With its lively atmosphere and numerous attractions, there's no better place to start your adventure than Marseille. Visit the Vieux Port for its colorful fishing boats, the Gothic Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica for the stunning views of the city, and the Count of Monte Cristo's Chateau d'If prison.
Aix-en-Provence is a city of fountains and wide boulevards with an old town of maze-like streets. Stroll down the picturesque alleys to visit the Cathedrale Saint-Sauveur and the Musee Granet to admire its fine arts collections. End the day with a glass of wine in a terrace café on the lively Cours Mirabeau.
On this day, visit the gorgeous fortified city of Avignon. Make sure to see the world-renowned Palais des Papes and bustling Place de l'Horloge. Find the bridge made famous by the song, Pont Saint-Benezet, walk along the ramparts, and see the garden at Les Halles d'Avignon.
Head to the fascinating Roman city of Arles, once sought after by Van Gogh for inspiration. Sites can include the Arena, Theatre Antique and Cloister of St. Trophime. After Arles, visit the stunning wetlands of Camargue, where you'll see wild white horses, flamingos, and black bulls dotting the horizon.
For the final day, enjoy the stunning Gorge du Verdon, a natural wonder and the deepest gorges in Europe. Hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, and paragliding are just a few of the available activities available. A boat tour of the deep turquoise waters of the Lac de Sainte-Croix is also a must-do.
While public transportation in Provence is good, it's recommended that travelers rent a car to fully enjoy the scenic routes and countryside. Car rentals cost around €30 per day with gas prices around €1.40 per liter.
If you have more time, spend an additional day in Nice to explore the beaches and massive antique markets as well as sample local delicacies such as Socca. Alternatively, if you have less time, focus on Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, and Avignon.
The main airport is Marseille-Provence Airport (MRS), located 27 km northwest of Marseille. It is a base for numerous low-cost airlines and airlines operating from Europe and beyond.