Three Days in Provence

Provence isn’t just postcard pretty—it’s poetic. The kind of place where life slows to the rhythm of fountains and café spoons, where you can walk in the footsteps of Paul Cézanne and still stumble upon Roman ruins, and where the past doesn’t feel preserved—it feels present.

In just three days, you can uncover layers of history, savor Provençal flavors, and experience the landscapes that shaped generations of artists. This itinerary is designed for the culturally curious: travelers who don’t just want to see Provence, but to feel it.

Day 1: Cézanne and the Soul of the City

Morning
Begin your journey in the historic core of Aix-en-Provence, a city that radiates elegance. Take a slow stroll down the Cours Mirabeau, the city’s grand boulevard shaded by plane trees, where 18th-century mansions line the street and the clink of coffee cups blends with the burble of Baroque fountains.

Meet your Context expert for an Introduction to Aix-en-Provence tour. You’ll explore the Quartier Mazarin, pass the Place d’Albertas with its ornate wrought-iron balconies, and uncover Roman ruins beneath Saint-Sauveur Cathedral—a striking mosaic of centuries.

Lunch
Stop at Les Deux Garçons, Cézanne’s favorite café, or try local specialties like pissaladière or brandade at a shaded bistro.

Afternoon
Dive into the life of Aix’s most famous son with a visit to the Atelier de Cézanne, just north of the city center. This studio, preserved exactly as he left it, offers an intimate glimpse into his world—from the objects that appear in his still lifes to the diffused light that shaped his vision.

Evening
As the golden hour sets in, find a table at Place des Cardeurs for dinner al fresco. Sip a glass of chilled rosé and listen to the city hum around you. Cézanne may have chased solitude, but Aix is made for connection.

Day 2: Arles – Where Empires and Artists Collide

Morning
After breakfast, drive or take the train west to Arles, a city of layers: Roman monuments, medieval streets, and the fleeting brilliance of Van Gogh. Meet your guide for a Context tour of Arles.

Start at the Roman Amphitheatre, still in use today, and walk the ancient streets that once echoed with gladiators. Then, shift to the 19th century and trace the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh, who painted over 200 works during his brief but prolific time here.

Lunch
Try Le Galoubet or L’Autruche—both blend Arles' rustic charm with creative Provençal cuisine. Order a plate of gardiane de taureau (bull stew) or tapenade with crusty bread.

Afternoon
Visit the Cloître Saint-Trophime, one of Provence’s finest Romanesque cloisters, before heading to LUMA Arles, a contemporary arts campus housed in a striking Frank Gehry-designed tower. The city’s artistic pulse is very much alive.

Evening
Return to Aix or stay overnight in Arles to experience its twilight quiet—when the tour groups are gone and the ancient stones begin to speak.

Day 3: Avignon – Papal Prestige and River Views

Morning
Head north to Avignon, once the seat of the Catholic Church and still one of Provence’s most dramatic cities. A guided tour of the Palais des Papes reveals the immense power and pageantry of the medieval popes. The palace’s vast halls and hidden chapels evoke a time when Avignon rivaled Rome.

Lunch
Walk to Les Halles d’Avignon, a covered market brimming with cheeses, olives, and fresh produce. Pick up picnic fare or dine at a market-side café.

Afternoon
Cross the Pont Saint-Bénézet—the half-bridge made famous in song—and climb to the Rocher des Doms for sweeping views over the Rhône and Mont Ventoux beyond.

If time allows, step into the Collection Lambert, a contemporary art museum housed in a pair of 18th-century hôtels particuliers, or stop at the Musée Calvet for fine and decorative arts.

Evening
Raise a glass of Châteauneuf-du-Pape at a cozy wine bar and toast to a journey well spent. You’ve touched Roman stone, stood in Cézanne’s studio, and wandered Van Gogh’s palette.

Stay Longer?

Three days is a perfect primer, but Provence invites lingering. Extend your journey with a road trip through the Luberon, a culinary detour to Marseille, or a seasonal visit to the lavender fields in bloom. With Context, every step comes with stories—led by art historians, archaeologists, chefs, and locals who live what they teach.

In Provence, beauty isn’t just seen—it’s felt. And the deeper you go, the richer it becomes.