Question 1

What are the must-see sites in Provence?

Accepted Answer

Avignon's [Palais des Papes](https://palais-des-papes.com/), Arles' Roman arena, the hilltop villages of the Luberon (Gordes, Roussillon), [the Calanques](https://www.calanques-parcnational.fr/) between Marseille and Cassis, and the lavender fields of Valensole (June-July bloom) are absolute highlights. [Les Baux-de-Provence](https://www.lesbauxdeprovence.com/), perched above the Alpilles, is one of France's most beautiful villages.

Question 2

What is there to see in the Camargue from a Provence campsite?

Accepted Answer

The Camargue is a unique European delta: pink flamingos, white horses, black bulls, and salt lagoons as far as the eye can see. [Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer](https://www.saintesmaries.com/) is its living heart. [The Camargue Regional Nature Park](https://www.parc-camargue.fr/) offers horse rides, cycling, and birdwatching safaris.

Question 3

Are the Gorges du Verdon worth a day trip from a Provence campsite?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. [The Gorges du Verdon](https://lesgorgesduverdon.fr/), nicknamed the 'European Grand Canyon', are one of France's most spectacular natural sites: 25 km of limestone cliffs up to 700 m high, carved by the turquoise Verdon river. The Lac de Sainte-Croix (12 km² for swimming and paddling) forms the gateway. The Crêtes road offers breathtaking overhanging viewpoints, while trails through the canyon floor reveal the gorge from the inside.

Question 4

Why was Avignon the seat of the papacy?

Accepted Answer

Avignon was the seat of the papacy from 1309 to 1377, a period known as the 'Avignon Papacy'. [The Palais des Papes](https://palais-des-papes.com/) - the largest Gothic palace of the medieval world - is a testament to that power. [The Avignon Festival](https://festival-avignon.com/), created in 1947, is now the world's largest theatre festival.

Question 5

What is a Provençal market and where can you find an authentic one?

Accepted Answer

The Provençal market is an institution: herbes de Provence, Marseille soap, goat's cheese, olives, and colourful Midi fabrics. The markets of Apt (Saturday), L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (Sunday), and Aix-en-Provence (daily) are among the most authentic in the region.

Question 6

What is Arles' connection to Van Gogh, and what can you see there today?

Accepted Answer

Vincent van Gogh lived in Arles from February 1888 to May 1889 and produced over 300 major works there - The Sunflowers, The Bedroom, The Night Café. [The Fondation Vincent van Gogh Arles](https://www.fondation-vincentvangogh-arles.org/), opened in 2014 in the Hôtel Léautaud de Donines, is a contemporary art space that honours his legacy through thematic exhibitions. A signposted Van Gogh trail through the streets of Arles recreates the exact spots where he painted his most famous canvases - a unique artistic walk to do on foot.

Question 7

Can you hike in the Calanques from a campsite near Marseille?

Accepted Answer

Yes, [the Calanques National Park](https://www.calanques-parcnational.fr/) stretches 20 km between Marseille and Cassis. The calanques of En-Vau, Port-Miou, and Sugiton are accessible on foot from Cassis or the Luminy car parks. In summer, access is regulated - check conditions on the park's website before setting out.

Question 8

Can you climb Mont Ventoux from a Provence campsite?

Accepted Answer

[Mont Ventoux](https://www.ventouxprovence.fr/accueil.html) (1,912 m), the 'Giant of Provence', is accessible by bike from Bédoin, Sault, or Malaucène - three routes of varying difficulty. By car, the summit road is open May to November. From the top, the view stretches to the Alps, the Mediterranean, and the Cévennes.

Question 9

Can you kayak in the Gorges du Verdon from a Provence campsite?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Gorges du Verdon - Europe's largest canyon - can be paddled by kayak or canoe from Lac de Sainte-Croix (the most accessible starting point) or from Castellane. Several hire companies offer boats by the half-day or full day. The classic descent (around 21 km) weaves between cliff walls up to 700 m high, with strikingly turquoise-green water. The Sentier de l'Imbut is also a wild hiking option through the lower gorge.

Question 10

When is the best time to visit Provence in a mobile home?

Accepted Answer

June and September are ideal: lavender in bloom (Valensole, Sault), mild temperatures (24-28°C), and fewer crowds. July-August is beautiful but very hot (35-40°C) and very busy. May is excellent for the Provençal spring. By TGV, Avignon is 2h40 from Paris and Marseille 3h10 - the [Zou!](https://zou.maregionsud.fr/) network (regional buses and trains) then connects to the Luberon, the Alpilles, and the Verdon without needing a car.

Question 11

Is Provence suitable for a beach holiday?

Accepted Answer

Provence isn't primarily a beach destination, but Marseille and the Côte Bleue offer beautiful rocky coves. For sandy beaches, Languedoc or the Côte d'Azur are better suited. Provence is best visited for its nature, culture, and gastronomy.

Question 12

Is Provence expensive for a mobile home holiday?

Accepted Answer

Prices are moderate: €55–120/night for a mobile home in high season - less than the Côte d'Azur but slightly higher than Languedoc. May and September offer the best value (30–40% cheaper) with excellent weather. Provençal markets (Aix-en-Provence, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Vaison-la-Romaine) allow you to assemble outstanding picnics at very reasonable prices - one of the great pleasures of the region.

Rentals in Provence

Must-sees

History & Culture

Activities & Nature

Practical tips

Other destinations

Brittany

Normandy

French Riviera

Languedoc & Roussillon

Côte de Lumière

Côte d'Argent

Pyrenees

Basque Country & Béarn

Alps

Alsace

Auvergne

Corsica

Périgord & Quercy