The Three A's of Provence

If you've decided to head to Provence this summer, but are having trouble knowing where to start in your plans, don't panic! Provence is a vast region of France that is home to many spectacular sights and colourful customs, but as long as you do a little bit of research it shouldn't be too hard to tailor your trip to your needs. To start you off with a few ideas, here's a brief guide to the 3 A's of Provence: Aix, Arles and Avignon.

Aix is perhaps one of the most famous towns in the Provence region – long regarded as the cultural capital of Provence, it is home to some beautiful architecture as well as a wealth of history for you to discover. The town plays host to many educational institutions, giving it a refined air, whilst also remaining a favourite spot for writers and artists across the world. Aix played a large part in the life and art of Paul Cézanne, and visitors can call in at his studio, view his art on display in the Musée Granet, or even take a special Cézanne tour through the town. A popular spot for those in search of a bit of French culture, Aix is definitely worth a visit.

Arles, on the other hand, is perhaps slightly less renowned as one of Provence's towns to visit. Visitors tend to be drawn in by the town's Roman history and the paintings of Vincent van Gogh, its most celebrated ex-resident. As yet, Arles has remained largely untouched by the tourist industry, making it a nice place to stop off to escape the hustle and bustle of larger Provence towns. Full to the brim with monuments and museums, Arles is certainly an artistic town, with a fine line in crafts and cultural traditions. For somewhere with a less hectic pace of life, Arles stands out as a must-see Provence town.

Avignon is another town in Provence which is well known to tourists, largely due to the popular “Sur le pont d'Avignon” rhyme. The town contains much impressive and well preserved art and architecture, proving that it has more to offer than its infamous bridge. The Papal Palace, for example, was home to several popes during the 14th century, and is the largest Gothic palace in the world. Avignon itself is a vibrant place with lots of history and culture to explore, and is sure to wow you with its picturesque vistas.

Whether you choose to stick with the A's, or venture further into other Provence destinations like Nice and Marseilles, it truly is a wonderful spot for a summer holiday. Pick up a cheap hotel and accommodation package deal online, and save by purchasing your holiday insurance with companies like GO Travel– you can have a memorable break in the South of France without breaking the bank.