Travelling alone in Provence: a complete guide to an unforgettable experience
Want to explore Provence on your own? This region of southern France offers a unique experience for solo travelers. From the lavender fields of the Luberon to the calanques of Marseille and the hilltop villages of the Alpilles, Provence is full of treasures to discover. Thanks to our warm welcome and security, you'll be able to make the most of your stay, whether you're a hiker, a culture buff or a gourmet. There's no need to spend your vacation playing solitaire, we've put together a dream program for you to visit Provence on your own!
Provence: a paradise for solo travellers
The most beautiful places not to be missed
Provence offers a varied and captivating landscape for solo travelers. Aix-en-Provence captivates with its elegant architecture and lively cafés. For a natural getaway, the Parc National des Calanques near Cassis offers hiking trails with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
History buffs will love Les Baux-de-Provence, a hilltop village dominated by a medieval castle. Don't miss the ochre trail in Roussillon, with its flamboyant colors.
For a moment of relaxation, head for the Grande Cascade de Sillans-la-Cascade, a haven of peace surrounded by greenery. End your day watching the sunset from Marseille's Vallon des Auffes, a picturesque fishing port.
Safety and a warm welcome in PACA
The PACA region offers a safe and welcoming environment for solo travelers. The main towns have multilingual tourist assistance services. Many establishments carry the “Bienvenue en Provence” label, guaranteeing a quality welcome.
For your peace of mind, opt for certified accommodation or youth hostels. Public transport is reliable and well served, especially in tourist areas.
The local population, renowned for its friendliness, will be happy to guide you. Take advantage of Provençal markets to sample local produce and talk to craftspeople. Where necessary, tourist offices can provide up-to-date information on safety and activities suitable for solo travelers.
Preparing your solo road trip in the South of France
When to go: the best seasons
Provence appeals to solo travelers all year round, with each season offering its own unique charms. Spring enchants with its fields of poppies and colorful markets. Summer delights idlers with sun-drenched beaches and lively festivals.
Autumn unveils golden landscapes and picturesque harvests, ideal for a peaceful road trip. Winter is a quieter time to explore hilltop villages and enjoy authentic Christmas markets.
To avoid the summer crowds, opt for May-June or September-October. These periods combine a mild climate with a variety of activities, perfect for serene strolls through lavender fields or along the Côte d'Azur.
Transport: car rental or public transport?
Car rental offers unrivalled freedom of movement to explore the hidden corners of Provence. It also provides easy access to hilltop villages such as Gordes or Bonnieux, which are less well served by bus.
Although less flexible, public transport offers economic and ecological advantages. The TER network efficiently connects major cities like Marseille, Avignon and Nice.
For a road trip in Provence, opt for a compact car, ideal for narrow streets. Book well in advance, especially in July and August.
If you choose public transport, the Pass ZOU! offers unlimited travel on the regional network. And don't forget the local shuttles for sites like Mont Ventoux and Parc du Luberon.
Dream itinerary: 3 days in Provence
Day 1: Aix-en-Provence and surroundings
Start your day with a morning stroll along the Cours Mirabeau, Aix's emblematic thoroughfare. Admire the 17th-century façades and stop off at the Café Les Deux Garçons, a historic meeting place for artists.
Continue to Place de l'Hôtel de Ville to discover the Provencal market, ideal for sampling local specialties. In the afternoon, explore the Musée Granet, rich in works by Cézanne.
At the end of the day, treat yourself to a relaxing break at the Sextius thermal baths. For dinner, opt for a restaurant on the Place des Cardeurs, known for its warm, safe atmosphere for solo travelers.
Conclude your day with an evening stroll through the Mazarin district, appreciated for its calm and elegant architecture.
Day 2: The hilltop villages of the Luberon
Start your day in Gordes, the architectural jewel of the Luberon. Stroll along its steep streets and admire the limestone houses. Halfway along the route, stop off at the Café de la Fontaine for a Provencal café.
Then head for Roussillon, a village of flamboyant ochre facades. Explore the Sentier des Ocres, a unique hiking trail between colorful cliffs.
End your tour in Bonnieux. Climb up to the Vieille Église for a breathtaking panorama of the valley. For dinner, enjoy local cuisine at L'Arome restaurant, ideal for solo travelers looking for a friendly atmosphere.
Day 3: The Mediterranean coast
Start your day in Cassis, a charming seaside resort. Embark on a cruise through the calanques, miniature fjords with turquoise waters. Bring a bathing suit for a refreshing swim at Port-Miou.
In the afternoon, head for La Ciotat. Hire a paddle or kayak to cruise along the coast and discover Ile Verte. For the more adventurous, opt for an introduction to scuba diving.
End the day in Bandol. Stroll along the port, enjoy a glass of local rosé on the terrace. For dinner, enjoy a bouillabaisse in a seafront restaurant. At nightfall, enjoy a digestive stroll along Casino beach, ideal for solo travelers in search of serenity.
What to do in the PACA region for a woman traveling alone?
Safe walks and hikes
Provence abounds in marked trails ideal for women traveling alone. The GR2013 around Marseille offers a variety of well-maintained trails. For a leisurely stroll, opt for the sentier des ocres in Roussillon, a well-trodden and safe trail.
Choose hikes certified by the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre, a guarantee of quality and safety. Download the “Suricate” application to report any problems on the paths.
Before setting off, check with tourist offices to find out about trail conditions and the weather. Some communes offer women's walking groups, an excellent way to discover the region in complete peace of mind.
Don't hesitate to use geolocation applications such as AllTrails to stay on safe paths.
Cultural and gastronomic experiences
Provence is full of excitingcultural and culinary experiences for solo travelers. Join a Provençal cooking workshop in Avignon to master the art of ratatouille. Explore the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape during a guided wine tasting.
Stroll through the colorful markets of Aix-en-Provence, savoring local flavors like tapenade and calisson. Discover the art of perfumery in Grasse with a personalized course.
For cultural immersion, attend a show at the Festival d'Avignon or visit artists' studios in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. These activities offer unique opportunities to meet passionate locals and experience the Provencal art of living to the full.
Meet and mingle with the locals
Provence is brimming with unique opportunities to bond with its warm-hearted inhabitants. Immerse yourself in the friendly atmosphere of village pétanques, where locals will gladly introduce you to this emblematic sport. Summer night markets offer an ideal atmosphere for socializing with local artisans and producers.
Opt for a homestay to experience the Provencal rhythm and share the daily life of a local family. The many street festivals that take place in summer provide the perfect opportunity for spontaneous encounters. Don't hesitate to join local reading circles or hiking clubs to forge lasting friendships.
For an authentic experience, offer to help with the grape harvest or olive picking. These seasonal jobs will immerse you in Provençal traditions and encourage enriching exchanges with the local community.
Tips for a successful solo vacation
Accommodations for solo travelers
Provence offers a variety ofsafe accommodation options for women traveling solo. Women's hostels like “La Petite Maison” in Aix-en-Provence offer a safe, all-female environment.
For added privacy, female-run B&Bs, such as “Le Mas des Lavandes” near Avignon, guarantee a personalized welcome. These establishments often offer additional services such as shuttles from the train station or invaluable local advice.
Boutique hotels in downtown Marseille, equipped with modern security systems, are ideal for solo travelers looking for an exceptional setting. Some even offer women-only floors for optimum comfort.
Remember to book in advance in high season to benefit from the best options and rates.
Staying connected: Wi-Fi and local SIM cards
Connectivity in Provence makes it easy to explore on your own. Major cities like Marseille and Aix-en-Provence have free Wi-Fi hotspots in public places.
For a constant connection, it's a good idea to buy a local prepaid SIM card. Operators Orange and SFR offer packages tailored to female travelers, available in their stores or at Marseille Provence airport.
A practical alternative: portable 4G hotspots, which can be rented by the day. They enable you to share the connection with several devices, ideal for working on the move or sharing your adventures on social networks from the hilltop villages of Luberon or the creeks of Cassis.
Where to go in Provence in September?
September in Provence offers a unique atmosphere, ideal for exploring the region. The grape harvest is in full swing, inviting travelers to take part in this age-old tradition at the wineries of Châteauneuf-du-Pape or Bandol.
In Arles, the “Les Rencontres de la Photographie” festival continues, attracting art enthusiasts. For a more intimate experience, head for the Var hinterland, where villages such as Cotignac or Tourtour rediscover their quietude.
Take advantage of the mild temperatures to hike in the Calanques de Cassis or explore the Sainte-Baume massif. The less crowded beaches of the Côte Bleue are perfect havens for swimming or snorkeling.
Don't forget the Provencal markets, particularly colorful during the harvest season. Carpentras is renowned for its autumn produce.
Must-sees for a Provencal road trip
A road trip in Provence reveals treasures at every turn. The Route des Crêtes between Cassis and La Ciotat offers breathtaking panoramas of the Mediterranean. A stop at the hilltop village of Gordes is a must to admire its dry-stone architecture.
Nature lovers will appreciate a hike in the flamboyantly colored ochre fields of Roussillon. For a cultural break, the Roman arenas of Arles transport visitors back to antiquity.
The lavender flowers of the Valensole plateau create a dazzling purple spectacle from June to August. Gourmets will delight in Aix-en-Provence's Provencal market, brimming with local produce.
A boat trip to the calanques of Cassis reveals secret coves and turquoise waters. This Provencal tour promises unforgettable memories at every stop.