When we think of things to do in Provence, lavender fields and glasses of rosé beneath the heat of the Mediterranean sun spring to mind first. Yet this diverse area of southern France is awash with colour, historic towns and villages, flavours of the sea and exquisite wildlife too. Hotel barging in Provence steers visitors through the region experiencing the very best of these delights.
So, besides the guaranteed sunshine and heavenly cuisine, amongst our collection of things to do in Provence you’ll find a complete guide to hotel barging in the region.
An introduction to the waterways in Provence
The river Rhône tumbles westwards from the Swiss Alps towards Lake Geneva before sweeping into France, bordering the Massif Central and picking up the river Saône at Lyon. Then it flows directly south to the Mediterranean, guiding you to ravishingly pretty towns like Tournon and Viviers, and providing your gateway to Avignon and Arles.
As it nears the coast, a diversion along the Canal de Rhône a Sète brings you to Aigues Mortes before the canal skirts the Mediterranean and blends seamlessly into Languedoc’s largest sea lake, the Etang de Thau. The Canal du Midi also meets the Mediterranean here, entering the Etang at the other end, at Marseillan.
At Arles the river divides and the Little Rhône branches off from the Great Rhône, creating in the apex between them the unique delta plain known as the Camargue. Le Petit Rhône was once only navigable by smaller boats but for the 22.5km stretch to Canal de Rhône a Sète it has been deepened to welcome larger vessels.
Did you know? Provence facts, things to see, do and taste…
- Provence is part of the Provence-Alpes-Côte‘Azur region taking in the French Riviera (Cote d’Azur) and with Marseille as its capital
- Marseille is often referred to as France’s oldest city having been established by the Greeks in 600BC
- See the remains of the Greek settlement Massalia near the old port of Marseille
- Provence captivated the Romans too with the most prominent remains of their residence visible in the form of the Nîmes amphitheatre, the city of Arles, the Pont du Gard aqueduct, Roman bath ruins in Cimiez and the aqueduct and theatre in Fréjus
- Avignon was home to the Papacy from 1309 to 1377 and to Antipopes until 1423 when the Papal Schism ended and the Papacy returned to Rome
- Provence became part of France in 1486 when the title King of Provence passed to Louis XI of France
- Artists, Renoir, Van Gogh and Cezanne were all captivated by this region and the area is brimful with art galleries and exhibitions
- The fields of lavender that dominate the landscape in summer are referred to as the region’s ‘blue gold’
- The region spreads across 31,400 square kilometers
- Provence’s viticulture heritage can be traced back some 2,500 years
- The blush pink of Provençal rosé wine is one of the region’s culinary distinctions and accounts for more than four fifths of wine produced here
What to see when hotel barging in Provence
Exploring the Rhône or Camargue by boat unleashes boundless options. Palaces and châteaux reveal the riches and royalty that once controlled this land. Iconic Roman structures demonstrate the regions everlasting appeal through the ages. Mediterranean lagoons awash with wildlife accentuate a sense of calm and the stirring beauty of this part of France. And when it comes to food and wine, Provence will lull you into food heaven with freshly caught seafood on the coast.
While you’re on your cruise, look out for:
Fine châteaux in Provence
You’ll discover a mix of fine châteaux and impressive palaces when seeking things to do in Provence. Some perch high to swallow the hot hazy views beyond while others simply stop you in your tracks.
Our highlights are:
- Palais Ideal du Facteur Cheval – is one man’s dream home and everyone else’s architectural showstopper
- Château de Tarascon – the most castle-like château in Provence projects a fortified exterior hiding an colourful take on interiors within
Read more about the best Provence châteaux.
Historic towns and cities
Hilltop villages, historic towns and cities top the list of things to do in Provence. Cultural tours take in an ancient town here, a beautiful village there, the occasional world heritage site and plentiful lavender fields across southern France.
Most hotel barge cruises take in at least one famous town or city on a day trip so you can be sure to get a taste of the best of the region when you’re hotel barging in Provence.
You might find on your itinerary:
- Aigues-Mortes – the jewel in the crown of the Camargue. The town still retains its ancient walls and towers, most notably the Constance Tower, which was built by King Louis IX – the only King of France to have been made a saint. You can walk the ramparts (all 1,650 metres of them) and then reward yourself with a cooling drink or an ice cream in the bustling central square, brimful with restaurants and boutiques. Take a short cycle ride to the nearest beach at Grau de Roi to dip a toe in the Med.
- Aix-en-Provence – small and utterly charming, perfectly formed too as only its Roman namesake would approve. Yes, Roman roots remain deep here and Italian influence is detectable in its grand squares, narrow cobbled streets of the old town and vibrant cafe culture. The grandiose Cours Mirabeau at the heart of the action belies the town’s small size yet perfectly reflects its superior status. Drink in Cezanne’s local at Café de Deux Garçons after a day craning your neck at architecture dating from the 5th century, following in the artist’s footsteps.
- Arles – famous alone as a major Roman settlement with an amphitheatre, then along came Vincent Van Gogh. Of all the attractions in Provence, Arles has quite the collection. Van Gogh fled here to escape the stresses of life in Paris and fell in love not just with the pretty town but with the piercing Provençal light and produced 187 paintings in just fourteen months, including The Vase of Fifteen Sunflowers. The Foundation Van Gogh is packed with information about his life and shows regular exhibitions of his work. Our top tip – when you are tired of all things Vincent – try and catch a performance at the amphitheatre, which is still in use after two thousand years; it might be theatrical or gladiatorial reenactments, or an evening concert.
- Avignon – you can still see the historic remains of the 12th century St Benezet bridge that was immortalised in song: Sur le pont / d’Avignon / l’on y danse / l’on y danse (even though the dancing probably took place under the span of the bridge that crossed the island). You can walk to the end of it, halfway across the river, and dance a few steps yourself before ticking this tourist attraction off your list. Avignon’s importance derives from the fact that during the 14th century the papacy decamped here from Rome and a magnificent Pope’s palace complete with battlements, towers and beautiful frescoes remains at the heart of this exquisite city. It richly deserves its UNESCO World Heritage Status, as does the Museé du Petit Palais which boasts a fabulous collection of Renaissance art.
- Beaucaire – towering above the narrow streets are the ruins of the ancient Château de Beaucaire, constructed in the 11th century as a home for the Count of Toulouse. Like a matching bookend on the other side of the Rhône is the Château de Tarascon, built to defend the territory of what was then the County of Provence from the marauding French. You can walk across the bridge from one to the other.
- Etang de Thau – the Canal de Rhône a Sète ends on the shores of this lovely inland lagoon and welcomes you to the French Riviera. Twenty-one kilometres long, the Etang is home to a thriving shellfish industry and it’s a wonderful thing to spot a cormorant drying its wings on the wooden poles that mark out the oyster beds. There are charming fishing ports dotted around the edges of the lagoon – Mèze and Bouziques are worth a visit, but our favourite is Marseillan. Discover some of the finest fish and savour a glass of vermouth at the home of Noilly Prat after one of their riveting tours.
- Orange – comfortable shoes at the ready to make the most of this exceptional city on the edge of Provence. Start with the city’s ancient history including Celtic fortifications and myriad Roman structures like the UNESCO protected amphitheatre and Triumphal Arch. Architecture continues to draw the eye on a plethora of walking tours taking in medieval churches, impressive mansions and the statue of Raimbaud, Count of Orange.
- Nyons – the 43 metre span Pont Roman bridge will likely stop you in your tracks – it’s one of life’s most impressive. But Nyons is also renowned for its black olives – the groves achieving Remarkable Site of Taste status and its olive oil deserving of PDO certification. From the old oil mills in the base of the bridge to the last remaining ‘scourtin’ factory in France where coconut fibres are woven into mats for pressing olives, this is an exceptional excursion.
- Tournon – a charming town on the banks of the river full of narrow streets that are a pleasure to explore. The Garden of Eden, situated in a former Cordeliers monastery, is full of pools, shady bowers, and scented flowers – an ideal place to cool off on a sunny afternoon. It’s also worth climbing the winding stairs (there are a lot of them) to reach the turrets of the Château Museum de Tournon where you can enjoy views of the majestic Rhône far below.
- Viviers – one of our favourite halts. Although there has been a settlement on this strategic vantage point since the 5th century, most of the current town dates from the 18th and is perched high on a hill with stunning views on every side. A former bishops’ palace now serves as the town hall. It’s adjacent to the lovely old cathedral, a little gem that features huge Gobelin tapestries, but it’s the smallest in France. If you venture inland you’ll discover a perfect Roman bridge straddling a stony river bed.
What to eat in Provence
The warmth of the sun and the wash of the sea seeps into Provençal cuisine. Fresh as fresh can be is the overriding impression.
Local produce reigns supreme whether it’s the rich red Camargue rice cultivated in the area’s marshy green pools or the beef herded by local gardians (cowboys) gracing a menu.
Favoured ingredients in Provençal dishes include cured meats, sausages and truffles prepared in slow-cooked braising dishes. Principle cheeses of the region are Beaufort and Reblochon. Do try some tartiflette – an unctuous dish of bacon, potatoes, onions and ripe and stinky Reblochon cheese.
Want the recipe? Dine aboard our Provence barges with their exceptional professional chefs.
What to drink in Provence
We have to factor in the Rhône Valley here. It is home to a ready supply of robust wines from Côtes du Rhône at the most basic, on to Côte du Rhône Villages and up to the acclaimed ‘Cru’ status. There are 17 of the latter of which the most recognisable names include Crozes Hermitage, Condrieu, Côte-Rotie, the sweet white Beaumes de Venise, and most famous of them all, Châteauneuf du Pape.
Further south as the temperature soars, Provence rosé steals the limelight while bringing welcome refreshment to the Mediterranean climate. Made from a mix of red grapes, rosé wines in Provence are typically orangey-pink, dry and complex on the palate: so deliciously refreshing that any rosé skeptic is brought to reason. And don’t be afraid to pop in an ice-cube – the French not only embrace it when the temperature demands but have a name for it – La Piscine de Rosé.. Consumption of rosé wine has tripled since 1990, so if you are yet to convert, you know where to come…
In the Camargue, the sandy soil results in a distinctive local rosé known as Vin de Sable – try it on an excursion from Aigues-Mortes.
Find out more in our guide to Rhone Valley wines
Plan a Provence hotel barge cruise
You’ll enjoy gourmet food, fine wines and a tailor-made itinerary if you charter – all you need do is relax and experience the ultimate in luxury afloat. There is a choice of barges in which to cruise the mighty Rhône – for example, Roi Soleil and Napoléon offer the last word in 5* luxury, and Le Phenicien and Saraphina carry 18 and 4 passengers respectively in 4* elegance.
Choose your hotel barge cruise
If you prefer to explore the Camargue there is a different selection of hotel barges. For those who wish to pilot themselves along the Canal du Rhône a Sète, there are three different self-drive hire boat companies to choose from.
Choose your self-drive hire boat for the Camargue
Looking for inspiration on the waterways? Check out the best places to go hotel barging in France.
- Where to go hotel barging in France
- Where to go hotel barging in Burgundy
- Where to go hotel barging in Aquitaine
- Where to go hotel barging in Alsace
- Things to do on the Canal du Midi
- Download our free Rhône, Provence and Camargue Guide
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