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Sénanque Abbey |
@labelleparisfrance |
| Lavender Fields Forever |
| Going to Provence without seeing the famed lavender fields is like going to Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower: you just don’t do it. Your options are nearly as boundless as the fields themselves, but the most unique option just might be Sénanque Abbey. Dating back to 1148 and still home to monks eking out a quiet existence, it’s surrounded by stunning purple lavender as far as the eye can see. The abbey is located in the medieval town of Gordes, a hilltop village that’s well worth a daytrip. There you can visit a 10th-century chateau, the cellars of Palais Saint Firmin, and indulge in all manner of lavender-related goodness. |
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Avignon, France | @elodie_riv |
| Where the Pope Used to Hang His Hat |
| Avignon’s Palace of the Popes, or Palais des Papes, served as the seat of Western Christianity from 1309 to 1377 — a tenure that ended with the Schism of 1378. Today it’s less papal but still popular, with visitors streaming in every day of the year both on their lonesome and as part of guided tours. (If you sign up for one, be aware that they’re only given in French.) Formerly a palace and fortress, it’s a well-preserved piece of history you never knew about. |
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| Les Gorges du Verdon |
@pixelpann |
| Curious Gorge |
| Since you already know all about the French Riviera, try a different aquatic adventure: the Verdon Gorge. This river canyon is perhaps France’s most stunning natural wonder, reaching depths of roughly 700 meters (nearly 2,300 feet) along its 15-mile path. Among the most beautiful sights are Styx du Verdon, a sub-canyon with distinctive rock formations, and the Imbut, where the river appears to vanish underground. Whether you want to hike, rock-climb, kayak, or simply enjoy the view, it’s an essential stop on any trip to Provence. |
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Carrières de Lumières |
@nord_sud_photos |
| Tabula Rasa |
| A former limestone quarry in Les Baux-de-Provence that’s been converted into a multimedia space, Carrières de Lumières is a far cry from the Louvre — in a good way. Some of history’s most iconic paintings are projected onto the walls with musical accompaniment, creating an immersive, almost 3D experience. You’ve never experienced Van Gogh or Dalí like this before, and probably won’t again. For a more classic (literally) experience, head to Mougin for the Musée d'Art Classiques. Situated between Nice and Cannes, it features everything from Roman and Greek antiquities to paintings by Matisse and Chagall. |
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| @oico34 |
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| "Want to escape from the hustle and bustle world? Visit Côte d’azur. Nice, Cannes, even some small villages around the area. Here, you are embarrassed by the sunshine. Take a walk along the coastline, take some time with yourself, do nothing — just you and the beautiful blue."
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