Unique Things to do in South East France

When most people think of South East France, their minds jump straight to the glitz of the French Riviera sparkling beaches, luxury yachts, and nightlife that spills into the early hours. But step away from the crowded coastline, and you’ll find a completely different side to this region.

From the lavender fields and hilltop villages of Provence to ancient Roman ruins that seem frozen in time, South East France is bursting with hidden gems just waiting to be explored.

In this guide, I’m sharing some of the most unique things to do in South East France that go beyond the typical tourist trail. Whether you’re road-tripping through medieval towns, exploring secret coves, or wandering Roman amphitheatres without the crowds, these experiences are the ones you’ll be talking about long after you leave.

So, grab your notepad and get ready to add some true hidden gems to your itinerary.

Villages of Provence & Luberon

Often depicted as slow-paced destinations in romantic summer reads, the picturesque villages of the South of France are known for their charm, French Art de Vivre, and sunny weather. What makes these small villages so special is how they capture the essence of Southern France with their stunning landscapes, rich history, and incredible food.

Hundreds of villages are scattered across the region, and you don’t necessarily need a strict itinerary to find them. If you’re road-tripping through South East France, you’ll stumble upon at least a few. Among the most famous are Gordes, Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Roussillon, Ménerbes, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Tourtour, and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, each with its own unique character and breathtaking views.

One of the best reasons to visit these villages is for their weekly markets. Overflowing with seasonal produce like olives, cheese, charcuterie, and fresh vegetables, these markets are mostly outdoors and more frequent in summer, drawing locals and travellers alike.

It’s the perfect place to taste regional flavours, practice French, and pick up local goods. If you’re anything like me, you might leave with way more than you planned. An extra wedge of cheese or a few jars of tapenade are hard to resist!

Local Tip: Get there early to beat the crowds and get your pick of the freshest produce. You’ll also get a chance to chat with the vendors, who are always happy to share a recipe or two.

Visiting the Lavender Fields

Visiting the lavender fields in Provence is one of the best activities in the southeast of France! At the beginning of summer, the landscapes in this area turn into a purple sea, and it’s stunning! It is a feast for the eyes, and the smell is fantastic. The best place in Provence to see lavender fields is around the Valensole Plateau.

You can go on a road trip between the different towns and admire the fields. Renting a car is the best way to move around, as the fields can be far from each other and not easily accessible by public transport. The best time of the year to go to Provence to see the lavender in full bloom is at the beginning of July. And if you want to take beautiful photos of the lavender fields, it’s better to do it at sunrise or sunset.

Besides Valensole, you will find lavender fields, around some of Provence’s most beautiful villages: Moustiers Sainte Marie, Roussillon, and Gordes. But if you had to choose one place, it would be the Sénanque Abbey. This 12th-century Cistercian abbey is indeed is located in the middle of lavender fields. Such a gorgeous place!

Hiking the Calanques of Cassis

The Massif des Calanques is located in the South of France, along the glittering stretch of the Mediterranean between Marseille and Cassis. Measuring 20 km in length and 4 km in width, this National Park is also known as the Calanques de Cassis because it is most easily accessible from Cassis.

Simply stunning, the Massif covers the coastline between the ancient port city of Marseille, the little-known fishing settlement of La Ciotat, and the charming town of Cassis. If you’re wondering exactly what the Calanques are, they’re a mountainous area of fjords and inlets which are comprised of limestone and were formed millions of years ago.

Along with scuba diving and rock climbing, a particularly thrilling activity is hiking in the Calanques de Cassis, which has some 20 kilometres of marked trails. However, due to the likelihood of forest fires, the Massif des Calanques is often closed during summer.

As such, the best time to visit the Calanques de Cassis is during the late spring or early fall, when the weather is at its best. You can enjoy the beautiful flora of the Calanques set against the limestone cliffs and crystal blue sea.

Visiting the Colorado Provencal in Rustrel

On the eastern end of the Luberon Valley lies a little-known village called Rustrel. Surrounded by lavender fields, and flanked by craggy mountains, it’s a small village with a big character. Nearby, you’ll find one of Provence’s most impressive natural attractions, the Colorado Provençal.

This breathtaking place is so named because it resembles the American state with its former ochre mines. Similar to the other Ochre site of Roussilon, a few kilometres away, The Colorado Provencal is also open to the public and makes a fabulous place for a natural walk. Starting near the base of Rustrel, you’ll find the large car park to the site where you’ll have to pay a €5 entrance fee per car.

This gains you entrance to the private land where it sits, and you’ll receive a map of the various walking routes available. After a first part sheltered from the sun, you’ll pass by a small ancient aqueduct before emerging to the sight of immense ochre cliffs, valleys, and fairy chimneys.

There are two circuits to choose from, ranging in distance from 40 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, both of which take in the magnificent scenery.

Be sure to bring water and sun protection on hot days, and avoid white or light-coloured clothing, as it can easily stain with the ochre pigment!

tasting Wine in Chateauneuf-du-pape

Often overlooked for more famous wine regions, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a hidden gem that’s well worth a visit. Nestled in the heart of the Rhône Valley, this charming hilltop village is a delight to explore, with its cobblestone streets lined with cozy cafés, family-run restaurants, and countless wine shops.

You can easily spend a few hours wandering the pedestrian-friendly lanes, ducking into tasting rooms, and chatting with local producers who are always eager to share their passion for wine.

Perched above the village is the crumbling castle of the Popes, one of the few papal residences from the 14th century. From here, you’ll get sweeping views over the valley and the endless rows of vineyards that have made this region famous. On a clear day, the panorama is stunning, you can almost trace the lines of the Rhône River as it winds through the countryside.

But of course, the real draw of Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the wine. Known as the largest appellation in the Rhône Valley, the area is home to more than 300 wine producers crafting some of the finest red wines in France. What’s great is that many of the village shops offer free wine tastings, so you can sample the region’s best without breaking the bank.

The wines are robust and full-bodied, often made with a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, perfect for those who appreciate a bold, flavorful glass.

If you want to take it a step further, book a visit to one of the local vignobles for a full vineyard tour and wine-pairing experience. Top picks include Chateau Fortia and Chateau Mont-Redon, both offering guided tours where you can learn about the winemaking process and taste directly from the source.

If you’re not driving, consider joining a day tour from Avignon, it’s a great way to explore multiple vineyards without worrying about the road back.

Local Tip: Try to visit during the harvest season (September to October) for a chance to see the winemakers in action. The atmosphere is lively, and the tastings are even more special when the grapes are fresh off the vine.

Les Baux-de-Provence

Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Alpilles plateau, Les Baux-de-Provence is easily one of the most dramatic villages in South East France. Its narrow cobblestone streets wind through a maze of restored Renaissance houses, with each turn revealing breathtaking views of vineyards, olive groves, and the rugged landscape below.

Although only a handful of locals still call the historic village home, it draws more than a million visitors yearly, and it’s not hard to see why.

The main attraction is the ruined fortress at the very top. From up there, you get sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, stretching as far as the eye can see. You can explore the castle ruins and its chapel, imagining what life was like when it was a stronghold in the Middle Ages. If you’re feeling active, hiking trails cut through the Alpilles mountains, offering even more stunning panoramas along the way.

But if there’s one experience you absolutely shouldn’t miss in Les Baux-de-Provence, it’s the Carrières de Lumières. Set inside a massive limestone quarry, this digital art exhibition projects famous masterpieces onto the towering rock walls, turning the entire space into a moving canvas. You’ll find works by artists like Cézanne, Kandinsky, and Van Gogh brought to life with music and light.

The atmosphere is almost otherworldly. I still remember the first time I saw Van Gogh’s swirling skies dance across those stone walls. The exhibition themes change regularly, so it’s worth checking the schedule beforehand.

• Entrance: €14 per adult, €11.50 for ages 7–25, and free for children under 7.
• Getting there: You can easily take a day tour from Avignon, Arles, or Marseille if you don’t have a car.
• Local Tip: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds and get better views from the castle.

Kayaking the Gorges du Verdon

If you’re road-tripping in the south of France, you must visit the stunning Gorge du Verdon, hidden deep in the limestone massifs of Provence and the deepest and longest in France. Over the last millennia, the rivers that flow from the Alps to the east have carved out dramatic gorges in the limestone, with steep walls that stretch down to the rushing crystal clear waters below.

The Verdon River runs from Castellane into Lac de Sainte Croix, a reservoir created from the natural valley at the head of the river. This creates a natural playground for paddlers and water sports lovers with wild swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding opportunities in the perfectly clear river and lake.

Start from Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, a pretty lakeside village, where you can hire kayaks, pedaloes, and stand-up paddleboards to head out onto the lake. It’s calm here, and there’s a lot of space to practice if you’re a beginner! If you want to get into the gorge itself, head to the Pont de Galetas near Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, where you’ll find lots of parking and a couple of beaches where you can hire your craft from.

From here, you can paddle about 2km up the gorge and enjoy the incredible scenery surrounded by turquoise waters. The waters here are calm, and if you want to go further into the gorge, you’ll need to hire your kayak in Esparron du Verdon or Quinson, both small villages further upstream. Whichever you decide to do, you’ll be blown away by the incredible landscapes in this special part of France.

Walking to the Pont du Gard

If you’re exploring the Occitanie region, walking to the Pont du Gard is an absolute must. This ancient Roman aqueduct, built nearly 2,000 years ago, carried water over 50 kilometres from Uzès to Nîmes (then called Nemausus).

While much of the aqueduct has crumbled over the centuries, the Pont du Gard remains incredibly well-preserved, a true testament to Roman engineering.

Standing at 50 meters tall, it’s the tallest Roman bridge in the world. Its three tiers of arches stretching across the Gardon River are nothing short of breathtaking. It’s so impressive that it earned a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list back in 1985.

The setting is just as beautiful, with the bridge rising out of the rugged Garrigue landscape, surrounded by Mediterranean scrubland and olive groves.

To visit, you’ll need to pay a small entrance fee, but it’s well worth it. This gives you access to the first level, where you can walk across the bridge and admire its craftsmanship up close. From there, trails on both sides of the river lead to scenic viewpoints that offer different perspectives of the bridge.

But the best view, in my opinion, is right from the riverbank. Bring a picnic and settle in for the afternoon. On hot days, you can even wade into the Gardon River for a swim with a view of the arches towering above you.

Local Tip: If you want to avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The light is softer, and you’ll have the trails mostly to yourself. And if you’re up for it, bring your swimsuit, the river is surprisingly refreshing on a warm summer’s day.

Visiting the Roman Amphitheatre in Arles

If you’re a fan of history or just love the idea of stepping back in time, a visit to the Roman Amphitheatre in Arles should definitely be on your list. Built in the 1st century AD, this ancient arena once held over 20,000 spectators who gathered to watch gladiator fights, chariot races, and theatrical performances. Standing in the middle of it now, you can almost hear the echoes of the crowds and the clash of swords, it’s that well-preserved.

The amphitheatre is still very much alive today. It hosts bullfights, concerts, and cultural events throughout the year, continuing its legacy as a place of celebration and community. Walking through its stone archways and climbing the worn steps to the top tier gives you an incredible view over the rooftops of Arles.

Getting there: Arles is easily reachable from Avignon or Marseille by train or car, and the amphitheatre is right in the heart of the old town, surrounded by charming cafés and narrow streets.

Local Tip: Visit in the late afternoon when the sunlight casts dramatic shadows across the arches, it’s the perfect time for photos. If you can, try to catch one of the local events hosted in the arena. Seeing it in action is something you won’t forget.

Exploring the Camargue

If you want to see a side of France that feels almost wild, head to the Camargue. This vast nature reserve, stretching between the Mediterranean Sea and the Rhône Delta, is unlike anywhere else in the country. It’s famous for its pink flamingos, wild white horses, and black bulls that roam freely across the marshlands. The landscape is a mix of salty lagoons, rice fields, and vast wetlands, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers alike.

The best way to explore the Camargue is by bike or horseback. Well-marked trails wind through the marshes, offering incredible views and a good chance of spotting wildlife. If you’re lucky, you might even catch sight of a flamingo flock taking off from the water, a splash of pink against the blue sky. If riding isn’t your thing, you can also rent a bike in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, the gateway town to the Camargue.

Make sure to visit the Parc Ornithologique du Pont de Gau, a bird sanctuary where you can walk among hundreds of flamingos and other bird species. It’s gorgeous at sunset when the sky lights up with orange and pink shades reflecting off the water.

Easy and useful sentences to know in French

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About the Author

Jen is the Funder, Author & Photographer behind Talesfromthelens.com

Jen has lived for the past 15 years across Oceania and Ireland while also travelling in Latin America, North America, and Europe. She has visited more than 65 countries and set foot on every continent in the world! She is a coffee nerd, passionate about photography, wildlife, and outdoor activities.

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