Planning to enjoy a longer vacation in Provence? Other must-see towns and villages in Provence are Aix-en-Provence, Les Baux-de-Provence, Gordes, Arles,, a paradise for all gambling enthusiasts who enjoy Casino Bizzo slots and other games!), Nice, Orange, Le Còte Bleu, Bonnieux, Roussillon, Meze, Vaison-la-Romaine, Vence, Fréjus, Biot, Tarascon, and Bargème. This region clearly won’t disappoint you!

Drenched in sunshine and stepped back in rich French history, Provence is a region of amazing attractions and breathtaking scenery. The culture here is so unique that there is even a Provence way of living art de vivre. Provence is perhaps the most atmospheric and colorful region in all of France. If you want to get acquainted with ‘the most French’ France, you should go to Provence with its small villages, endless lavender valleys, and silvery magnificent rocks. Here is a list of some of the most popular tourist attractions in this beautiful French region.

Marseille

This bustling city has been one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean and the main cultural capital of Europe since 2013. Marseille is a unique blend of medieval history, picturesque Mediterranean scenery, and urban life. The top attractions of this city are amazing, and you should start your sightseeing experience with the old port, around which the whole city grew. Marseille is home to well-preserved medieval houses and churches, an ancient 16th-century castle, and famous museums including MUCEM.

Chateau d’If

If you go for a boat trip directly from Marseille’s Vieux Port, you can see a landmark of Marseille, the legendary island fortress Chateau d’If. Alexander Dumas described it in his work “The Count of Monte Cristo”. Originally the Chateau d’If was built as a coastal defense in the mid-1500s, but in the 19th century, it was converted into a gloomy and impregnable prison for dangerous criminals.

Cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde

Notre Dame de la Garde Cathedral is the grandiose cathedral of Marseille. It doesn’t only have a rich history, but impresses visitors with its unique architecture. The height of the tower and cathedral  is about 1,000 meters. The top of the cathedral is decorated with an 11-meter gilded statue of the Virgin Mary. Thanks to this statue you can see this Catholic temple from almost anywhere in the city.

MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations)

This super modern museum deserves a spot on the travel guide of each history enthusiast. The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations in Marseille portrays the history of 21st-century European and Mediterranean civilizations.

Built at the entrance to the harbor, the museum itself is a work of art. Designed by the architect Rudy Ricciotti, the museum has the form of a 160,000-square-foot cube. The location of the museum is spectacular: it is next to the 12th-century Fort Saint-Jean, and there is a wonderful walkway above the water connecting them.

Palais Longchamp

This huge historical monument looks like. a palace and is a monument to the importance of water. Built in the 18th century, the Palais Longchamp commemorates an important historical event for Marseille. The town experienced a hard water crisis, and to solve this problem it was decided to bring water in from the nearby Durance river.

Avignon

The next must-see city in Provence is, of course, the beautiful and ancient Avignon, located on the banks of the Rhone River. The city’s symbol is the majestic arched bridge across the river. Life in Avignon changed dramatically when the popes decided to move here, but not for long, just 70 years. But this was enough to transform the amazing Avignon and make it one of the most amazing French cities. The Palais de Papes became a symbol of the Christian faith in the West during that period.

Today, the palace is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Provence and is home to festivals, art exhibitions, and concerts. Not visiting such a majestic, powerful, and impressive heritage of French culture is a real crime, especially for those people who are fans of medieval Gothic architecture. And you will be in awe of Avignon’s beautiful gardens and parks including the garden of the Abbey of St. Andre and the garden of Ceccano. Avignon is also home to the amazing art museum Musée du Petit Palais.

Palais de Papes

Built in the early 15th century, Palais de Papes, or the Pope’s Palace is the largest European palace in Gothic style. It dates back to the epoche when the papal court left Rome and moved to Avignon.

Grasse

Grasse is the true capital of perfumery. This city is filled with colorful historical events and drowning in endless lavender fields. Grasse dates back to the XI century, literally a century later became a bishop’s town. In the time of Catherine de Medici Grasse became famous for its extensive production of perfumed gloves.