Provence, How Many Secrets Do You Still Hold That I Don't Know About?

As summer approaches, Parisians are preparing to vacation in the sun-drenched South of France 👒. Beyond the familiar Côte d'Azur, Provence boasts many other stunning landscapes. 🦋 Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (The Spring Village) Nestled east of Avignon, this picturesque village is surrounded by mountains and crystal-clear waters. The famous Vaucluse Spring originates here, its emerald-green waters shimmering under the sunlight ☀️. The tranquil valley and rippling streams create a serene escape. A unique highlight is a 16th-century paper mill, still operating with traditional water-powered papermaking techniques. 🪽 Gordes (The Stone Village) Perched on a hill, this entirely granite-built Provençal town looks like a "sky city" from afar. Strolling along its winding cobblestone paths 🍦, you can truly soak in the laid-back charm of Southern France. 🪻 Valensole (Lavender Fields) When it comes to lavender, Valensole is a must-visit. It's the world’s largest lavender-growing region, where the Mediterranean climate creates endless purple seas of flowers 💜. The famous French skincare brand L’Occitane was born here, flourishing thanks to the region’s high-quality lavender oil. In Provence, lavender symbolizes purity, gratitude, and the romantic notion of "waiting for love." 🕊️ Abbaye de Sénanque (Sénanque Abbey) Not far from Valensole, this is considered one of France’s most beautiful abbeys. The lavender fields planted by monks in front of the abbey are a classic postcard-perfect scene of Provence. 🏞️ Lac de Sainte-Croix (Sainte-Croix Lake) Hidden within the Verdon Gorge, this lake dazzles with its Tiffany-blue waters. The unique hue, similar to Jiuzhaigou’s lakes, comes from special geological conditions and calcium-rich water. The jewel-toned lake nestled between cliffs looks like a dazzling sapphire 💎. Travel Tip: Provence is breathtaking, but many attractions are remote with limited public transport. Renting a car or joining a tour is highly recommended. Consider our 4-day itinerary: D1: Paris → Lyon D2: Fontaine-de-Vaucluse → Gordes → Sénanque Abbey D3: Valensole → Lac de Sainte-Croix D4: Beaune → Paris #FranceTravel #ParisTravel #SouthOfFrance #ProvenceLavender #FrenchCountryside #NiceTravel #Provence #EuropeTravel #HiddenGemsFrance #SummerInProvence #LavenderFieldsPhotography