breakfasts, and staff who know the area well.

If you have a specific request, just let your consultant know before you travel, and we’ll do our best to arrange it.

These France tours bring the best of Provence together with other regions, like Southern France and Paris. Trips range from 5 days to over 2 weeks.

Five days is enough time to get a flavour of Provence and the French Riviera, while a week or more is best for slowing the pace and leaving room for spontaneity. A 1–2 week itinerary lets you linger longer in each place, visiting lesser-known spots along the way.

With two weeks or more, you might even want to combine your time in Provence with wish list-worthy destinations in neighbouring Italy. How about Rome and Tuscany for starters? Explore by road and rail on these tours of France and Italy.

Yes, every Provence tour can be customised during the booking process. Add extra nights, optional day trips, or upgrade your accommodation and rental car.

If you have something specific in mind, from wine tastings to extra time in Aix-en-Provence, just ask your travel consultant.

You’ll have a real person to call, day or night, throughout your trip. For everyday questions, you can reach our office during working hours.

If anything unexpected comes up outside those hours, from unusual weather to a missed connection, our 24/7 helpline has a travel expert on call.

Light, breathable clothing for warm days, with a layer for cooler evenings, especially inland or in the hills. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobbled old towns and vineyard paths.

Beyond that, pack a power adaptor, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a scarf or wrap for covering up when visiting churches. A little cash comes in handy for local markets and tipping.