How to Spend 4 Days in Beautiful Provence, France: A Relaxed Itinerary Based in Avignon

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Our relaxed, early morning travel style is something we love, so much so, we wrote a blog and 2 free downloadable travel guides on it, “Your Daily Slow Travel Planner + Bonus Slow Morning Blueprint” request your free copies at the top of the page or through one of our pop ups.

For more on Provence, France, checkout our other articles “Best Towns & Sights in Provence, France: Plus, Nearby Gems worth the Trip”, and “Travel Guide to Provence, France: Where to Stay, Eat, & Essential Tips” (coming August 11^th).

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From hilltop towns and seaside villages to Roman history, country markets, and natural wetlands, Provence has so much to offer. In this guide we share the itinerary we used and loved, that gave us a variety of sights to see. Depending on how long you’re staying and where you are going to or coming from, there is a lot more to explore in this area. Some other locally recommended places include: The ancient Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque with its beautiful lavender fields (best seen in July), the hilltop towns of Gordes, Roussillon, and Baux-de-Provence, the pretty seaside town of Cassis, with its close proximity to the amazing Calanques National Park, great for hiking and the views and Vaison-la-Romaine, known for its amazing collections of Roman relics. So, take a look at the amazing sights we saw and if time permits, checkout these suggestions too. Another thing to consider is if you’re trying to fit something else into your itinerary and travelling by car you could visit some of these towns on the way to or from Provence to free up some time during your stay.

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Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Day 1- Aix-en-Provence & L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
3. Day 2 – Arles & Camargue Regional Nature Park
4. Day 3 – Pont du Gard & Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie
5. Day 4 – A Relaxed Day Exploring Avignon
6. A Few Helpful Travel Tips
7. References
8. The Wrap up

1. Introduction:

There are few places in France that capture the imagination quite like Provence. Golden morning light spills across ancient stone villages, lavender fields sway in the summer breeze, bustling markets overflow with local produce, and centuries of history unfold around every corner. It is a region best experienced slowly, where wandering quiet back streets can be just as memorable as visiting world-famous landmarks.

This four-day Provence itinerary is designed for travellers who enjoy early starts, unhurried exploration, and discovering places beyond the typical tourist trail. By basing yourself in the historic city of Avignon, you’ll have easy access to some of Provence’s most beautiful towns while only unpacking once. We choose this town as a base for a few reasons, it is centrally located within the places we wanted to visit, it has easy access to major train routes and car rentals, it’s large enough that you have good accommodation options, but small enough that it’s easily walkable. So, you could train in from a different area, like Paris, which takes less than 3 hours, rent a car for your first few days then drop it off and spend your last day exploring Avignon, then move on by train.

On another visit we stayed in Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie, as we wanted to stay in a small less touristy town and just loved it. This town is only 45 mins west of Avignon and is known for its history of making pottery and its Tuesday and Friday Markets, which were wonderful. This could be another option depending on the experience you want.

For this itinerary, the first three days, renting a car gives you the freedom to explore charming villages, scenic countryside, and hidden gems that are difficult to reach by public transportation. On your final day, leave the car behind and enjoy Avignon at a leisurely pace on foot.

Whether you’re visiting Provence for the first time or returning to discover more of its timeless charm, this itinerary offers a wonderful balance of iconic sights, local experiences, and unforgettable landscapes.

2. Day 1 – Aix-en-Provence & L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue:

There’s no better way to begin your Provence adventure than with two of its most charming towns. Start your morning among elegant boulevards and bustling markets before spending the afternoon beside peaceful canals lined with antique shops and cafés.

Morning: Aix-en-Provence Drive: Avignon → Aix-en-Provence

Distance: 87 km (54 miles)

Driving Time: Approximately 1 hour

GPS to Parking Lot: 16 Avenue Pasteur (Parking Garage)

Aim to arrive early, before the streets become busy. Aix-en-Provence is one of the most elegant towns in southern France, famous for its fountains, shaded squares, and beautiful architecture. Enjoy a relaxed stroll along the Cours Mirabeau, where centuries-old plane trees provide welcome shade over cafés and boutiques. Wander through the Old Town, where narrow streets lead to hidden courtyards, artisan shops, and colourful local markets.

If you’re interested in art, you’ll quickly notice the influence of Paul Cézanne, who was born and raised here, finding inspiration throughout the surrounding countryside, he was born in 1839 and died here in 1906 and is buried in a local cemetery.

For more information on Paul Cézanne, maps or any other questions visit the Tourism Office at 300 Avenue Giuseppe Verdi.

Discover –

• Cours Mirabeau
• Place d’Albertas
• Saint-Sauveur Cathedral (with origins dating back to the 5^th century)
• Local produce and flower markets
• Hidden laneways perfect for photography
• Market mornings Tues, Thurs, & Sat.
• Paul Cézanne Statue

Lunch Choose a terrace café and enjoy a leisurely Provençal lunch featuring fresh seasonal ingredients. This is the perfect place to slow down and simply watch local life unfold.

Afternoon: L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

Drive: Aix-en-Provence → L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Distance: 72 km (44 miles)
Driving Time: Approximately 52 mins

GPS to Parking Lot: 176-414 Avenue Fabre de Sérignan (entrance is off of Cours du Portalet)

Often called the “Venice of Provence,” L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is one of the prettiest towns in the region. Crystal-clear canals weave through and around the historic centre, while old water wheels continue turning as they have for centuries. If you go to the Tourism Office at 13 Place Ferdinand Buisson, you can pick up a map for the Water Wheel Walk. It takes you by the existing approx. 17 wheels still rotating today but no longer generating power like they once did. In the 16^th to 19^th centuries there were about 60 to 70 active wheels.

The town is internationally known for its antique markets, but even visitors with no interest in shopping will appreciate its peaceful atmosphere.

Spend the afternoon wandering the canals, crossing stone bridges, and browsing art galleries, antique stores, and local boutiques.

Discover –

• Canal walks
• Historic water wheels
• Antique shops
• Independent art galleries
• Riverside cafés
• Water Wheel Walk
• Market mornings are Thurs, Sat, & Sun.

Return to Avignon

Drive: L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue → Avignon
Distance: 28 km (17 miles)
Driving Time: Approximately 30 minutes

Enjoy dinner back in Avignon and take an evening stroll through the illuminated medieval streets. For Restaurant recommendations, checkout our post – “Travel Guide to Provence, France: Where to Stay, Eat, & Essential Tips”. (Coming August 11^th)

3. Day 2 – Arles & The Camargue:

Today’s journey combines Roman history with one of France’s most unique natural landscapes.

Morning: Arles

Drive: Avignon → Arles
Distance: 39 km (24 miles)
Driving Time: Approximately 40 minutes

GPS for Parking Lot: Avenue Paulin Talabot (there are a few in this area, so you will have options if this one is full)

Arrive early to experience Arles before the crowds. This UNESCO-listed city is filled with Roman monuments and charming back streets that seem unchanged for generations.

Spend time wandering the narrow lanes lined with colourful shutters, stone buildings, and quiet cafés. Every turn offers another beautiful photograph. For more information on Arles, the Camargue, and info on all the sites related to Vincent Van Gogh in this city, checkout the Tourism Office for Arles and the Camargue at 9 Boulevard des Lices.

Vincent Van Gogh live here for 15 busy months, in the late 1800’s, creating over 200 works of art, including The Starry Night on the Rhône and the Sunflower series, this is also where he cut off part of his ear and spent time in the hospital here.

Discover –

• Roman Amphitheatre (Arena)
• Roman Theatre
• Place du Forum
• Van Gogh viewpoints
• Hidden side streets and squares

Arles has a wonderfully authentic feel that is perfect for slow exploration.

Lunch

Choose one of the cafés around the historic centre and enjoy local Provençal cuisine before continuing south. We ate at the Brasserie L’Aficion, and really enjoyed it, they have a nice patio and are located right across from the Roman Arena.

Tip: Go to the washroom before leaving the city and heading to the Camargue as the washrooms at the Parc Ornithologique Ponte de Gau, (where you’ll see the Flamingos), are not very nice, or at least not when we where there.

Afternoon: Camargue Regional Natural Park

Drive: Arles → Camargue (Parc Ornithologique Pont de Gau)
Distance: 34 km (21 miles) to the park entrance
Driving Time: Approximately 32 minutes

GPS to the Parc: Put in Parc Ornithologique Pont de Gau

The Camargue feels completely different from anywhere else in Provence. (If you have the time, you could spend a whole day in this area, checkout the link at the beginning of this paragraph, if not, seeing the flamingos was definitely a highlight).

This vast wetland is home to the famous white horses, black bulls, thousands of pink flamingos, and many other birds. The shallow lagoons provide incredible opportunities for wildlife photography, especially during the softer afternoon light.

Bring binoculars if you have them, and don’t rush. Some of the best wildlife sightings happen simply by waiting quietly.

We saw some of the white horse and the bulls on our way to see the flamingos, so take your time on this drive. There is a fee to enter the Parc Ornithologique Pont de Gau, but we definitely felt it was worth it to see all of the beautiful and entertaining flamingos.

Once you’re done here, you could head back to Avignon for dinner or drive another 6 mins down the road to Saint-Maries-de-la-Mer and checkout this cute seaside town, maybe stay for dinner and a sunset stroll.

Discover –

• Pink flamingos
• White Camargue horses
• Salt marshes
• Birdwatching
• Scenic nature drives
• Saint-Maries-de-la-Mer

Return to Avignon

Drive: Camargue → Avignon
Distance: 75 km (36 miles)
Driving Time: Approximately 1 hour

If not going to Saint-Maries-de-la-Mer, Return for a relaxed evening and perhaps enjoy dinner in one of Avignon’s lively squares.

4. Day 3 – Hidden Gems Beyond Provence:

Today takes you slightly beyond the traditional Provence route to discover two lesser-known destinations rich in history and local craftsmanship.

Morning: Pont du Gard

Drive: Avignon → Pont du Gard
Distance: 28 km (17 miles)
Driving Time: Approximately 35 minutes

Visit early in the morning when the famous Roman aqueduct is beautifully illuminated and the walking paths aren’t busy yet. Or late in the afternoon.

Standing nearly 2,000 years old, the Pont du Gard is one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in the world and remains an extraordinary engineering achievement.

Walk across the aqueduct and the surrounding trails for different viewpoints and enjoy the peaceful riverside scenery.

You can walk across the aqueduct and use the walking trails for free, but parking cost 9, also, if you want to go into the museum or take a guided tour there is also a fee.

Discover –

• Roman aqueduct
• Riverside walking trails
• Photography viewpoints
• Visitor centre with shops

Lunch: Vers-Pont-du-Gard

Drive: Pont du Gard → Vers-Pont-du-Gard
Distance: 3 km (2 miles)
Driving Time: 5 minutes

Spend a little time exploring the side streets here, then enjoy lunch in this quiet village, where you’ll find welcoming restaurants serving traditional Provençal dishes away from the larger tourist crowds. We ate at La Grange de Vers and really enjoyed it, delicious food and really good homemade iced tea, we highly recommend it.

Afternoon: Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie

Drive: Vers-Pont-du-Gard → Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie
Distance: 15 km (9 miles)
Driving Time: Approximately 20 minutes

One of Provence’s true hidden gems, Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie has been producing ceramics for centuries.

Instead of souvenir shops, you’ll find working artisan studios where local potters continue traditional techniques while creating beautiful contemporary pieces.

Take your time browsing the galleries, chatting with artists, and shopping for your own special piece as a souvenir. We brought home a handmade piece of pottery, as a reminder of our journey and always thing of this special small town when we look at it.

The Papal connection –

Less than an hour’s drive from Avignon, this historic ceramic village of Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie shares a fascinating 14th-century bond with the grand Palace of the Popes. When the papal court moved to Avignon, cardinals and popes turned to this tiny village for its exceptional clay, commissioning local artisans to craft the custom floor tiles, wall ceramics, and daily pottery used inside the palace. This massive medieval papal demand launched the village’s identity as a ceramic powerhouse, a legacy that lives on today through its preserved 14th-century kilns and a thriving modern community of working potters.

We stayed here on one of our trips so we could get a more genuine local feel and really enjoyed our time, staying here allows you to experience one of their market mornings, if it works out that you’re there on a Tuesday or a Friday.

Discover –

• Artisan pottery workshops
• Independent galleries
• Quiet village streets
• Local cafés
• Market mornings Tues./Fri.

Return to Avignon

Drive: Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie → Avignon
Distance: 41 km (25 miles)
Driving Time: Approximately 50 minutes

Enjoy another evening exploring Avignon before your walking day tomorrow.

5. Day 4 – A Relaxed Day Exploring Avignon:

After three days of driving, today is all about slowing down.

Avignon is wonderfully walkable, and some of its greatest charms are found beyond its famous landmarks.

Start early and wander through the quiet streets as local cafés begin opening. Photograph colourful shutters, hidden courtyards, stone archways, and flower-filled balconies before the city comes alive.

Visit the Palace of the Popes

One of Europe’s largest Gothic palaces, the Palais des Papes dominates the skyline and offers fascinating insight into the period when Avignon served as the seat of the Catholic Church.

Allow plenty of time to explore both the grand halls and peaceful courtyards. You can get tickets from the box office or online, we went at the end of September and purchased when we got there, but if you’re going during the busier seasons, it’s recommended to purchase online and book a timeslot. The entry tickets are 16 euros or 19.50 euros to add the gardens and Pont d’Avignon and they are open 9:00am to 7:00pm, we suggest getting there for opening for less crowds, there are river boats that dock around 10:00 or ll:00am so can get busy. It generally takes about 2 hours.

Walk to the Pont d’Avignon (Pont Saint Bénézet)

No visit would be complete without seeing the famous medieval bridge stretching into the Rhône River.

While only part of the bridge remains today, the views across the river and back towards the city walls are spectacular.

Visit the Morning Markets –

There is an indoor market located in Les Halles d’Avignon, open Tuesday to Sundays. Featuring about 40 stalls selling local foods and produce. There is also a Saturday morning street market, called the City Centre Street Market, located from Place des Carmes to Place Carnot, selling seasonal fruits, vegetables, clothing and household items. Always fun to explore.

Wander Without a Plan

One of the greatest pleasures of Avignon is simply exploring. For more information pick up a map at the Tourism Office at 41 Cours Jean Jaurès.

Discover –

• Quiet side streets
• Palace of the Popes
•  Pont Bénézet
• Local bakeries
• Hidden squares
• Independent boutiques
• Small art galleries
• Riverside walks
• Traditional cafés
• Visit Markets

Take your time. Stop for coffee. Browse local shops. Enjoy a long lunch. Provence is best experienced slowly.

**All opening/closing times and pricing is as of Aug. 2026 and is subject to change, so check the local or individual websites before going.

6. Helpful Travel Tips:

• Rent a compact car. Many village streets and car parks are narrow, making a smaller vehicle much easier to navigate.
• Start early each day. Arriving before 9:00 a.m. means quieter streets, cooler temperatures, and the best light for photography.
• Carry some cash. While cards are widely accepted, smaller cafés, village bakeries, and market stalls may prefer cash.
• Reserve accommodation in Avignon with parking. Historic city centres often have limited vehicle access, so confirm parking arrangements before arrival.
• Pack comfortable walking shoes. Many old towns have uneven cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot.
• Enjoy lunch at a relaxed pace. In Provence, meals are an important part of the day, and many restaurants close between lunch and dinner service.
• Visit local markets if your timing allows. Provence’s weekly markets are wonderful places to sample regional cheeses, olives, lavender products, and fresh produce.
• Bring a reusable water bottle. Public drinking fountains can be found in many towns, especially during the warmer months.
• Photographers should pack a polarizing filter, if possible. It helps reduce reflections on the canals in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and enhances the rich blue Provençal skies.
• Allow time to wander. Some of the most memorable experiences in Provence happen away from the guidebooks—down a quiet laneway, in a shaded square, or while chatting with a local artisan.

7. References:

For our Provence, Fance Travel Series, we created our top things to do, itinerary, and tips and recommendations from our own experiences we had while visiting this beautiful area, as well, we read the helpful travel books, Eyewitness Top 10 Provence and The Côte D’Azur and Rick Steves France, which helped shape our adventure. In addition, we like to explore the official tourism websites, (France.fr/en/destination/provence) attraction sites, public transportation resources (like buses, ferries, and trains), and a few local food blogs to see what local foods piques your interest. Google Maps for driving and walking distances, travel apps like OMIO for train travel and tour apps for any activities, like Get Your Guide, Viator or Expedia. We hope you find this 4-day itinerary helpful when planning your own adventure to this beautiful region of France.

8. The Wrap Up:

Provence isn’t a destination to race through—it’s a place to savour. From the elegant streets of Aix-en-Provence and the tranquil canals of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue to the Roman grandeur of Arles, & Avignon, the wild beauty of the Camargue, and the artisan traditions of Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie, each day reveals a different side of southern France.

By choosing Avignon as your base and setting out early each morning, you’ll enjoy quieter streets, softer light, and the freedom to experience Provence at a slower, more rewarding pace. Take time to linger over long lunches, browse local markets, pause for an espresso in a shaded square, and let curiosity lead you down cobbled lanes that aren’t marked on any itinerary.

After all, the best memories—and often the best photographs—come not from rushing between landmarks, but from embracing the simple rhythm of Provençal life. Plan thoughtfully, travel slowly, and capture the moments that make this remarkable region unforgettable.

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Our relaxed, early morning travel style is something we love, so much so, we wrote a blog and 2 free downloadable travel guides on it, “Your Daily Slow Travel Planner + Bonus Slow Morning Blueprint” request your free copies at the top of the page or through one of our pop ups.

Plan Better. Travel Slower. Capture More.

Thank you,

Beth

Beth de Verteuil

Wild Meadow Studio

Travel Guides & Photography

Plan. Travel. Capture.

www.wildmeadowstudio.com