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Aix-en-Provence -

Aix-en-Provence is quintessential Provence. The hub of this traditional town is the Cours Mirabeau, a broad boulevard lined with cafés and boutiques. Aix's other visitor attractions include the cathedral and the Musée Granet, home to masterpieces by Rembrandt, Rubens, Cézanne, Monet, and Picasso, among others. If you're in Aix in December, look out for the delightful Bravade Calendale Christmas Festival.

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Arles -

Arles boasts an extraordinary heritage that dates back to antiquity. The city is especially known for its collection of important Roman remnants, not least the amphitheater, built in 90 CE. The 12th-century Eglise Saint-Trophime is another must-see. Most of these ancient wonders have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Vincent van Gogh lived in Arles from February 1888 until May 1889. You can retrace the troubled genius' footsteps by following the Van Gogh Pedestrian Path.

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Avignon -

Avignon is a delight to explore. The 14th-century Palais des Papes ("Papal Palace") is an obvious starting point. Another prominent UNESCO eye-opener is the 12th-century cathedral of Notre Dame des Doms. And then, of course, there's the Pont Saint-Bénézet, better known as the Pont d'Avignon and for the French song 'Sur le pont d'Avignon.'

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Marseille -

France's oldest city, and the second largest after Paris, Marseille is everything you'd expect from a busy Mediterranean seaport. While it's not the region's prettiest destination, Marseille's cultural diversity, a potpourri of Jewish, Moorish, Corsican, and Greek influences, makes it a fascinating place to delve into.

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Saint-Tropez -

The seaside glamor of Saint-Tropez has drawn the jet set for decades. Mere mortals are also lured to one of the sunniest spots on the French Riviera. Besides its famous beaches, Saint-Tropez has one or two excellent museums set in the town's old citadel district.

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Fréjus -

Renowned as a sun-drenched resort destination, Fréjus also wows with a number of historic sights often overlooked by beachgoers. The city's ancient heritage is Roman in origin. The remains of an amphitheater, public baths complex, and an aqueduct can all be admired. So, too, can the 11th-century Romanesque cathedral and its beautiful cloister.

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Cassis -

Despite its urbanization as a popular Mediterranean resort, Cassis has managed to retain its quaint fishing village charm. Besides its scenic allure, the town is famous for its white and rosé Provence wines.

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Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque -

If there's one single photograph that sums up Provence, it's the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque. This classical postcard image of the medieval abbey surrounded by a sea of purple lavender is an Instagram favorite. For the best pictures, arrive in July and August when the lavender is in full bloom.

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Orange -

The UNESCO-listed 1st-century CE Théâtre Antique is reason enough to visit Orange. And if you do so during the summer months, this ancient venue hosts a wonderful festival called Les Chorégies d'Orange that includes opera, classical music, and ballet performances, with many major international dancers and singers appearing.

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Les Baux-de-Provence -

Away from the coast, Provence's don't-miss rural destinations include Les Baux-de-Provence. This historic village enjoys a dramatic setting perched on a rocky plateau, its medieval charm earning it a place on the Plus Beaux Villages de France ("Most Beautiful Villages of France") list.

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Saint-Paul de Vence -

One of the oldest medieval towns on the French Riviera, Saint-Paul de Vence has drawn artists since the early 20th century, its picturesque perspective captured by such illustrious names as Marc Chagall and Wassily Kandinsky.

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Gordes -

Another member of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, Gordes exudes Provencal medieval charm. The village sits in the Luberon Regional Natural Park, a UNESCO biosphere reserve, and is topped by the imposing 16th-century Château de Gordes.

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Vaison-la-Romaine -

Vaison-la-Romaine is certainly worth a detour for its rich Roman ruins and medieval town and cathedral. The town nestles the foot of Mont Ventoux between the French Alps and the Mediterranean Sea.

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Vence -

The walled medieval village of Vence is a patchwork of narrow cobblestone lanes that open onto peaceful sun-kissed squares. Henri Matisse made his home here towards the end of his life, and the town's Chapelle du Rosaire has stained glass and other fittings created by the French artist.

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Saint Rémy-de-Provence -

Saint Rémy-de-Provence is famous for providing Vincent van Gogh with much-needed inspiration as he convalesced at the Monastère Saint-Paul de Mausole, a Romanesque monastery-turned-psychiatric hospital. Among his most memorable works painted during this period is 'The Starry Night,' which features the town.

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Salon-de-Provence -

Salon-de-Provence is celebrated for three things: artisanal olive oil, fragrant soap products, and Nostradamus. The French astrologer, apothecary, and physician spent his last years in the town, and this is where he is buried. His dwelling is maintained as a museum.

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Grasse -

They've been creating perfumes in Grasse since the 18th century. The town is the center of the French perfume industry and is known as the world's perfume capital. You can tour the famous perfume factories, and there's also a museum dedicated to the perfumer's art.

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Tarascon -

Tarascon took a beating during the Second World War, its many bridges obvious targets for Allied bombing runs. Today, this attractive town on the Rhône River is appreciated for the Château de Tarascon, considered one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in France.

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Mougins -

Forever associated with Picasso, who lived here from 1961 to 1973, Mougins typifies the Provencal hilltop village. Its romantic charm is matched only by its culinary clout: Mougins is renowned throughout France for its gastronomy and gourmet establishments.

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Seillans -

Deserving of its Plus Beaux Villages de France status, the hilltop village of Seillans overlooks the plain between the southern Alps and the Esterel mountain range. Its steeply-inclined medieval center is accessible only on foot, and comprises leafy, fountain-adorned squares, a lovely church, and the house in which German artist and pioneer of the Dada movement and Surrealism Max Ernst spent the last years of his life.

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Bargème -

The peaceful rural retreat of Bargème is perfect for those seeking rest and relaxation in a bucolic atmosphere. The town clings to a promontory and affords spectacular views across the surrounding countryside. The evocative ruins of Bargème's 13th-century castle add a historical perspective to this tranquil member of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France.

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Alpilles Regional Natural Park -

Provence has a wealth of natural wonders, and the Alpilles Regional Natural Park is up there among the most spectacular. This mountainous nature reserve is crisscrossed with marked trails for hiking, biking, and horse riding. Among the resident wildlife that call the Alpilles home is the majestic Bonelli's eagle.

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Gorges du Verdon -

The dramatic Verdon Gorge is a hugely popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Perhaps the most rewarding way of getting to know this beautiful river canyon is kayaking its turquoise-green waters. On the other hand, why not hike its rim for a breathtaking panorama of the Verdon Regional Natural Park?

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Menton -

Set in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region on the French Riviera, close to the Italian border, Menton has always been a frontier town. Its townscape is dominated by the 17th-century Baroque basilica of Saint-Michel-Archange and its ornate bell tower.

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Cannes -

Mention Cannes and a certain film festival springs to mind. There's no escaping its association with cinema's rich and famous, or its luxury veneer, so the best way to explore the city is by taking a stroll along the iconic Boulevard de la Croisette and pretend your hotel is the famous Barrière Le Majestic or the equally historic Hôtel Martinez.

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Nice -

Another Côte d'Azur celebrity hotspot is Nice. It's a city that epitomizes the French Riviera—glitzy and glamorous. But behind the flashy facade lies a historic town center of pastel-hued red tile-roofed stucco buildings, Belle Epoque palaces, and Art Deco monuments. And there's always the timeless Promenade des Anglais to amble along.  

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Antibes -

Antibes is a seaside city known for its parks and gardens and several excellent museums, including the much-visited Picasso Museum. If your wallet is big enough, you can check into either the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat or Hôtel du Cap. Both overlook the appropriately named Billionaire's Bay.

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Camargue -

If you like horses, you'll love Camargue. A coastal region in southern France located south of the city of Arles, between the Mediterranean Sea and the two arms of the Rhône river delta, the Camargue is world famous for the traditional French breed of working horses that freely wander the wetlands. The animals share the region with Camargue cattle and more than 400 species of birds.

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Massif des Calanques -

It doesn't get more rugged than the Massif des Calanques. Running along the coast between Cassis and Marseilles, these steep limestone cliffs form part of the Calanques National Park, which is actually situated in the region's Bouches-du-Rhône department.

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Auron -

While Provence is essentially a summer destination, the region does offer plenty of winter fun options, namely skiing. Auron, located above the Tinée Valley near the town of Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée, is a favorite resort, and only 59 miles (95 km) from Nice.

Sources: (Lonely Planet) (Only Provence) (UNESCO)

See also: Europe's most underrated destinations for a white Christmas

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