Visiting Provence in the South of France? Whether you're in Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, Avignon, or elsewhere, follow this list and get insider tips on what to do and see during your stay.
Montée de l'Oratoire (Fort du Sanctuaire), Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Église · Vauban · 82 conseils et avis
New York Habitat: Situated at the highest natural point in Marseille, Notre Dame de la Garde provides a wonderful 360 degree view of the city, from Vieux Port to the mountains to the Mediterranean.
Quai du Port (Quai de Rive Neuve), Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Port ou marina · 98 conseils et avis
New York Habitat: Where Marseilles was founded, "Old Port" is the area's best place for fresh seafood. We recommend trying the Bouillabaisse for an authentic Marseille meal.
Place du Palais, Avignon, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Palais · 76 conseils et avis
New York Habitat: In Avignon, the Palais des Popes is one of Europe's largest gothic buildings. The palace is huge and features high vaulted ceilings and beautiful artwork throughout.
Jardin des Doms, Avignon, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Belvédère / Panorama · 12 conseils et avis
New York Habitat: This hilltop area in Avignon which has been turned into a park is a great place to relax. Situated in the city centre, it offers great views of River Rhône and Pont St. Benezet.
34 Place des Martyrs de la Résistance, Aix-en-Provence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Église · Cardeurs · 9 conseils et avis
New York Habitat: This charming 13th century church in Aix-en-Provence features beautiful architecture and stained glass windows. Take one of the guided tours to experience the aura of this church in person.
New York Habitat: This small museum is dedicated to tapestries, set design and theatrical costumes that came from the Palais de 'Archeveche. The layout of the rooms are very interesting!
New York Habitat: This is the oldest market of Europe. Be there around 12p.m that’s when they fire a cannon after an old habit of the duke of Nizza that tried to get his shop-a-holic wife home for lunch this way.
New York Habitat: This food market has tons of stalls offering all kinds of cuisine wonders. If you are looking for a specific ingredient make sure you know the French name before coming. Or bring your dictionary.
New York Habitat: Be sure not to miss the ancient Roman ruins in this picturesque village, where Vincent van Gogh was once treated at the Monastery de Mausole.
Restaurant français · Mazarin · 50 conseils et avis
New York Habitat: Get a classic French breakfast at this historic brasserie. Some hot coffee, jus d’orange, a buttery croissant and pain au chocolat is France at its best!
New York Habitat: Kids love this place! They are invited to many play activities while learning the history of this brand & how candies are made. Make sure to stop by the candy coin machines before leaving the Museum!
New York Habitat: This magnificent palace was built to celebrate the Canal de Marseille which brought water from the Durance River all the way to Marseille! Don’t forget to go to the beautiful park behind this palace!
New York Habitat: The name means radiant city and is also nicknamed Le Corbusier. This is a architectural fascinating model in-between past and future. Go into the building to discover a one-of-a-kind organization!
Allée Docteur Paul Louis Simond, Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Site historique et protégé · Le Pharo · 15 conseils et avis
New York Habitat: Although built to be his palace, Napoleon III has never been to Le Pharo! It now belongs to the city of Marseille; make sure to walk in its park and to check its great views on the Old Port!
Calanque de Sugiton (Route des Calanques), Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Baie · 11 conseils et avis
New York Habitat: After a half an hour hike, enjoy the landscape, the isolation and the natural reliefs of Sugiton. The biggest rock in its cove is called the Torpilleur (Torpedo Boat) because of its war-boat shape!
Étang de Berre, Martigues, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Lac · 3 conseils et avis
New York Habitat: The Berre Pond is the biggest Pond in Europe! Its 60 square miles surface area border no less than 10 typical Provencal cities such as Miramas or Martigues!
2 rue de la Charité, Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Musée · 8 conseils et avis
New York Habitat: Make sure to walk to this former almshouse to discover the unique architecture and atmosphere of Le Panier, the oldest district of Marseille!
New York Habitat: This restaurant is one of our favorites in Avignon! Great food, good wines, a nice courtyard to enjoy the fresh air and the mild weather, a refined environment, what else can we ask for?
New York Habitat: At the corner of Rue Moustier and Rue de la Palud, this stylish café features a terrace, lounge décor and music, to enjoy drinks and upscale bistro food at lunchtime in a friendly atmosphere!
17 rue des Braves, Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Restaurant provençal · Endoume · 22 conseils et avis
New York Habitat: Considered as the best restaurant in Marseille by many locals, Le Petit Nice Passedat serves delicate and upscale dishes, coming along with spectacular views! Give their bouillabaisse a try!
Massif des Alpes occidentales, Vauvenargues, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Montagne · 10 conseils et avis
New York Habitat: The Sainte-Victoire Mountain is a symbol of Provence and a lot of its inhabitants are very proud of it! Go take a hike on it and see the sights Cézanne painted by yourself!
Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon, Aiguines, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Parc naturel · 18 conseils et avis
New York Habitat: The Verdon Canyon, around the Verdon river, is a must-see! Take a hike and enjoy beautiful mountain landscapes combined to delightful swim in the turquoise water in natural bathtubs and impoudments!
New York Habitat: Enjoy delicate meat, fish or sea food combined with unique sides in this upscale and classy restaurant! Our advice: enjoy lunch or dinner in the garden eating at a table under the chestnut trees!
New York Habitat: Cezanne's last studio has been kept intact for decades! Take a deep breath and plunge into the painter's world and work on a hill top. Check the great views out and how about painting some?
New York Habitat: Hiély-Lucullus is a great place to have a gourmet experience in Avignon! Do not hesitate to taste the foie gras, cheeses and champagne, they are worth the try!
Place sadi carnot, Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Restaurant français · 1 conseil
New York Habitat: Walk down Rue de la Republique, Marseille’s Haussmannian boulevard, to get to Le Moment! Its gastronomic menu will delight your taste-buds as your eyes will be charmed by the cozy and classy décor!
Restaurant français · Sainte-Anne · 2 conseils et avis
New York Habitat: More than just a restaurant, a meal there is a whole experience in the "architect's belly"! Enjoy the food and discover the legendary building designed by Le Corbusier and its unique features!
New York Habitat: La Charcuterie means the delicatessen shop, thus this is the place to eat at if you’re a meat lover! Try their duck confit and discover a French specialty!
New York Habitat: Do not hesitate to throw yourself into the wolf's mouth! The careful and friendly personnel of this appreciated restaurant serves various but still delish Provencal dishes in a charming atmosphere!
3 cours Saint-Louis, Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Restaurant de fruits de mer · Noailles · 57 conseils et avis
New York Habitat: Chez Toinou is a real institution, appreciated by both Marseillais and visiting seafood lovers! Eat there or buy fresh products from its stalls to enjoy great quality fishes, shells and shellfishes!
Iles du Frioul (Iles du Frioul), Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte
Restaurant français · 1 conseil
New York Habitat: Looking for an isolated place off the hectic Marseille? Reach the Frioul Islands, a short boat ride away from Vieux-Port and stop by the abandoned Sainte-Caroline hospital and WWII blockhouses!
New York Habitat: On the If Island, one of the Frioul Islands, this castle from the 16th century castle was turned into a jail, in which the Count of Monte-Cristo is kept prisoner according to Alexandre Dumas' novel!
237 Corniche Président John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Front de mer · Endoume · 13 conseils et avis
New York Habitat: The Corniche, home to the fanciest houses of the city, is also a great jogging spot with amazing views on the sea, in between several beaches! Do remember to have a seat on the world longest bench!
New York Habitat: At digging to build a mall, antique greek vestiges have been found! Thus Marseille created a museum around those and the famous Jardin des Vestiges or Vestiges Garden, in the very center of the city!
Square Narvik (Boulevard Maurice Bourdet), Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Gare · Saint-Charles · 53 conseils et avis
New York Habitat: Check out the stairs of the train station of Marseille! Each of the statues decorating them has a story: some are tribute to the former French colonies and some are allegories refering to the city!
La Canebière, Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Route · Noailles · 12 conseils et avis
New York Habitat: The most famous street in Marseille was named after the hemp (chanvre in French) that arrived in the Old-Port to be turned into rope and sails for boats! Check its interesting architecture out!
1 rue Barbaroux, Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Église · Thiers · 2 conseils et avis
New York Habitat: This church is nicknamed Les Réformés by all Marseillais as it was built over the site of a former Reformed Augustins convent! Don't hesitate to head towards it when on the famous Canebière!
Cours Julien, Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Place · Notre-Dame-du-Mont · 29 conseils et avis
New York Habitat: This place gathers all kind of Marseillais as well as visitors: families, both young and older people going out, etc. This a definitely an authentic place embodying the eclectic spirit of Marseille!
Place de la Major, Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Église · Joliette · 20 conseils et avis
New York Habitat: A beautiful cathedral that’s worth the sight after a walk in the typical Panier district! Discover its unusual neo-byzantine and neo-roman architecture and decor, as well as its horizontal stripes!
Stade de football · Saint-Giniez · 41 conseils et avis
New York Habitat: This stadium is a true symbol of Marseille! Indeed, it's the home of the famous soccer team the Olympique de Marseille, dear to the heart of almost all the Marseillais across the generations!
Place aux Huiles, Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Place · Opéra · 3 conseils et avis
New York Habitat: Next to the Old-Port and in between the hectic Quai de Rive Neuve and Cours d’Estienne D’Orves, the quiet Place aux Huiles is the perfect spot to have dinner before going out in bars and clubs around!
Cours Honoré d'Estienne d'Orves, Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Place · Opéra · 9 conseils et avis
New York Habitat: Enjoy the friendly atmosphere of this place where everyone gathers in restaurants, cafes or bars and their terraces! Our favorites ones are Le Pointu and Le Polikarpov, check them out!
Restaurant asiatique · Mazarin · 11 conseils et avis
New York Habitat: This restaurant serves French food in a refurbished factory with a fun and surprising décor! A great place to have a fun evening out thanks to its friendly and vibrant atmosphere!
Promenade Louis Brauquier, Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Site historique et protégé · Hôtel de Ville · 11 conseils et avis
New York Habitat: The Fort Saint Jean was built in the 600s and has protected the city for centuries! Its two towers were added later, in the 1400s and in the 1600s; it’s now a majestic symbol of Marseille!
1 boulevard Charles Livon, Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Site historique et protégé · Le Pharo · 3 conseils et avis
New York Habitat: Did you know its canons were oriented towards the city and not the sea, in case of internal rebellions? It then has been split in 2, one is open to visit and the other is still occupied by the army!
Site historique et protégé · Arènes · 57 conseils et avis
New York Habitat: Built by the Romans centuries ago, the amphitheater is now home to bull fights and performances! Our advice: enjoy its great acoustic in July for the Festival de Nimes with its prestigious artists!
New York Habitat: On the western part of Marseille is another charming old port with a rich industrial and commercial history, nicknamed the Village de l’Estaque! Make sure to try its specialties; the famous panisse!
New York Habitat: This bakery has a wide range of different breads, pastries, pies, cakes, sandwiches or pizzas! It's open all night long so do not hesitate to stop by it on the way back home after a long night out!
17 Rue de la Couronne, Aix-en-Provence, Provence-Alpes-Côte
Sans catégorie · Tanneurs · 3 conseils et avis
New York Habitat: Give this small and elegant restaurant by the street a try to have good and consistent French food just next to La Rotonde of Aix-en-Provence!
29 rue de la Saraillerie, Avignon, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Restaurant français · 5 conseils et avis
New York Habitat: Their provencal vs. world cuisine fusion food is definitely harmonious, tasteful and unique! They also offer several different menus to satisfy anyone at a good value for money, we recommend it!
New York Habitat: Chez Caro offers both great quality and affordable food in a really nice bistro atmosphere. You might HAVE to go back to this restaurant after trying it out!
55 Cours Julien, Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Restaurant · Notre-Dame-du-Mont · 9 conseils et avis
New York Habitat: This trendy concept store on the Cours Julien, is unique! Here you can shop clothes/accessories/cameras, visit exhibitions, have dinner/drinks & enjoy concerts and DJ sets. You can even get a haircut!
Restaurant espagnol · Notre-Dame-du-Mont · 12 conseils et avis
New York Habitat: This is a great restaurant and bar to have tapas and drinks in a friendly atmosphere. It is never empty & often crowded since its known as a good spot in Marseille, this place is worth the try!
New York Habitat: Known as an upscale and affordable restaurant at the same time, La Tasca features Spanish, Provencal and Corsican food in an amazing décor you might want to enjoy for a date! Be sure to book a table!
9 avenue Jean Giono, Forcalquier, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Restaurant français · 8 conseils et avis
New York Habitat: When food quality comes with service one in a great setting, all you have to do is enjoy! It also has a great value for money, make sure to have a table on the terrace to take advantage of the views!
New York Habitat: Make sure to book a table located in the lovely and quiet patio! Then you just have to enjoy the simple and excellent food served by the professional and friendly staff!
New York Habitat: How about getting lost in the middle in the shades of the bamboos on a warm day? The tour is really informative and interesting, you can then just enjoy the landscapes in a really zen atmosphere!
New York Habitat: If you find yourself in this region don’t run away at the first mosquito bite! The marshes hold many wonders such as flocks of flamingos and wild white horses.
New York Habitat: Snack Samos serves one of the best kebabs of the region! Enjoy the combination of quality and quantity eating it there or taking it away!
9 Boulevard des Lices, Arles, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Restaurant français · 1 conseil
New York Habitat: This restaurant, though expensive, serves food worth the try! Our advice: visit nice chapel upon request since you are in a former Carmelite convent from the 17th century!
New York Habitat: Numerous museums can be found along the walls. If you plan to visit most of them or take a walking tour it might be worth it to get an Avignon Passion Pass for discount.
New York Habitat: This medieval village on St James’ Way to Santiago de Compostella, Spain, is only 22 miles away from Montpellier! It’s ranked amongst the most beautiful villages of France so go take a look at it!
Canal du Midi (Pont de l'Embouchure), Toulouse, Occitanie
Rivière · Ponts Jumeaux · 14 conseils et avis
New York Habitat: This canal has joined the Mediterranean and Atlantic since the 17th century! It has no less than 65 locks left to take you up to 190m above the sea level, so do not hesitate to take a cruise on it!
2 boulevard du Jeu de Ballon, Grasse, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Musée · 14 conseils et avis
New York Habitat: Want to know how perfume is made? As the Perfume Capital of the World there is no better place than the Musée International Des Parfums de Grasse to discover the secrets of perfume!