Uncover Provence on a Vespa trip: a magical 8 stop driving itinerary

Oh, the South of France - even uttering those words in a string together sounds beautiful rolling off the tongue. What is it about this region that had drawn legendary artists like Vincent van Gogh and Paul Cézanne over the decades to it? Or why the villages (ever so tiny, yet ever filled with its own gems) have made a lasting impression? On your first day of the Vespa trip, you’ll start to unravel the mysteries and find out your own answer to what makes Provence just such an enchanting region. To start it all off, no matter which route you choose - you’ll begin in Avignon, a historic city that dates back over 5,000 years ago!

As a city that has stood through the ages, Avignon is filled with ancient landmarks for you to explore, One of the main sights is the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), a 14th-century palace that was once the residence of the popes during the 14th century. The palace is a great example of Gothic architecture and makes for a great museum to wander through. You’ll definitely stumble upon the Pont d'Avignon (the Bridge of Avignon), a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the 12th century. The stone bridge spans the Rhône River and offers beautiful views of the city and the surrounding countryside. While you roam Avignon’s back streets, take in its unique architecture like the Gothic-style Avignon Cathedral, the medieval ramparts and the lovely Place de l'Horloge square.

Since this is your first stop as you embark on the Vespa Tour, it’ll also be your first taste of the local Provencal cuisine if you head to Les Halles d'Avignon, the city’s big market. Also, Avignon is dotted with many local restaurants run by families for generations - so you’ll have your pick of delicious bites. On your first day, you’ll also receive your GPS, roadbook, and check into your hotel - gearing you up for the exciting Vespa journey ahead of you!

Ready to go behind the wheel? Now is your moment as you leave Avignon behind for the great roads ahead of you. As you start driving your Vespa, Provence will unfold itself with olive groves and lush hills. Then you’ll arrive in one of its many well-preserved cities, this one with Roman heritage: Arles. Arles was founded by the Romans in the 1st century BC and was an important Roman city for over four centuries! During your pit stop you can see the well-preserved Roman Amphitheatre, which is still used for cultural events and bullfighting, the ancient theatre, the Cryptoporticus and the Thermes of Constantin.

While exploring Arles, definitely don’t miss out on the Alyscamps, a Roman necropolis and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Alyscamps is a well-preserved Roman cemetery dating back to the 1st century AD and offers a glimpse into the past and ancient funerary customs.

The same streets that you walk through in Arles, have a deep connection to the famous artist Vincent van Gogh, who lived here for over a year and painted some of his most famous works from here. You can see the locations where he painted and also the Vincent van Gogh Foundation, which showcases some of his work. You can also take a leisurely stroll along the Rhône river, which seems to glisten with a certain je ne sais quoi.

You’ll hop back onto your Vespa and thrillingly zip off into the heart of Provence to a little Medieval village name Les Baux-de-Provence. Bienvenue to what is considered one of the most beautiful and well-preserved villages of Provence.

Perched high on a rocky outcropping overlooking the Alpilles mountain range, Les Baux-de-Provence offers breathtaking views of the surrounding rolling countryside. It’s basically love at first sight for a traveller. Les Baux-de-Provence is also known for its rich history and cultural heritage as this was once a powerful medieval fortress and was home to the lords of Baux, who played an important role in the history of Provence. Today, the village is home to many historic sites, including the ruins of the castle, the Saint Vincent church and the old city walls. As you explore its historic streets, you’ll stumble upon things like the Carrières de Lumières, a unique multimedia art show that takes place in an old stone quarry (which is an experience to behold in itself).

If you’re a fan of art, pop into one of its many local art galleries and artisanal shops selling local crafts which would make for great souvenirs.

Now for history buffs, prepare to indulge with a Vespa stop in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence! A place where the past and the present collide in the most delightful way, the Romans founded Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, and you can still see the remains of their city walls and an ancient Roman monument, the Glanum. This ancient city will transport you back in time and make you feel like a true history detective just by walking its storied streets.

But Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is not just about the past, it's also about the present! The village is a true feast for the senses, with its Provencial streets lined with colourful flowers, and its squares filled with lively cafes and local restaurants. If you're an art lover, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence will not disappoint you either. You can also visit the Monastery Saint-Paul de Mausole (which was a converted asylum), where Vincent van Gogh spent a year of his life and painted some of his most famous works. An asylum may sound like an odd place to follow in the footsteps of one of art’s great, but it’s also an important place for van Gogh and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence itself.

The Monastery Saint-Paul de Mausole is also an iconic site itself, especially if you’re in time for the lavender fields where you can wander amongst row and rows of swaying purple blooming lavender in front of the beautiful monastery.

On the banks of the Sorgue River in the South of France is L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, a town that’s filled with winding canals and waterways. Such beauty earned L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue the nickname “Venice Comtadine”, as you can take a leisurely boat road through the town’s shimmering waters. L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgueis also known for its many antique shops and markets - so thrift shop lovers, prepare yourselves for a shopping extravaganza! Every Sunday, the town holds an antique market, where you can find a wide variety of antiques, vintage items, and collectables. But if you don’t find yourself here on a Sunday, fret not, as the town is also home to many antique shops, where you can find unique and interesting relics, many of which are of high quality.

While you’re in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue - don’t miss out on indulging in a local culinary experience, with a wide range of local Provencal cuisine, and a variety of wines from the region. Your tastebuds will do quite a big dance once you bite into traditional dishes such as aioli, ratatouille, and bouillabaisse, while enjoying a glass of white or rosé (to which 88% of Provence wine production is dedicated to!)

Notice how you’re able to effortlessly explore so many little villages and towns in Provence with your Vespa? It’s one of the best modes of transportation for this region since you can hop on and off wherever you like, without relying on expensive gas-guzzling cars or scheduled buses. And exploring these small corners in the South of France is what makes it so enchanting - the feeling of getting an authentic, off-the-beaten-path side to your Vespa trip.

A place where nature and culture come together to create an unforgettable experience on this next stop is the village of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. The village is home to a powerful Karst Spring, the source of the Sorgue River, which is one of the most powerful in all of Europe! You can take a stroll around the spring and admire the crystal-clear water and the lush greenery that surrounds it. Then make your way to the beautiful castle of the Popes, which dates back to the 14th century. The castle offers a great panoramic view of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse and the surrounding Provençai countryside. If you have more time, you can get your adrenaline pumping with a great outdoor experience in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, since there are many scenic hiking trails and outdoor activities such as kayaking and rock climbing in and around the village.

With the culmination of nature, outdoor activities and its Provençai culture, Fontaine de Vaucluse is a true hidden gem in Provence.

On your Vespa Trip through this region in the South of France, no Provence trip will simply be complete without the Pont du Gard! Pont du Gard is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Provence. Pont du Gard is an ancient Roman aqueduct that, upon your first sight of this magnificent piece of architecture - will pull you back into a time when Romans had walked this part of France.

One of the main draws (even to this day) of Pont du Gard is its impressive engineering, built by the Romans over 2000 years ago, a testament to the Roman's skill and knowledge in engineering. The aqueduct is made up of three levels of arches, spanning over 50 meters high, and you'll be amazed by the size and beauty of it. Now, not to fret - this stop isn’t only just for the aqueduct, but the Pont du Gard’s natural setting is located in a beautiful natural park, surrounded by lush greenery and the Gardon River.

You can take a stroll around the park, enjoy the scenery and take in the fresh air of Provence. The Pont du Gard is also a great place for a picnic - especially if you pack a blanket and some snacks with your Vespa, you can find a spot with a view to enjoy it. Très romantique, right? Feel free to also swim in the river on a warm day.

Going off the beaten path in Provence on your Vespa trip is a magical experience - there are so many turns and corners in the South of France that you can explore without the overwhelming crowds that flock to the more well-known spots. One such place that isn’t as well discovered by your average traveller is Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. Situated on the opposite bank of the Rhône river from the city of Avignon, its rich history and cultural heritage make Villeneuve-lès-Avignon a wonderful treasure in Provence to uncover.

The town is home to Fort Saint-André, a 14th-century fortress that was built by Pope Innocent VI to protect the Papal Palace in Avignon. The fortress offers stunning views worthy of a postcard moment. It’s also within walking distance to the Chartreuse de Villeneuve, a beautiful 14th-century monastery that was once home to the Carthusian monks. The monastery is now used as a cultural centre and hosts temporary exhibitions, concerts and other cultural events. Humble fountains and classic shuttered houses linked the various squares around Villeneuve-lès-Avignon.

Then, on your last day with TravelBase’s Vespa trip, you can enjoy one last breakfast at your hotel before returning your two-wheel friend. But this doesn’t have to be an au revoir, as you can still continue your trip through the rest of Provence or plan to return for more adventures in the South of France now that you got a whimsical taste of it with your Vespa journey.