Provence
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Provence - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Espace Van Gogh
The hospital to which the tortured van Gogh repaired after cutting off his earlobe is a strikingly resonant site. Its courtyard has been impeccably restored and landscaped to match one of van Gogh's paintings. The cloistered grounds have become something of a shrine for visitors, and there is a photo plaque comparing the renovation to some of the master's paintings, including Le Jardin de la Maison de Santé. The exhibition hall is open for temporary shows; the garden is always on view.
Pl. Dr. Félix Rey, Arles, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, 13200, France04–90–18–41–20Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
2. Jardins de Salagon and Priory
On a site occupied since the Gallo-Roman period, this picturesque 11th- to 12th-century priory—a rich archaeological site classed as a Historic Monument by the French Ministry of Culture—presides over 10 acres of themed gardens. The restored priory, with well-preserved Gothic and Romanesque flourishes, now houses an ethnological museum, a testament to the various cultures and peoples in this part of Provence. The garden functions as both a visual delight and a preserve for 2,500 species of plants and flowers native to the region, from ancient times to the present, organized into five themes—like "simple gardens and village plants," which includes field and cultivated plants that were both consumed and used medicinally. There's also a medieval garden, a fragrant garden with benches under the roses and honeysuckle for maximum sensory effect, and a modern "exotic" garden that crosses five continents.
Prieuré de Salagon, Mane, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, 04300, France04–92–75–70–50Sight Details
Rate Includes: €8, Closed Tues. -
3. Le Jardin Botanique de la Citadelle
The flowering of a 25-year project, this lovely botanical garden is planted on rediscovered 18th-century terraces at the highest point of La Citadelle vineyards, with magnificent views of Ménerbes and the Vaucluse and Ventoux mountains. Stroll its scenic paths to see hundreds of medicinal and aromatic plant species used in traditional medicines for millennia. Afterward, enjoy a tasting at the domaine and entrance to the Musée du Tire-Bouchon, the world's first museum dedicated to the corkscrew.
601 rte. de Cavaillon, Ménerbes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, 84560, France04–90–72–41–58Sight Details
Rate Includes: €5, Closed Sun. Oct.–late Apr. -
4. Rocher des Doms
Set on a bluff above town, this lush hilltop garden has grand Mediterranean pines, a man-made lake (complete with camera-ready swans), plus glorious views of the palace, the rooftops of Old Avignon, the Pont St-Bénézet, and formidable Villeneuve across the Rhône. On the horizon loom Mont Ventoux, the Luberon, and Les Alpilles. The garden has lots of history as well: often called the "cradle of Avignon," its rocky grottoes were among the first human habitations in the area.
Montée du Moulin, off Pl. du Palais, Avignon, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, 84000, France04–32–74–32–74 -
5. Abbaye St-André Gardens
Don't miss the formal Italianate gardens of Fort St-André, littered with remains of the abbey that preceded the fortifications. The gardens are now privately owned.
Rue Montée du Fort, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, Occitania, 30400, France04–90–25–55–95Sight Details
Rate Includes: €9, Closed Mon. Mar.–Oct. -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Jardin du Pharo
PharoThe Pharo, another larger-than-life edifice built to Napoléon III's epic tastes, was a gift to his wife, Eugénie. It's a conference center now, but its green park has become a magnet for city strollers who want to take in panoramic views of the ports and fortifications.
Above Bd. Charles-Livon, Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, 13007, FranceSight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
7. Jardin Médiéval
This lovely compact garden on a 12th-century site re-creates a typical botanical garden with plants commonly used in medieval medicines. It's well worth the steep 100-step climb up the King's tower for the eye-popping views of the town. Afterward, you'll be served a refreshing tisane made from garden herbs. There's also a fascinating 19th-century jail and several art galleries showing works by local artists.
Rue Port Royal, Uzès, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, 30700, France04–66–22–38–21Sight Details
Rate Includes: €7 -
8. Jardins de la Fontaine
A testimony to the taste of the Age of Reason, this elaborate formal garden was created on the site of the Roman spring in the 18th century, when the Source de Nemausus, a once-sacred spring, was channeled into pools and a canal. The shady haven of mature trees and graceful stonework makes for a lovely approach to the Temple de Diane and the Tour Magne.
Corner of Quai de la Fontaine and Av. Jean-Jaurès, Nîmes, Occitania, 30000, France04–66–58–38–00Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
9. Jardins de l’Abbaye de Valsaintes
The grounds of a Cistercian abbey—constructed in the late 11th century and rebuilt in the 17th century—contain a dry garden, a vegetable garden, and a spectacular rose garden with more than 500 varieties. Guided nature tours are offered, as are history tours that take in the church and might feature Gregorian chant. Open year-round, the on-site restaurant serves lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday and lunch on Sunday. A boutique sells gardening books and tools, as well as locally made fragrance and food items.
Lieu dit, Forcalquier, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, 04150, France04–92–75–94–19Sight Details
Rate Includes: €7, Closed late Dec.–early Feb. -
10. Le Port Antique
Vieux PortThis garden in front of the Musée d'Histoire de Marseille stands on the location of the city's classical waterfront and includes remains of the Greek fortifications and loading docks. Restored in 2013, the site, with several nearly intact boats (now exhibited in the museum), was discovered in 1967 when roadwork was being done next to the Bourse (Stock Exchange).
Rue Henri Barbusse, Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, 13007, France04–91–55–36–00Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Closed Mon.
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