There is nothing more rewarding right now than reconnecting with nature and the great outdoors. If you are longing for a trip, then one destination that you don’t want to miss is the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur of France. With a unique setting between the Mediterranean sea and the always mighty Southern Alps, Provence has a wide range of attractions that can make all visitors happy. The whole region has six sections- Alpes Maritimes, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Bouches du Rhône, Hautes-Alpes, Var, and Vaucluse. Marseilles serves as the capital of the region. From the stunning lavender fields to its divine beaches and magnificent palaces, here are some of the best outdoor attractions you can enjoy when you are in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.

The Lavender Fields

One of the most unmissable attractions of Provence is its lavender fields. It is the soul of the region and popular worldwide. Normally, the lavender season starts from the last week of June and lasts till the beginning of August. It will be harvested afterward. The Valensole Plateau’s lavender fields are the most popular and most photographed among the fields. The area is filled with long stretches of lavender flowers, deep blue lakes, and picturesque villages.

Gorges du Verdon

Gorges du Verdon is one of Europe’s most vibrant natural settings with its limestone canyon and turquoise waters. The 25 kilometers long canyon stretches into the Verdon Regional Park and reaches more than 700 meters deep. Popular adventures awaiting you here include kayaking, hiking, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting. If you don’t feel like signing up for any of these exciting activities, you can always take a swim in the sparkling waters of the canyon. The whole landscape is truly breathtaking and a recommended addition to your itinerary.

The Hilltop Villages

Ranked as one of the most beautiful villages in France, the hilltop villages of Provence are built from limestone and are full of vibrant character. Since Provence is a passage between the Italian and Iberian peninsulas, it felt safer for the early inhabitants to build villages on the top of the hills. This also gave them better control over the route along the valley or countryside. Take a stroll around the village and you are sure to find some of the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Arles

Listed as a UNESCO World Site, Arles will surely surprise you. Filled with brilliant Romanesque architecture from the 11th and 12th centuries, the town is a passage into the glorious medieval past and a fun way to explore the major Romanesque monuments. Arles was also the home of the famous painter Van Gogh for a year. The town was inspired him for more than 300 of his works.

The French Riviera

If you are looking for a beautiful landscape to explore, then the French Riviera is one of the most beautiful ones you will find in all of France. Always bathed in sunlight, there is plenty to explore in this region. Nice is the capital of the French Riviera and is an awesome point to start your explorations. Many compelling destinations like Monaco, Antibes, Éze Village, Cannes, Menton, or Saint Tropez are easily accessible from Nice as well. The region is great for day trips and guided tours.