by Orson Johnson

Provence has a range of attractions to offer tourists starting with its scenic beauty, quaint European villages and heritage sites. Visitors are sure to enjoy the magnificence of this beautiful and versatile Southern French region. Here are some ideas to make the most of your vacation.

Les Baux de Provence Photo by Benh LIEU SONG/wikimedia

1. Visit the village of Les Baux de Provence perched 245 metres above sea level to view its picturesque valley, ancient citadel and a castle straight out of a fairy tale.

2. Located in the south of Arles, the Camargue Wetlands house that hold over 500 species of wildlife and exotic birds. Here, visitors can see the famous Camargue horses, renowned for their pedigree.

3. Visit the Granet Museum Aix-en-Provence it boasts an enormous collection of over 12,000 pieces of ancient artifacts and memorabilia.

4. Get a glimpse of Ancient Rome in all its splendour at Arles with a trip to see a Roman colony created by Julius Caesar. Re-live the days walking through the ruins of a Roman Amphitheatre and Musée de l’Arles Antique with its collection of ancient roman artifacts.

5. Cathedral Saint Sauveur in the old town is an architectural marvel with that has heavily borrowed from both Roman and Gothic architectural styles. Here visitors can view the intricate designs and woodcarvings from the 17th century adorning the walls and ceilings of this monument.

6. Take an Avignon Wine Tour to indulge in some vintage wine tasting. Dating back over 200 years, the vineyards are set amidst beautiful landscapes and charming villages. You can also purchase their famed red wines at the in-house shops.

7. Visit Orange to enjoy its quintessential Roman essence at the Roman Triumphal Arch and the Antic Theatre- a brilliantly preserved roman era theatre.

Photo of Marseilles Port by Thomas Steiner/wikimedia

8. Pay a visit to the oldest city in France, Marseille that is the largest port in France. This town houses top-notch restaurants serving delectable seafood specialties.

9. Catch the spectacular sights of Avignon while you feast on a three course French meal on the Rhone River Dinner Cruise. The sights include the Saint Benezet Bridge, Rosher des Doms, the Avignon basin and the Pope’s Palace, which light up the shore with their splendour at night.

10. For literature and antique book lovers, Aix-en-Provence Antique Book Market is a revered destination. It stocks an excellent collection of rare and second hand titles. Visitors can browse through hundreds of titles at the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville on the first Sunday of every month.