Discovering the UNESCO sites of Provence | Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Tourism

The Unesco Geopark of Haute-Provence

Back to the origins of the Earth !

On your to-do list, have you noted the most beautiful sites in France, particularly those that will enchant your holidays in Provence? The Geopark of Haute-Provence should be at the top of your list since there are only 7 of them in France! Its objective? To highlight geological history and the link that has existed between Man and the earth for over 300 million years, and take part in the protection and the preservation of the environment and the heritage. A unique area which covers several exceptional geological sites: the Lame de Facibelle reaching high into the sky, the Dalle aux Ammonites (ammonite slab) which illustrates a submarine history dating back 200 million years, narrow gorges carved by torrents, such as those in Sisteron, Le Pérouré and even Barles… Ideal for a nature outing with the family or friends. And for the more athletic, why not try and conquer the mountain!

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Battle of the eras in the Bouches-du-Rhône

From the Roman architecture of Arles to the modern Cité Radieuse in Marseille

Let’s go the town of Arles, a remarkable heritage site for its many Roman monuments. Imagine the hurrahs that once echoed around the Roman amphitheatre or the Roman theatre, one of the first theatres to be built in stone. And after that, we move on to the Roman forum and its cryptoporticoes, for a total immersion into ancient life. Admire the remains of the Baths of Constantine, among the best-preserved in France, and then take a little nostalgic break in the necropolis of the Alyscamps before going to the ramparts of the Roman castrum or the Roman exedra. Don’t miss the Cathédrale Saint-Trophime and the unique architecture of its cloister. Even though there are only a few kilometres between the two, but they are separated by a huge leap in time: the Cité Radieuse in Marseille is a modernist architectural building designed by Charles Edouard Jeanneret, who was better known by his pseudonym Le Corbusier. A bloc of dwellings which is quite surprising and where well-being and comfort are the key words. A geometry and colourful balconies which have become an emblem.

The Gard and its monumental treasures

On the pilgrim’s way to Compostella, via the Pont du Gard and the Abbatiale

The Pont du Gard is what remains of the former Roman aqueduct which used to carry water to Nîmes and is without a doubt one of the must-sees in Provence. It dates back over 2000 years and is characterised by its unique architecture and the row of arches to be found nowhere else. It is the highest Roman aqueduct in the world (49 metres). Just a few kilometres away, you can see the iconic monument of the Abbatiale of Saint-Gilles du Gard. In the Middle Ages, it was the fourth place of pilgrimage in the Christian world, just after Rome, Jerusalem and Santiago-de-Compostella. For walkers, the pilgrim’s way to Compostella, or more precisely the Arles Way, will lead you to it. It’s easy to recognise with its sculpted facade and its spiral staircase!

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In the Vaucluse, the fabulous heritage of the great builders

Reach for the sky with the Palais des Papes and the ramparts of Avignon, the Roman theatre and the Arch of Orange

What is there to visit in the Vaucluse? The list is a long one! First stop the city of Avignon, which is home to an exceptional historical ensemble listed in the Unesco World Heritage. Walking along beside its 4.3 km-long ramparts will make you feel very small! Designed historically to protect the town from attackers, they now showcase it. The historical centre is an invitation to walk down its narrow streets through the centuries and history. You will be amazed by the architecture of not-to-be-missed buildings and monuments such as the Palais des Papes or the Cathedral of Notre Dame des Doms. Next stop, the city of Orange, and specifically the Arch of Orange, an emblematic Roman arch on the same lines as the Arc de Triomphe. The Roman theatre is also easy to get a glimpse of, with its 37-metre high stage wall which was once the stage decor. The Roman theatre of Orange is one of the best preserved theatres in the world and the best preserved in Europe: it now hosts fabulous performances and enthrals spectators with its acoustics.