Welcome to Marseille, the gateway to the stunning Provence region! Upon arrival at Marseille Provence Airport, head to the rental car desk to pick up your pre-arranged vehicle. Once you’ve collected your car, set off towards your accommodation in the city. After checking in, take the rest of the day to relax and soak in the Mediterranean atmosphere. Depending on your arrival time, you might want to take a leisurely stroll along the Vieux Port (Old Port), where you can enjoy breathtaking harbor views and try a delicious bowl of bouillabaisse, Marseille’s famous seafood stew. Get a good night’s rest—your Provence adventure begins tomorrow!

Start your day with a drive to Avignon, a city steeped in history and medieval charm. Once you arrive, begin your self-guided exploration at the Palais des Papes, the largest Gothic palace in Europe and a former papal residence. Wander through its 25 grand rooms, including ceremonial halls, chapels, and the private papal apartments adorned with breathtaking frescoes. After lunch in Avignon, drive 20 minutes north to the renowned wine village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Once the summer retreat for Avignon’s popes, today it is one of France’s most famous wine regions. Stroll through its charming streets before visiting a local vineyard.

Start your day with a scenic 1-hour drive from Avignon to Arles, a UNESCO-listed city rich in Roman history and artistic inspiration. Once you arrive, embark on a walking tour of Arles’ most iconic sites. Begin at the Arles Amphitheater (Les Arènes d’Arles), a well-preserved Roman arena dating back nearly 2,000 years. This impressive structure once hosted gladiator battles and still holds events today. Consider using an audio guide or a self-guided tour app (such as the "Arles Tour" app) to learn more about its fascinating past. Next, head to the Roman Theater, another grand structure from antiquity, where open-air performances were held. Continue to the Thermes de Constantin, the remains of an ancient Roman bath complex showcasing the city’s once-thriving social life.

After lunch at a local café, immerse yourself in the world of Vincent van Gogh, who lived in Arles in 1888–1889 and painted some of his most famous works here. Follow the Van Gogh Walking Trail, which leads you to sites that inspired masterpieces like Café Terrace at Night and The Yellow House. Stop by the Espace Van Gogh, a former hospital where the artist stayed, now transformed into a cultural center with a beautiful courtyard.

After a day of exploring, enjoy a relaxed evening strolling through the Place du Forum, where Van Gogh once painted his famous night scenes. For dinner, savor traditional Provençal cuisine, such as bull stew (gardiane de taureau), at one of Arles’ charming restaurants.

Start your day with exploration of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a picturesque town nestled in the heart of the Alpilles. This charming destination is famous for its Provençal atmosphere, artistic heritage, and delicious local products.

Park near the historic center and take your time strolling through the narrow, winding streets lined with beautifully restored houses, old fountains, and shaded squares. Explore the local boutiques, artisanal shops, and charming cafés, where you can stop for a coffee and fresh pastries. If you're visiting on Wednesday, don’t miss the famous Saint-Rémy Market, one of the most authentic in Provence. Saint-Rémy is forever linked to Vincent van Gogh, who spent a year at the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole Monastery, an asylum where he painted some of his most famous works, including The Starry Night. Visit the monastery and its beautiful gardens, which still retain the peaceful atmosphere that inspired Van Gogh. Along the way, you’ll find reproductions of his paintings, placed at the exact locations he painted them. No visit to Provence is complete without tasting its world-famous olive oil. Head to a local olive oil mill (such as Moulin Castelas or Moulin du Calanquet) to learn about the traditional production process, from harvesting to blending.

Start your day by driving to Gordes, one of the most beautiful villages in France. Nestled in the Luberon hills, this picturesque village is a masterpiece of stone architecture, with its narrow, winding streets, rustic houses, and stunning views over the surrounding countryside. Park near the village center and take a leisurely walk through the historic alleys, discovering charming cafés, art galleries, and local artisan shops. For an unforgettable experience, make a short detour to visit the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque, a 12th-century Cistercian monastery surrounded by stunning lavender fields (best seen in summer months). After soaking in the charm of Gordes, drive south to Aix-en-Provence, a lively city known for its art, history, and vibrant markets. Begin your exploration with a walk along the Cours Mirabeau, a grand boulevard lined with elegant mansions, shaded terraces, and iconic fountains. Stop at Place d’Albertas, a hidden square filled with charm, and admire the ornate facades and bubbling fountains that give Aix its nickname, The City of a Thousand Fountains. Aix-en-Provence was the beloved hometown of Paul Cézanne, one of the most influential painters of the Post-Impressionist era. If you're an art lover, consider visiting the Atelier Cézanne, the artist’s former studio, where many of his masterpieces were created. From there, you can also take a short drive to Terrain des Peintres, a peaceful spot offering breathtaking views of Mont Sainte-Victoire, the mountain that inspired many of Cézanne’s paintings.

Begin your day in Cassis, a charming fishing village known for its breathtaking coastline. Take a boat tour of the Calanques National Park (weather permitting), where you'll sail past towering white limestone cliffs and hidden turquoise coves, often compared to the fjords of southern France. After your cruise, stroll through Cassis' picturesque harbor, lined with colorful cafés and boutiques, or relax on one of the nearby beaches. In the afternoon, drive to Marseille, France’s oldest city, rich in history and Mediterranean charm. Start at the Vieux-Port (Old Port), the historic heart of Marseille, where fishermen sell their fresh catch each morning and waterfront restaurants invite you to taste the famous Bouillabaisse. Walk along the lively promenade or visit Fort Saint-Jean, a fortress offering spectacular views of the port. No visit to Marseille is complete without seeing Notre-Dame de la Garde, the city’s most famous landmark. This hilltop basilica, often called the "Good Mother," provides panoramic views over the entire city and the Mediterranean Sea.

On your final day in Provence, check out from your hotel in Marseille and take some time for a last stroll through the city if your schedule allows. Enjoy a quiet morning coffee at a local café, soaking in the last moments of Mediterranean charm. When it's time to leave, drive to Marseille Provence Airport to return your rental car. Most rental companies have designated drop-off areas at the airport, so be sure to follow the signs for car rental returns. Allow extra time for the return process and security checks before your flight. As you board your plane, take one last glance at the stunning landscapes of southern France, filled with unforgettable memories of historic towns, coastal beauty, and world-renowned cuisine.

Until next time—au revoir, Provence!