UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Provence: a rich past, firmly anchored in the present

UNESCO PROVENCE
In Provence, the past and future are one and the same. At once vibrant and truly alive, Provence has proven able to weave the heritage of the past into its present day, through fascinating tours, cultural events (concerts, festivals, etc.), natural attractions (the Camino de Santiago, the Lavender Route, etc.) and gourmet delights (wine tourism, local produce, etc.). Provence is the promise of a rewarding, authentic holiday.

These seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites are the perfect illustration of this connection between past and present. Drawn some 30,000 years ago by our ancestors, the prehistoric cave paintings in the Chauvet Cave still retain their wonder today. Erected by the Romans, the stage at the Roman Theatres of Orange and Arles still play host to modern performances... and these are just a few examples. Find out about the rest below...

The Roman Theatre of Orange

Built in the 1st century AD, it is one of the finest remnants of Roman civilisation in Europe. Its stage wall – 130m long and 37m high – is incredibly and uniquely preserved. And just like in Roman times, today it still plays host to a range of performances, including the famous Les Chorégies d’Orange festival, presided over auspiciously by the statue of Emperor Augustus.

The Roman Monuments of Arles

Arles is home to three ancient Roman monuments: the amphitheatre and the cryptoporticus date from the 1st century BC, and the beautiful remains of Roman art, such as Primatiale church, date from the 11th and 12th centuries. In summer, the theatre serves as a venue for a variety of festivals.

The Roman Monuments of Arles

Arles is home to three ancient Roman monuments: the amphitheatre and the cryptoporticus date from the 1st century BC, and the beautiful remains of Roman art, such as Primatiale church, date from the 11th and 12th centuries. In summer, the theatre serves as a venue for a variety of festivals.

Le Pont du Gard

The Romans were master engineers, as we can see in the Pont du Gard bridge (1st century). This giant bridge – 50m high with three levels – that crosses the Gardon river boasts true technical prowess. Every evening in summer, illuminations turn it into a magical place. You just have to see it!

Avignon Old Town

A real open-air museum, encircled by battlements! It is home to the prestigious Papal Palace, a vast Gothic fortress built in the 14th century. Concerts, exhibitions... and more. Today the Old Town dances to the beat of cultural events. Also worth a visit: the Petit Palais, Notre-Dame-des-Doms Roman cathedral, and the iconic Avignon bridge, made famous by the song.

Avignon Old Town

A real open-air museum, encircled by battlements! It is home to the prestigious Papal Palace, a vast Gothic fortress built in the 14th century. Concerts, exhibitions... and more. Today the Old Town dances to the beat of cultural events. Also worth a visit: the Petit Palais, Notre-Dame-des-Doms Roman cathedral, and the iconic Avignon bridge, made famous by the song.

The Abbey of Saint-Gilles

Built in the 12th century, the abbey is a marvel of Roman art. Its doorways are decorated with magnificent sculptures that illustrate the life of Christ and the Old Testament. Located on the Camino de Santiago, in the Middle Ages it was the fourth major Christian pilgrimage site. And today it is still a major draw for pilgrims from all over the world.

Chauvet Cave

In the Ardèche, Chauvet Cave contains prehistoric paintings (more than 1000 of them!) that are the oldest known to man, dating back to around 30,000 BC! To preserve them, an exact replica has been installed: Chauvet 2, the world’s biggest restoration site.

Le Corbusier’s Cité Radieuse in Marseille

This major apartment block containing 337 apartments, a shopping precinct, and a roof terrace, is one of the 17 Le Corbusier World Heritage Sites around the world. Built in the wake of the Second World War, it was designed to compensate for the lack of housing. It is an amazing example of the Modern Architecture movement of the 20th century. Guided tours are available.

Le Corbusier’s Cité Radieuse in Marseille

This major apartment block containing 337 apartments, a shopping precinct, and a roof terrace, is one of the 17 Le Corbusier World Heritage Sites around the world. Built in the wake of the Second World War, it was designed to compensate for the lack of housing. It is an amazing example of the Modern Architecture movement of the 20th century. Guided tours are available.